When Sachin Tendulkar played a masterstroke, this time in the...

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar is celebrated for rewriting record books on the field, but few know of his remarkable victory off the pitch in India’s tax tribunal. Over a decade ago, the batting icon won a unique legal battle that recognized his brand endorsement income as 'artistic income,' saving him nearly Rs 58 lakh in taxes.

The Case That Stumped the Tax Department

The story dates back to the early 2000s, when Tendulkar earned about Rs 5.92 crore from international endorsements for brands like Pepsi, VISA, and ESPN-Star Sports. He claimed a 30% deduction under Section 80RR of the Income Tax Act, which provides tax relief to artists and performers earning from abroad.

However, the Income Tax Department objected, arguing that Sachin’s endorsement deals were merely a by-product of his cricketing fame and not 'artistic performances.' Tendulkar countered that appearing in commercials involved acting, expression, and creativity, just like any other performance.

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A Creative Interpretation by ITAT

When the case reached the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), the bench sided with Sachin. They ruled that performing in advertisements indeed required artistic skill and imagination, making it eligible for tax relief under Section 80RR.

The landmark decision granted Tendulkar a deduction of around Rs 1.77 crore, translating to tax savings of nearly Rs 58 lakh. Beyond cricket, it remains one of the most fascinating instances where the Master Blaster showcased his brilliance this time, through a perfectly timed legal stroke.