M/S FIL INDUSTRIES LTD,SRINAGAR vs. THE ADDL. COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, SRINAGAR

The batch of appeals and Cross appeal of the revenue and assessee were filed against the order of the ld. Commissioner of Income Tax

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 2 (Appeals),Jammu, [in brevity the ‘CIT (A)’]for A.Ys. 2001-02 to 2010-11. Order passed u/s 250 (6) of the Income Tax Act 1961, [in brevity the Act].The impugned orders were emanated from the order of the ld. Dy.Commissioner of Income Tax, Circle-1, Jammu,(in brevity the AO) order passed u/s 143(3) of the Act. In the outset we advert that all the appeals are under the same factual backdrop and in the same issue related to jurisdiction of section 80IB& 80HHC of the Act and disallowance of expenses which are adjudicated herein below. With the consent of both the parties the and 417/Asr/2015 are taken as lead case for revenue &assessee respectively.

2. The revenue has taken the following grounds:

“1. Whether the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), Jammu was right in law to allow deduction u/s 80IB of the Income Tax Act, 1961 on Central Excise Duty refund by relying upon the judgement of the Hon’ble High Court of J&K, in the case of M/s Shree Balaji Alloys & others & ignoring the ratio of the law on the issue as laid down in the case of Ponni Sugar & Sawhney Steel and Press Works Ltd.

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4. Whether the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), Jammu was right in law in deleting the addition made on account of bank charges as during the course of assessment proceedings on verification of bank details, it was established that bank charges were mainly for the bank guarantees taken by the assessee for the satisfactory performance of the contract with M/s FHEL.

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 4

6. The appellant craves to amend or add any one or more grounds of appeal.”

3. The assessee has also raised the following grounds:

“1. That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has erred in sustaining the partial disallowance on account of depreciation claimed in respect of Capital Subsidy amounting to Rs. 23, 16, 393/- and such disallowance is entirely misconceived and is incorrect and has arbitrarily been made.

1.1 That while doing so, the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has failed to appreciate the basic fact that capital subsidy received is not equivalent to investment and thus, invocation of provisions of explanation 10 to section 43(1) in unwarranted and not I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 5 proper, as the said subsidy so provided is only to promote setting up of cold storages and is not a reimbursement to meet the cost of asset acquired by the appellant company, as has been wrongly alleged by learned AO and learned CIT (A) and thus, the disallowance so made should have been deleted.

1.2 That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has further erred in sustaining the aforesaid disallowance purely on assumptions, presumptions, surmises and conjectures and without any evidence or material to the contrary, and hence the addition made is unsustainable and liable to be deleted.

2. That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has erred in sustaining the disallowance of a sum of Rs. 11, 26, 386/- on account of other expenses being debited in the Profit & Loss Account and such disallowance is entirely misconceived, incorrect and has arbitrarily been made.

2.1 That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has further erred in sustaining the aforesaid disallowance purely on assumptions, presumptions, surmises and conjectures and without any evidence or material to the contrary, and hence the addition made is unsustainable and liable to be deleted.

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 6

3. That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has erred in setting - aside the issue of disallowance of a sum of Rs.10, 14, 174/- on account of deduction claimed under section 80IB (11 A) of the Act with respect to CA stores unit at Srinagar to the file of learned assessing officer, whereas after going through the evidences and having accepted that the appellant company has fulfilled the requisite conditions as envisaged under the Act, the said issue should have been decided by learned CIT (A) itself and thus, the set -aside to the file of AO is misconceived and incorrect in law.

3.1 That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has further failed to appreciate the fact that similar issue was decided by Hon’ble Tribunal, Amritsar in favor of assessee - appellant, wherein the said issue was set - aside to the file of learned assessing officer to verify and allow the said deduction to the assessee - appellant and as such, the order passed by learned CIT (A) setting - aside the said deduction to the file of AO is in complete violation of the order of Hon’ble Tribunal and as such, the deduction under section 80 IB (11 A) of the Act, should be allowed.

4. That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has erred in law and on fact in sustaining a disallowance of a claim of deduction of a sum of Rs. 91,014/- claimed under section 80IB of the Act for F&B division by the assessee - appellant.

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 7 4.1 That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has further erred in disallowing the said claim of loss purely on assumptions, presumptions, surmises and conjectures and without any evidence or material to the contrary, and hence the disallowance so made is unsustainable and liable to be deleted.

5. That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has erred in law and on facts in sustaining the disallowance on account of expenditure claimed as prior period expenses amounting to Rs. 4, 35, 404/-, which disallowance is entirely misconceived, incorrect and has arbitrarily been made.

6. That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has grossly erred in passing the impugned order against assessee - appellant without providing any fair and proper and meaningful opportunity of being heard, thereby violating the principles of natural justice and thus such an order of assessment is vitiated both on fact and in law.”

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 8 REVENUE ASSESSEE ISSUE AGITATED ISSUE SL NO ITA ASST YR AGITATED

SECTION SECTION 80IB 80HHC EXPENDITURE EXPENDITURE 1 288-ASR-2015 2001-02 YES 2 289-ASR-2015 2002-03 YES 3 290-ASR-2015 2003-04 YES YES 4 291-ASR-2015 2004-05 YES 5 292-ASR-2015 2006-07 YES YES 6 293-ASR-2015 2007-08 YES YES 7 294-ASR-2015 2008-09 YES 8 255-ASR-2015 2008-09 YES 9 470-ASR-2015 2009-10 YES 10 471-ASR-2015 2010-11 YES 11 417-ASR-2015 2010-11 YES YES

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 9 The assessee is a company and is engaged in business of manufacturing and trading of pesticides, juices and construction. The assessee has various business divisions. The brief description of the various divisions of the assessee is as under: i) Crop Protection Division - This division has three units (unit-1, unit-2 and unit-3 ) at Jammu. These three units are in the business of manufacturing of pesticides and other agro-chemical products. All three units are capable of manufacturing any of the pesticide product i.e. the product manufactured are not unit specific. ii) Food and beverage division – This division is manufacturing juices and has its setup at Srinagar iii) Consumer Division – This unit is a 100% export-oriented unit for the manufacture of juice concentrates and is located at Srinagar. iv) Warehousing Division: - This unit has controlled atmosphere stores in Srinagar for the purpose of storing and preserving the fruits in controlled atmospheric conditions temperature.

