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Issues: Valuation of immovable properties for assessment years 1976-77 to 1979-80, application of Sch. III of the WT Act, addition of reversionary value of land in property valuation.
Valuation of Immovable Properties: The case involved the valuation of various immovable properties held by the assessee-HUF on different valuation dates relevant for the assessment years 1976-77 to 1979-80. The valuation of these properties was referred to the Valuation Officer under section 16A of the Wealth Tax Act, and the assessments were completed based on the values suggested by the Valuation Officer. The CIT(A) confirmed the assessments, with minor relief granted for one property. The assessee appealed to the Tribunal challenging the valuation. The Tribunal allowed the assessee to raise an additional ground seeking valuation as per Sch. III of the WT Act, introduced in 1989. A Special Bench was constituted to hear the appeals due to the importance of the additional question raised regarding the applicability of Sch. III in pending appeal proceedings. Application of Sch. III of the WT Act: The Special Bench considered the additional question raised by the assessee regarding the applicability of Sch. III of the WT Act to the valuation of properties. The parties addressed the Bench on the inclusion of reversionary value of land in property valuation. The counsel for the assessee argued against the addition of reversionary value, citing a jurisdictional High Court decision. The District Valuation Officer contended that reversionary value should be added in the valuation, especially for an old property like Jaipuria Spinning Mill. After careful consideration, the Bench referred to the High Court decision, which held that reversionary value of land should not be added while determining the fair market value of a property. The Bench agreed with the assessee's counsel that the addition of reversionary value was not justified, especially as the property was fully tenanted and not in a state of disrepair. The valuation of properties was directed to be done as per the Tribunal's previous order. Addition of Reversionary Value of Land: The Tribunal analyzed the arguments presented by both parties regarding the addition of reversionary value of land in property valuation. The High Court decision cited by the assessee's counsel emphasized that reversionary value should not be added when valuing a property occupied by tenants under rent control legislation. The Tribunal agreed with this reasoning, noting that the property in question was fully tenanted and had a remaining economic life of 25 years according to the valuer's estimate. The Tribunal concluded that there was no justification for presuming the end of the economic life of the property or the reversion of land to the owner. Therefore, the addition of reversionary value of land was deemed unjustified, and the appeals were allowed accordingly, with the valuation to be done as per the Tribunal's previous order.
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