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Validity of partnership formation and registration under section 26A of the Income-tax Act, 1922. Analysis: The case involved a dispute regarding the genuineness of a partnership formed by three individuals for a construction business. The partnership was initially between two brothers and later expanded to include a third brother. The issue arose when the Income-tax Officer refused registration of the new partnership under section 26A, claiming it was not genuine. The Tribunal upheld the refusal based on various grounds, including the lack of knowledge of the third partner about business details, his non-withdrawal of profits, and suspicions regarding the partnership deed's authenticity. The Tribunal's decision was challenged, arguing that the mere execution of a partnership deed is not conclusive proof of a genuine partnership. It was emphasized that suspicions alone cannot invalidate a partnership, citing legal precedents where similar conclusions were overturned due to insufficient evidence or irrelevant considerations. The court highlighted that a partner's lack of involvement in business operations or profit withdrawals does not automatically render the partnership fake, as some partners may be dormant or passive participants. Regarding the circumstances of the partnership deed's execution, the court found no substantial basis for the Tribunal's doubts about the partnership's authenticity. The court dismissed the significance of using old stamp paper for the deed and concluded that the third partner's limited knowledge and location during signing did not undermine the partnership's legitimacy. Ultimately, the court ruled that the Tribunal's decision lacked sufficient evidence to declare the partnership as non-genuine and upheld the assessee's appeal for registration under section 26A of the Act. In conclusion, the court held that the Tribunal's findings lacked a valid basis and overturned the refusal to register the partnership. The court awarded costs to the assessee and emphasized the importance of substantial evidence and relevant considerations in determining the genuineness of partnerships for tax purposes.
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