C I T JAIPUR vs. SHRI TIKAM KHANDELWAL

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ITA/35/2012HC RajasthanRJHC02011199201220 September 201722 pages
AI SummaryDismissed

What did the High Court hold?

The High Court held that all the issues were answered in favour of the assessee and against the department. Regarding the addition on account of construction/WIP expenses, the Tribunal's estimation of 1% of total turnover, considering the gross profit and other expenses, was deemed correct and affirmed. The Court found no error in the Tribunal's order in this regard. The judgment also refers to a chart showing gross profit, net profit, and NP rates for various assessment years, indicating that the Tribunal's view was supported by this analysis. The Court concluded that the Tribunal had committed no error in passing its order. Consequently, all the issues were decided in favour of the assessee, and the appeals filed by the revenue were dismissed.

What were the facts?

These appeals by the Commissioner of Income Tax-Central, Jaipur, challenge the judgment and order of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT). The ITAT had partly allowed the department's appeal and partly allowed the assessee's appeal. The appeals involve multiple assessees: Shri Tikam Khandelwal, Shri Shankar Lal Khandelwal, Smt. Guman Khandelwal, and M/s Shree Govind Kripa Buildmart (P) Ltd. The assessment years are not explicitly stated for all appeals but are implied to be from the period of search. The core of the dispute revolves around additions made by the Assessing Officer (AO) concerning unexplained construction and working-in-progress expenses, suppressed sales, unexplained investments, and cash credits, which were subsequently modified or deleted by the ITAT.

What were the issues?

1. Whether the Tribunal was justified in reducing the addition for unexplained construction and working-in-progress expenses from Rs. 22,32,583/- to Rs. 63,770/- (and similar reductions for other assessees) despite upholding the finding that no books of accounts or supporting bills/vouchers were maintained by the assessee at the time of search? - Assessee: Contended that the issue is an appreciation of facts and not a substantial question of law. Relied on decisions regarding Section 68 cash credits and admission of additional evidence. - Revenue: Argued that the Tribunal was not justified in reducing the addition, especially when books of accounts were not maintained and search documents were corroborated by the assessee's statement under Section 132(4). 2. Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 46,74,000/- (and similar amounts for other assessees) made on account of suppressed sales, even when documents found during the search were corroborated by the assessee’s statement under Section 132(4), and whether an impossible burden can be placed on the revenue to establish excess consideration received? - Assessee: Contended that the issue is an appreciation of facts and not a substantial question of law. Relied on decisions regarding Section 68 cash credits and admission of additional evidence. - Revenue: Argued that the Tribunal was not justified in deleting the addition, as the evidence found during the search supported the AO's findings. 3. Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 88,25,000/- (and similar amounts for other assessees) made on account of unexplained investment in various properties, when no evidence in support of the said investment was submitted by the assessee? - Assessee: Contended that the issue is an appreciation of facts and not a substantial question of law. Relied on decisions regarding Section 68 cash credits and admission of additional evidence. - Revenue: Argued that the Tribunal was not justified in deleting the addition, as the assessee failed to provide supporting evidence for the investments. 4. Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 1,49,020/- (and similar amounts for other assessees) being expenditure paid in cash in violation of Section 40A(3) of the Act? - Assessee: Relied on the Supreme Court decision in Attar Singh Gurmukh Singh vs. Income Tax Officer, Ludhiana, arguing that Section 40A(3) is for the benefit of the assessee and should be read with Rule 6DD, allowing for genuine business expediency. - Revenue: Did not explicitly record arguments, but the appeal implies disagreement with the deletion.

Which sections of the Income-tax Act were involved?

Section 132(4),Section 40A(3),Section 68

AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below

HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE FOR RAJASTHAN BENCH AT JAIPUR D.B. Income Tax Appeal No. 35 / 2012 Commissioner of Income Tax-central, New Central Revenue Buiding, Statue Circle, Jaipur Raj ----Appellant Versus Shri Tikam Khandelwal, A-2, Rana Pratap Nagar, Jhotwara, Jaipur ----Respondent Connected With D.B. Income Tax Appeal No. 37 / 2012 Commissioner of Income Tax-central, New Central Revenue Building Statue Circle, Jaipur Raj ----Appellant Versus Shri Shankar Lal Khandelwal, A-2 Rana Pratap Nagar, Jhotwara, Jaipur ----Respondent D.B. Income Tax Appeal No. 40 / 2012 Commissioner of Income Tax-central, New Central Revenue Building, Statue Circle, Jaipur Raj ----Appellant Versus Shri Shankar Lal Khandelwal, A-2, Rana Pratap Nagar, Jhotwara, Jaipur ----Respondent D.B. Income Tax Appeal No. 41 / 2012 Commissioner of Income Tax-central, New Central Revenue Building, Statue Circle, Jaipur Raj ----Appellant Versus Smt. Guman Khandelwal, A-2, Rana Pratap Nagar, Jhotwara, Jaipur ----Respondent

