AHLAWAR DEVELOPERS & PROMOTORS,PANCHKULLA vs. ITO, WARD-1(1), GURGAON

The solitary grievance of the assessee read as under :- “1. That the order of the Assessing officer as upheld by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) Gurgaon making an addition of Rs.11758750/- under section 68 being the amount of cash received by the appellant during the year under consideration towards the cost of plot from its regular allotees is band in law and is against the judicial decisions in this behalf.”

None appeared on behalf of the assessee inspite of repetitive notices, therefore, we decided to proceed exparte. The DR was heard at length. Case records carefully perused.

The return of income was selected for scrutiny through CASS to verify whether cash in hand shown in return of income is correct, whether deduction claim on account of sales promotion expenses is admissible and whether sundry creditors are genuine.

During the course of the scrutiny assessment proceedings the AO found that the assessee has shown receipt of cash advance amounting to Rs.11758750/-. Assessee was asked to prove the identity and credit worthiness of the persons from whom it has shown alleged receipt of cash. On receiving no plausible reply the AO made the addition of Rs.11758750/-.

Assessee agitated the matter before the CIT(A) and the CIT(A) by an exparte order confirmed the addition.

A perusal of the order of the CIT(A) show that he has issued a notice of hearing to the assessee and it has been mentioned that the notice was served through email and through speed post. The notice sent through speed post received back unserved with the comments “left”.

Though the Counsel of the assessee sent a reply stating that the appellant was not available and sought time for one month. Thereafter once again the appellate proceedings remained unattended.

In the interest of justice we are of the considered view that the assessee should get one more opportunity in its defence. We restore the entire issue to the files of the AO and the assessee is directed to attend the assessment proceedings and reply to the querries raised by the AO and the AO is directed to examine the same and decide the issue afresh after affording a reasonable and sufficient opportunity of being heard to the assessee.

In the result, the appeal is allowed for statistical purpose. 11. Decision announced in the open court in the presence of both the parties on 24.08.2022.