Samsung India Executives Challenge $81M Tax Penalties Amid $601M Dispute

Seven senior executives of Samsung India are seeking to overturn $81 million in penalties imposed as part of a larger $601 million tax demand related to alleged misclassification of imported mobile tower equipment between 2018 and 2021. Indian authorities claim Samsung and its executives intentionally evaded tariffs, with the company facing a $520 million tax bill and executives penalized separately. In court filings reviewed by Reuters, Samsung executives argue the penalties are excessive, the process was rushed, and no serious wrongdoing occurred, emphasizing that the case concerns tariff interpretation rather than deliberate fraud. Executives including logistics executive Ravi Chadha and network division VP Sung Beam Hong have highlighted the unfeasibility of the fines and the insufficient time given for authorities to review their detailed responses. Samsung has denied any wrongdoing and is separately challenging the tax demand before a tax appeals tribunal. The executives are represented by the law firm Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, which is also handling Samsung's appeal.