Interpretation of “may be taxed” in India’s tax treaties

Cross-border transactions and interpretation of related international tax treaties often involves controversies and issues concerning interpretation of treaty provisions and thereby leads to litigation with tax authorities. A recent judgment of the Tax Tribunal (Tribunal) in India in the case of Apollo Hospital Enterprises Limited (AHEL), has given rise to a debate regarding the interpretation of the expression “may be taxed” used in the India – Sri Lanka double taxation avoidance agreement (Treaty). Sanjay Sanghvi and Ashish Mehta, of Khaitan & Co, explore the implications.