No AI summary yet for this case.
Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, MUMBAI BENCH “D” MUMBAI
Before: SHRI AMIT SHUKLA & SHRI OM PRAKASH KANT
IN THE INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH “D” MUMBAI
BEFORE SHRI AMIT SHUKLA (JUDICIAL MEMBER) AND SHRI OM PRAKASH KANT (ACCOUNTANT MEMBER)
M.A. No. 338/MUM/2023 (Arising out of ITA No. 1703/MUM/2022) Assessment Year: 2019-2020 ITO Ward- 41(3)(1), Dipen Kumarpal Parekh, Room No. 753, 7th floor, G- 603, Patel Niwas, Sainath Vs. Block, Kautilya Bhavan, Road, Malad (West), Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai-400604. Bandra (East), Mumbai-400051. PAN No. AADPP 6112 D Appellant Respondent
ITA No. 1703/MUM/2022 Assessment Year: 2019-2020 Dipen Kumarpal Parekh, Assessing Officer National 603, Patel Niwas, Sainath Faceless Centre, New Delhi. Vs. Road, Malad (West), Mumbai-400604. PAN No. AADPP 6112 D Appellant Respondent Assessee by : None Revenue by : Mr. P.D. Chougule, DR Date of Hearing : 11/08/2023 : Date of pronouncement 30/08/2023
Dipen Kumarpal Parekh 2 M.A No. 338/Mum/2023 and ITA No. 1703/M/2022
ORDER PER OM PRAKASH KANT, AM PER OM PRAKASH KANT, AM
By way of this Miscellaneous Application, the Revenue is By way of this Miscellaneous Application, the Revenue is By way of this Miscellaneous Application, the Revenue is seeking recall/rectification of the order of the Tribunal dated seeking recall/rectification of the order of the Tribunal dated seeking recall/rectification of the order of the Tribunal dated 07.09.2022 passed in ITA No. 1703/Mum/2022 for assessment 07.09.2022 passed in ITA No. 1703/Mum/2022 for assessment 07.09.2022 passed in ITA No. 1703/Mum/2022 for assessment year 2019-2020.
Before Before Before us, us, us, the the the Ld. Ld. Ld. Departmental Departmental Departmental Representative Representative Representative (DR) (DR) (DR) submitted that order passed by the Tribunal dated 07.09.2022 was tted that order passed by the Tribunal dated 07.09.2022 was tted that order passed by the Tribunal dated 07.09.2022 was received in the office of the Pr. CIT received in the office of the Pr. CIT-17, Mumbai on 15.12.2022. In 17, Mumbai on 15.12.2022. In view of the communication of the order to the appellant on view of the communication of the order to the appellant on view of the communication of the order to the appellant on 15.12.2022, this Miscellaneous Application filed on 20.04.2023 is this Miscellaneous Application filed on 20.04.2023 is this Miscellaneous Application filed on 20.04.2023 is within the limitation period and therefore, same is admitted for in the limitation period and therefore, same is admitted for in the limitation period and therefore, same is admitted for adjudication.
2.1 Before us, the Ld. DR referred to the para No. 5 of the order Before us, the Ld. DR referred to the para No. 5 of the order Before us, the Ld. DR referred to the para No. 5 of the order of the Tribunal(supra), wherein , wherein the Tribunal followed the decision of followed the decision of Coordinate bench in the case of Kalpesh Synthetic Pvt. Ltd. Synthetic Pvt. Ltd. the Coordinate bench (supra) and deleted the disallowance made u/s 36(1)(via) of the Act and deleted the disallowance made u/s 36(1)(via) of the Act and deleted the disallowance made u/s 36(1)(via) of the Act on account of employees contribution to PF/ESI. It was held by the on account of employees contribution to PF/ESI. It was held by the on account of employees contribution to PF/ESI. It was held by the Tribunal that disallowance of employees contribution to PF/ESI was Tribunal that disallowance of employees contribution to PF/ESI was Tribunal that disallowance of employees contribution to PF/ESI was not maintainable under the provis not maintainable under the provisions of section 143(1) of the Act. ions of section 143(1) of the Act. The Ld. DR referred to the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in The Ld. DR referred to the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in The Ld. DR referred to the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Checkmate Services Pvt. Ltd. v. CIT in 143 Checkmate Services Pvt. Ltd. v. CIT in 143 Checkmate Services Pvt. Ltd. v. CIT in 143
Dipen Kumarpal Parekh 3 M.A No. 338/Mum/2023 and ITA No. 1703/M/2022
taxmann.com 178 (SC taxmann.com 178 (SC) and submitted that decision of the Hon’ble and submitted that decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court act retrospectively Supreme Court act retrospectively and hence the claim of the and hence the claim of the assessee being incorrect claim, t rrect claim, the disallowance u/s 143(1) of the he disallowance u/s 143(1) of the Act is justified. He accordingly submitted that order of the Tribunal Act is justified. He accordingly submitted that order of the Tribunal Act is justified. He accordingly submitted that order of the Tribunal (supra) need to be rectified or recall for deciding in the light of the (supra) need to be rectified or recall for deciding in the light of the (supra) need to be rectified or recall for deciding in the light of the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. ble Supreme Court.
