1988 (3) TMI 139 - AT - Wealth-tax

Summary

Issues:
1. Jurisdiction of the WTO to make de novo assessment beyond the direction of the CWT under s. 25(2).
2. Validity of assessment by the WTO and the scope of reconsideration by the CWT(A).
3. Limitations on the WTO in making additions or enhancements to the net wealth assessed.

Analysis:
1. The six appeals by the Revenue were against the order of the CWT(A) challenging the valuation of Baggi Khana and the deletion of the value of actionable claims. The key contention was whether the WTO exceeded his jurisdiction by conducting a de novo assessment beyond the direction of the CWT under s. 25(2). The Tribunal directed the CWT(A) to determine if the WTO acted beyond his jurisdiction by considering issues not directed by the CWT. The Tribunal emphasized the importance of limiting the assessment to the direction provided by the CWT and not allowing fresh issues to be raised post original assessment.

2. The Tribunal, after considering submissions from both parties, highlighted the need to address the validity of the assessment by the WTO and the scope of reconsideration by the CWT(A). The Tribunal stressed that the CWT(A) should first decide whether the WTO should limit himself to the CWT's directions, preventing the consideration of additional issues not directed by the CWT. The Tribunal set aside the CWT(A)'s order on all issues except the consideration of exemption under s. 5(1)(iii) due to inordinate delays, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive decision by the CWT.

3. The Tribunal clarified that the CWT(A)'s order, passed in accordance with the Tribunal's directions, became final as the Revenue did not appeal against it. Consequently, it was established that the setting aside of orders by the CWT under s. 25(1) was limited to the exemption under s. 5(1)(iii). The WTO was directed to verify if any fresh claims or allowances made beyond the CWT's direction and not related to exemption under s. 5(1)(iii) should be withdrawn. The appeals by the Revenue were allowed for statistical purposes, emphasizing the limitations on the WTO in making additions or enhancements beyond the scope of the original assessment.