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 10 v) Engineering Division: - This division is involved in the construction of controlled atmosphere stores for M/s Concor on contract basis. vi) Electronic Division: - This division is involved in trading of electronic hardware items.

In computation of income the assessee has claimed deduction u/s 80IB of theAct for Rs.6,61,35,694/-. Various issues are involved for claim of 80IB. The issue was already adjudicated by the ITAT, Amritsar Bench in 415/Asr/2009 for A.Y. 2005-06 order dated 27.06.2012. The issues are mostly decided by the Coordinate Benches. The revenue has challenged the same order of the ITAT before the Hon’ble High Court of Jammu &Kashmirbut the appeal was withdrawn. The copy of the judgment of Hon’ble High Court is annexed in APB page no.

5. The ld. counsel for the assessee argued and submitted the paper books which are kept in the record. On the other hand, the revenue had submitted a written submission with the orders of the Coordinate Bench before the ITAT which are kept in the record.

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 12

“16. We have heard the rival contentions and perused the facts of the case. We are of the considered view that the issue stands covered by the decision of the Hon'ble Jurisdictional High Court of Jammu & Kashmir, in the case of Shree Balaji Allows v. CIT and Another (2011) 333 ITR 335 (J&K) where it has been held that the Excise Duty Refund is to be treated as ‘capital receipt’ and not liable to be taxed. Respectfully following the said judgment of Hon’ble J & K High Court, refund of excise duty of Rs.4,66,88,681/- is held to be as ‘capital receipt’. This ground of the assessee is allowed accordingly.”

6.1 The ld. CIT DR further invited our attention in the assessment order and the observation of the ld.AO is as follows:

“On a similar issue, the Hon’ble ITAT, Amritsar Bench, Amritsar in its order dated 26th Nov 2009 in the case of Shree Balaji Alloys v ITO in has held Central Excise duty refund to be a revenue receipt and ‘not derived’ from Industrial undertaking. While delivering the said judgement, the Hon’ble ITAT, Amritsar Bench, Amritsar has held that the expression “derived from” has been judicially defined by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Liberty India, having regard to the text and context of the statutory provisions of section 80IB of the text and context of the statutory provisions of section 80IB of the Income tax Act, . The Hon’ble ITAT has further observed that the expression “derived from”cannot embrace incidental income such as Excise Duty Refund and I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 13

Interest subsidy, as the same don’t have first degree nexus with the ‘ operational profit’ derived from the industrial undertaking itself.

5.3.7. In view of the above discussion, the income of Rs.4,91,16,530/- attributable to all the units on account of accrual of Excise duty refund to the assessee cannot be considered for the computation of deduction u/s 80 IB of the I. T. Act, 1961as it is not derived from Industrial undertaking. Therefore, the assessee is not eligible for deduction u/s 80IB(4) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 on profit attributable to Central Excise Duty Refund. Accordingly, deduction is to be recomputed by excluding the above amounts accrued to the assessee on account of excise duty refunds and income is recomputed accordingly. There is no bifurcation for the component of excise duty refund for Unit 1, 2 and 3. The assessee has claimed consolidated excise duty refund on account of Unit 1, 2 and 3.

Similarly, the other receipts which are not. in the nature of income derived from Industrial Undertaking are not eligible for deduction u/s. 80IB of the I.T.Act.

However, since the claim of assessee for deduction u/s 80IB has been already disallowed vide para -5 as above, this amount of Rs. 4,91,16,530/- on account excise duty refund is not considered separately for computation of deduction eligible to the assessee u/s 80IB of I. T. Act, as not derived from the Industrial Undertaking.

I am satisfied that the assessee has furnished inaccurate particulars of income and has claimed wrong deduction u/s 80IB of the I.T. Act, 1961 to the above extent. Penalty proceedings u/s 271(1) (c) of the I.T. Act, 1961 are, therefore, initiated on this issue.”

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“6. One more aspect needs to be mentioned. In Sahney Steel & Press Works Ltd.'s case (supra) this Court found that the assessee was free to use the money in its business entirely as it liked. It was not obliged to spend the money for a particular purpose. In the case of Seaham Harbour Dock Co. (supra) assessee was obliged to spend the money for extension of its docks. This aspect is very important. In the present

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 15 case also, receipt of the subsidy was capital in nature as the assessee was obliged to utilize the subsidy only for repayment of term loans undertaken by the assessee for setting up new units/expansion of existing business.”

That a perusal of the grounds of appeal so raised by Revenue would make it amply clear that all the said grounds are identically worded and thus, it is apparent that the Revenue also believes that the aforesaid issue is common in all the 9 appeals. Thus, for the sake of brevity,ITA No. 293/Asr/2015 is taken as the lead case and it is directed that the orders to be applied mutatis mutandis for all the remaining appeals by Revenue.

That the learned CIT (A) at pages 62 and 63 of his order has given a categoricalfinding that "The jurisdictional high court in the case ofShree Balaji Alloys vs CIT 333 ITR 334 (J&K) has held that excise refund and interest subsidy received by assessee in pursuance to the incentives announced and sanctioned vide Government of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion) Office Memorandum No. I (13) 2000- NER dated 14.06.2002 and Central Ercise Notification No. 56 and 57 dated 14. I l, 2002 and other Notifications issued on the subject, pertaining to the Industrial policy introduced in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, is capital receipt and, thus, not liable to tax under the provisions ofthe Act”.

The Revenue, in the grounds of appeal so raised before Hon'ble ITAT have only stated that the ld CIT (A) has ignored the ratio so laid down by Hon’ble Apex Court in the cases of Ponni Sugar and Sawhney Steel and Press Works Ltd. We respectfully relied on the judgment of Hon'ble jurisdictional high court, as in I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 16 Shree Balaji Alloys vs CIT reported in 333 ITR 335, Hon'ble jurisdictional high court have duly considered and followed the law laid down in the aforesaidApex Court judgments, which has in turn been followed by ld. CIT(A). But in factual matrix the capital subsidy as capital receipt cannot be the part of the calculation of deduction U/s 80IB of the Act.