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D.B. Income Tax Appeal No. 43 / 2012 Commissioner of Income Tax-central, New Central Revenue Building, Statue Circle, Jaipur Raj ----Appellant Versus Shri Shankar Lal Khandelwal, A-2, Rana Pratap Nagar, Jhotwara, Jaipur ----Respondent D.B. Income Tax Appeal No. 44 / 2012 Commissioner of Income Tax-central, New Central Revenue Building, Statue Circle, Jaipur Raj ----Appellant Versus Shri Shankar Lal Khandelwal, A-2 Rana Pratap Nagar , Jhotwara, Jaipur ----Respondent D.B. Income Tax Appeal No. 47 / 2012 Commissioner of Income Tax-central, New Central Revenue Building, Statue Circle, Jaipur Raj ----Appellant Versus M/s Shree Govind Kripa Buildmart (P) Ltd., A-2, Rana Pratap Nagar, Jhotwara, Jaipur ----Respondent D.B. Income Tax Appeal No. 50 / 2012 Commissioner of Income Tax-central, New Central Revenue Building , Statue Circle, Jaipur Raj ----Appellant Versus Shri Shankar Lal Khandelwal, A-2 Rana Pratap Nagar, Jhotwara, Jaipur ----Respondent

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D.B. Income Tax Appeal No. 7 / 2016 Pr. Commissioner of Income Tax-central, New Central Revenue Building, Statue Circle, Jaipur Raj ----Appellant Versus Shankar Lal Khandelwal, 171, Sirsi Road, Officers Campus Extension, Jaipur. ----Respondent _____________________________________________________ For Appellant(s) : Mr. Anil Metha with Mr. Sameer Sharma For Respondent(s):Mr. Mahendra Gargieya with Mr. Lokesh Tailor _____________________________________________________ HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE K.S.JHAVERI HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VIJAY KUMAR VYAS Judgment 20/09/2017 Since these appeals arise out of the same order, they are being decided by this common order. By way of these appeals, the appellant has challenged the judgment and order of the Tribunal whereby the Tribunal has partly allowed the appeal of department as well as the appeal of assessee was allowed. This Court while admitting the ITA No.35/2012 on 14.08.2014 has framed following substantial question/s of law:- “(1) Whether the Tribunal was justified in on one hand not interfering with the finding that no books of accounts and supporting bills/vouchers were maintained by the assessee at the time of search and simultaneously, on the other hand reducing the addition made on the ground of unexplained construction and working in progress expenses of

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Rs. 22,32,583/- to merely Rs. 63,770/-? (2) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 46,74,000/- made by the Assessing Officer on account of suppressed sales shown by the assessee, even when the documents found during search were corroborated by the assessee’s statement recorded u/s 132(4) of the Act and whether an impossible burden can be placed on the revenue to establish the excess consideration received by the assessee?” (3) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 88,25,000/- which was made by the Assessing Officer on account of unexplained investment of the assessee in various properties, when no evidence in support of the said investment was submitted by the assessee?” This Court while admitting the ITA No.37/2012 on 14.08.2014 has framed following substantial question/s of law:- i) Whether the Tribunal was justified in on one hand upholding the finding that no books of accounts and supporting bills/vouchers were maintained by the assessee at the time of search and thereby confirming the rejection of books of accounts and simultaneously, on the other hand reducing the addition made on the ground of unexplained construction and working in progress expenses of Rs. 40,00,000/- to merely Rs. 1,00,000/-? iii) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 1,49,020/- being expenditure paid in cash in violation of the provisions of Section 40A(3) of the Act, on the ground that since this Section is not required? (v) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 87,25,000/- made by the Assessing Officer on account of suppressed sales shown by the assessee, even when the documents found during search were corroborated by the assessee’s statement recorded u/s 132(4) of the Act and whether an impossible burden can be placed on the revenue to establish the excess consideration received by the assessee? vi) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 56,52,427/- made by the Assessing

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Officer u/s 68 of the Act on account of unexplained cash credit, despite assessee failing to furnish any documentary proof in support of the said cash credits and whether that tantamount to not affording adequate opportunity to the assessee? This Court while admitting the ITA No.40/2012 on 14.08.2014 has framed following substantial question/s of law:- “(1) Whether the Tribunal was justified in on one hand upholding the finding that no books of accounts and supporting bills/vouchers were maintained by the assessee at the time of search and thereby confirming the rejection of books of accounts and simultaneously, on the other hand reducing the addition made on the ground of unexplained construction and working in progress expenses of Rs. 13,00,000/- to merely Rs. 50,000/-? (2) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 75,000/- being expenditure paid in cash in violation of the provision of Section 40A(3) of the Act, on the ground that since other addition has been made disallowance under this Section is not required? (3) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 77,14,000/- made by the Assessing Officer on account of suppressed sales shown by the assessee, even when the documents found during search were corroborated by the assessee’s statement recorded u/s 132(4) of the Act and whether an impossible burden can be placed on the revenue to establish the excess consideration received by the assessee? (4) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 31,93,100/- made by the Assessing Officer u/s 68 of the Act on account of unexplained cash credit, despite assessee failing to furnish any documentary proof in support of the said cash credits and whether that tantamount to not affording adequate opportunity to the assessee? This Court while admitting the ITA No.41/2012 on

