1985 (10) TMI 279 - HC - Income Tax

Summary

Issues Involved:
1. Deduction of income-tax liability under section 11(1)(a) of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
2. Justification of changing the method of accounting from 'mercantile' to 'cash system'.
3. Determination of income for application towards trust objects under section 11(1)(a).
4. Taxation of notional income.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Deduction of Income-tax Liability:
The core issue was whether the income-tax liability of Rs. 76,972 could be deducted under section 11(1)(a) of the Income-tax Act, 1961. The Tribunal held that the payment of income-tax was a necessary outgoing and should be deducted before determining the net income available for application or setting apart for charitable purposes. The Tribunal's decision was based on the principle that income-tax is a charge on income and must be considered before ascertaining the net income. The High Court upheld this view, agreeing that the income derived from property must be determined on commercial principles, which includes deducting all outgoings like income-tax.

2. Justification of Changing the Method of Accounting:
The assessee switched from the mercantile system to the cash system of accounting in the assessment year 1972-73 due to non-receipt of interest income from deposits. The Tribunal supported this change, stating that the income must be computed on general commercial principles rather than on a notional basis. The High Court concurred, noting that there is no prohibition in the Act against changing the method of accounting if done bona fide. The Court emphasized that the change was necessary due to the financial difficulties faced by the depositary companies and was a prudent decision to reflect the real income of the trust.

3. Determination of Income for Application Towards Trust Objects:
For the assessment year 1971-72, the question was whether the Tribunal was correct in holding that the income-tax liability must be deducted before determining the surplus available for application towards charitable purposes. The High Court agreed with the Tribunal, stating that the income must be determined on commercial principles, and all outgoings, including income-tax, must be deducted to ascertain the surplus income. This surplus is what can be applied or set apart for the purposes of the trust under section 11(1)(a).

4. Taxation of Notional Income:
For the assessment year 1972-73, the issue was whether the assessee could be taxed on notional income that was not actually received. The Tribunal held that the assessee had not received any income in the commercial sense and was therefore not obligated to apply any income towards the trust's objects. The High Court agreed, stating that taxing notional income would render the benevolent provision of section 11(1)(a) nugatory. The income must be actually available for application or accumulation in the hands of the trustees.

Conclusion:
The High Court affirmed the Tribunal's decisions for both assessment years, supporting the deduction of income-tax liability and the change in the method of accounting. The Court emphasized that income must be determined on commercial principles, including the deduction of all outgoings, and that notional income should not be taxed. The reference was disposed of in favor of the assessee with no order as to costs.