Tax Management India. Com
Law and Practice  :  Digital eBook
Research is most exciting & rewarding
  TMI - Tax Management India. Com
Follow us:
  Facebook   Twitter   Linkedin   Telegram
Tax Updates - TMI e-Newsletters

Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2014 September Day 6 - Saturday

TMI e-Newsletters FAQ
You need to Subscribe a package.

Newsletter: Where Service Meets Reader Approval.

TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
September 6, 2014

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

Income Tax Customs Service Tax Central Excise CST, VAT & Sales Tax



Articles

1. DISAGREEMENT WITH THE INQUIRY REPORT BY DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITY

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: The article discusses the procedures a disciplinary authority must follow when disagreeing with an inquiry officer's report in disciplinary proceedings against an official. It highlights the importance of adhering to principles of natural justice, as established by various Supreme Court rulings. The disciplinary authority must provide the accused official an opportunity to present their case before finalizing any punishment. The article references several cases, including one where the High Court set aside a disciplinary authority's decision for failing to follow these procedures, allowing for a potential re-inquiry while clarifying the implications on the accused's service benefits.


News

1. Government Approves Twenty Two (22) Proposals of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Amounting to About ₹ 3951.61 Crore

Summary: The government has approved 22 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) proposals totaling approximately Rs. 3951.61 crore, based on recommendations from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). These proposals span various sectors including pharmaceuticals, telecom, IT, aviation, and others. Notable approvals include a Rs. 780.86 crore investment by a Norwegian telecom company to increase its stake to 100%, and a Rs. 1050 crore investment in the power sector. Nine proposals were deferred, four were rejected, and five were advised that FIPB approval was not required. The decisions reflect ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment across diverse industries.

2. RBI Reference Rate for US $

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India set the reference rate for the US Dollar at Rs. 60.4385 on September 5, 2014, slightly down from Rs. 60.4540 on September 4, 2014. Based on this rate, the exchange rates for other currencies against the Rupee were also adjusted: the Euro was valued at Rs. 78.1953, the British Pound at Rs. 98.6417, and 100 Japanese Yen at Rs. 57.36 on September 5, 2014. The SDR-Rupee rate is determined based on this reference rate.

3. Exchange Rate of Foreign Currency Relating to Imported and Export Goods Notified

Summary: The Central Board of Excise and Customs has updated the exchange rates for foreign currencies in accordance with section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962, effective from September 5, 2014. This supersedes the previous notification from August 21, 2014. The revised rates apply to both imported and exported goods, detailing specific conversion rates for currencies such as the US Dollar, Euro, Pound Sterling, and others. For example, the exchange rate for the US Dollar is set at 61.00 for imports and 60.00 for exports. The notification includes a comprehensive list of currencies with their respective rates for both import and export transactions.

4. Release of additional installment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners due from 01.07.2014

Summary: The Union Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, approved an additional installment of Dearness Allowance for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief for pensioners, effective from July 1, 2014. This approval increases the rate by seven percent from the existing 100 percent of Basic Pay/Pension to address inflation. The adjustment follows the 6th Central Pay Commission's recommendations. The financial impact on the exchequer for the fiscal year 2014-2015 is estimated at approximately Rs. 7691 crore for Dearness Allowance and Rs. 5127 crore for Dearness Relief over an eight-month period from July 2014 to February 2015.


Notifications

Customs

1. F. No.437/103/2014-Cus IV - dated 4-9-2014 - Cus (NT)

Appointment of Common Adjudicating Authority - M/s Royal Palms (India) Pvt. Ltd., Survey No. 169, Aarey Milk Colony, Near Unit No.26, Goregaon (E), Mumbai-400065

Summary: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Finance's Central Board of Excise & Customs, has appointed a Common Adjudicating Authority for the adjudication of specific Show Cause Notices. These notices, issued by the Commissioners of Customs in Mumbai and Chennai, involve a company and others located in Mumbai. The Commissioner of Customs (Export) at Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House, Maharashtra, is designated to handle these cases. This appointment follows Notification No.15/2002-Customs (N.T.) under the Customs Act, 1962.

