1977 (7) TMI 50 - HC - Income Tax

Summary

Issues Involved:
1. Validity of Rule 19A(3) of the Income-tax Rules, 1962.
2. Interpretation of the term "capital employed" u/s 80J of the Income-tax Act.

Summary:

1. Validity of Rule 19A(3) of the Income-tax Rules, 1962:
The primary issue raised by the assessee was the validity of Rule 19A(3) of the Income-tax Rules, 1962. The petitioner contended that Rule 19A(3) effectively negates the benefit conferred by section 80J of the Income-tax Act. The court observed that Rule 19A(3) allows for deductions from the capital employed, which is not warranted by section 80J. The court held that Rule 19A(3) is in excess of the rule-making power conferred by section 295 of the Act and cannot be relied upon for computing "capital employed" for the purpose of section 80J. Consequently, the court set aside the order of the Commissioner of Income-tax and directed a fresh assessment ignoring Rule 19A(3).

2. Interpretation of the term "capital employed" u/s 80J of the Income-tax Act:
The court examined the term "capital employed" as used in section 80J of the Income-tax Act. It was argued by the revenue that "capital employed" should be understood as the difference between the value of assets and borrowed capital. However, the court rejected this interpretation, stating that "capital employed" should be understood in its natural, legal, and common sense, meaning the amounts employed as capital in the business, regardless of the source. The court emphasized that borrowed money, if employed as capital, should be included in "capital employed." The court found no justification for excluding borrowed capital from the ambit of section 80J, as it would disadvantage newly started concerns that need to borrow. The court concluded that the term "capital employed" includes both the company's own funds and borrowed funds used as capital.

Conclusion:
The court directed the Commissioner to make a fresh assessment order granting the rebate of 6% on the entire capital employed, whether it be utilizing borrowed moneys or the assessee's own funds. The writ petition was disposed of with no order as to costs, considering the complexity and novelty of the issue.