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Issues involved: Interpretation of partnership deed clauses on the effect of death of a partner, treatment of unabsorbed depreciation in a partnership firm after the death of a partner.
Interpretation of partnership deed clauses: The partnership deed provided for the continuation of the partnership after the death of a partner, with the share of the deceased partner belonging to his nominees as specified in the deed. The sons of the deceased partner were nominated to have equal shares in the deceased partner's share of profits and losses. Treatment of unabsorbed depreciation: The firm sought to carry forward unabsorbed depreciation and development rebate in the assessment for future years after the death of a partner. The Assessing Officer initially denied this request, leading to an appeal by the firm. Appellate decisions: The Appellate Assistant Commissioner (AAC) directed that the unabsorbed depreciation of the deceased partner should be lost to the firm and carry forward should be restricted to the aggregate of unabsorbed depreciation remaining in the hands of the continuing partners. The Tribunal, however, allowed the appeals filed by the firm, holding that unabsorbed depreciation not set off against individual profits of a deceased partner could be carried forward by the firm for set off against future profits. Legal interpretation and precedents: The High Court analyzed the provisions of the Income Tax Act and previous court decisions regarding the treatment of unabsorbed depreciation in a partnership firm after the death of a partner. The court upheld the Tribunal's decision, citing that unabsorbed depreciation could be carried forward by the firm for set off against future profits, in line with the provisions of the Act. Conclusion: The High Court answered both questions in favor of the assessee, affirming the firm's right to carry forward unabsorbed depreciation and development rebate after the death of a partner. The court awarded costs to the assessee in the reference.
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