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2021 (4) TMI 1021 - AT - Income Tax


Issues Involved:
1. Disallowance of loss arising from foreign currency fluctuation in respect of foreign currency hedging contracts.
2. Disallowance under section 14A read with Rule 8D.
3. Disallowance of non-compete fee.
4. Disallowance of depreciation on leased assets and non-grant of claim of principal portion of lease rentals.
5. Disallowance of PwC World Firm charges.
6. Addition on account of non-refundable grant.
7. Non-grant of deduction under section 35(1)(II).
8. Short credit of TDS.
9. Levy of interest under sections 234B, 234D, and 244A.

Issue-wise Detailed Analysis:

1. Disallowance of Loss from Foreign Currency Fluctuation:
The Tribunal found the issue in favor of the assessee, relying on the decision of the Co-ordinate Bench of the ITAT Kolkata in the assessee's own case for the Assessment Year 2008-09, and the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Woodward Governor. The Tribunal concluded that losses due to foreign exchange fluctuation should be accounted for in the books and are eligible for deduction. The Tribunal also referenced other supportive cases, such as DCIT vs. Asian Tea & Exports Ltd., and DCIT vs. Tega Industries Ltd., to reinforce this position.

2. Disallowance under Section 14A read with Rule 8D:
The Tribunal restricted the disallowance under section 14A to the extent of exempt income earned by the assessee during the year, which was ?99,000/-. This decision was based on the principle established by the Hon'ble Delhi High Court in the case of Joint Investments (P.) Ltd. vs. CIT, which states that disallowance cannot exceed the exempt income.

3. Disallowance of Non-Compete Fee:
The Tribunal allowed the assessee's claim, noting that the non-compete fee is revenue in nature. The Tribunal referenced several judgments, including the Hon'ble High Court of Madras in Hatsun Agro Products Ltd. vs. JCIT, and the Hon'ble Supreme Court's dismissal of the SLP against this judgment. The Tribunal also distinguished the present case from other cases like Pitney Bowes India Pvt. Ltd. vs. CIT, Sharp Business System vs. DCIT, and Tecumesh India (P.) Ltd. vs. Addl. CIT, where the non-compete fee was part of the business transfer agreement.

4. Disallowance of Depreciation on Leased Assets and Non-Grant of Claim of Principal Portion of Lease Rentals:
The Tribunal found the issue in favor of the assessee, referencing the order of the Hon'ble Tribunal in the assessee's own case for AY 2003-04. The Tribunal upheld the CIT(A)'s decision that lease rentals (net of interest element) should be allowed as a deduction.

5. Disallowance of PwC World Firm Charges:
The Tribunal allowed the assessee's claim, referencing the order of the Kolkata Bench of the ITAT in the assessee's own case for Assessment Year 2012-13. The Tribunal noted that the payment was for business purposes and that no TDS was required as it was a reimbursement of expenses on a cost allocation formula.

6. Addition on Account of Non-Refundable Grant:
The Tribunal concluded that the non-refundable grant received for procuring a capital asset is a capital receipt and not subject to tax under section 28(iv) of the Act. The Tribunal referenced the Hon'ble Supreme Court's decision in Commissioner vs. Mahindra And Mahindra Ltd., which held that section 28(iv) applies only to benefits or perquisites other than in the form of money.

7. Non-Grant of Deduction under Section 35(1)(II):
The Tribunal restored the matter to the file of the Assessing Officer with a direction to verify the certificate issued under section 35(1)(II) of the Act, which was produced by the assessee before the lower authorities.

8. Short Credit of TDS:
The ground was dismissed as not pressed by the assessee, who submitted that short credit of TDS had been granted.

9. Levy of Interest under Sections 234B, 234D, and 244A:
This ground was dismissed as consequential in nature.

Conclusion:
The appeal of the assessee was allowed partly, with specific directions and findings on each issue as detailed above.

 

 

 

 

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