We find that despite notifying none attended on behalf of the We find that despite notifying none attended on behalf of the We find that despite notifying none attended on behalf of the assessee therefore, the Miscellaneous Application was heard ex- assessee therefore, the Miscellaneous Application was heard ex assessee therefore, the Miscellaneous Application was heard ex parte qua the assessee and after hearing the arguments of the Ld. parte qua the assessee and after hearing the arguments of the Ld. parte qua the assessee and after hearing the arguments of the Ld. DR.
We find that non We find that non-consideration of the decision of the Hon’ble the decision of the Hon’ble High Court/Supreme Court constitute a mistake apparent from the High Court/Supreme Court constitute a mistake apparent from the record and it is rectifi record and it is rectifiable section 254(2) of the Act a able section 254(2) of the Act as held by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of ACIT v. Suarashtra Kutch ACIT v. Suarashtra Kutch Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Stock Exchange Ltd. (2008) 305 I Stock Exchange Ltd. (2008) 305 ITR 227 (SC). TR 227 (SC). Further, the Hon’ble Supreme Court held that even Hon’ble Supreme Court held that even non considering of a non considering of a prior or subsequent decision of the jurisdictional Court renders it as a subsequent decision of the jurisdictional Court render subsequent decision of the jurisdictional Court render mistake apparent on record u/s mistake apparent on record u/s 254(2) of the Act and could be 254(2) of the Act and could be corrected by the Tribunal. The releva corrected by the Tribunal. The relevant finding of the Hon’ble nt finding of the Hon’ble Supreme Court (supra) is reproduced as under: Supreme Court (supra) is reproduced as under:
“41. A similar question came up for consideration before the High Court 41. A similar question came up for consideration before the High Court 41. A similar question came up for consideration before the High Court of Gujarat in Suhrid Geigy Suhrid Geigy Limited v. Commissioner of Surtax, Gujarat Limited v. Commissioner of Surtax, Gujarat, (1999) 237 ITR 834 (Guj). It was held by the Division Bench of the High (1999) 237 ITR 834 (Guj). It was held by the Division Bench of the High (1999) 237 ITR 834 (Guj). It was held by the Division Bench of the High Court that if the point is covered by a decision of the Jurisdictional Court that if the point is covered by a decision of the Jurisdictional Court that if the point is covered by a decision of the Jurisdictional Court rendered Court rendered prior or even subsequent to the order of rectifica prior or even subsequent to the order of rectification, it
Dipen Kumarpal Parekh 4 M.A No. 338/Mum/2023 and ITA No. 1703/M/2022
could be said to be "mistake apparent from the record" under could be said to be "mistake apparent from the record" under could be said to be "mistake apparent from the record" under Section 254 (2) of the Act and could be corrected by the Tribunal. (2) of the Act and could be corrected by the Tribunal. 42. In our judgment, it is also well 42. In our judgment, it is also well- settled that a judicial decis settled that a judicial decision acts retrospectively. According to Blackstonian theory, it is not the function of retrospectively. According to Blackstonian theory, it is not the function of retrospectively. According to Blackstonian theory, it is not the function of the Court to pronounce a `new rule' but to maintain and expound the the Court to pronounce a `new rule' but to maintain and expound the the Court to pronounce a `new rule' but to maintain and expound the `old one'. In other words, Judges do not make law, they only discover or `old one'. In other words, Judges do not make law, they only discover or `old one'. In other words, Judges do not make law, they only discover or find the correct law. The law find the correct law. The law has always been the same. If a has always been the same. If a subsequent decision alters the earlier one, it (the later decision) does not subsequent decision alters the earlier one, it (the later decision) does not subsequent decision alters the earlier one, it (the later decision) does not make new law. It only discovers the correct principle of law which has make new law. It only discovers the correct principle of law which has make new law. It only discovers the correct principle of law which has to be applied retrospectively. To put it differently, even where an earlier to be applied retrospectively. To put it differently, even where an earlier to be applied retrospectively. To put it differently, even where an earlier decision of the Court operated for quite some time, the decision decision of the Court operated for quite some time, the decision decision of the Court operated for quite some time, the decision rendered later on would have retrospective effect clarifying the rendered later on would have retrospective effect clarifying the rendered later on would have retrospective effect clarifying the legal position which was earlier not correctly understood. position which was earlier not correctly understood. 