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Interpretation of section 40A(7)(b)(i) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 regarding deduction for provision made for gratuity fund before its approval. Analysis: The case involved a reference under section 256(1) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, regarding the deduction of a sum under section 40A(7)(b)(i) for a service fund credited by a co-operative society for the years 1974 and 1975. The society had provisioned for gratuity fund contributions for its employees, but the fund was approved by the Commissioner of Income-tax only with effect from July 1, 1975. The Income-tax Officer disallowed the deduction claimed by the society under section 40A(7). The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) and the Tribunal, however, allowed the deduction based on the approval granted. The High Court analyzed the provisions of section 40A(7) and ruled that the prohibition under clause (a) does not apply to provisions made for an approved gratuity fund, as per clause (b)(i). The Court noted that an approved gratuity fund was not in existence during the accounting year in question, and therefore, the deduction was not allowable. The decision of the Tribunal to allow the deduction was reversed, and the question was answered in favor of the Revenue. The Court emphasized that an "approved gratuity fund" as defined in the Act must be in existence during the relevant accounting year for the deduction to be allowed under section 40A(7)(b)(i). The approval granted by the Commissioner with effect from July 1, 1975, did not retroactively validate the provision made by the society for the preceding years. The Court highlighted the procedural requirements for approval of gratuity funds under the Act and concluded that the absence of an approved fund during the relevant accounting year rendered the deduction claim invalid. The judgment clarified the distinction between provisions made for gratuity funds before and after their approval, emphasizing that deductions under section 40A(7)(b)(i) are contingent upon the existence of an approved fund during the accounting year in question. The Court's decision underscored the importance of compliance with statutory provisions and the timing of fund approvals for tax deduction purposes. Ultimately, the High Court ruled in favor of the Revenue, upholding the Income-tax Officer's decision to disallow the deduction claimed by the co-operative society for the provision made towards gratuity fund contributions in the absence of an approved fund during the relevant accounting year.
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