281B. Provisional attachment to protect revenue in certain cases.

(1) Where,during the pendency of any proceeding for the assessment of any income or for the assessment or reassessment of any income which has escaped assessment, the Assessing Officer is of the opinion that for the purpose of protecting the interests of the revenue it is necessary so to do, he may, with the previous approval of the Chief Commissioner, Commissioner, Director General or Director, by order in writing, attach provisionally any property belonging to the assessee in the manner provided in the Second Schedule.

Explanation.-For the purposes of this sub-section, proceedings under sub-section (5) of section 132shall be deemed to be proceedings for the assessment of any income or for the assessment or reassessment of any income which has escaped assessment.

(2) Every such provisional attachment shall cease to have effect after the expiry of a period of six months from the date of the order made under sub-section (1):

Provided that the Chief Commissioner, Commissioner, Director General or Director may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, extend the aforesaid period by such further period or periods as he thinks fit, so, however, that the total period of extension shall not in any case exceed two years:

Provided further that where an application for settlement under section 245C is made,the period commencing from the date on which such application is made and ending with the date on which an order under sub-section (1) of section 245D is made shall be excluded from the period specified in the preceding proviso.