43. Salmond in his well 43. Salmond in his well-known work states; "(T)he theory of case la "(T)he theory of case law is that a judge does not make law; he w is that a judge does not make law; he merely declares it; and the overruling of a previous decision is a merely declares it; and the overruling of a previous decision is a merely declares it; and the overruling of a previous decision is a declaration that the supposed rule never was law. Hence any declaration that the supposed rule never was law. Hence any declaration that the supposed rule never was law. Hence any intermediate transactions made on the strength of the supposed intermediate transactions made on the strength of the supposed intermediate transactions made on the strength of the supposed rule are governed by the l rule are governed by the law established in the overruling aw established in the overruling decision. The overruling is retrospective, except as regards decision. The overruling is retrospective, except as regards decision. The overruling is retrospective, except as regards matters that are res judicatae or accounts that have been settled matters that are res judicatae or accounts that have been settled matters that are res judicatae or accounts that have been settled in the meantime". (emphasis supplied) in the meantime". (emphasis supplied) 44. It is no doubt true that after a historic decision in 44. It is no doubt true that after a historic decision in Golak Nath v. Golak Nath v. Union of India, (1967) 2 SCR 762, this Court has accepted the doctrine Union of India, (1967) 2 SCR 762, this Court has accepted the doctrine Union of India, (1967) 2 SCR 762, this Court has accepted the doctrine of `prospective overruling'. It is based on the philosophy: "The past of `prospective overruling'. It is based on the philosophy: "The past of `prospective overruling'. It is based on the philosophy: "The past cannot always be erased by a new judicial declaration". It may, cannot always be erased by a new judicial declaration". It may, cannot always be erased by a new judicial declaration". It may, however, be stated that this is an ex however, be stated that this is an exception to the general rule of the ception to the general rule of the doctrine of precedent. doctrine of precedent.” 4.1 We are of the opinion the Article 141 e of the opinion the Article 141 of the Constitution of of the Constitution of India, 1950 provides that law declared by the Supreme Court shall India, 1950 provides that law declared by the Supreme Court shall India, 1950 provides that law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding in all courts within the territory of the India. The n all courts within the territory of the India. The n all courts within the territory of the India. The decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court Act retrospectively because cision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court Act retrospectively because cision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court Act retrospectively because the decision only discovers decision only discovers the correct principle of law ,which principle of law ,which has to be be be applied applied applied retrospectively retrospectively retrospectively unless unless unless specifically specifically specifically provided provided provided for for for prospective implementation. Accordingly, prospective implementation. Accordingly, non consideration of non consideration of the decision of Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Checkmate decision of Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Checkmate decision of Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Checkmate
Dipen Kumarpal Parekh 5 M.A No. 338/Mum/2023 and ITA No. 1703/M/2022
services p ltd (supra), there is mistake apparent from record, and services p ltd (supra), there is mistake apparent from record, and services p ltd (supra), there is mistake apparent from record, and hence the order of the Tribunal (supra) is recalled for adjudication. the order of the Tribunal (supra) is recalled for adjudication. the order of the Tribunal (supra) is recalled for adjudication. The Miscellaneous Application of the Revenue is accordingly The Miscellaneous Application of the Revenue The Miscellaneous Application of the Revenue allowed.
We have heard the appeal of the assessee also. In view of the We have heard the appeal of the assessee also. In view of the We have heard the appeal of the assessee also. In view of the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court Checkmate Services Pvt. Checkmate Services Pvt. decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court Ltd. v. CIT in 143 taxmann.com 178 (SC) Ltd. v. CIT in 143 taxmann.com 178 (SC), the claim of the the claim of the employees contribution to PF/ESI is now rendered as incorrect employees contribution to PF/ESI is now rendered as incorrect employees contribution to PF/ESI is now rendered as incorrect claim under the provisions of section 143(1)(a)(ii) of the Act and claim under the provisions of section 143(1)(a)(ii) of the Act and claim under the provisions of section 143(1)(a)(ii) of the Act and therefore, same is liable to be disallowed. We find that the Tribunal therefore, same is liable to be disallowed. We find that the Tribunal therefore, same is liable to be disallowed. We find that the Tribunal in the case of M/s Salasar Balaji Ship B in the case of M/s Salasar Balaji Ship Breakers Pvt. Ltd. v. ACIT reakers Pvt. Ltd. v. ACIT (ITA No. 1947/Mum/2021) dated 12.04.2023 for assessment year (ITA No. 1947/Mum/2021) dated 12.04.2023 for assessment year (ITA No. 1947/Mum/2021) dated 12.04.2023 for assessment year 2018-19 has upheld the disallowance observing as under: 19 has upheld the disallowance observing as under: 19 has upheld the disallowance observing as under:
5.2. After considering the submissions made by the assessee as well as 5.2. After considering the submissions made by the assessee as well as 5.2. After considering the submissions made by the assessee as well as the findings given in the impugned orders, the findings given in the impugned orders, we find that there is no we find that there is no dispute that employees’ contribution towards PF and ESI has been dispute that employees’ contribution towards PF and ESI has been dispute that employees’ contribution towards PF and ESI has been made late and beyond the due date made late and beyond the due date prescribed u/s.36(1)(va) of the prescribed u/s.36(1)(va) of the respective acts. The issue whether, employees’ contribution of PF & ESI respective acts. The issue whether, employees’ contribution of PF & ESI respective acts. The issue whether, employees’ contribution of PF & ESI which has not been deposite which has not been deposited before the due date under the relevant d before the due date under the relevant acts and regulations, can it be treated as deemed income u/s. 2(24)(x) acts and regulations, can it be treated as deemed income u/s. 2(24)(x) acts and regulations, can it be treated as deemed income u/s. 2(24)(x) r.w.s. 36(1)(va). There were various sets of judgments in favour of the r.w.s. 36(1)(va). There were various sets of judgments in favour of the r.w.s. 36(1)(va). There were various sets of judgments in favour of the assessee including the judgment of Hon’ble jurisdictional High Court. assessee including the judgment of Hon’ble jurisdictional High Court. assessee including the judgment of Hon’ble jurisdictional High Court. r.w.s. 36(1)(va), wherein it was held that if employee's contribution w.s. 36(1)(va), wherein it was held that if employee's contribution w.s. 36(1)(va), wherein it was held that if employee's contribution towards PF and ESI has been deposited on or before due date of filing towards PF and ESI has been deposited on or before due date of filing towards PF and ESI has been deposited on or before due date of filing of return u/s 139(1), the same has to be allowed. However, the Hon'ble of return u/s 139(1), the same has to be allowed. However, the Hon'ble of return u/s 139(1), the same has to be allowed. However, the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Checkmate Services Supreme Court in the case of Checkmate Services (P) Ltd. Vs. CIT (P) Ltd. Vs. CIT reported in (2022) 448 ITR 518 (SC) held as under: reported in (2022) 448 ITR 518 (SC) held as under:- 52. When Parliament introduced 52. When Parliament introduced Section 43B, what was on the , what was on the statute book, statute book, statute book, was only employer’s contribution (Section was only employer’s contribution ( was only employer’s contribution ( 34(1)(iv) 34(1)(iv)). At that point in time, there was no question of ). At that point in time, there was no question of employee’s contribution being considered as part of the employee’s contribution being considered as part of the employee’s contribution being considered as part of the employer’s earning. On the application of the original principles employer’s earning. On the application of the original principles employer’s earning. On the application of the original principles of law it could have been treated only as of law it could have been treated only as receipts not amounting receipts not amounting
Dipen Kumarpal Parekh 6 M.A No. 338/Mum/2023 and ITA No. 1703/M/2022
to income. When Parliament introduced the amendments in to income. When Parliament introduced the amendments in to income. When Parliament introduced the amendments in 1988-89, 89, inserting inserting Section 36(1)(va) and and simultaneously simultaneously inserting the second proviso of inserting the second proviso of Section 43B, its intention was , its intention was not to treat the disparate nature of the amounts, similarly. As not to treat the disparate nature of the amounts, similarly. As not to treat the disparate nature of the amounts, similarly. As discussed previously, the memorandum introducing the Finance discussed previously, the memorandum introducing the Finance discussed previously, the memorandum introducing the Finance Bill clearly stated that the provisions Bill clearly stated that the provisions – especially second proviso especially second proviso to Section 43B Section 43B - was introduced to ensure timely payments was introduced to ensure timely payments were made by the employer to the concerned fund (EPF, ESI, were made by the employer to the concerned fund (EPF, ESI, were made by the employer to the concerned fund (EPF, ESI, etc.) and avoid the mischief of employers retaining amounts for etc.) and avoid the mischief of employers retaining amounts for etc.) and avoid the mischief of employers retaining amounts for long periods. That Parliament intended to r long periods. That Parliament intended to retain the separate etain the separate character of these two amounts, is evident from the use of character of these two amounts, is evident from the use of character of these two amounts, is evident from the use of different language. different language. Section 2(24)(x) too, deems amount received too, deems amount received from the employees (whether the amount is received from the from the employees (whether the amount is received from the from the employees (whether the amount is received from the employee or by way of deduction authorized by the statute) as loyee or by way of deduction authorized by the statute) as loyee or by way of deduction authorized by the statute) as income income - it is the character of the amount that is important, i.e., it is the character of the amount that is important, i.e., not income earned. Thus, amounts retained by the employer not income earned. Thus, amounts retained by the employer not income earned. Thus, amounts retained by the employer from out of the employee’s income by way of deduction etc. were from out of the employee’s income by way of deduction etc. were from out of the employee’s income by way of