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Issues Involved:
1. Constitutional validity of clause (iii) of Explanation 1 to section 115JB of the Income Tax Act. 2. Discrimination and arbitrariness in tax provisions. 3. Interpretation and application of Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) provisions. Detailed Analysis: 1. Constitutional Validity of Clause (iii) of Explanation 1 to Section 115JB of the Income Tax Act The petitioner challenged the constitutional validity of clause (iii) of Explanation 1 to section 115JB of the Income Tax Act, claiming it was discriminatory and arbitrary. The petitioner argued that the provision did not allow the reduction of brought forward business losses in the absence of unabsorbed depreciation, which led to an unfair tax burden on companies without depreciable assets. The court examined the legislative history and rationale behind section 115JB, noting that it was introduced to ensure that profitable companies pay a minimum tax on their book profits. The court found that the provision applies uniformly to all companies falling under its ambit and does not create any class within the class of assessees. The court held that the legislature is not required to account for every fortuitous circumstance that may arise in the implementation of the provision. Therefore, the court concluded that the provision is not discriminatory or arbitrary and does not violate Article 14 of the Constitution. 2. Discrimination and Arbitrariness in Tax Provisions The petitioner argued that the provision discriminates against companies that do not have depreciable assets and, therefore, no unabsorbed depreciation, leading to an inability to offset brought forward losses. The petitioner contended that this classification had no nexus to the object sought to be achieved by the legislation, which was to tax prosperous companies. The court referred to several Supreme Court judgments, emphasizing that taxation laws must pass the test of Article 14 but also acknowledging the wide discretion the state has in selecting persons or objects to tax. The court noted that the provision applies equally to all companies within its scope and does not create any subclass. The court found that the provision's application might result in some companies facing hardship, but this does not render the provision unconstitutional. The court reiterated that the legislature has the latitude to devise fiscal measures and that the provision does not violate the equality clause. 3. Interpretation and Application of Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) Provisions The petitioner argued that the literal interpretation of the provision produced an absurd result, as it required companies with no actual income to pay tax on book profits. The petitioner suggested that the court should modify the language of the provision to achieve a rational construction. The court emphasized that section 115JB is a self-contained code and applies notwithstanding any other provisions of the Act. The court noted that the provision aims to ensure that all companies pay at least some tax, and the computation of book profit includes specific adjustments. The court found that the provision's language is clear and unambiguous, and no two views are possible regarding its interpretation. Therefore, the court rejected the petitioner's request to read down the provision. Conclusion The court concluded that clause (iii) of Explanation 1 to section 115JB of the Income Tax Act is constitutionally valid and does not violate Articles 14 or 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. The court held that the provision applies uniformly to all companies within its scope and does not create any subclass. The court also rejected the petitioner's request to read down the provision, finding it clear and unambiguous. Consequently, the petition was dismissed, and the notice was discharged with no order as to costs.
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