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Validity of gift made by the assessee to his wife for assessment years 1967-68, 1968-69, and 1969-70. Debarment of the Income-tax officer from challenging the validity of the gift for the assessment years in question. Analysis: The judgment pertains to three references under the Income Tax Act, 1961, involving the validity of a gift made by the assessee to his wife and the deductibility of interest allegedly paid by the assessee in his wife's account for the assessment years 1967-68, 1968-69, and 1969-70. The Income Tax Officer (ITO) contended that there was no valid gift made by the assessee to his wife, as there was no written deed of gift and insufficient evidence of assets transferred. The ITO added back the interest credited by the assessee to his wife's account, resulting in additions to the assessments for the respective years. The Appellate Tribunal accepted the Revenue's appeal, emphasizing that mere book entries did not constitute a valid gift, and there was no tangible evidence of the gift. The Tribunal also rejected the argument that the Department was debarred from challenging the gift's validity based on previous assessments. The High Court concurred with the Tribunal's decision, emphasizing that the balance sheet did not show tangible assets or cash equivalent to the claimed gift amount. The court cited a previous judgment regarding gifts made by book entries, stating that a valid gift requires more than mere book entries, especially when the entries are within the control of the donor. The court rejected the argument that the gift was in the form of business assets, as the assessee consistently claimed it was a cash gift. The court upheld the Tribunal's decision, ruling in favor of the Revenue regarding the validity of the gift and the deductibility of interest claimed by the assessee. The court clarified that each assessment year is separate, and prior decisions do not bind subsequent assessments. The judgment underscores the importance of tangible evidence and legal formalities in establishing the validity of gifts for tax purposes. The court dismissed the appeal in favor of the Revenue, affirming the disallowance of interest claimed by the assessee and upholding the Revenue's right to challenge the gift's validity for the assessment years in question. In conclusion, the court answered the questions in the affirmative for the Revenue regarding the validity of the gift and in the negative for the assessee's debarment argument. The judgment highlights the significance of proper documentation and evidence in tax matters, particularly concerning gifts and deductions claimed by taxpayers.
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