Retrospective Amendments and the Doctrine of Vested Rights: A Judicial Perspective

Deciphering Legal Judgments: A Comprehensive Analysis of Case Law

Reported as:

2024 (4) TMI 204 - BOMBAY HIGH COURT

Introduction

This case deals with the validity of an application filed by the petitioner (assessee) before the Settlement Commission u/s 245C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (the Act). The petitioner had filed the application on 18th March 2021, seeking settlement of its income for the assessment years 2014-15 to 2020-21. However, the Finance Act, 2021, which received the assent of the President on 28th March 2021, introduced retrospective amendments to Section 245C of the Act, prohibiting the filing of applications before the Settlement Commission on or after 1st February 2021.

Arguments Presented

The petitioner contended that since the application was filed on 18th March 2021, before the Finance Act, 2021 came into force, it had a vested right to have its application considered and adjudicated by the Settlement Commission. The retrospective amendment could not take away this vested right unless expressly or by necessary implication.

The respondents (Revenue Department) argued that the Finance Bill, 2021, which proposed the amendments, was introduced in Parliament on 1st February 2021, and therefore, the prohibition on filing applications was effective from that date. Further, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) issued a notification on 28th September 2021, allowing applications to be filed until 30th September 2021, but only for those assessees who were eligible to file on 31st January 2021.

Discussions and Findings of the Court

Vested Right of the Petitioner

The Court held that the petitioner had a vested right to have its application considered by the Settlement Commission since it was filed on 18th March 2021, before the Finance Act, 2021 came into force. The retrospective amendment could not take away this vested right unless expressly or by necessary implication, which was not the case here.

Validity of the CBDT Notification

The Court found that the CBDT had the power to extend the time limit for filing applications u/s 119 of the Act. However, the condition in the notification that only assessees eligible to file on 31st January 2021 could avail the extended deadline was invalid and beyond the scope of the CBDT's powers u/s 119.

Retrospective Effect of the Finance Act, 2021

The Court held that the retrospective amendment introduced by the Finance Act, 2021, prohibiting applications after 1st February 2021, could not be interpreted to invalidate applications already filed before the Act came into force. The Court reasoned that the amendment could only prohibit the act of filing an application after 1st February 2021, but could not undo an act already performed before that date.

Analysis and Decision by the Court

The Court analyzed various judgments cited by the parties, including Commissioner of Income-Tax, Uttar Pradesh Versus Shah Sadiq And Sons - 1987 (4) TMI 2 - Supreme Court, Howrah Municipal Corpn. & Others Versus Ganges Rope Co. Ltd. & Others - 2003 (12) TMI 634 - Supreme Court., CHHOTABHAI JETHABHAI PATEL AND CO. Versus UNION OF INDIA - 1961 (12) TMI 1 - Supreme Court., Colonial Sugar, and THE AUTHORISED OFFICER, CENTRAL BANK OF INDIA Versus SHANMUGAVELU - 2024 (2) TMI 291 - Supreme Court (LB). The Court found that these judgments supported the petitioner's contention that retrospective legislation cannot take away vested rights unless expressly or by necessary implication.

The Court also held that the Revenue Department could not take advantage of its own delay in issuing a notice u/s 153A of the Act, which entitled the petitioner to approach the Settlement Commission, to deny the petitioner's right to file an application.

Ultimately, the Court quashed the notice issued by the Revenue Department and held that the CBDT notification was invalid to the extent that it imposed an additional condition of eligibility as of 31st January 2021. The Court directed that the petitioner's application be considered and disposed of in accordance with the law.

Doctrine or Principle Discussed

The judgment primarily discusses the doctrine of vested rights and the principle that retrospective legislation cannot take away accrued or vested rights unless expressly or by necessary implication.

Comprehensive Summary of the Judgement

The Court held that the petitioner had a vested right to have its application filed on 18th March 2021 considered and adjudicated by the Settlement Commission, as the retrospective amendment introduced by the Finance Act, 2021, prohibiting applications after 1st February 2021, could not take away this vested right. The Court found that the CBDT notification imposing an additional condition of eligibility as of 31st January 2021 was invalid and beyond the scope of the CBDT's powers u/s 119 of the Act.

The Court analyzed various judgments and held that retrospective legislation cannot affect vested rights unless expressly or by necessary implication. The Court also held that the Revenue Department could not take advantage of its own delay in issuing a notice u/s 153A of the Act to deny the petitioner's right to file an application.

Ultimately, the Court quashed the notice issued by the Revenue Department and directed that the petitioner's application be considered and disposed of in accordance with the law.

Full Text:

2024 (4) TMI 204 - BOMBAY HIGH COURT