8.1. In our considered view the appeal of the revenue in Ground No-1 is allowed and Ground No-2 is dismissed.

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 17 I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 18 I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 19 I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 20 I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 21 I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 22 I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 23 I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 24 I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 25 I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 26 I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 27 I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 28

In the result, the Ground no-3 of revenue is dismissed. Claim of 80IB for Two Units.

11. The ld. CIT DR relied on the order of the ld. AO. The issue is well settled in the Coordinate Bench of ITAT, Amritsar inITA No.415/Asr/2009 date of pronouncement 27/06/2012 the relevant

paras 13 to 13.1are inserted as below:

“13. As regards the inquiries made during the assessment proceedings especially with Central Excise

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Authorities with regard to the reply dated 24.12.2007 of the Central Excise Division, Jammu that there is only unit registered with Central Excise Department. The said Department has confirmed that there were expansions carried out. In this regard, we are of the view that inspite of such reply, the fact does not in any manner detract from the claim that independent undertaking was not set up by the assessee, 52 since neither the AO nor the ld. counsel for the Revenue has brought on record that as per Central Excise Act, separate registration is required, if the assessee is manufacturing a different products at the same place, when they have different undertaking. In the case of J & K Synthetic Limited; reported in (1991) 52 E.L.T. 116 (Trib) relied upon by the Ld. AR (supra), it was held that if two units falls within one premises then only one consolidated license for the manufacture of goods has to be obtained as the object behind the grant of consolidated license is that any person manufacturing different excisable goods within one factory area is entitled to obtain one license instead of different licenses for different commodities. The Ld. counsel for the Revenue, Mr. Girish Dave, has referred to the adjudication order of Central Excise, dated 09.03.2004, where as per that order appellant was to refund excise duty under Notification No.56 of I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 30

2002 of Central Excise Act. This notification does not in any manner show that the undertaking set up by the appellant was not independent undertaking. Therefore, this will not lead to any inference that the undertaking set up was not an independent undertaking. As regards the reply of letter dated 27.12.2007, it has specifically been mentioned that there is only one unit in the name of M/s. FIL Industries Limited and assessment is done as one unit only. If there had been three units then separate assessment for each unit needs to be done. 53 Yes, each unit should be separately registered with Commercial Tax Department and yes, separate TIN should be different for each Unit. The above reply was in pursuance to the letter from the A.O. dated 24.12.2007 wherein it was inquired and was asked specific question to explain what would have been the position if the assessee had three different units registered and running from the same place where assessment in all the three units were made as one unit. From the perusal of the questionnaire and the reply, it is evident that if the assessee had three different units registered with Commercial Tax Department, it is only then three separate assessments for each unit were required to be done. However, when one unit is registered, there is no justification of I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 31 three assessments are required to be made. From the perusal of record, we are of the view that nothing has been brought on record by the AO or by the Ld. CIT(A) or by the ld. counsel for the Revenue to show that the assessee was required separate registration for claiming deduction under section 80IB of the Act. 13.1 Section 6-A of the Jammu & Kashmir Sales Tax Act, 1962 provides for provisional registration of the business of any person who intends to establish a business in the State of Jammu & Kashmir for the purpose of manufacturing or producing goods. Under this Act, registration is required 54 of the business and not of the each of the separate undertaking at the same place of the assessee. As regards reply of the Inspectors of Factories and Boilers, the same cannot help the Revenue. As regards the Insecticides Act, 1968 and Insecticides Rules, 1971, under Rule 9(2) if manufacturing activities are carried out at more than one place, only then separate registration is required whereas the assessee is carrying out manufacturing only from the same premises as different units. Now the question arises whether any requirement under different provisions of different Acts can be a pre- condition to allow deduction u/s 80IB of the Act, especially when the assessee had fulfilled all the requirements of section 80IB of the Act. We are I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 32 convinced with the arguments made by the ld. counsel for the assessee, Mr. C.S. Aggarwal, Advocate that section 80IB(3) of the Act read with Explanation (g) to section 80IB(14) of the Act, which specifically provides for fulfilment of condition u/s 11B of Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951. Under section 80IB(3) read with Explanation (g) to section 80IB(14), if read show that deduction can only be claimed if the assessee is a small scale industrial undertaking under section 11B of the Industries (Development and Regulation ) Act, 1951. Thus, under section 80IB(3) of the Act, there is specific pre condition whereas there is no such pre-condition in section 80IB(4) of the Act, if read with section 80IB(2) of 55 the Act. In view of our findings hereinabove, we find that there is no requirement for the assessee to obtain separate registration for each of the three industrial undertakings, having established new industrial undertaking by way of fresh investment of building and plant & machinery and therefore, it cannot be held that undertakings are not eligible to claim deduction u/s 80IB of the Act. We rely upon the decision of Hon’ble Gujarat High Court in the case of CIT Vs. Saurashtra Cement and Chemicals Industries Limited reported in 123 ITR 669 in this regard. Also, we rely upon the decisions of various courts of law

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 33 i.e.i) CIT vs. Paul Brothers 216 ITR 548 (Bombay) ii) G.B. Bros and Konda Rajagopala Chetty vs. ITO 262 ITR 774 (AP) iii) CIT vs. Bhilai Engineering Corporation (P) ltd. 133 ITR 687 (MP) iv) ITO vs. Laxmi Packers (2007) 14 SOT 303 that once deduction has been allowed in the initial assessment year, it cannot be re-examined in the succeeding assessment years. As regards the initiation of proceedings u/s 147 of the Act, it was stated when Unit-2 was set up in assessment year 2000-01, no such proceedings were initiated and the proceedings for the assessment year 2001-01 had attained finality, though it cannot be reopened on period of limitation as argued by the ld. counsel for the assessee under section 149 of the Act. As regards the 56 principles laid down by the various courts of law, the issue is with regard to formation of industrial undertaking has been examined in the initial assessment year and once the claim has been allowed especially under assessment u/s 143(3), the same cannot be denied in the succeeding assessment year without first recording of any adverse finding of the year of formation. There is no citation referred by the Ld. counsel for the Revenue to take a different view on the matter. Accordingly, we uphold the claim of the assessee u/s 80IB of the Act, which is in accordance with law.”

