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Assessment of assessees as an association of individuals for income derived from ground rent, whether the assessees formed an association of persons within the meaning of section 3 of the Indian Income-tax Act. Analysis: The case involved the assessment of the assessees as an association of individuals for income derived from ground rent. The assessees, descendants of Chowdhury Karamat Hussain, contested this classification, arguing they should be separately assessed on individual shares. The Income-tax Officer and the Appellate Assistant Commissioner assessed them as an association. The Income-tax Appellate Tribunal remanded the case for fact ascertainment. The Judicial Member and Accountant Member concluded that joint possession and management through a common manager justified the association classification. The High Court was asked to determine if the assessees constituted an association of persons under section 3 of the Act. The assessees argued that as co-heirs of a Muhammedan, they did not form an association of individuals based on precedents. The Department contended that the unique facts of the case distinguished it from previous decisions. The court emphasized that each case must be decided based on its specific facts. The court noted that mere inheritance with joint possession and management might not establish an association, but additional factors in this case indicated otherwise. The court found that the assessees had consistently declared themselves as an association of persons, including in tax returns. The court rejected the argument that definite and ascertainable shares precluded association status, citing relevant legal interpretations. The court highlighted that evidence of a conscious combination for a joint venture could be inferred from proven facts. The court emphasized that the cumulative effect of all facts indicated the assessees did form an association of individuals. The court referenced a case to support the approach in such matters, emphasizing the importance of intention and will in forming an association. The court concluded that the assessees, by jointly managing the property and income, constituted an association of individuals. The High Court upheld the Tribunal's decision, ruling in favor of the Income-tax Department. In conclusion, the High Court affirmed the Tribunal's decision, stating that the assessees were correctly assessed as an association of individuals for income-tax purposes. The judgment emphasized the significance of specific case facts and the assessees' consistent declaration as an association of persons. The court's detailed analysis considered legal precedents and the unique circumstances of the case, ultimately supporting the Income-tax Department's position.
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