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2015 (12) TMI 295 - AT - Income Tax


Issues Involved:
1. Whether the loss on sale of government securities should be treated as business loss or long-term capital loss.
2. Whether the CIT(A) was correct in deleting the addition made by the AO.
3. Whether the order of the CIT(A) should be set aside and the AO's order restored.

Issue-Wise Detailed Analysis:

1. Treatment of Loss on Sale of Government Securities:
The primary issue was whether the loss of Rs. 3,39,79,600/- on the sale of government securities should be treated as a business loss or a long-term capital loss. The assessee, a cooperative bank, claimed the loss as a business loss, asserting that the securities were part of its stock in trade, as per the guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Banking Regulation Act. The AO, however, treated the loss as a long-term capital loss, applying tests from the case of Pari Mangaldas Girdhardas vs. CIT, which concluded that the securities were held as investments rather than for trading purposes.

2. Deletion of Addition by CIT(A):
The CIT(A) deleted the addition made by the AO, relying on the RBI guidelines and CBDT Circular No.665 dated 5.10.1993, which clarify that securities held by banks should be treated as stock in trade. The CIT(A) noted that the bank's investment activities are part of its normal banking operations and should be treated as such, despite being shown as investments in the balance sheet. The CIT(A) also referenced judicial precedents, including the Hon'ble Mumbai High Court's decision in CIT vs. Bank of Baroda, which supported the treatment of such securities as stock in trade.

3. Appeal by Revenue:
The Revenue appealed against the CIT(A)'s order, arguing that the AO's decision should be upheld. However, the Tribunal found that the CIT(A) had correctly applied the relevant guidelines and judicial precedents. The Tribunal also referenced the ITAT, Mumbai Bench's decision in Yes Bank Ltd. vs. Dy.CIT, which emphasized the intention at the time of purchase as the key factor in determining whether securities are held as stock in trade or capital assets.

Conclusion:
The Tribunal upheld the CIT(A)'s order, confirming that the loss on the sale of government securities should be treated as a business loss. The Tribunal found no reason to interfere with the CIT(A)'s decision, which was based on a thorough examination of the facts, RBI guidelines, CBDT Circulars, and relevant judicial precedents. The appeal filed by the Revenue was dismissed.

Order Pronouncement:
The order was pronounced in the open Court on 14/10/2015, dismissing the Revenue's appeal.

 

 

 

 

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