2. F. No. 437/105/2014-Cus IV - dated 4-9-2014 - Cus (NT)

Appointment of Common Adjudicating Authority - M/s Junaid Plaster of Paris, No.4, A S Tower, Opp. Adugodi Post Office, B T S Road, Bangalore

Summary: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Finance's Department of Revenue, has appointed a Common Adjudicating Authority for a customs case involving a company located in Bangalore. Pursuant to Notification No.15/2002-Customs (N.T.), the case, initially issued as a Show Cause Notice by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Bangalore, is assigned to the Commissioner of Customs (Seaport-Import) in Chennai for adjudication. This order, dated September 4, 2014, is part of the procedural framework under the Customs Act, 1962, ensuring proper adjudication by the designated authority.

3. F. No. 437/100/2014-Cus IV - dated 4-9-2014 - Cus (NT)

Appointment of Common Adjudicating Authority - M/s Sony India Pvt. Ltd., A-31, Mohan Co-operative Ind. Estate, Mathura Road, New Delhi.

Summary: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Finance's Department of Revenue, has appointed the Commissioner of Customs (I&G) at New Custom House, near IGI Airport, New Delhi, as the Common Adjudicating Authority for a Show Cause Notice issued to a company located in New Delhi. This assignment is in accordance with Notification No.15/2002-Customs (N.T.) and pertains to a notice issued by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Delhi Zonal Unit. The order is dated 4th September 2014 and involves adjudication under the Customs Act, 1962.

4. 75/2014 - dated 4-9-2014 - Cus (NT)

Rate of exchange of conversion of each of the foreign currency with effect from 5th September, 2014.

Summary: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Finance, issued Notification No. 75/2014-Customs (N.T.) on 4th September 2014, setting the exchange rates for foreign currencies against the Indian Rupee effective from 5th September 2014. This notification supersedes the previous Notification No. 72/2014-Customs (N.T.) dated 21st August 2014. The exchange rates apply to both imported and exported goods, with specific rates listed for various currencies such as the US Dollar, Euro, and Japanese Yen. The notification details the conversion rates for each currency for both import and export purposes.

SEZ

5. S.O. 2180 (E) - dated 26-8-2014 - SEZ

To set up a sector specific Special Economic Zone for Biotechnology at village Mann, Taluka Mulshi- Hinjewadi, District Pune in the State of Maharashtra.

Summary: M/s. International Biotech Park Limited proposed a sector-specific Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Biotechnology in Mann, Taluka Mulshi-Hinjewadi, Pune, Maharashtra, under the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005. Initially notified for 12.87 hectares, the company sought to de-notify 2.299 hectares. The Central Government approved this de-notification, reducing the SEZ area to 10.571 hectares. The State Government of Maharashtra and the Development Commissioner of SEEPZ SEZ supported the proposal. The notification specifies the resultant area for each survey number within the SEZ, as authorized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

6. S.O. 2179 (E) - dated 26-8-2014 - SEZ

To set up a sector specific Special Economic Zone for Information Technology at Focal Point Industrial area, Phase VIII-Extension, District Mohali, Punjab

Summary: M/s. Quarkcity India Private Limited proposed to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Information Technology in Mohali, Punjab, under the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005. Initially, an area of 13.75 hectares was notified for this SEZ by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 2006. The company has now sought to de-notify 3.63 hectares of this area. The State Government of Punjab and the Development Commissioner of Noida SEZ have approved this proposal. Consequently, the Central Government has de-notified the specified area, reducing the SEZ to 10.12 hectares.


Circulars / Instructions / Orders

FEMA

1. 26 - dated 5-9-2014

Exim Bank's Line of Credit of USD 26.50 million to the Government of the Republic of Honduras

Summary: Exim Bank has established a Line of Credit (LOC) of USD 26.50 million to the Government of Honduras to finance the development of agriculture and irrigation infrastructure in the Jamastran Valley. The agreement, effective from August 13, 2014, stipulates that at least 75% of goods and services must be sourced from India, with the remainder potentially sourced internationally. The LOC allows for the opening of Letters of Credit and disbursements up to 72 months from the agreement's execution date. No agency commission is payable under this LOC, and relevant banks are instructed to inform exporters to seek full details from Exim Bank.

