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Issues involved: Challenge to rectification order restricting unabsorbed business loss, interpretation of jurisdiction under section 154 of the Income-tax Act.
Summary: The High Court of Madras heard an appeal by the Revenue challenging a Tribunal's order on rectification to restrict unabsorbed business loss. The Revenue contended that the assessee could only set off carry forward loss to the extent of business income. The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) allowed the appeal, stating that the issue was not rectifiable under section 154 due to conflicting views. The Tribunal agreed with this view, leading to the Revenue's appeal before the High Court. The Revenue argued that if an assessment is contrary to the law, it cannot be considered arguable, thus falling under the scope of section 154. On the other hand, the respondent/assessee's counsel emphasized the conflicting views and arguable issue, stating that section 154 was not applicable for correcting any apparent error. The High Court agreed with the assessee that the order referred to section 154, and thus, sustaining it under other provisions of the Act was not acceptable. The court highlighted that a mistake under section 154 must be obvious and patent, not a debatable point of law. Previous court decisions were cited to support the interpretation of section 154 and the limited scope of rectification. Considering the conflicting opinions and the timing of the decision on the relief claim, the High Court dismissed the Revenue's appeal, stating that the claim was considered long after invoking jurisdiction under section 154. The court found no justification to accept the Revenue's plea and accordingly dismissed the appeal without costs.
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