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14.08.2014 has framed following substantial question/s of law:- (1) Whether the Tribunal was justified in on one hand upholding the finding that no books of accounts and supporting bills/vouchers were maintained by the assessee at the time of search and thereby confirming the rejection of books of accounts and simultaneously, on the other hand deleting the entire addition made on the ground of unexplained construction and working in progress expenses of Rs. 75,78,260/-? (2) Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case, the Tribunal was justified in deleting the entire addition of Rs. 75,78,260/- despite holding that the assessee’s cost of construction varies and the expenses are not verifiable? This Court while admitting the ITA No.43/2012 on 14.08.2014 has framed following substantial question/s of law:- “(1) Whether the Tribunal was justified in on one hand upholding the finding that no books of accounts and supporting bills/vouchers were maintained by the assessee at the time of search and thereby confirming at the rejection of books of accounts and simultaneously, on the other hand reducing the addition made on the ground of unexplained construction and working in progress expenses of Rs. 1,50,00,000/- to merely Rs. 2,50,000/-? (2) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 19,22,600/- being expenditure paid in cash in violation of the provisions of Section 40A(3) of the Act, on the ground that since other addition has been made disallowance under this Section is not required? (3) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 1,38,70,000/- made by the Assessing Officer on account of suppressed sales shown by the assessee, even when the documents found during search were corroborated by the assessee’s statement recorded u/s 132(4) of the Act and whether an impossible burden can be placed on

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the revenue to establish the excess consideration received by the assessee? (4) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 3,87,00,404/- made by the Assessing Officer u/s 68 of the Act on account of unexplained cash credit, despite assessee failing to furnish any documentary proof in support of the said cash credits and whether that tantamount to not affording adequate opportunity to the assessee? (5) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 73,61,00,000/- made by the Assessing Officer and confirmed by the CIT(A) on account of unexplained cash credit, in spite of holding that the transaction was benami transaction of the assessee? (6) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition made on account of unexplained cash found during search of Rs. 10,00,000/- when the same was accepted and offered by the assessee for taxation and no retraction was filed by the assessee, by simply relying upon cash book prepared by the assessee after the search proceedings? (7) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 2,10,00,000/- which was made by the Assessing Officer and confirmed by the CIT(A) on account of unexplained investment of the assessee in the Global City Project, when no evidence in support of the said investment was submitted by the assessee? (8) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 83,91,000/- which was made by the Assessing Officer on account of unexplained cash deposit of the assessee in bank accounts in the name of various persons, even after confirming the finding that assessee was maintaining the said Benami Bank accounts?” This Court while admitting the ITA No.44/2012 on 14.08.2014 has framed following substantial question/s of law:- “(1) Whether the Tribunal was justified in on one hand upholding the finding that no books of accounts and supporting bills/vouchers were maintained by the assessee at the time of search and thereby confirming at the of search and thereby confirming the rejection of books of

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accounts and simultaneously, on the other hand reducing the addition made on the ground of unexplained construction and working in progress expenses of Rs. 1,00,00,000/- to merely Rs. 3,96,300/-? (2) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 19,71,053/- being expenditure paid in cash in violation of the provisions of Section 40A(3) of the Act, on the ground that since other addition has been made disallowance under this Section is not required? (3) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs.3,00,000/- made by the Assessing Officer on account of suppressed sales shown by the assessee, even when the documents found during search were corroborated by the assessee’s statement recorded u/s 132(4) of the Act and whether an impossible burden can be placed on the revenue to establish the excess consideration received by the assessee? (4) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 3,22,64,594/- made by the Assessing Officer u/s 68 of the Act on account of unexplained cash credit, despite assessee failing to furnish any documentary proof in support of the said cash credits and whether that tantamount to not affording adequate opportunity to the assessee? (5) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 2,49,31,125/- which was made by the Assessing Officer and confirmed by the CIT(A) on account of unexplained investment of the assessee in various properties, when no evidence in support of the said investment was submitted by the assessee? (6)Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 28,79,500/- which was made by the Assessing Officer on account of unexplained cash deposit of the assessee in bank accounts in the name of various persons, even after confirming the finding that assessee was maintaining the said Benami Bank accounts?” This Court while admitting the ITA No.47/2012 on 05.04.2012 has framed following substantial question/s of law:-

