INCOME TAX OFFICER-19(3)(1), MUMBAI vs. RTSTAR DIAMONDS, MUMBAI

The assessee is aggrieved by the decision of the learned CIT(A) in confirming the addition relating to alleged bogus purchases. The Revenue is aggrieved by the order of the CIT(A) in granting relief in respect of disallowance of expenses and carry forward losses.

None appeared on behalf of the assessee, even though the adjournment was granted on last occasion at the request of the assessee. The learned DR pointed out that the assessee has not appeared before the AO and, hence, he was constrained to pass the order exparte u/s. 144 of the Act to the best of his judgment. Further the assessee also did not appear before the CIT(A) and, hence, the First Appellate Authority has passed the order exparte, without hearing the assessee. Under these set of facts the learned DR submitted that all the issues contested by the assessee as well as the Revenue may be restored to the file of the CIT(A) for adjudicating them afresh after hearing the assessee. The learned DR also submitted that the assessee may be imposed cost for not appearing before the tax authorities as well as before the Tribunal.

In view of the above said submissions made by the learned CIT-DR, we proceed to dispose of these appeals exparte, without hearing the assessee.

Since the learned CIT(A) has passed the order exparte, in the interest of natural justice, we are of the view that the assessee may be provided with one more opportunity to present its case before Ld CIT(A). We note that the assessee did not appear before the AO as well as the CIT(A). No explanation has been furnished for this lethargic behavior of the assessee. Accordingly, we impose a fine of Rs.5,000/- (Rupees Five Thousand Only) upon the assessee in order to make it understand the seriousness of income tax matters. The assessee shall deposit this amount within two months of the receipt of this order to the credit of Income Tax Department as ‘Other Fees’.

Subject to the payment of the above said cost, which shall be verified by the learned CIT(A), the order passed by Ld CIT(A) is set aside and all the issues are restored to his file for adjudicating them afresh after providing adequate opportunity of being heard to the assessee.

In the result, the appeals filed by the assessee as well as the Revenue are treated as allowed for statistical purposes.