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Claiming Depreciation u/s 32 in Building, Plant and Machinery.

“On the perusal of the details filed for additions to plant and machinery in respect of Kohinoor International Agro Products (C.A. Stores), Srinagar last year as per assessment order of 2006-07, it was found that expenditure on account of material for Mezzanine floors had been included in the grouping plant and machinery. However, since such expenditure is related to buildings, depreciation @ prescribed for building only was allowed.

Depreciation on the above has been claimed @ 25.%. Depreciation would be available on the above @ of 10% Hence, excess depreciation of Rs. 5,29,265/- is disallowed and is added to the total income of the asssessee.

Depreciation disallowable is worked out as follows:

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 35 Gross Block (adjusted from above) = 35,28,437/- Dep @ 12.5% claimed = 8,82,109/- Depreciation allowable = 3,52,843/- Excess Depreciation Added back =Rs. 5,29,265/- Similarly, from the details of additions of Plant & Machinery - Indigenous filed in respect of Kohinoor International Agro Products- Tetra Division, Srinagar, from the order of Assessment year 2006-07 it is seen that expenses on account of erection material and construction materials as follows had been included in the Plant & Machinery and depreciation has been claimed @ prescribed for Plant and Machinery. However, expenses on account of erection and construction material relating to fixed assets qualify for depreciation @ prescribed for buildings, i.e. 10%. Depreciation had been claimed @ 25% treating the above as part of Plant & Machinery. Depreciation is to be allowed 10% . In view of the above, the excess depreciation claim of Rs. 13,62,898/- is disallowed and is added to the total income of the assessee.

Based on the above depreciation allowable is worked out as follows:

Gross Block (adjusted from above) = 90,85,994/- Dep @ 25% claimed = 22,71,498/-

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 36 Depreciation allowable @ 10% = 9,08,600/- Excess Depreciation Added back =Rs. 13,62,898/- Total excess depreciation claimed as above is disallowed on account of C.A. Stores, Srinagar and Kohinoor International Agro Products Tetra Division, Srinagar works out to (Rs. . 5,29,265 /- + Rs. 13,62,898/- i.e. Rs. 18,92,163/-. I am satisfied that the assessee has furnished inaccurate particulars of income on this account. Penalty proceedings u/s 271(1) (c) of the I.T. Act, 1961 are, therefore, initiated on this issue.”

“22 We have heard the rival contentions and perused the facts of the case. This is not under dispute that the construction material in respect of CS Stores was utilized for construction of mezzanine floors which is, in I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 37 fact, is a part of plant and machinery. Similarly, it has not been disputed that the erection material and construction material in Tetra Division was for the addition to the plant and not to the building. The AO has gone with the assumption and the nature of the expenditure since the expenditure is on the construction material and erection material and therefore, it has to be treated as part of building. Once the said expenditure is part of the plant and machinery, which is not under dispute, such expenditure necessarily has to be part of plant and machinery and depreciation as claimed has to be allowed. Therefore, in the facts and circumstances, the order of the learned CIT(A) is reversed and the AO is directed to allow the claim raised by the assessee. Thus, ground no. 9 of the assessee is allowed.

15.2 Following the above order for Assessment Year 2005-06 and, since thedisallowances made are based on the finding made in the order of assessment for A.Y. 2005-06, the same are deleted and thus grounds raised are allowed.”

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 38 15.1. In the result, appeal of the revenue in ground no-5 is dismissed.

Bank Charges on Bank Guarantee

17. The ld. counsel for the assessee vehemently argued and relied on the order of the ld. CIT(A) para 12 pages 71 to 77 is reproduced as under:

“12 ISSUE 5: DISALLOWANCE OF RS. 38,31,384/- ON ACCOUNT OFBANK GUARANTEE CHARGES HELD TO BE NOT RELATED TO THE APPELLANT COMPANY FOR THE YEAR UNDER CONSIDERATION ( ASSESSMENT YEAR 2007-08 )

12.1 During the instant year, the assessee has claimed an expenditure on account of bank guarantee charges of the following sums:-

Sr. No. Amount (Rs.) Period

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2. 6,59,360 5.3.2007 to 15.5.2007

3. 51,08,513 25.4.2006 to 21.1.2010 Appeal No. 26/10 & 157/09-10 in the case of M/S. FIL Industries Ltd. 7. Sheikh Baah, Srinagar for the assessment year 2007-08 and 2008-09 against the order of the AO u/s. 143(3) of the Income tax Act, dated 30/12/2009 and 13/12/2010.

12.2 On the above facts, the AO noted that performance bank guarantee for which, expenditure of Rs. 51,08,513/- has been incurred relates to financial year 2006-07 to financial year 2009-10. He therefore, held that out of amount of Rs. 51,08,513/-, only a sum of Rs. 12,77,128/- is allowed as relatable to the year under consideration and balance amount of Rs. 31,31,384/- is disallowed as not relatable to the year under consideration. The appellant has contended that there is no concept of deferred revenue expenditure and once the expenditure has been incurred, the said expenditure is allowable as deduction. In the judgment of the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the case of CIT vs. Citi Financial Consumer Finance Ltd. 335 ITR 29. The facts were that in the assessment year 2001-02, the assessee company claimed an expenditure of Rs. 3.95 crores on account of advertisement and publicity expenses as revenue expenditure. The Assessing Officer was of the view that expenditure could not be termed

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 40 expenditure relevant exclusively for the period of twelve months under consideration during the assessment year 2001-02. Such expenditure had a bearing on a period of five years and therefore, assessee could not claim the benefit in the year in which, expenditure was incurred. He accordingly, allowed l/5th of the expenditure and the balance was disallowed. Furthermore, the Assessing Officer also noticed that assessee had been financing hire-purchase of vehicles and homes etc. and the periods of such financing not less than one yearupto five years. He noticed that on such transaction during the selling expenses, stamping fees and commission paid to selling agents, could not be treated as expenditure related to the year in which, the transaction took place as the period of financing was more than one year and on this basis, the Assessing Officer took the view that expenditure could not be termed as having chargeable in which, they were incurred. He therefore allowed l/3rd expenditure and balance was disallowed. The Tribunal on appeal, however, allowed the above claim which was further upheld by the Hon’ble High Court by observing as under:

\“10. The aforesaid facts would demonstrate that the ingredients of section 37 of the Act stand satisfied. Therefore, normally the expenditure is to be allowed as businessexpenditure in the year in question in which the same is incurred. In this backdrop, wehave to consider the arguments of the Revenue predicated on the so-called enduring benefit which the expenditure on account of advertisement and publicity confers. This argument is based on the judgment of the apex court in Madras Industrial Investment Corporation Ltd. [1997] 225 ITR 802 (SC). In that case, the Supreme Court had referred to this "matching concept". It was held that ordinarily revenue expenditure incurred wholly or I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 41 exclusively for the purpose of business, can be applied in the year in which it is incurred. However, the facts may justify spreading the expenditure and claiming it over a period of ensuing years, where allowing the entire expenditure in one year could give a very distorted picture of the profits of a particular year. One such instance was issuing debentures at discount. The Supreme Court was of the opinion that though in such cases the assessee had incurred the liability to pay the discount in the year of issue of debentures, the payment is to secure the benefit over a number of years. There was a continuing benefit to the assessee of the company over the entire period and, therefore, the liability was to be spread over the period of debentures.

"The judgments on which reliance is placed by the learned counsel for the Revenue would be of no avail in the instant case. The learned counsel for the Revenue had strongly argued that matching concept is to be applied, as per which part of the expenditure had to be deferred and claimed in the subsequent years and, therefore, approach of the Assessing Officer was correct. However, this argument overlooks that even in Madras Industrial Investment Corporation Ltd. [1997] 225 ITR 802 (SC), on which the reliance was placed by Ms. Bansal, the general principle stated was that ordinarily revenue expenditure incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of business can be allowed in the year in I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 42 which it is incurred. Some exceptional cases can justify spreading the expenditure and claiming it over a period of ensuing years. It is important to note that in that judgment, it was the assessee who wanted spreading the expenditure over a period of time as was justifying such spread. It was a case of issuing debentures at discount; whereas the .assessee had actually incurred the liability to pay the discount in the year of issue of debentures itself. The court found that the assessee could still be allowed to spread the said expenditure over the entire period of five years, at the end of which the debentures were to be redeemed. By raising the money collected under the said debentures, the assessee could utilize the said amount and secure the benefit over a number of years. This is discernible from the following passage in that judgment on which reliance was placed by the learned counsel for the Revenue herself:

‘The Tribunal, however, held that since the entire liability to pay the discount had been incurred in the accounting year in question, the assessee was entitled to deduct the entire amount of Rs. 3,00,000 in that accounting year. This conclusion does not appear to be justified looking to the nature of the liability. It is true that the liability has been incurred in the accounting year. But the liability is a continuing liability which stretches over a period of 12 years. It is, therefore, a liability spread over a period of 12 years. Ordinarily, revenue expenditure which is incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of business must be allowed in its entirety in the year in which it is incurred. It cannot be spread over a number of years even if the assessee has written it off in his books over a period of years. However, the facts may justify an assessee who has I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 43 incurred expenditure in a particular year to spread and claim it over a period of ensuing years. In fact, allowing the entire expenditure in one year might give a very distorted picture of the profits of a particular year. Thus in the case of Hindustan Aluminium Corporation Ltd. v. CIT [1983] 144 ITR 474 (Cal), the Calcutta High Court upheld the claim of the assessee to spread out a lump sum payment to secure technical assistance and training over a number of years and allowed a proportionate deduction in the accounting year in question.

Issuing debentures at a discount is another such instance where, although the assessee has incurred the liability to pay the discount in the year of issue of debentures, the payment is to secure a benefit over a number of years. There is a continuing benefit to the business of the company over the entire period. The liability should, therefore, be spread over the period of the debentures.’ Thus, the first thing which is to be noticed is that though the entire expenditure was incurred in that year, it was the assessee who wanted the spread over. The court was conscious of the principle that normally revenue expenditure is to be allowed in the same year in which it is incurred, but at the instance of the assessee, who wanted spreading over, the court agreed to allow the assessee that benefit when it was found that there was a continuing benefit to the business of the company over the entire period."

12. This court, thus, explained in no uncertain terms that the normal rule accepted by the Supreme Court in the said judgment was that the expenditure is to be allowed in the year in which it was incurred. Only at the instance of the assessee who wanted to spread over, the court had agreed to allow the assessee

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 44 the benefit after finding that there was a continuing benefit to the company over the entire period. The ratio of this judgment was thus summarized in the following manner:

What follows from the above is that normally the ordinary rule is to be applied, namely, revenue expenditure incurred in a particular year is to be allowed in that year. Thus, if the assessee claims that expenditure in that year, the Income- tax Department cannot deny the same. However, in those cases where the assessee himself wants to spread the expenditure over a period of ensuing years, it can be allowed only if the principle of matching concept is satisfied, which up to now has been restricted to the cases of debentures.

12.3 Likewise, recently, the Apex Court in the case of Taparia Tools Ltd. Civil Appeal Nos 6366-6368 of 2003 in a judgment dated 23.3.2015 has held as under: - “18 What follows from the above is that normally the ordinary rule is to be applied, namely, revenue expenditure incurred in a particular year is to be allowed in that year. Thus, if the assessee claims that expenditure in that year, the IT Department cannot deny the same. However, in those cases where the assessee himself wants to spread the expenditure over a period of ensuring years, it can be allowed only if the principle of ‘Matching Concept’ is satisfied, which upto now has been restricted to the cases of debentures.