2. 27 - dated 5-9-2014

Exim Bank's Line of Credit of USD 18 million to the Government of the Republic of Mauritius

Summary: Exim Bank of India has signed an agreement with the Government of Mauritius to provide a USD 18 million Line of Credit for acquiring Waterjet Fast Attack Craft. The agreement, effective from July 28, 2014, stipulates that at least 75% of the contract value must be sourced from India, with the remainder potentially sourced internationally. Letters of Credit and Disbursement must be completed within specified timeframes. No agency commission is payable under this LOC, but exporters can use their own resources for commission payments. Authorized banks are instructed to inform exporters and comply with the Foreign Exchange Management Act regulations.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    Income Tax

  • Dividend, commission, and interest income from share trading are taxed as "Income from other sources" per tax rules.

    Case-Laws - HC : Income from dividend, commission and interest from the business of trading in shares – dividend income arrived at by the appellant was chargeable under the head “Income from other sources“ - HC

  • Court Rules Asset Enhancements Not Deemed Dividends u/s 2(22)(e) of Income Tax Act; No Income Additions.

    Case-Laws - HC : Applicability of deemed dividend u/s 2(22)(e) – asset of the Respondent may have enhanced in value by virtue of repairs and renovation in respect of which it cannot be brought within definition of the advance or loan to the Respondent - no additions - HC

  • High Court Upholds Penalty u/s 271(1)(c) for Unexplained Cash Deposits, Assessee Lacks Sufficient Evidence.

    Case-Laws - HC : Levy of penalty u/s 271(1)(c) - unexplained cash deposits - No entry in the cash book appeared - as there was no proper explanation by the assessee showing that the transaction was bona fide, penalty confirmed - HC

  • Court Denies Deductions for Loans to Subsidiaries and Abandoned Projects u/s 37 of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - HC : Deduction on payment of interest for borrowed loan u/s 37 - Claim of expenditure u/s 37 on account of loss incurred by the subsidiary company in abandoning the new project - merely because the money was lent to a sister concern or to a subsidiary company would not enable the assessee to claim deduction- HC

  • Fair Market Value as Full Consideration in Partnership Dissolution: Asset Transfer and Acquisition Cost Explained.

    Case-Laws - AT : When the Fair Market Value of the asset as on date of dissolution of the partnership firm is deemed to be the full value of consideration received or acquired as a result of transfer, the Fair Market Value shall be the cost of acquisition in the hands of the transferee/the partners who received the property/capital asset. - AT

  • Amendment to Section 80P(2)(a)(i) Explores Tax Deductions for Entities Providing Banking Services Without Proper Licenses.

    Case-Laws - AT : Deduction u/s 80P(2)(a)(i) – Effect of amendment - banking or credit facilities to its members - Whether the Assessee is a co-operative bank or not - If licence is not obtained it may be an illegal banking business under the other statute - exemption allowed - AT

  • Customs

  • Irregular Duty Drawback Case: Addendum Doesn't Alter Original Notice, Action Not Barred by Limitation.

    Case-Laws - HC : Recovery of irregular duty drawback - discrepancy in the show cause notice - it cannot be said that the addendum structurally alters the nature of the show cause notice and it is barred by limitation - HC

  • Service Tax

  • Service Providers Can Claim Cenvat Credit for Pre-Registration Inputs or Services Received.

    Case-Laws - AT : Cenvat Credit in respect of inputs/input services received by an output service provider during period prior his obtaining service tax registration is admissible - AT

  • Cable Operator's Subscriber Figures Unchallengeable Under Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 Contract Terms.

    Case-Laws - AT : Cable operator service - dispute about figures of subscriber base - Once the figures are taken from a written contract, which is in pursuance to a statute, namely, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 and the regulations made thereunder, the same is beyond challenge. - AT

  • Service Tax Demands on Advertising Agency Services Dismissed; Claims on Discounts and Rate Differences Rejected.

