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Issues involved: Interpretation of development rebate u/s 33(1)(b)(B)(i) for priority industry, applicability of Fifth Schedule items (5) and (24) to claim higher rebate rate.
In this case, the assessee claimed a higher development rebate at 35% u/s 33(1)(b)(B)(i) for the assessment years 1970-71 and 1971-72, based on the cost of machinery as a priority industry under the Fifth Schedule. The dispute arose when the ITO granted rebate at a general rate of 20%, contending that the assessee did not fall under the relevant item (24) of the Fifth Schedule. The AAC and Tribunal, however, ruled in favor of the assessee, applying item (5) read with item (24) to allow the higher rebate rate. The key question was whether the machinery used by the assessee was installed for the purpose of manufacturing components of internal combustion engines, as per the Fifth Schedule criteria. The court examined the definition of "manufacture" in a broad sense, citing precedent where a process converting raw materials into a new product was considered manufacturing. Applying this reasoning, the court found that the polishing of rough castings by the assessee resulted in a new product used as components in internal combustion engines. The Tribunal's conclusion that these components were essential for internal combustion engines was deemed reasonable, leading to a ruling in favor of the assessee for the higher development rebate rate of 35%. The reference question was answered affirmatively in favor of the assessee, with no costs awarded due to the absence of representation.
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