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 45 19 In the instant case, as noticed above, the assessee did not want spread over of this expenditure over a period of five years as in the return filed by it, it had claimed the entire interest paid upfront as deductible expenditure in the same year. In such a situation, when this course of action was permissible in law to the assessee as it was in consonance with the provisions of the Act which permit the assessee co claim the expenditure in the year in which it was incurred, merely because a different treatment was given in the books of accounts cannot be a factor which would deprive the assessee from claiming the entire expenditure as a deduction. It has been repeatedly by this court that entries in the books of accounts are not determinative or conclusive and the matter is to be examined on the touchstone of provisions contained in the Act [See-Kedamath Jute Manufacturing Co. Ltd. s. Commissioner of Income Tax Central, Calcutta, Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals & Fertlilizers Ltd., Madras vs. Commissioner of Income Tax, Madras, Sutlej Cotton Mills Ltd. vs. Commissioner of Income Tax, Calcutta and United Commercial Bank, Calcutta vs. Commissioner of Income Tax, WB-III, Calcutta] 20 At the most, an inference can be drawn that by showing this expenditure in a spread over manner in the books of accounts, the assessee had initially intended to make such an option. However, it abandoned the same before reaching the crucial stage, in as much as, in the income tax return filed by the assessee, it chose to claim the entire expenditure in the year in which it was spent/paid by invoking he provisions of section 36(l)(iii) of the Act. Once a return in that manner was filed, the AO was bound to carry out the assessment by applying the provisions of that Act and not to go beyond the said return. There is no I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 46 estoppels against the Statute and the Act enables and entities the assessee to claim the entire expenditure in the manner it is claimed.”

12.4 From the above judgment, it is crystal clear that expenditure is to be treated as revenue allowable fully in the year in which, it is incurred and no part of the expenditure can be deferred or claimed in the subsequent years. In view of the above judgment, the claim of expenditure is held to be eligible for deduction and disallowance made of Rs. 38,31,384/- is deleted.

The ground raised is thus allowed.”

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 47 “1.7 It is submitted that perusal of the aforesaid explanation would show that where a portion of the cost of an asset acquired by the assessee has been met directly or indirectly by the Central Government or a State Government or any authority established under any law or by any other person, in the form of a subsidy or grant or reimbursement (by whatever name called), then, so much of the cost as is relatable to such subsidy or grant or reimbursement shall not be included in the actual cost of the asset to the assessee. It is submitted that proviso to section 43(1) of the Act provides that where such subsidy or grant or reimbursement is of such nature that it cannot be directly relatable to the asset acquired, so much of the amount which bears to the total subsidy or reimbursement or grant the same proportion as such asset bears to all the assets in respect of or with reference to which the subsidy or grant or reimbursement is so received, shall not be included in the actual cost of the asset to the assessee. It is thus evident that burden is on the department to establish that capital investment subsidy received by the appellant company is relatable to the cost of the asset acquired by the assessee. In other words, the learned Assessing Officer is obliged to establish that cost of an asset acquired by the assessee has been met directly or indirectly by the NABARD. It is submitted that in arriving at the above conclusion, the learned Assessing Officer has in no manner whatsoever established that cost of an asset acquired by the assessee has been met directly or indirectly by the capital subsidy received by the appellant company. It is submitted that copy of the scheme has placed at page 317 to 322 of Paper Book II for AY 2009-10. It will be seen that the said scheme is for promotion of setting up of cold stores in the country to reduce post harvest losses. It will be further seen that subsidy so provided is only to promote setting up of the cold storages and is not a reimbursement or agreement to meet the cost of the asset acquired

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 48 by the appellant company. This fact would be evident from clause (iv) of the Scheme which provides that assessee would be entitled to 25% of the back ended capital investment subsidy scheme. It will be seen that such subsidy is given irrespective of the actual cost incurred by the appellant company. In other words, subsidy so released has no connection with the actual cost incurred by the appellant company. It is submitted that even as per the sanction letter as available, the assessee has been sanctioned subsidy of Rs. 4.00.00.000/- in the new store and Rs, 10.00.000/- in the old store which is equivalent to Rs, 4.10,00,000/- out of which, Rs, 1.54.42,626/- was released in the instant year. However, total investment by the appellant company as would be evident from the financial statement is Rs. 64.24 crores at the close of the year. It may be added here that the total aggregate investment before depreciation for the cold storage is as under:

Sr. Particulars Amount Subsidy received (pages of Paper Book) No. (pages of Paper i) Old storage 5,75,87,552/- 10,00,000/- (Received in the AY 2009-10) (139) ii) New Storage 58,48,50,242/- (145) 20000000/- (Received in the AY 2009-10) 1,54,42,626/- (Receipt in the instant 1.8 It may be thus, evident that such subsidy cannot be said to be an amount which has been received directly or indirectly to meet the cost of the assets acquired by the appellant company. It is a mere “incentive” received provided

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 49 by the Central Government for promotion of setting up of the cold storage in the country to avoid losses in post harvest season. It is submitted that the Hon’ble Jammu & Kashmir High Court, examining the nature of subsidy after considering the judgment of the Apex Court in the case of Sahney Steel Works Ltd. vs. CIT reported in 228 ITR 255 and CIT vs. Ponni Sugars and Chemicals Ltd. reported in 306 ITR 392 held that such subsidies are capital receipt. It is submitted that the Hon’ble Apex Court in the case of CIT vs. Ponni Sugars and Chemicals Ltd. has held as under:

“16. One more aspect needs to be mentioned. In Sahney Steel & Press Works Ltd.’s case (supra) this Court found that the assessee was free to use the money in its business entirely as it liked. It was not obliged to spend the money for a particular purpose. In the case of Seaham Harbour Dock Co. (supra) assessee was obliged to spend the money for extension of its docks. This aspect is very important. In the present case also, receipt of the subsidy was capital in nature as the assessee was obliged to utilize the subsidy only for repayment of term loans undertaken by the assessee for setting up new units/expansion of existing business.

