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Issues:
1. Whether the revised returns filed by the assessee were valid under section 139(4) of the Income-tax Act. 2. Whether the assessments completed by the Income Tax Officer (ITO) were in accordance with the law and binding circulars. 3. Whether the rectification of assessment orders is warranted in this case. Issue 1: Validity of Revised Returns The case involved the filing of three original returns and subsequently revised returns by the assessee in the names of three registered firms. The assessee contended that the revised returns were valid under section 139(4) of the Income-tax Act. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) considered the contentious nature of the issue. The ITAT referred to Circular No. 888 dated 1st Oct., 1975, which clarified that the right to file a revised return is a concession available only to those who have filed returns under section 139(1) or 139(2), not under section 139(4). The ITAT also noted a decision of the Rajasthan High Court favoring the assessee. However, after thorough consideration, the ITAT declined to interfere with the lower authorities' conclusion, emphasizing the plain language of section 153 and the contentious nature of the issue. The ITAT concluded that the revised returns were not valid under section 139(4) and dismissed the appeal. Issue 2: Compliance with Law and Circulars The ITAT examined whether the assessments completed by the ITO were in accordance with the law and binding circulars. The assessee argued that the assessments were not completed within the time limit set by Circular No. 888, leading to a mistake of law apparent on the face of the record. The ITO rejected the rectification applications, stating that the issue was contentious and not covered by section 154. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner (AAC) upheld the ITO's decision. The ITAT, after considering all facts and legal precedents, found that the assessments were completed within the prescribed time limit and in compliance with the law and circulars. The ITAT emphasized the contentious nature of the issue and the binding nature of Circular No. 888, ultimately dismissing the appeal. Issue 3: Rectification of Assessment Orders The ITAT deliberated on whether the rectification of assessment orders was warranted in this case. The assessee sought rectification based on the alleged mistake of law regarding the completion of assessments within the specified time limit. The ITAT, however, found that the issue was not a mistake apparent from the records, as it involved a debatable point of law. Citing legal precedents, including the decision in Volkart Bros. v. T.S. Balaram, ITO, the ITAT concluded that the matter was not free from difficulty and did not fall under the category of a mistake apparent on the record. Therefore, the ITAT held that no interference was necessary at that stage, and the appeals were dismissed. ---
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