[19-A. Immunity from penalty and interest in certain cases.–– Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Government may, if it is of the opinion for reasons to be recorded in writing, that it is necessary or expedient so to do in public interest, by notification grant immunity from penalty for any offence under this Act or reduce or remit interest on arrears of tax assessed by the concerned authorities subject to such conditions as it may like to impose for such period, not exceeding six months, as may be specified :
Provided that the Government may extend the period of payment of arrears on account of assessed tax accrued up to 31st March, 1997 without interest and penalty to a maximum period of 30 quarterly instalments from 1st April, 1999. This concession shall be available to those transporters who have been paying their tax dues regularly from the accounting year 1997-98 and also to those who have defaulted in the payment of tax during the years 1997-98 and 1998-99 but pay the entire amount of assessed tax for the years 1997-98 and 1998-99 by 31st July, 1999 :
Provided further that if any transporter makes a default in payment of one single instalment on account of arrears, he shall be liable to pay the same in the next following quarter along with the instalment due for that quarter. In case of any further default, the transporter shall be liable to pay the entire amount of arrears along with the interest and penalty.]
[Provided that the Government may, subject to such modifications and conditions as it may consider necessary, by notification in the [Government Gazette], grant one time extension in the Amnesty Scheme under the first proviso to such transporters who have failed to avail the same within the stipulated time or defaulted in compliance of the terms and conditions thereto].