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Issues involved: Challenge to order u/s 127(2)(a) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 transferring proceedings from one Assistant Commissioner to another.
Summary: The High Court of Delhi considered a writ petition challenging an order transferring income-tax proceedings from the Assistant Commissioner in New Delhi to the Special Circle in Meerut u/s 127(2)(a) of the Income-tax Act. The transfer was based on the need for proper investigation and public interest, following incidents of obstruction and threats faced by officers in Muzaffarnagar. The petitioner, a company chaired by Mr. Harish Chhabra, objected to the transfer citing bias of officers in Meerut. The Court found the transfer justified for thorough investigation, especially as related cases of the petitioner's family concerns were also moved to Meerut. In response to the petitioner's argument that the transfer lacked reasons, the Court held that the need for proper investigation and the location of the petitioner's business activities in Muzaffarnagar justified the transfer to Meerut. The Court emphasized the importance of a comprehensive investigation by the same assessing authority for interconnected cases within a group. Referring to a previous case, the Court rejected the argument that coordinated investigation was not a valid reason for transfer, especially when cases of related entities were being consolidated under one assessing authority. Regarding the contention that u/s 127(2) lacked guidelines for transfers, the Court disagreed, stating that the power was to be exercised in public interest and with concurrence of relevant Commissioners. The Court found the reasons provided for the transfer to be relevant and in line with the Act's objectives. Lastly, the allegation of mala fide intentions behind the transfer was dismissed by the Court, noting that the transfer was in the interest of proper adjudication and public interest, given the circumstances of fear and obstruction faced by officers in Muzaffarnagar. In conclusion, the High Court upheld the validity of the transfer order, dismissing the writ petition challenging the same.
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