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“(i) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 3,42,60,562/- being expenditure paid in cash in violation of the provisions of Section 40A(3) of the Act? (ii) Whether the Tribunal was justified in giving benefit of Rule 6DD(g) to the assessee, ignoring that the conditions provided in the Rule were not existing and part payment was made by cheque to such persons? (iii) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 79,52,500/- made by the Assessing Officer u/s 68 of the Act on account of unexplained cash credit, despite assessee failing to furnish any documentary proof in support of the said cash credits and whether that tantamount to not affording adequate opportunity to the assessee?” This Court while admitting the ITA No.50/2012 on 14.08.2014 has framed following substantial question/s of law:- “(1) Whether the Tribunal was justified in on one hand upholding the finding that no books of accounts and supporting bills/vouchers were maintained by the assessee at the time of search and thereby confirming at the of search and thereby confirming the rejection of books of accounts and simultaneously, on the other hand reducing the addition made on the ground of unexplained construction and working in progress expenses of Rs. 50,00,000/- to merely Rs.1,48,360/-? (2) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 18,02,064/- being expenditure paid in cash in violation of the provision of Section 40A(3) of the Act, on the ground that since other addition has been made disallowance under this Section is not required? (3) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 59,50,000/- made by the Assessing Officer on account of suppressed sales shown by the assessee,even when the documents found during search were corroborated by the assessee’s statement recorded u/s 132(4) of the Act and whether an impossible burden can be

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placed on the revenue to establish the excess consideration received by the assessee? (4) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 69,17,000/- made by the Assessing Officer u/s 68 of the Act on account of unexplained cash credit, despite assessee failing to furnish any documentary proof in support of the said cash credits and whether that tantamount to not affording adequate opportunity to the assessee? (5) Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition of Rs. 33,00,000/- which was made by the Assessing Officer and confirmed by the CIT(A) on account of unexplained investment of the assessee in various properties, when no evidence in support of the said investment was submitted by the assessee?” This Court while admitting the ITA No.7/2016 on 08.08.2016 has framed following substantial question/s of law:- “(i) Whether the Tribunal has erred in directing the revenue to apply net profit @ 10% subject to interest and depreciation whereas for the same assessee for earlier assessment years net profit @ 12% was upheld by the ITAT and there has been no change in business of the assessee in current assessment year. (ii) Whether Tribunal has erred in recording the finding that the assessee entitled for claiming interest paid on borrowed capital as business expense without any evidence or material on reocrd of having utilized the said amount towards business.” For the convenience a chart has been prepared by the counsel for the parties which reads as under:- ………………………..chart………………………………………

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S. N. Question of law DBITA No. 37/2012(AY0 5-06) A/o 228 & 154/JP/11 DBITA No. 40/2012 (AY 04-05) A/o 153 & 227/JP/11 DBITA No. 50/2012 (AY 06-07) A/o 155 &229/JP/11 DBITA No. 44/2012 (AY 07 -08) A/o 391 & 431/JP/11 DBITA43/201 2(AY08-09) A/o 392 &487/JP/11 1. Whether the Tribunal was justified one hand upholding the finding that no books of accounts and supporting bills/vouchers were maintained by the assessee at the time of search and thereby confirmed the rejection of books of accounts and simultaneously, on the other hand reducing the addition made on the ground of unexplained construction and work in progress expenses. AO CIT ITAT Q No. Addition Pg 6-7 (PB 22-23) Pg 19 Pr. 3.4 (PB48) Pg 2 Pr. 2.6 (PB 83) 1 Rs.40,00,000/ - Pg 6 pr 8 (PB24-25) Pg 5-6, Pr.3.3, (PB 65-66) 1 13,00,000/- Pg 4 Pr (PB 23) Pg 6-9 Pr. 3.3 (PB38) A/R (PB71) 1 50,00,000/- Pg6-7 Last (PB 26-27) Pg 12-13 Pr. 3.3.3. (PB 53- 54) Pg 12-14 Pr. 3.79PB 123- 125) 1 1,00,00,000/- Pg 8 Pr 12 (PB 31-32) Pg 22 Pr 12 (PB 57) Pg 71 Pr 6.8 (PB 178-179) 1 1,50,00,000/- 2. Whether the Tribunal justified in deleting the addition of being expenditure paid in cash in violation of the provision of S.40A(3) of the Act. On the ground that since other addition has been made disallowance under this section is not required. AO CIT ITAT Q No. Addition Pg 3-6 (PB 19-22) Pg 13 Pr. 2.4 (PB42) Pg 13 Pr. 4.4 (PB 94) 2 Rs.1,49,020/- Pg 6 (PB 24) Pg 6, Pr.2.3, (PB 38) Pg 11 Pr 4.2, (PB 74) 2 75,000/- Pg 7-8 (PB 26) Pg 2 Pr. 2.4 (PB 34) Pg 3-4 pr 3.3 (PB72) 2 18,02,064/- Pg 3-6 Pr (PB 26) Pg 6 Pr 2.5- 2.6 (PB 46- 47) Pg 5 Pr 2.5 (PB116) 2 19,71,053/- Pg 6-8 Pr 11(PB 29-31) Pg 19 Pr 4.3 (PB 56) Pg 60-61 Pr. 5.9 (PB 167) 2 19,22,600/- 3. Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition made by the Assessing Officer on account of suprressed sales shown by the assessee even when the documents found during search were corroborated by assessee’s statement recorded u/s 132(4) OF THE Act and whether an imposibe burden can be placed on the revenue to established the excess consideration