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 50 1.9 It is submitted that the Hon’ble Apex Court has laid down the purpose test and if the purpose of the subsidy is not to meet the cost of the assets acquired by the assessee company, the purpose is to encourage the setting up of the cold storage by the appellant company. It is submitted that it has already established even by figures that actual cost incurred by the assessee has no connection with the subsidy received. In fact, amount of actual cost is never provided to the sanctioning authority for granting subsidy. It may be added here that all what has been provided to the sanctioning authority is only project cost and not the actual cost incurred by the appellant company. It is thus evident from the sanction letter and application furnished by the appellant company. A copy of the sanctioning letter and application letter placed at page 419 to 432 of of Paper Book. -II for AY 2009-10. In other words, the submission is that disallowance of depreciation of Rs. 23,16,393/- on the basis of invoking explanation 10 to section 43(1) of the Act is highly unjustified and uncalled for. Reliance is also placed on the following judicial pronouncements: i) 65 SOT 58 (Kofi DCIT vs. Rasoi Ltd. I. Section 43(1), read with section 32 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 - Actual cost (Subsidy) - Assessment year 2007-08 - Whether in order to invoke Explanation 10, it is necessary to show that subsidy was directly or indirectly used for acquiring an asset - Held, yes - Whether relatable subsidy to an asset can be reduced from its cost only if it is found that cost of acquiring that asset was directly or indirectly met out of subsidy - Held, yes - Whether likewise in proviso to Explanation 10, it is necessary to show that subsidy has been directly or indirectly used to acquire an asset but it is not possible to exactly quantify

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 51 amount directly or indirectly used for acquiring asset - Held, yes - Assessee company received subsidy from Government of West Bengal as encouragement for setting up of industrial projects - Maximum limit of subsidy was restricted with reference to value of fixed asset but no part of subsidy was intended to subsidize cost of any fixed asset - Whether amount of subsidy could not be deducted from actual cost, as same was not relatable to acquire asset directly or indirectly and, resultantly, allowable depreciation could not be reduced - Held, yes [Paras 7 and 8] [In favour of assessee] ii) 52 taxmann.com 16 (Del) Asst. CIT vs. Richa Industries Ltd. Section 43(1), read with section 32, of the Income-tax Act, 1961 - Actual cost (Subsidy) - Assessment year 2008-09 - Whether Explanation 10 to section 43(1), would suggest that actual receipt of subsidy was a condition precedent forinvoking such provisions - Held, yes - Whether where amount of subsidy had actually been received by assessee in next financial year, actual cost of plant and machinery could not be reduced during year under appeal thereby reducing claim of depreciation - Held, yes - Whether, however, Assessing Officer was to be directed to give effect of subsidy in subsequent year - Held, yes [Para 5][In favour of assessee] iii) 119 TTJ 976 (Visak) Sasisri Extractions Limited vs. Asst, CIT A careful perusal of scheme-in-question showed that it was intended to accelerate industrial development of the State and the incentive was given for I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 52 setting-up of industries in the State and for the purpose of determining the amount of subsidy to be given, cost of eligible investment was taken as the basis, though it was not specifically intended to subsidise the cost of the capital. Under the circumstances, the incentive in the form of subsidy could not be considered as a payment directly or indirectly to meet any portion of the actual cost and, thus, it fell outside the ken of the Explanation 10 to section 43(1). Therefore, for the purpose of computing depreciation allowable to the assessee. the subsidy amount could not be reduced from the cost of the capital asset. IPara 12] iv) 55 taxmann.com 33(Kol) Birla Corporation Ltd. vs. DC1T Section 43(1), read with Explanation 10 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 - Actual cost (Subsidy) - Assessment year 2007-08 - Assessee was engaged in business of production of cement, received sales tax subsidy under a scheme of Government -Whether sales tax incentive was capital in nature as very scheme under which subsidy was received was for incurring expenditure for installation of plant and machinery and for fixed capital investment - Held, yes - Whether further, said subsidy receipt should not be reduced from actual cost of fixed assets for computing depreciation - Held, yes [Paras 7 and 9] [In favour of assessee] v) dated 27.02.2015 Universal Cables Ltd. vs. PC1T In view of the above facts and circumstances of the case and legal position explained by Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of P. J. Chemicals Ltd. (supra), we are of the view that subsidy receipt should not be reduced from the actual

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 53 cost of fixed assets for computing depreciation under the provisions of the Act. Accordingly, this issue of revenue's appeal is dismissed and that of the assessee is allowed.

1.10 It is thus prayed that in nutshell, no disallowance is warranted in respect of the subsidy received of Rs. 1,54,42,626/- of the C.A. Store New. The purpose of the subsidy was only to setting up the project and not to meet the cost of the asset.

1.11 It is thus, prayed that disallowance so sustained by learned CIT (A) may kindly be deleted.”

ITA 417/Asr/2015- Ground-2& 2.1. Disallowance of other expenses: -

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 54

21.1. The ld. CIT-DR argued and relied on order of revenue authority.

21.2. The disallowance was made without finding any specific lacuna. The ld. CIT(A) in his order page-81 & 82 has upheld the addition without mentioning any specific discrepancy. The ld. CIT(A) without verifying the same pass the order only on basis of observation of the ld. AO. The ld. CIT(A) is equally fallacious since the expenses are extremely useful for furtherance and growth of any business, leave aside the assessee's business. No worthwhile argument has been advanced by the ld. CIT-DR as to why he has treated this expense as bogus. The addition amount to Rs. 11,26,386/- is dismissed. The ground of the assessee is allowed. 21.3. In the result the appeal of the asseessee, ground no. 2 to 2.1 are allowed

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 55 ITA 417/Asr/2015- Ground-3&3.1 and Ground 4 &4.1:-

22.1 The ld. Counsel argued that ld. CIT (A) at pages 85 to 91 of his order, in principal agreed to the claim of deductions so claimed by the assessee - appellant, however, gave a finding that since AO has not made disallowance with regards to the same in order of assessment, as such, no relief can be claimed. However, a look at the ld. AO’s order at page 5, would make it amply clear that adverse observations have been made by learned AO, and once learned CIT (A) in principle agreed to allow the said claim, the said observations so recorded by learned AO should have also been expunged. It is prayed accordingly from Hon’ble ITAT to direct learned AO to expunge the said observations. It is further, submitted that the said finding of ld. CIT (A) is also factually incorrect, whereas, the deduction so made by learned AO under section 80 IB of a sum of Rs. 2,11,80,352/-, includes the aforesaid figures of Rs. 10,14,174/- and Rs. 91,014/-.

