The assessee society's activities were initially considered ...

Society promoting hydrocarbon industry's interests ruled non-commercial.

Case Laws     Income Tax

November 14, 2024

The assessee society's activities were initially considered commercial by the Commissioner of Income Tax (CIT) under the second proviso to Section 2(15) of the Income Tax Act. However, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that the society's primary objective was to secure and promote the business interests of its members, which does not necessarily imply a commercial nature. The ITAT observed that the society was formed as an initiative of the Government of India to bring stakeholders together, ultimately benefiting consumers. Despite including private sector members, the society's role as a facilitator for the hydrocarbon industry does not make its activities commercial. The expenditure statements did not indicate any funds utilized for procuring business for members or promoting their financial interests. The ITAT concluded that the Revisional Authority's order lacked legal basis and was based on conjectures beyond the scope of Section 263, ruling in favor of the assessee.

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