received

the assessee? AO CIT ITAT Q No. Addition Pg 11-12 (PB 27-28) Pg 28-32 Pr. 6.3 (PB 90- 93) A/R (PB 85) 3 Rs.87,25,000/ - Pg 12 (PB 30) Pg 12 Pr. 5.4 (PB 48) Pg 11 Pr.3.8, (PB 73) 3 77,14,000/- Pg 11-12 Pr (PB 30) Pg 18-20 Pr. 8.3 (PB 50- 52) Pg 25-28 Pr 7.8 – 7. 12 A/R (PB89) 3 59,50,000/- Pg 11-12 (PB 31-32) Pg 26 Pr. 7 (PB 142) Pg 12-14 Pr. 3.79PB 123- 125) 3 3,00,000/- Pg 3-4 Pr 8(PB 26-27) Pg 5-6 Pr 2.3 (PB 42-43) Pg 26-60 Pr. 2.16 (PB 133-137) 3 1,38,70,000/- 4. Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition made by the Assessing Officer u/s 68 of the Act on account of unexplained cash credit, despite assessee failing to furnish any documentary proof in support of the AO CIT ITAT Q No. Addition Pg 9,10 (PB 25-26) Pg 45 to 50 Pr. 7.10 7.18 (PB 74-79) Pg 13,14 Pr. Pg 12 last (PB 30) Pg 13, Pr. 7, (PB 49) Pg 17 Pr. 6. 7 Pg 10-11 Pr (PB 29) Pg 27-33 Pr. 9.4 (PB 59- 65) Pg 29 Pr 8. 5 Pg 19 Last (PB 29-40) Pg 68 Pr. 9.5 (PB 109) Pg 72 Pr. 9.2 Pg 10 Pg 14 (PB 33-34) Pg 52-58 Pr. 7.4 onwards (PB 89-95)

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said cash and whether that tantamount to not affording adequate opportunity to the assessee? 5.2-5.6 (PB 94-95) 4 Rs.56,52,427/ - (PB 80-81) 4 3193100/- (PB97) A/R (PB71) 4 69,17,000/- (PB 183) 4 3,22,64,594/- Pg 111 Pr 8.10 (PB 218) 3,87,00,404/- 5. Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition made by the Assessing Officer and confirmed by the CIT(A) on account of unexplained investment of the assessee in various properties, when no evidence in support of the said investment was submitted by the assessee? AO CIT ITAT Q No. Addition Pg11-19(PB 31-39) Pg 44 Pr. 9. (PB 85) Pg 65 Pr 7.22 PB 176) 5 2,49,31,125/- 6. Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition which was made by the Assessing Officer and confirmed by the CIT(A) on account of unexplained cash credit of the assessee on various properties, when no evidence in support of the said investment was submitted by the assessee? AO CIT ITAT Q No. Addition Pg 8 Pr 9 (PB 27) Pg 10-11 Pr. 4.3 (PB 42- 43) Pg 8-9 Pr 4. 7 (PB 76- 77) A/R (PB 74) 5 33,00,000/- Pg 11 Pr (PB 34) Pg 52 -58 Pr 7.4 onwards (PB 89-95) Pg 109-111 Pr. 8.9 onwards (PB 216-218) 5 73,61,00,000 /- 7. Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition made by the Assessing Officer on account of unexplained cash deposit of the assessee in banks accounts in the name of various persons, even confirming the finding that assessee was maintaining the said benami bank accounts? AO CIT ITAT Q No. Addition Pg 10-11 (PB 31) Pg 24-26 Pr. 6.5-6.7 (PB 65-67) Pr. 5.7(PB 138) 6 1,00,00,000/- Pg 4-5 Pr 9(PB 27-38) Pg 3-6 Pr 2 (PB 40-43) Pg 39-40 Pr 3.8 (PB 146-147) 8 83,91,000/- 8. Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition made on account of unexplained cash found during search of Rs. 10,00,000/- when the same was accepted and offered by the assessee for taxation and no retraction AO CIT ITAT Q No. Addition Pg 11 Pr 15 (PB 34) Pg 62 Pr 8.4 (PB 99) Pg 120 -121

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was field by the assessee, by simply relying upon cash book prepared by the assessee after the search proceedings? Pr. 9.8 (PB 227) 6 10,00,000/- 9. Whether the Tribunal was justified in deleting the addition made of Rs. 2,10,00,000/- which was made by the assessing officer and confirmed by the CIT(A) on account of unexplained investment of the assessee in Global City Project, when no evidence in support of the said investment was nsubmitted by the assessee? AO CIT ITAT Q No. Addition Pg 112-113 Pr 16 (PB 35- 36) Pg 68 Pr 9.3 (PB 105) Pg 126-127 Pr. 10.8 (PB 233) 7 2,10,00,000/- Counsel for the appellant has taken us to the order of Tribunal wherein it has been observed as under:- “3.3 I have considered the argument of the A.R and have perused the assessment order and relevant record. It is seen that the appellant has mainly contended that Sh. Sunil Jhalani is not the benami of the appellant. It is seen that Sh. Shankar Khandelwal, the brother of the appellant, has admitted Sh. Sunil Jhalani to be his benami. Considering the same situation the A.O. has considered Sh. Sunil Jhalani to be benami of the appellant’s group. However, in such situation, the A.O. was not at all justified to make addition of investment in the hands of appellant during the year, as purchase from benami person will not require any actual investment by appellant during the year. Hence on this logic of A.O., the entire addition needs to be deleted in the year under consideration. 3.3.1 However, considering the argument of the appellant that Sushil Jhalani, Gopal Saini etc has not been admitted to be benami of Tikam Khandelwal and considering that generally one person cannot be considered to be benami for Sh. Shankar Khandelwal as well as appellant Sh. Tikam Khandelwal, it would be appropriate for the A.O. to have examined the source of payment for purchase of the plots and if the source was not explained,