    Case-Laws - AT : Advertising Agency Services - demand is on account of volume discount received from these media, write back of the amount in respect of payments not claimed by the print/electronic media and the rate difference between the amount actually charged from the advertiser and the amount paid to the media. - demand set aside - AT

  • Pre-June 2007 Repair and Renovation Contracts in Commercial Construction Affected by Section 65 (25b) Service Tax Rules.

    Case-Laws - AT : Repair, alteration, renovation or restoration service - Commercial or Industrial Construction - If the contracts were entered into prior to 01/06/2007, they would be governed by the provisions of Section 65 (25b) relating to ‘commercial or industrial construction service'. - AT

  • Central Excise

  • Tribunal Orders Petitioner to Deposit Rs. 1.14 Crores; Evaluates Net Worth for Financial Assessment.

    Case-Laws - HC : Waiver of pre-deposit - tribunal directed the petitioner to deposit a sum of ₹ 1.14 crores - tribunal must consider the argument of net-worth for ascertaining financial position - HC

  • Assessee's Right to Claim Separate Rebates for Duties on Inputs and Excisable Goods u/r 18 and Rule 19.

    Case-Laws - HC : Rebate / refund under Rule 18 while claiming rebate under Rule 19 on Inputs - If the assessee is entitled to get rebate of duty paid on both the items, there was no necessity for the Central Government to issue two separate notifications requiring assessee to claim rebate separately on the duty paid on excisable goods and on inputs - HC

  • Tribunal Confirms Duty Demand Time-Barred; Extended Limitation Period Not Applicable in Valuation Dispute.

    Case-Laws - HC : Extended period of limitation - jurisdiction - dispute regarding valuation was settled by the larger bench of tribunal - Tribunal rightly turned down the demand of duty prior to the period of one year from the date of issuance of show cause notice dated 9-11-2009, holding the same to have been hit by the law of limitation - HC

  • VAT

  • Property Buyers Inherit Dues: No Protection u/ss 53 or 100 for Bona Fide Purchasers Without Notice.

    Case-Laws - HC : Recovery of dues from the purchaser of property - Obligation of payment of duty on successor of property - buyer cannot claim protection either of Section 53 of the Transfer of Property Act or of Section 100 thereof, on the ground that he is a bonafide purchaser of the property for valid consideration and without notice of the charge. - HC


Case Laws:

  • Income Tax

  • 2014 (9) TMI 173
  • 2014 (9) TMI 172
  • 2014 (9) TMI 171
  • 2014 (9) TMI 170
  • 2014 (9) TMI 169
  • 2014 (9) TMI 168
  • 2014 (9) TMI 167
  • 2014 (9) TMI 166
  • 2014 (9) TMI 165
  • 2014 (9) TMI 164
  • 2014 (9) TMI 163
  • 2014 (9) TMI 162
  • 2014 (9) TMI 161
  • 2014 (9) TMI 160
  • 2014 (9) TMI 159
  • 2014 (9) TMI 158
  • 2014 (9) TMI 157
  • 2014 (9) TMI 156
  • 2014 (9) TMI 155
  • 2014 (9) TMI 154
  • Customs

  • 2014 (9) TMI 191
  • 2014 (9) TMI 186
  • 2014 (9) TMI 185
  • Service Tax

  • 2014 (9) TMI 182
  • 2014 (9) TMI 181
  • 2014 (9) TMI 180
  • 2014 (9) TMI 179
  • 2014 (9) TMI 178
  • Central Excise

  • 2014 (9) TMI 190
  • 2014 (9) TMI 189
  • 2014 (9) TMI 188
  • 2014 (9) TMI 187
  • 2014 (9) TMI 184
  • 2014 (9) TMI 183
  • CST, VAT & Sales Tax

  • 2014 (9) TMI 177
  • 2014 (9) TMI 176
  • 2014 (9) TMI 175
  • 2014 (9) TMI 174
 

Quick Updates:Latest Updates