deduction etc. were treated as income in the hands of the employer. The significance as income in the hands of the employer. The significance of this provision is that on the one hand it brought into the fold of this provision is that on the one hand it brought into the fold of this provision is that on the one hand it brought into the fold of “income” amounts that were receipts or deductions from of “income” amounts that were receipts or deductions from of “income” amounts that were receipts or deductions from employees income; at the time, payment within the prescribed employees income; at the time, payment within the prescribed employees income; at the time, payment within the prescribed time – by wa by way of contribution of the employees’ share to their y of contribution of the employees’ share to their credit with the relevant fund is to be treated as deduction credit with the relevant fund is to be treated as deduction credit with the relevant fund is to be treated as deduction (Section 36(1)(va) Section 36(1)(va)). The other important feature is that this ). The other important feature is that this distinction between the employer distinction between the employers’ contribution (Section 36(1)(iv) Section 36(1)(iv)) and employees’ contribution required to be deposited by the and employees’ contribution required to be deposited by the and employees’ contribution required to be deposited by the employer ( employer (Section 36(1)(va)) was maintained - and continue and continues to be maintained. On the other hand, be maintained. On the other hand, Section 43B Section 43B covers all deductions that are permissible as expenditures, or out deductions that are permissible as expenditures, or out deductions that are permissible as expenditures, or out-goings forming part of the assessees’ liability. These include liabilities forming part of the assessees’ liability. These include liabilities forming part of the assessees’ liability. These include liabilities such as tax such as tax liability, cess duties etc. or interest liability having liability, cess duties etc. or interest liability having regard to the terms of the contract. Thus, timely payment of regard to the terms of the contract. Thus, timely payment of regard to the terms of the contract. Thus, timely payment of these alone entitle an assessee to the benefit of deduction from these alone entitle an assessee to the benefit of deduction from these alone entitle an assessee to the benefit of deduction from the total income. The essential objective of the total income. The essential objective of Section 43B Section 43B is to ensure that if assessees are following the mercantile method of ensure that if assessees are following the mercantile method of ensure that if assessees are following the mercantile method of accounting, nevertheless, the deduction of such liabilities, based accounting, nevertheless, the deduction of such liabilities, based accounting, nevertheless, the deduction of such liabilities, based only on book entries, would not be given. To pass muster, only on book entries, would not be given. To pass muster, only on book entries, would not be given. To pass muster, actual payments were a necessary pre payments were a necessary pre-condition for allowing the condition for allowing the expenditure. expenditure.
The distinction between an employer’s contribution which is 53. The distinction between an employer’s contribution which is 53. The distinction between an employer’s contribution which is its primary liability under law its primary liability under law – in terms of Section 36(1)(iv) Section 36(1)(iv), and its liability to deposit amounts received by it or deducted by and its liability to deposit amounts received by it or deducted by and its liability to deposit amounts received by it or deducted by it (Section 36(1)(va) Section 36(1)(va)) is, thus crucial. The former forms part of the ) is, thus crucial. The former forms part of the employers’ income, and the later retains its character as an employers’ income, and the later retains its character as an employers’ income, and the later retains its character as an income (albeit deemed), by virtue of Section 2(24)(x) - unless the conditions conditions spelt spelt by by Explanation Explanation to Section to Section 36(1)(va) are 36(1)(va) satisfied i.e., depositing such satisfied i.e., depositing such amount received or deducted from nt received or deducted from the employee on or before the due date. In other words, there is the employee on or before the due date. In other words, there is the employee on or before the due date. In other words, there is a marked distinction between the nature and character of the a marked distinction between the nature and character of the a marked distinction between the nature and character of the two amounts two amounts – the employer’s liability is to be paid out of its the employer’s liability is to be paid out of its
Dipen Kumarpal Parekh 7 M.A No. 338/Mum/2023 and ITA No. 1703/M/2022
income whereas the second is deemed a income whereas the second is deemed an income, by definition, n income, by definition, since it is the deduction from the employees’ income and held in since it is the deduction from the employees’ income and held in since it is the deduction from the employees’ income and held in trust by the employer. This marked distinction has to be borne trust by the employer. This marked distinction has to be borne trust by the employer. This marked distinction has to be borne while while while interpreting interpreting interpreting the the the obligation obligation obligation of of of every every every assessee assessee assessee under Section 43B Section 43B.