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then addition should have been made. Now this issue has been examined by the undersigned. 3.3.2 Regarding purchase from Sh. Shushil Jhalani, it was mentioned by the A.O. himself that out of Rs. 30 lakhs has been paid through cheque and Rs. 6 lakhs has been paid in cash. The A.R of the appellant has further submitted that Rs. 24 lakhs was paid by taking loan from ICICI Bank for which the copy of letter/chart from ICICI Bank indicating amount financed, terms of repayment and agreement dated etc has been filed before the undersigned. It was submitted that these details could not be have been submitted before the A.O. as no such occasion arose as A.O. has not doubted about the investment in purchase of plot during the assessment proceedings and has not given any show cause for the same. Copy of this document was also made available to A.O. Considering these facts, the addition of Rs. 24 lakhs is deleted and since no clear cut evidence has been filed for source of cash payment of Rs. 6 lakhs, expect the argument of cash flow statement, which is quite sketchy and not supported by confirmation from the persons from whom contended cash was received, the addition to the extent of Rs. 6 lakhs is hereby upheld.” He contended that no reasons are given by the ITAT while deciding the issue on question No.1 observed as under: “5.1 The 4th ground of appeal of the assesee is that the ld. CIT(A) has erred in confirming the disallowance out of taxi expenses to the extent of 20% as against disallowance of 1/3rd of taxi expenses. 5. 2 The revenue in Ground No. 2 is aggrieved against reducing the disallowance of taxi hiring expenses to 20% as against 33.33% made by the AO. 5.3We have heard both the parties. The AO has disallowed 1/3rd of the expenses to the extent of Rs. 2,08,504/-. The returen for the assessment year 208-2009 has been filed after the search operation and this is the only return. The A.O has disallowed depreciation after

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placing reliance on the decision of ITAT Jodhpur in the case of Suncity Alloys (P) Ltd. Vs. ACIT. Central Circle-1 in ITA Nos. 586 to 588/JU/2008. This case is not applicable as it is not a case of making block assessemtn and moreover, this is only assessment based on the original returen. Hence, there was no case of making disallowance of depreciation. The ld. CIT(A) was therefore, justified in deleting the disallowance made by the AO on account of depreciation. The grievance of the assessee is that the ld. CIT(A) has confirmed the disallowance so made by the ld. CIT(A) is confirmed and the depreciation is held to be allowed. Thus ground NO. 2 of the revenue and Ground No. 4 of the assessee both are dismissed. 6.1 The 5th ground of appeal of the assessee is that the ld. CIT(A) has erred in not allowing the claim of Depreciation. 6. 2 During the court of hearing, the ld. AR of the assessee has not pressed this ground. Hence, the same is dismissed being not pressed. 7. 1 The sixth ground of appeal of the assessee is that the ld. CIT(A) has erred in not annulling the assessment order as the AO has not provided proper opportunity of being heard. 7. 2 We have heard both the parties. This issue has been decided us in the case of Shankar Lal Khandelwal in ITA No. 155/JP/2011 dated 12-08- 2011. Following that order, we hld that the ld. CIT(A) was justified in not annulling the assessment order. Thus Ground No. 6 of the assessee is dismissed. 8. 1 The 4th ground of the revenue is that the ld. CIT(A) has erred in not admitting the additional evidence. 8. 2 We have heard both the parties. The ld. CIT(A) has rightly admitted the additional evidence because the assessee was not provide adequate opportunity of being heard. However, in order to decide the issue and to determine the tax payable by the assessee, the ld. CIT(A) was justified in admitting the additional evidences. Hence Ground N O. 4 of the revenue is dismissed. 9. 1 The 5th ground of the revenue is that the ld.

