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Issues involved: The issue involves whether the High Court should reconsider a previous decision in light of a new application regarding the deletion of customs duty from closing stock u/s 43B of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
Judgment Summary: The Revenue sought a statement of case regarding the deletion of customs duty from closing stock u/s 43B. The Tribunal, citing a previous decision, declined to refer the question to the High Court. The Revenue argued for reconsideration of the previous decision by a larger Bench. In a similar case, the Supreme Court held that a question of law can be considered even if previously decided. However, the High Court is not obligated to mechanically call for a statement of case on a question already decided. The context and reasons for reconsideration are crucial, especially when the question may have varied considerations. The High Court emphasized that when a question of law is decided, it becomes a binding precedent. The Tribunal must follow such decisions unless reconsidered by a larger Bench or overruled by a higher court. The High Court is not required to revisit questions already settled unless there are valid reasons for reconsideration. Regarding the specific case of customs duty deletion u/s 43B, the High Court found no grounds for reconsidering the previous decision. The deduction is allowed only for duties actually paid by the assessee, as per section 43B(a). As the matter was conclusively settled in the previous decision, the application was rejected, and the rule was discharged with no costs awarded.
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