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Issues:
Challenge to levy of interest under section 234A and section 234B of the Income-tax Act, 1961 based on assessed income. Validity of retrospective amendment with effect from April 1, 1989. Interpretation of impugned amendments in relation to interest charged on assessed income. Comparison of decisions by different High Courts and the Supreme Court regarding retrospective amendments. Analysis: The petitioners challenged the levy of interest under sections 234A and 234B of the Income-tax Act, 1961, based on assessed income, citing decisions of the Patna High Court and the Supreme Court. They argued that interest should only be charged on income returned by the assessee, not on assessed income. The petitioners contested the retrospective amendment made to the Act, claiming it was invalid without a validation provision. On the other hand, respondents argued that the retrospective amendments were valid, citing previous judgments upholding similar amendments. The court examined the relevant provisions post-amendment and pre-amendment to understand the impact of the changes on interest calculation. The court noted that the impugned amendments were intended to clarify the basis for interest calculation, not to reverse any court decisions. It highlighted that the retrospective effect of the amendments did not create an unforeseen financial burden, as the interest was subject to waiver by the Chief Commissioner of Income-tax. The court referenced judgments by the Supreme Court on the validity of retrospective legislation, emphasizing that the key consideration was whether the retrospective operation led to a new levy causing undue financial burden. It pointed out that interest had been traditionally charged on assessed income, even before the amendments, and the changes aimed to provide clarity rather than introduce a new practice. The court observed that the impugned amendments did not extend the limitation period for revision of assessments and that interest could be waived based on justifying circumstances. It noted that no cases challenging interest based on assessed income had been reported apart from the exceptional case decided by the Patna High Court. The court agreed with the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court that the amendments aimed to clarify ambiguity in the original provisions. Ultimately, the court found the original petitions lacked merit and dismissed them, upholding the validity of the retrospective amendments and the practice of charging interest on assessed income. In conclusion, the court's detailed analysis of the issues involved in challenging the levy of interest under sections 234A and 234B of the Income-tax Act, 1961, highlighted the legislative intent behind the retrospective amendments and their consistency with existing practices. The judgment provided a comprehensive examination of the legal principles and precedents governing retrospective legislation and affirmed the validity of the impugned amendments in clarifying the basis for calculating interest on assessed income.
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