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 56 22.2. We heard the rival submission & observed the documents. There is factual difference in both the orders of the revenue. The ld. CIT-DR only relied on the orders of the revenue. We remit back the matter to the ld. CIT(A) and adjudicate the issue considering the submission of assessee. 22.3. In the result the appeal of the assessee ground no 3 & 3.1 and 4 & 4.1 are allowed for statistical purpose.

ITA 417/Asr/2015- Ground-5regards to disallowance on account of prior period expenditure: - 23. the ld. Counsel argued that Ground Nos. 5 is with regards to disallowance on account of prior period expenditure of a sum of Rs. 4, 45, 404/-.It is most respectfully submitted that ld. AO at page 10 and 11 of the order held that, the expenditure so claimed pertains to AY 2009-10 and as such, the same cannot be claimed in the instant assessment year following principles of accrual. The same has also been upheld by ld. CIT (A). In this regard, it is most humbly submitted that the said expenditure has never been claimed by assessee - appellant in the past and furthermore, the said liability was crystallized during the impugned assessment year and as such, the same should have been allowed in the instant assessment year. Furthermore, since

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 57 the tax rates for both AY 2009-10 and 2010-11 are similar, as such, there is no loss to Revenue whether it is allowable in AY 2009-10 or 2010-11.

23.1. We heard the rival submission & observed the documents. Since the genuineness of transaction is not in dispute and as such, the prior period expenditure is accepted. The service tax payable amount to Rs. 4,35,404/- for FY 2008-09. The claim is taken in impugned assessment year. The payment is related to actual payment. The ld. CIT-DR has not made any objection in this issue. We find that revenue has wrongly added the prior period expenditure, service tax We dismiss the addition of the assessee.

23.2. In the result the appeal of the assessee ground no 5is allowed.

A.Y. Ground No. Amount (Rs.)

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 58

2003-04 4 36,54,798 13.1 The facts as emerging from record are that assessee company had declared net profit of Rs. 76,68,765/- in respect of meat export division. The profit and loss account of the aforesaid division is placed at pages 85A to 85F of Paper Book. The meat export division is engaged in export of meat. It is not disputed that no activity of purchase and sale of meat for the purpose of export is from any of the Units at Jammu. Even the AO in the remand reports dated 23.8.2011 and 20.2.2015 has not rebutted written submissions of the appellant. As such, there remains no justification to sustain the disallowance u/s 80HHC of the Act. Therefore, the same is deleted and the ground raised is thus allowed.”

24.2. We heard the rival submission and considered the order of revenue. The order of the ld. CIT(A) is explanatory& in remand report also in favour of assessee. We upheld the order of the ld. CIT(A). So, the ground of revenue in this issue is dismissed.

In the result the appeal of the revenue inground no. 5 of is dismissed.

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 59 “Grounds 1. The learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has grossly erred both on facts and in law, in confirming the order of assessment framed under section 143(3) framed by the Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, Range-3, Srinagar.

2. That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has erred in sustaining the partial disallowance of expenditure incurred when he has failed to appreciate that, the aggregate expenditure incurred of Rs. 5, 30, 421/- was on account of Directors Foreign Travelling expenses, which expenditure had been incurred by the assesseein the course of his business and was thus allowable deduction. The findings that the assessee has failed to establish the purpose of visit and that it had not been incurred for the purpose of business is entirely misconceived and is incorrect and has arbitrarily been made. 2.1 That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has failed to appreciate that the disallowance made was pre-meditates as no opportunity whatsoever was granted to the assessee company before making the said disallowance and as such, the disallowance so made should have been deleted.

3. That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has erred in sustaining the disallowance of expenditure incurred when he has failed to appreciate that, the aggregate expenditure incurred of Rs. 3, 32, 740/- was on account of sales promotion and was incurred by the assessee in the course of his business and was thus allowable deduction. The findings that the said expenditure does not pertain to instant assessment year is entirely misconceived and is incorrect and has arbitrarily been made. 3.1 That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has failed to appreciate that the disallowance made was pre-meditates as no opportunity whatsoever was granted to the assessee company before making the said disallowance and as such, the disallowance so made should have been deleted.

4. That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has further erred both in law and on facts in sustaining a disallowance of a sum of Rs. 1, 75, 000/- under section 40(a)(ia) of the Act on account of advertisement expenses.

I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 60 4.1 That the learned Commissioner of Income has further failed to appreciate the basic fact that no disallowance is warranted of the expenditure incurred to the extent of expenditure paid u/s 40(a)(ia) of the Act, and as the entire sum of interest stood “paid” during the year thus, there was no sum remaining to be “payable” at the end of the financial year 2007-08 relevant to instant assessment year 2008-09 and as such, no disallowance is called for and the disallowance sos sustained deserves to be deleted.

5. That the learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has grossly erred in passing the impugned order against assessee - appellant without providing any fair and proper and meaningful opportunity of being heard, thereby violating the principles of natural justice and thus such an order of assessment is vitiated both on fact and in law.”

25.1. In this appeal the assessee has taken 5 grounds of appeal. From Ground no-1 to 3.1 were already adjudicated in favour of assessee. The Ground no. 2 & 2.1 of is mutatis mutandis applicable for ITA 255/Asr/2015. Related ground no 4 to 4.1 the assessee claimed that applicability of section 40(a)(ia) only on payable amount not in paid amount.

We relied on the CBDT Circular No-10/DV/2013 dated 15/12/2013. The statutory provision amply clarified that the ‘payable’ include the amount ‘paid during the previous year’.

25.2. We heard the rival submission & relied on the order of revenue. Theld. CIT(A) is correct view to upheld the addition U/s 40(a)(ia). I.T.A. Nos.288 to 294/Asr/2015 61

The section will be applicable in both paid & payable. We confirmed the addition. Ground No 5 of the appeal is general in nature.

25.3. In the result appeal of the assessee ground no 4 to 4.1 are dismissed.

Order pronounced in the open court on 24.02.2023