The Federation of Coimbatore Industrial Associations on Sunday (May 24) alleged that officials of the Commercial Taxes Department were demanding commission to settle past claims.Coordinator of the organisation J. James said officials from the department were summoning those who had applied for the return of long-pending and refundable penalty amount. He alleged that the officials were demanding a bribe of 10% of the refund value, promising to close the file immediately if the payment was made.The micro entrepreneurs had paid these penalties despite having committed no wrongdoing and waited for years to receive the refunds. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay should intervene in the matter and ensure that the micro industries get the pending refunds without delay, he said. Published - May 24, 2026 08:38 pm IST