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Interpretation of Section 80M of the Income Tax Act, 1961 regarding deduction of inter-corporate dividends for a domestic company. Analysis: The case involved a reference to the High Court by the Income-tax Appellate Tribunal regarding the eligibility of an assessee-company for deduction under Section 80M of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The primary question was whether the assessee-company is entitled to a deduction of 60% of the gross dividend received or 60% of the net dividend as determined under Section 57 of the Act. The assessee contended that the deduction should be based on the gross dividend amount of Rs. 65,507, while the Income Tax Officer (ITO) and subsequent authorities held that the deduction should be based on the net dividend amount of Rs. 26,475 after certain deductions under Sections 57 and 80L. The matter reached the High Court for resolution. The High Court analyzed Section 80M of the Act, which provides for deductions in respect of certain inter-corporate dividends. The section outlines different percentages of deduction based on the type of company and the nature of dividends received. In the case of a domestic company like the assessee, a deduction of 60% of the dividend income is allowed. The court noted that the term "such income" in the section refers to the income from dividends as determined under Section 57, not the gross receipt of dividends. Section 57 specifies deductions to be made in computing income from dividends, including reasonable expenses incurred for realizing the dividend. The court further examined the definition of gross total income under Section 80B(5) of the Act, which includes income from various sources before deductions. It clarified that the gross total income comprises income computed under the Act, including income from dividends as determined under Section 57. Therefore, the deduction under Section 80M is to be calculated based on the income from dividends as determined under Section 57, which aligns with the overall scheme of the Act. Ultimately, the High Court upheld the view of the Income Tax authorities, ruling in favor of the revenue and against the assessee. It concluded that the deduction of 60% under Section 80M should be based on the income from dividends as determined under Section 57, rejecting the assessee's argument for deduction from the gross dividend receipts. The judgment was delivered in favor of the revenue, and costs were imposed on the parties involved.
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