New Delhi, May 6 (KNN)  In a clear threat to Delhi traders, the state today openly said through widely published notices that yes it would resort to "coercive measures" if dealers do not file online T-2 form under VAT before goods enter Delhi from the neighbouring states.  Trade and Taxes Department will even detain the goods.

The open threat of coercion comes in the middle of national elections with most of the political parties promising business-friendly regimes.

The VAT Commissioner in the Office of Commissioner of Trade and Taxes has published a public notice which forcefully makes Delhi dealers of goods fall in the VAT line.

"All the dealers are strictly advised to file ...(the online T-2 form) in their own interest failing which the Department may be forced to take coercive measures including detention of goods, at the border," the notice said.  It said the concerned T-2 form "is very much in force".

The move is likely to meet with strong criticism from the traders' and industry bodies.  (KNN/PC)