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Validity of notice issued under section 131 of the Income-tax Act, 1961. Analysis: The judgment in question dealt with the validity of a notice issued by the Income-tax Officer under section 131 of the Income-tax Act, 1961. The petitioner contended that the notice requiring the production of books of accounts for specific years was illegal as assessments up to a certain year had been completed, and no tax was due. The petitioner argued that section 142 of the Act limited the power of the Income-tax Officer to call for accounts relating to a period more than three years prior to the previous year. However, the respondent argued that the notice was issued under section 131, which grants the power to compel the production of any books of account and other documents, akin to a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure. The court analyzed the provisions of section 131 and section 142 of the Act. It was observed that section 131 confers powers on various officers, including the Income-tax Officer, to compel the production of books of accounts and other documents. On the other hand, section 142 is limited to an inquiry before assessment by the Income-tax Officer. The court rejected the petitioner's argument that section 131's powers should be subject to the limitations of section 142, as it would negate the specific powers conferred by section 131. The court also referred to a Full Bench decision of the Madras High Court, which supported the view that the Income-tax Officer could call for accounts beyond the prescribed period under section 142. The court held that the power granted to the Income-tax Officer under section 131 to call for account books cannot be restricted by the limitations of section 142. Therefore, the court dismissed the application challenging the validity of the notice issued under section 131, ruling in favor of the respondent. The judgment emphasized that the Income-tax Officer's power to call for account books should not be curtailed by the restrictions imposed by section 142, as it would undermine the authority granted by the statute. In conclusion, the court dismissed the petition, stating that the application failed and each party was directed to bear its own costs.
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