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2021 (7) TMI 765 - AT - Income Tax


Issues Involved:
1. Applicability of Section 56(2)(vii)(b) on the purchase of agricultural land.
2. Addition under Section 56(2)(vii)(b) due to litigation and restrictions by the Highway Authority.
3. Addition under Section 69B for unexplained investment.
4. Addition under Section 69C for unexplained expenditure on registration charges.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Applicability of Section 56(2)(vii)(b) on the Purchase of Agricultural Land:
The assessee challenged the application of Section 56(2)(vii)(b) on the purchase of agricultural land, arguing that agricultural land does not fall under the definition of "property" as per the section and is not a capital asset under Section 2(14) of the Act. The assessee provided details of the purchased agricultural lands, emphasizing that they are agricultural lands and thus should be excluded from the provisions of Section 56(2)(vii)(b). The tribunal noted that the CIT(A) had already dealt with this issue in detail, confirming that the properties were immovable and the difference between the stamp duty value and the actual consideration was liable to be taxed as income from other sources under Section 56(2)(vii)(b). The tribunal upheld the CIT(A)’s findings, stating that the conditions of Section 56(2)(vii)(b) were applicable to the case.

2. Addition under Section 56(2)(vii)(b) Due to Litigation and Restrictions by the Highway Authority:
The assessee argued that the properties were purchased below the fair market value due to pending litigation and restrictions on construction imposed by the Highway Authority. The tribunal observed that the CIT(A) had considered these arguments and referred the properties to the DVO for valuation. The DVO’s report confirmed the valuation, and the CIT(A) restricted the addition to ?1,45,74,660 based on the DVO’s findings. The tribunal found no reason to interfere with the CIT(A)’s well-reasoned order, which had taken into account the location and other relevant factors affecting the property value.

3. Addition under Section 69B for Unexplained Investment:
The assessee claimed that the sources of investment were well explained during the proceedings, providing a detailed chart of the payments made for the properties. The AO had added ?46,00,000 as unexplained investment, arguing that the agreements provided by the assessee were not legally binding and did not prove the payments were made in 1995. The CIT(A) upheld the AO’s findings, stating that the agreements were not between the seller and the assessee and lacked legal sanctity. The tribunal agreed with the CIT(A), noting that no new evidence was provided to counter the findings, and upheld the addition of ?46,00,000 as unexplained investment.

4. Addition under Section 69C for Unexplained Expenditure on Registration Charges:
The assessee argued that the registration charges of ?13,74,865 were paid from funds received from PVJ Corporation and family members. However, the AO noted that the registration payments were made before the receipt of funds from PVJ Corporation. The CIT(A) upheld the AO’s findings, stating that the assessee failed to provide evidence of the source of funds for the registration charges. The tribunal found no reason to deviate from the CIT(A)’s well-reasoned order and upheld the addition of ?13,74,865 as unexplained expenditure.

Conclusion:
The tribunal dismissed the appeal, upholding the CIT(A)’s order in all respects. The additions under Sections 56(2)(vii)(b), 69B, and 69C were confirmed, and the assessee’s arguments were found to be unsubstantiated. The order was pronounced in the open court on 13th July 2021.

 

 

 

 

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