In the opinion of this Court, the reasoning in the impugned 54. In the opinion of this Court, the reasoning in the impugned 54. In the opinion of this Court, the reasoning in the impugned judgment that the non judgment that the non-obstante clause would not in any manner obstante clause would not in any manner dilute or override the employer’s obligation to deposit the dilute or override the employer’s obligation to deposit the dilute or override the employer’s obligation to deposit the amounts retained by it or deducted by it from the e amounts retained by it or deducted by it from the e amounts retained by it or deducted by it from the employee’s income, unless the condition that it is deposited on or before the income, unless the condition that it is deposited on or before the income, unless the condition that it is deposited on or before the due date, is correct and justified. The non due date, is correct and justified. The non-obstante clause has to obstante clause has to be understood in the context of the entire provision of be understood in the context of the entire provision of be understood in the context of the entire provision of Section 43B which is to ensure timely payment before the returns are which is to ensure timely payment before the returns are which is to ensure timely payment before the returns are filed, of certain liabilities which are to be borne by the assessee filed, of certain liabilities which are to be borne by the assessee filed, of certain liabilities which are to be borne by the assessee in the form of tax, interest payment and other statutory liability. in the form of tax, interest payment and other statutory liability. in the form of tax, interest payment and other statutory liability. In the case of these liabilities, what constitutes the d In the case of these liabilities, what constitutes the d In the case of these liabilities, what constitutes the due date is defined by the statute. Nevertheless, the assessees are given defined by the statute. Nevertheless, the assessees are given defined by the statute. Nevertheless, the assessees are given some leeway in that as long as deposits are made beyond the some leeway in that as long as deposits are made beyond the some leeway in that as long as deposits are made beyond the due date, but before the date of filing the return, the deduction is due date, but before the date of filing the return, the deduction is due date, but before the date of filing the return, the deduction is allowed. That, however, cannot apply in the case of am allowed. That, however, cannot apply in the case of am allowed. That, however, cannot apply in the case of amounts which are held in trust, as it is in the case of employees’ which are held in trust, as it is in the case of employees’ which are held in trust, as it is in the case of employees’ contributions contributions- which are deducted from their income. They are which are deducted from their income. They are not part of the assessee employer’s income, nor are they heads not part of the assessee employer’s income, nor are they heads not part of the assessee employer’s income, nor are they heads of deduction per se in the form of statutory pay out. They are of deduction per se in the form of statutory pay out. They are of deduction per se in the form of statutory pay out. They are others’ income, monies, only deemed to be income, with the hers’ income, monies, only deemed to be income, with the hers’ income, monies, only deemed to be income, with the object of ensuring that they are paid within the due date object of ensuring that they are paid within the due date object of ensuring that they are paid within the due date specified in the particular law. They have to be deposited in specified in the particular law. They have to be deposited in specified in the particular law. They have to be deposited in terms of such welfare enactments. It is upon deposit, in terms of terms of such welfare enactments. It is upon deposit, in terms of terms of such welfare enactments. It is upon deposit, in terms of those enactme those enactments and on or before the due dates mandated by nts and on or before the due dates mandated by such concerned law, that the amount which is otherwise such concerned law, that the amount which is otherwise such concerned law, that the amount which is otherwise retained, and deemed an income, is treated as a deduction. retained, and deemed an income, is treated as a deduction. retained, and deemed an income, is treated as a deduction. Thus, it is an essential condition for the deduction that such Thus, it is an essential condition for the deduction that such Thus, it is an essential condition for the deduction that such amounts are deposited on or befo amounts are deposited on or before the due date. If re the due date. If such interpretation were to be adopted, the non interpretation were to be adopted, the non-obstante clause obstante clause under Section 43B Section 43B or anything contained in that provision or anything contained in that provision would not absolve the assessee from its liability to deposit th would not absolve the assessee from its liability to deposit th would not absolve the assessee from its liability to deposit the employee’s contribution on or before the due date as a condition employee’s contribution on or before the due date as a condition employee’s contribution on or before the due date as a condition for deduction. for deduction.
In the light of the above reasoning, this court is of the 55. In the light of the above reasoning, this court is of the 55. In the light of the above reasoning, this court is of the opinion that there is no infirmity in the approach of the opinion that there is no infirmity in the approach of the opinion that there is no infirmity in the approach of the impugned judgment. The decisions of the other High Cou impugned judgment. The decisions of the other High Cou impugned judgment. The decisions of the other High Courts, holding to the contrary, do not lay down the correct law. For holding to the contrary, do not lay down the correct law. For holding to the contrary, do not lay down the correct law. For these reasons, this court does not find any reason to interfere these reasons, this court does not find any reason to interfere these reasons, this court does not find any reason to interfere with the impugned judgment. The appeals are accordingly with the impugned judgment. The appeals are accordingly with the impugned judgment. The appeals are accordingly dismissed. dismissed.
