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Issues: Validity of order transferring assessment cases under Section 127 of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
Analysis: The judgment concerns the validity of an order dated December 27, 1989, passed by the Commissioner of Income-tax, Meerut, transferring assessment cases from one officer to another under Section 127 of the Income-tax Act, 1961. The petitioners, a partnership firm, challenged the transfer citing reasons of ensuring proper and coordinated investigation. The court noted that Section 127 empowers the Commissioner to transfer cases for recorded reasons after affording the assessee a reasonable opportunity to be heard. In this case, a notice was issued to the petitioners and others, prompting a common reply from them. The impugned order was then passed based on the reply and incidents involving violence against Income-tax Department officials during a search at the petitioners' premises. The impugned order detailed the incidents of violence against officials, leading to severe injuries and threats, justifying the transfer in the public interest. The petitioners argued that they were not responsible for the incidents and that transferring all cases from Muzaffarnagar due to isolated events was unjust. However, the court found that the cases transferred were of a closely associated group of individuals, including the petitioners, who were linked by residence and business premises. The court observed the regrettable violence against officials but emphasized that the group mentioned in the order was deemed responsible for the acts. The petitioners contended that the show-cause notice did not mention the specific incidents leading to the transfer, alleging a violation of natural justice principles. The court, however, found no prejudice caused to the petitioners as they were aware of the grounds for transfer and had addressed them in their reply. Citing precedent, the court held that mere absence of specific details in the notice did not invalidate the transfer order when the petitioners were aware of and responded to the grounds provided. Additionally, the petitioners argued that the transfer order should meet all requirements of Section 127, emphasizing the seriousness of such decisions. The court acknowledged the importance of compliance with statutory provisions but found no need to delve into the matter further as the legal proposition was undisputed. Ultimately, the court dismissed the writ petition, ruling that there was no failure of justice or prejudice to the petitioners in the transfer process. In conclusion, the court upheld the validity of the transfer order under Section 127 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, based on the grounds of ensuring proper and coordinated investigation, rejecting the petitioners' challenges regarding natural justice and compliance with statutory requirements.
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