New Delhi, April 6 -- India's tax authorities have blamed Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd for the delay in its provisional assessment of $1.4 billion (about Rs.11,526 crore) tax demand, saying the Indian unit of the German automaker did not provide the information needed promptly.

The customs commissioner refuted the automaker's challenge to the notice, asserting that the delays were "solely attributable to the company and not to any inaction on the part of the authorities", according to an affidavit filed before the Bombay High Court--Mint has reviewed a copy.

Skoda Auto approached the high court on 29 January, contesting the customs department's demand for duty at Completely Knocked Down (CKD) rates on imported car components ove...