1994 (2) TMI 108 - AT - Income Tax

Summary

Issues:
1. Addition of unaccounted turnover of Rs. 4,24,916.
2. Deletion of the addition of Rs. 1,90,000 related to concealed gold and gold ornaments.

Analysis:

Issue 1:
The first point of dispute in this case revolves around the addition of Rs. 4,24,916 towards unaccounted turnover by the Revenue. The assessee, a dealer in gold and silver ornaments, underwent a survey in 1987 where discrepancies in cash on hand were noticed. The managing partner admitted that the firm was accounting only a portion of its turnover, with the excess cash representing the unaccounted turnover. However, the CIT(A) noted that the survey occurred nearly two years after the relevant assessment year, and the managing partner retracted his statement. The CIT(A) found no evidence of similar practices in previous years and thus deleted the addition. The Tribunal upheld this decision, stating no infirmity in the reasoning provided.

Issue 2:
The second ground of appeal concerns the deletion of the addition of Rs. 1,90,000 linked to concealed gold and gold ornaments. During an inspection by Central Excise authorities, these items were found concealed in the managing partner's desk. The managing partner claimed they were for safekeeping by goldsmiths working under him, but this explanation was rejected. The ITO made an addition based on the seized items, considering them as unexplained investment of the assessee-firm. However, the CIT(A) held that the gold and ornaments were in the possession of the managing partner and not the firm, based on evidence and inquiries. The Tribunal supported this decision, emphasizing that the Central Excise authorities' findings were crucial and not contradicted by the ITO's investigations.

In conclusion, the appeal by the Revenue was dismissed, with both grounds failing to establish the additions made by the assessing authorities.