RAMESH CHANDER NIJHAWAN,NEW DELHI vs. ACIT CIRCLE-40(1), NEW DELHI
In favour of the assessee: the assessee's appeal was allowed. From the AI summary of this appeal.
What did the Tribunal hold?
The Tribunal held that the assessee is eligible for exemption under Section 54 and 54F. The closure of the account without prior approval of the AO does not disentitle the assessee to the exemption, as the amounts were utilized for purchase of a house within the stipulated period.
What were the facts?
The assessee claimed deductions under Section 54F for capital gains. The Assessing Officer disallowed the deduction because the capital gains account was closed without prior approval. The assessee had invested in specified bonds and purchased a house.
What were the issues?
Whether the assessee is eligible for deduction under Section 54F when the capital gains account was closed without prior approval of the AO. Whether expenses like commission and deed writer fees are allowable.
Which sections of the Income-tax Act were involved?
AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below
Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, DELHI BENCH ‘F’, NEW DELHI
Before: Sh. Saktijit DeyDr. B. R. R. Kumar
Per Dr. B. R. R. Kumar, Accountant Member:
The present appeal has been filed by the assessee against the order of ld. CIT(A)-14, New Delhi dated 30.08.2019.
Following grounds have been raised by the assessee:
“1. That the Honorable CIT(A)-14 has erred in law and on facts in sustaining an addition of Rs.84,55,206.00 on illegal and untenable grounds. Hence, the addition as such may be deleted.
2. That the Honorable CIT(A)-14 has erred in law and on facts in sustaining the assessment made by the ld. ACIT CIR 40(1) who is not the jurisdictional officer in this case. Hence, the assessment order, as such, may be vacated.
3. That the Honorable CIT(A)-14 has erred in law and on facts in sustaining the assessment as the assessment order was passed on 23.12.2017 while final case was heard on 27.12.2017. Hence, the assessment order as such may be vacated.
4. That the Honorable CIT(A)-14 has erred in law and on facts in sustaining the capital gain of Rs.1,39,27,692.00 as against of Rs.54,72,485.00 as declared by the assessee. Hence, the addition as such may be deleted.”
The assessee filed return of income on 28.08.2015 declaring income of Rs.63,35,840/-. The assessee has derived income from house property, capital gains and income from other sources.
The relevant undisputed facts for adjudication are as under:
• Date of sale : 27.03.2015 • Amount of sale : Rs.1,85,00,000/- • Long Term Capital gains : Rs.1,79,28,780/- • Date of opening of CG A/c : 24.08.2015 • Investment u/s 54EC : Rs.40,00,000/- • Investment in house property: Rs.87,25,000/- • Date of investment : 29.06.2016
The AO disallowed the deduction u/s 54F on the grounds that the capital gain account has been closed without the approval of the Assessing Officer and thus failed to satisfy the mandatory requirement of closing the account with due approval of the AO. The ld. CIT(A) concurred with the observation of the ld. CIT(A).
It is not in dispute that an amount of Rs.40,00,000/- has been invested in the specified bonds, in this case REC Bonds and purchased house for Rs.82,50,000/-. Hence, the observation of ld. CIT(A) that the assessee is not eligible for claim of exemption u/s 54 and u/s 54F is against the provisions of the Act. With regard to closer of the account without the NOC of the Assessing Officer, the broad provisions and compliance of the law surpass the mere default in not taking the prior permission of the ITO before closer of the account, especially when the amounts have been utilized for purchase of the house in accordance with the provisions of the Act within two years from the date of sale. Hence, the appeal of the assessee on this ground is allowed.
With regard to the amount of Rs.1,65,000/- being the commission incurred for purchase of residential house and payment made for the deed writer, keeping in view, the normal practices of sale, purchase, documentation and registration, we hereby allow the expenditure incurred of Rs.1,65,000/-.
In the result, the appeal of the assessee is allowed. Order Pronounced in the Open Court on 15/07/2022.
More judgments on Section 54F
- Shalin Jayantbhai Desai, Vadodara vs ACIT, Circle-4(2), Vadodara Present…ITA 2569/AHD/2026[2010-11]Status: Disposed19 Oct 2026AY 2010-11
- Ramakrishna Reddy Makireddy, Hyderabad vs ACIT, Circle-5(1), HyderabadITA 70/HYD/2026[2007-08]Status: Disposed16 Oct 2026AY 2007-08
- Nand Kishore Agarwal, Hyderabad vs Income Tax Officer, Ward-7(3), Hyderabad.ITA 2101/HYD/2025[2015-16]Status: Disposed16 Oct 2026AY 2015-16
- Jaipal Jona, Hyderabad vs DCIT, Central Circle-3(3), HyderabadITA 1889/HYD/2025[2023-24]Status: Disposed16 Oct 2026AY 2023-24
- Renu Arun Talwar, Mumbai vs Circle 17(1), MumbaiITA 204/MUM/2026[2012-13]Status: Disposed16 Oct 2026AY 2012-13
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