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CIT(A) has erred in directing the AO to give set off for unaccounted/suppressed sale consideration against the availability of unaccounted money. 9.2 We have heard both the parties. Since no such set off is being claimed by the assessee before us and therefore, this issue is academic and does not require to be adjudicated upon.” He contended that no reasons are given by the ITAT while deciding the issue on question No.2 observed as under: “4 The assessee has filed return of income on 20.01.2009 declaring income of Rs.10,96,760/- 5. After obtaining prior approval from the Hon’ble Director General of Income Tax, (Investigation) vide letter No.DGIT/JPR/R-12/CASS/2008-09/2103 dated 02.02.2009 along with questionnaire fixing the case for hearing on 09.02.2009 which was duly served upon him on 09.0-2.2009. 6. Notice u/s 143(2)/142(1) were issue don 04.02.2009 alongwith questionnaire for fixing the case for hearing on 09.02.2009 which was duly served upon the assessee on 09.02.2009. In response to notices issued Shri Pramod Bhatra, FCA & A/R of the assessee alongwith Accountant - Sh. Dharmendra Kumar for the assessee attended from time to time. Various details were filed which are placed on record and case was discussed with them. 7. Disallowance of Taxi Running business : The assessee has shown business of running taxi on hire basis but no details of the business have been filed such as log book, total number of taxis engaged on hire, payment received, vouchers for expenses etc. In absence of these details it is not possible to verify the actual transactions. Perusal of Profit & Loss account filed by the assessee reveals that the assessee has shown income from vehicle hire at Rs.763260/- and has claimed indirect expenses for running of taxi at Rs.625512/-. The assessee was asked to give

(17 of 22) [ITA-35/2012]

details with the documentary evidences in support of the claim but he has given only computersied copies of ledger and has failed to provide any evidence in this regard to support his claim whether he has incurred expenses for running the taxi. Moreover, the statement filed showing the vehicles are not taxi but are private vehicles which have no stay permit. Hence out of above 1/3rd is disallowed which works out to Rs.208504/- and the same is added to the total income of the assessee being unverifiable. 8. On account of depreciation: On perusal of details and ledger account produced by the assessee it is noticed that the assessee has claimed depreciation @30% at Rs.5,62,631/-. The assessee has claimed depreciation in the return filed in response to notice u/s 153A on 2.7.2008. In his original return the assessee neither shown income from hiring of taxi nor claimed depreciation on taxi in his original return filed u/s 139(1). During the course of assessment proceedings the assessee was asked as to why depreciation claimed on taxi be not disallowed as the assessee has claimed depreciation in the original return filed u/s 139(1) of I.T. Act. but has claimed depreciation in the return filed in pursuance to notice u/s 153A of IT Act. The assessee filed reply dated nil stating that - “It would be wrong and bad in law to disallow depreciation solely on the ground that income from taxi running business was declared while filing the return u/s 139 and no depreciation was claimed in the said return of income. For sake of convenience clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 153 is reproduced here in below - Thus depreciation on taxi vehicles has been claimed by the assessee under the provisions of IT Act. As applicable, as if the such return were a return required to be furnished under section 139. Further there is no bar on carry forward of absorbed depreciation for set off in subsequent years.” The same is disallowable in view of judgment of ITAT in the case of Suncity Alloys Pvt. Ltd, Jodhpur vs. ACIT, Central Circle-1, Jodhpur in ITAs No.586 to 588/Ju/2008 for assessment years 2001-

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02, 2002-03 & 2003-04 which reads as follows : “The assessing authority primarily declined to accept such a claim as the assessees has made no such claim in the returns of income filed originally under section 139 of the Act. He was of the view that returns of income filed in response to notice under section 153A of the I.T. Act are as a consequence of action taken under section 132 of the Act on these assessees. These proceedings are analogous to proceedings under section 147 of the Act to the extent that these are proceedings for the benefit of revenue and not that of the assessee. The assessee cannot be permitted to convert these reassessment proceedings as his appeal or revision in disguise and seek relief in respect of items earlier not claimed in the original return of income. Reliance was placed to the judgment rendered b y the Hon’bloe Bombay High Court in K. Sudhakar S, Saubhag Vs. ITO 241 ITR 865 [Mum] which was rendered b y taking notice of the principle laid by the Hon’ble Apex Court in Sun Engineering Works [P] Ltd. [1992] 198 ITR 297 [SC] to the effect that in reassessment proceedings, an assessee can neither claim nor be allowed a deduction that was not claimed in the original return. As such, it was held that the assessment proceedings initiated on the basis of an action under section 132 of the Act also cannot be utilised by the assessee to seek relief not claimed earlier. This all goes to show that the assessment or reassessment made pursuant to notice l;under section 153A of the Act are not denovo assessments. We, therefore, find no merit in the ground raised in appeal to make a new claim of deduction or allowance as such where admittedly the regular assessments are shown as completed assessment on the date of initiation of u/s 132 of the Act. Such a ground in all these appeals stands rejected.” Hence the claim of depreciation is not allowable in view of the judgment of ITAT, Jodhpur bench, Jodhpur delivered in the ab above case. Therefore, Rs.5,62,631/

- is disallowed and added to the total income of the assessee.”