The Hon'ble Supreme Court has considered the judgments 6. The Hon'ble Supreme Court has considered the judgments 6. The Hon'ble Supreme Court has considered the judgments of the High Court and analyzed the provisions of the law contained in section Court and analyzed the provisions of the law contained in section Court and analyzed the provisions of the law contained in section 2(24)(x), 36(1)(va) and 43B, and had come to the conclusion that if the 2(24)(x), 36(1)(va) and 43B, and had come to the conclusion that if the 2(24)(x), 36(1)(va) and 43B, and had come to the conclusion that if the
Dipen Kumarpal Parekh 8 M.A No. 338/Mum/2023 and ITA No. 1703/M/2022
deposit has been made after the due date prescribed under respective deposit has been made after the due date prescribed under respective deposit has been made after the due date prescribed under respective Acts, the same is not allowable. It i Acts, the same is not allowable. It is a trite law that once the Hon'ble s a trite law that once the Hon'ble Supreme Court has decided and settled the issue, then it becomes the Supreme Court has decided and settled the issue, then it becomes the Supreme Court has decided and settled the issue, then it becomes the law of the land and it has to be interpreted and understood as if it was law of the land and it has to be interpreted and understood as if it was law of the land and it has to be interpreted and understood as if it was from the date of the enactment of the statute/provisions. Once the from the date of the enactment of the statute/provisions. Once the from the date of the enactment of the statute/provisions. Once the delayed payment of employee's contribution to PF and ESI beyond the ment of employee's contribution to PF and ESI beyond the ment of employee's contribution to PF and ESI beyond the due date of respective Acts, has been interpreted to be deemed income, due date of respective Acts, has been interpreted to be deemed income, due date of respective Acts, has been interpreted to be deemed income, then the same is not allowable claim, therefore no such deduction of then the same is not allowable claim, therefore no such deduction of then the same is not allowable claim, therefore no such deduction of claim can be allowed. In fact, it tantamount to incorrect c claim can be allowed. In fact, it tantamount to incorrect claim made in laim made in the return of income, which can be adjusted or disallowed. The scope of the return of income, which can be adjusted or disallowed. The scope of the return of income, which can be adjusted or disallowed. The scope of adjustments under Section 143(1)(a) reads as under: adjustments under Section 143(1)(a) reads as under:-
(1) Where a return has been made under section 139, or in 143. (1) Where a return has been made under section 139, or in 143. (1) Where a return has been made under section 139, or in response to a notice under sub response to a notice under sub-section (1) of section section (1) of section 142, such return shall be processed in the following manner, namely: return shall be processed in the following manner, namely: return shall be processed in the following manner, namely:—
(a) the total income or loss shall be computed after making the (a) the total income or loss shall be computed after making the (a) the total income or loss shall be computed after making the following adjustments, namely: following adjustments, namely:—
(i) any arithmetical error in the return; (i) any arithmetical error in the return; (ii) an incorrect claim, if such incorrect claim is apparent incorrect claim, if such incorrect claim is apparent incorrect claim, if such incorrect claim is apparent from any information in the return; from any information in the return;
(iii) disallowance of loss claimed, if return of the previous year (iii) disallowance of loss claimed, if return of the previous year (iii) disallowance of loss claimed, if return of the previous year for which set off of loss is claimed was furnished beyond the for which set off of loss is claimed was furnished beyond the for which set off of loss is claimed was furnished beyond the due date specified under sub due date specified under sub-section (1) of section 139; (1) of section 139;
(iv) disallowance of expenditure [or increase in income] indicated (iv) disallowance of expenditure [or increase in income] indicated (iv) disallowance of expenditure [or increase in income] indicated in the audit report but not taken into account in computing the in the audit report but not taken into account in computing the in the audit report but not taken into account in computing the total income in the return; total income in the return;
(v) disallowance of deduction claimed under [section 10AA or (v) disallowance of deduction claimed under [section 10AA or (v) disallowance of deduction claimed under [section 10AA or under any of t under any of the provisions of Chapter VI-A under the heading A under the heading "C.—Deductions in respect of certain incomes", if] the return is Deductions in respect of certain incomes", if] the return is Deductions in respect of certain incomes", if] the return is furnished beyond the due date specified under subsection (1) of furnished beyond the due date specified under subsection (1) of furnished beyond the due date specified under subsection (1) of section 139; or section 139; or
(vi) addition of income appearing in Form 26AS or Form 16A or (vi) addition of income appearing in Form 26AS or Form 16A or (vi) addition of income appearing in Form 26AS or Form 16A or Form 16 which has not been included in computing the total Form 16 which has not been included in computing the total Form 16 which has not been included in computing the total income in the return: income in the return:
Provided that no such adjustments shall be made unless an Provided that no such adjustments shall be made unless an Provided that no such adjustments shall be made unless an intimation is given to the assessee of such adjustments either in intimation is given to the assessee of such adjustments either in intimation is given to the assessee of such adjustments either in writing or in electronic mode: writing or in electronic mode:
Provided further t Provided further that the response received from the assessee, if hat the response received from the assessee, if any, shall be considered before making any adjustment, and in any, shall be considered before making any adjustment, and in any, shall be considered before making any adjustment, and in
Dipen Kumarpal Parekh 9 M.A No. 338/Mum/2023 and ITA No. 1703/M/2022
a case where no response is received within thirty days of the a case where no response is received within thirty days of the a case where no response is received within thirty days of the issue of such intimation, such adjustments shall be made: issue of such intimation, such adjustments shall be made: issue of such intimation, such adjustments shall be made: 7. Ergo, once there is i 7. Ergo, once there is incorrect claim apparent from the return of income, ncorrect claim apparent from the return of income, then the section provides that adjustment has to be made. The Auditor then the section provides that adjustment has to be made. The Auditor then the section provides that adjustment has to be made. The Auditor in the audited accounts only points out the date of payment and the due in the audited accounts only points out the date of payment and the due in the audited accounts only points out the date of payment and the due date prescribed under the respective Act (PF and ESI Act) and i date prescribed under the respective Act (PF and ESI Act) and i date prescribed under the respective Act (PF and ESI Act) and it is incumbent upon the assessee that, while computing the income he has incumbent upon the assessee that, while computing the income he has incumbent upon the assessee that, while computing the income he has to disallow the said payment, if it has been made beyond the due date. to disallow the said payment, if it has been made beyond the due date. to disallow the said payment, if it has been made beyond the due date. Thus, in view of the judgment of Hon’ble Apex Court, such claim cannot Thus, in view of the judgment of Hon’ble Apex Court, such claim cannot Thus, in view of the judgment of Hon’ble Apex Court, such claim cannot be allowed as it is an incorrect claim an be allowed as it is an incorrect claim and therefore, it falls within scope d therefore, it falls within scope of prima facie adjustment u/s.143(1). Accordingly, we confirm the order of prima facie adjustment u/s.143(1). Accordingly, we confirm the order of prima facie adjustment u/s.143(1). Accordingly, we confirm the order of the ld. CIT (A) holding that once the Hon’ble Apex Court has settled of the ld. CIT (A) holding that once the Hon’ble Apex Court has settled of the ld. CIT (A) holding that once the Hon’ble Apex Court has settled the issue, then that is the law which is applicable retrospectively and the issue, then that is the law which is applicable retrospectively and the issue, then that is the law which is applicable retrospectively and therefore, any such claim fore, any such claim of payment on account of employees’ of payment on account of employees’ contribution to PF & ESI beyond the due dates given in the respective contribution to PF & ESI beyond the due dates given in the respective contribution to PF & ESI beyond the due dates given in the respective acts as given in 36(1)(va) is incorrect claim which needs to be acts as given in 36(1)(va) is incorrect claim which needs to be acts as given in 36(1)(va) is incorrect claim which needs to be disallowed / adjusted even within the scope of prima facie disput disallowed / adjusted even within the scope of prima facie disput disallowed / adjusted even within the scope of prima facie dispute u/s.143(1). Therefore, disallowance has rightly been made by CPC, u/s.143(1). Therefore, disallowance has rightly been made by CPC, u/s.143(1). Therefore, disallowance has rightly been made by CPC, Bangalore.” 5.1 Respectfully following the above, the grounds of appeal of the Respectfully following the above, the grounds of appeal of the Respectfully following the above, the grounds of appeal of the assessee for claim of employees contribution assessee for claim of employees contribution to PF/ESI amounting to PF/ESI amounting to Rs.7,86,220/- are dismissed. are dismissed.
In the result, the appeal of the assessee is dismissed. result, the appeal of the assessee is dismissed. result, the appeal of the assessee is dismissed.
Order pronounced in the open Court on nounced in the open Court on 30/08/2023. /08/2023.
Sd/ Sd/- Sd/ Sd/- (AMIT SHUKLA AMIT SHUKLA) (OM PRAKASH KANT) (OM PRAKASH KANT) JUDICIAL MEMBER JUDICIAL MEMBER ACCOUNTANT MEMBER ACCOUNTANT MEMBER Mumbai; Dated: 30/08/2023 Rahul Sharma, Sr. P.S. Copy of the Order forwarded to Copy of the Order forwarded to : 1. The Appellant 2. The Respondent. 3. CIT 4. DR, ITAT, Mumbai 5. Guard file.
Dipen Kumarpal Parekh 10 M.A No. 338/Mum/2023 and ITA No. 1703/M/2022
BY ORDER, BY ORDER, //True Copy// (Assistant Registrar) (Assistant Registrar) ITAT, Mumbai ITAT, Mumbai