9911796707
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Determining whether Smt. Ratan Devi was a benamidar of the assessee-firm and whether this constitutes a question of fact or law. Analysis: The judgment pertains to five reference applications under section 256(2) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, relating to assessment years 1967-68 to 1971-72. The primary issue revolves around whether Smt. Ratan Devi was a benamidar of the assessee-firm, M/s. Rajasthan Textile Industries. The Income-tax Officer initially held her as a benamidar, which was later upheld by the Appellate Tribunal. The Tribunal considered various aspects, including the close relationship between Smt. Ratan Devi and the partners of the firm, the commission payments, and the nature of her business activities. The Tribunal concluded that she indeed acted as a benamidar. The judgment cites precedents emphasizing that the High Court cannot reevaluate factual findings made by the Tribunal unless certain recognized grounds are present. The petitioner raised several questions of law, disputing the Tribunal's findings regarding Smt. Ratan Devi's status as a benamidar. However, the court determined that these questions primarily pertained to factual inquiries rather than legal interpretations. The court highlighted that the Tribunal extensively analyzed the evidence and arrived at a factual conclusion regarding Smt. Ratan Devi's role. Citing legal principles from previous cases, the court reiterated that it lacks the jurisdiction to reassess factual determinations made by the Tribunal. Consequently, the court dismissed the reference applications, emphasizing that no legal questions necessitated a reference to the High Court. In conclusion, the judgment underscores the distinction between questions of fact and law in tax matters. It underscores the limited role of the High Court in reviewing factual findings made by the Tribunal, emphasizing that factual determinations fall outside the court's purview unless specific grounds for challenge are present. The decision reaffirms the principle that tax matters primarily involve factual inquiries, and legal questions must meet specific criteria to warrant High Court intervention.
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