2016 (4) TMI 118 - AT - Income Tax

Penalty u/s 271(1)(c) - Held that - Deleting both the additions on account of cash component of brokerage and on account of transactions with M/s. Vinita Estates, the consequential penalty levied u/s 271(1)(c) of the Act would not now survive for consideration. - Decided in favour of assessee

Summary

Issues Involved:
1. Validity of penalty proceedings under Section 271(1)(c) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
2. Additions made to the income of the assessee on account of undisclosed brokerage and transactions with M/s. Vinita Estates.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Validity of Penalty Proceedings under Section 271(1)(c):

The assessee contested the penalty of Rs. 5,56,765/- levied under Section 271(1)(c) for Asst. year 2007-08. The penalty was based on additions of Rs. 17,14,640/-, which included Rs. 4,80,000/- for the cash component of brokerage and Rs. 12,34,640/- for transactions with M/s. Vinita Estates. The assessee argued that since the quantum appeals were pending, the limitation period for imposing the penalty had not expired. Furthermore, the assessee claimed that the additions were based on estimates and presumptions, making the penalty unjustifiable.

2. Additions to Income:

a. Cash Component of Brokerage:

The Assessing Officer (AO) added Rs. 4,80,000/- to the assessee's income, alleging that the brokerage income was received in cash and not disclosed. The AO's conclusion was based on certain seized documents during the search. However, the assessee contended that there was no evidence to show that the brokerage was received in cash. The ITAT noted that similar additions in other cases of the Batra Group had been deleted by the Tribunal, as there was no credible evidence to support the AO's claims. The Tribunal reiterated that presumptions and surmises could not form the basis for any addition, citing the case of Dhakeswari Cotton Mills Ltd. vs. CIT. Consequently, the addition of Rs. 4,80,000/- was deleted.

b. Transactions with M/s. Vinita Estates:

The AO added Rs. 12,34,640/- based on proforma invoices raised by the assessee on M/s. Vinita Estates, alleging that the income from these transactions was suppressed. Both the assessee and M/s. Vinita Estates denied any actual transactions, and no payments were made against the invoices. The ITAT observed that the AO failed to bring any material evidence to prove that the services mentioned in the invoices were rendered or that any money was exchanged. The Tribunal emphasized that income could only be assessed if it had accrued or was received, as per the Supreme Court's decision in Godhra Electricity Company. Since the AO did not establish that the income had accrued, the addition of Rs. 12,34,640/- was also deleted.

Conclusion:

Given that the ITAT deleted both the additions of Rs. 4,80,000/- and Rs. 12,34,640/-, the basis for the penalty under Section 271(1)(c) no longer existed. Therefore, the penalty of Rs. 5,56,765/- was cancelled, and the assessee's appeal for Asst. year 2007-08 was allowed. The judgment underscores the necessity of credible evidence for income additions and penalties, emphasizing that assumptions and presumptions are insufficient.