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Learned counsel relied upon decision of the Supreme Court reported in Attar Singh Gurmukh Singh vs. Income Tax Officer Ludhiana, 1991(1) SCC 667 and contended that Section 40A(3) was inducted for the benefit of assessee and while considering the constitutional validity the Supreme Court has observed as under:- “ In our opinion, there is little merit in this contention. Section 40A(3) must not be read in isolation or to the exclusion of rule 6DD. The section must be read along with the rule. If read together, it will be clear that the provisions are not intended to restrict the business activities. There is no restriction on the assessee in his trading activities. Section 40A(3) only empowers the Assessing Officer to disallow the deduction claimed as expenditure in respect of which payment is not made by crossed cheque or crossed bank draft. The payment by crossed cheque or crossed bank daft is insisted on to enable the assessing authority to ascertain whether the payment was genuine or whether it was out of the income from undisclosed sources. The terms of section 40A(3) are not absolute. Considerations of business expediency and other relevant factors are not excluded. Genuine and bona fide transactions are not taken out of the sweep of the section. It is open to the assessee to furnish to the satisfaction of the Assessment Officer the circumstances under which the payment in the manner prescribed in section 40A(3) was not practicable or would have caused genuine difficulty to the payee. It is also open to the assessee to identify the person who has received the cash payment. Rule 6DD provides that an assessee can be exempted from the requirement of payment by a crossed cheque or or crossed bank draft in the circumstances specified under the rule. It will be clear from the provisions of section 40A(3) and rule 6DD that they are intended to regulate

(20 of 22) [ITA-35/2012]

business transactions and to prevent the use of un-accounted money for business transactions. (See Mudiam Oil Company v. ITO [1973] 92 ITR 519 (AP). If the payment is made by a crossed cheque drawn on a bank or a crossed bank draft, then it will be easier to ascertain, when deduction is claimed, whether the payment was genuine and whether it was out of the income from disclosed sources. In interpreting a taxing statute, the court cannot be oblivious of the proliferation of black money which is under circulation in our country. Any restraint intended to curb the chances and opportunities to use or create black money should not be regarded as curtailing the freedom of trade or business.” Counsel for the respondent Mr. Gargieya has contended that each issue is appreciation of facts and no substantial question of law has been raised, however he has relied upon following decisions of each of the issues:- “On Sec. 68 Cash Credit: CIT v/s Orissa Credit Corp. Ltd. 159 ITR 78 (SC) Aravali Trading Co. v/s ITO 8 DTR 199 (Raj) CIT v/s First Point Finance Ltd 286 ITR 477 (Raj) What is a Substantial Question of Law? Santosh Hazari v/s Purushottam Tiwari (Dead) By LRs (2001) 170 CTR 160 (SC) M. Janardhana Rao v/s Joint Commissioner of Income Tax (2005) 273 ITR 50 (SC) DCIT v/s Marudhar Hotels (P) Ltd. (1999) 155 CTR (Raj) 437 On admission of additional evidences: Smt. Prabhavati S. Shah v/s CIT (1998) 148 CTR (Bom) 192” Taking into consideration the issue and the facts we have gone through the order of the Tribunal the Tribunal while considering gross profit of the assessee for the previous year has rightly estimated 1% of the total turnover. In that view of the

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matter, the view taken by the Tribunal is required to be affirmed. Similarly, the assessee has made a chart showing of gross profit chart which reads as under:- Assessment Year 2003-04 2004-05 Assessee AO CIT(A) Assessee AO CIT(A) ITAT Gross Profit 2010000 2010000 2010000 2010000 1786000 1786000 1786000 1786000 Net Profit 176880 1376880 494953 200880 205400 1505400 693329 255400 NP Rate 8.80% 68.50% 24.62% 9.99% 11.50% 84.29% 38.82% 14.30% Addition on account of construction/WIP Expenses made by the AO & Sustained by ld. CIT(A)/ITAT 1200000 318073 24000 1300000 487929 50000 Assessment year 2005-06 2006-07 Assessee AO CIT(A) ITAT Assessee AO CIT(A) Gross Receipts 11203900 11203900 11203900 11203900 11213000 11213000 11213000 11213000 Net Profit 1052900 5052900 263200 1152900 1197200 6197200 2927384 1345560 NP Rate 9.40% 45.10% 23.77% 10.29% 10.68% 55.27%` 26.11% 12.00% Addition on account of construction/WIP Expenses made by the AO & Sustained by ld. CIT(A)/ITAT 4000000 1610300 100000 5000000 1730184 148360 Assessment year 2007-08 2008-09 Assessee AO CIT(A) ITAT Assessee AO CIT(A) ITAT Gross Receipts 26170000 26170000 26170000 26170000 24174680 24174680 24174680 24174680 Net Profit 2744101 12744101 6146938 3140401 7600056 22600056 12574786 7850056 NP Rate 10.49% 48.70% 23.49% 12.00% 31.44% 93.49% 52.02% 32.47% Addition on account of construction/WIP Expenses made by the AO & Sustained by ld. CIT(A)/ITAT 10000000 3402837 396300 15000000 4974730 250000

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In our considered opinion, taking into consideration the gross profit and other expenses, the Tribunal has committed no error in passing the order. All the issues are answered in favour of assessee and against the department. The appeals stand dismissed.

(VIJAY KUMAR VYAS)J. (K.S.JHAVERI)J. Chouhan/167-175

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