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Issues involved:
1. Interpretation of deduction under section 24(1)(iv) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 regarding annual charges. 2. Validity of the Tribunal's decision in directing the Assessing Officer to allow the claim of annual charges and following the order passed by the Assessing Officer. Summary: The case involved a reference under section 256(2) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, initiated by the Revenue. The primary issue was whether the Tribunal was correct in allowing the deduction under section 24(1)(iv) for annual charges of Rs. 2,10,000 and in following the Assessing Officer's order related to a partition issue. For the assessment year 1988-89, the assessee, previously a Hindu undivided family (HUF) member, claimed deduction under section 24(1)(iv) for annual charges post a partition. The Income-tax Officer disallowed the deduction, alleging it was created to reduce tax liability artificially. The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) upheld this decision, leading to an appeal before the Income-tax Appellate Tribunal, which allowed the deduction, prompting the Revenue's reference. The court analyzed section 24(1)(iv) and emphasized that the deduction is not applicable to charges created voluntarily by the assessee. The court clarified that the partition under section 171 of the Act does not alter the voluntary nature of the charge. Section 171 deals with the assessment post-partition and does not impact the deduction eligibility under section 24(1)(iv). The court concluded that the charge was voluntary and hence not eligible for deduction under section 24(1)(iv). As a result, the first question was answered against the assessee. Given this decision, the court deemed the second question academic and refrained from addressing it, as it would not affect the taxpayer's rights or liabilities. The court highlighted that while it did not delve into the parties' contentions, the decision was based on their arguments. It emphasized that in a reference under section 256, the High Court can review whether the Tribunal's conclusion was reasonable and supported by evidence. The court's finding was based on the interpretation of the settlement deed, a legal question rather than a factual one. In conclusion, the court answered the reference accordingly, with no order as to costs.
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