M/S. SOHAMASAA SYSTEMS PRIVATE LIMITED,BENGALURU vs. ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF INCOME-TAX, CIRCLE 6(1)(2), BANGALORE

This appeal at the instance of assessee is directed against the order of Nawtional Faceless Appeal Centre (NFAC), Delhi, dated 13.01.2023 passed under section 250 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter called ‘the Act’). The relevant Assessment Year is 2013-14.

At the outset, we notice that the appeal before the CIT(A) has been dismissed for non-prosecution, without adjudicating on merits. The learned AR submitted that notices for filing the written submission were sent online and the assessee by mistake did not take note of the same. Therefore, it was prayed in the interest of justice and equity, the issue raised in appeal may be restored to the files of the CIT(A).

The learned Standing Counsel supported the orders of the AO and CIT(A).

We have heard the rival submissions and perused the material on record. Several notices were issued by CIT(A)’s office through registered email ID for the assessee to submit the details and written submissions. Since there was no response to the notices issued, the CIT(A) dismissed the appeal in limini. We strongly deprecate the assessee for not responding to the notices issued by CIT(A)’s office. However, in the interest of justice and equity, we are of the view that one more opportunity should be provided to the assessee for proper representation of the case. Hence, the matter is restored to the file of the CIT(A) for fresh adjudication. The CIT(A) is directed to issue a fresh notice and take on record the written submissions of the assessee before a decision is rendered in the matter. The assessee is directed to co-operate with the Revenue for furnishing the written submissions and shall not seek unnecessary adjournments in the matter. It is ordered accordingly.

In the result, the appeal filed by the assessee is allowed for statistical purposes.