COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX vs. DR. SAPHAL SHETTY
What did the High Court hold?
The High Court dismissed the appeals filed by the Revenue. The dismissal was based on the Revenue's submission that the appeals were not being pursued due to low tax effect, as per CBDT Circular No.17/2019. The Court noted that the tax effect in these cases was less than the threshold limit stipulated in the circular. Consequently, the appeals were dismissed on this administrative ground. The substantial question of law framed in the appeals was expressly left undecided. The Court granted liberty to the Revenue to seek restoration of the appeals if the tax effect was found to be above the threshold limit, allowing them to be heard and decided on merits. No costs were awarded.
What were the facts?
The Revenue, Commissioner of Income Tax, Chennai, filed two appeals (T.C.A.Nos.224 & 225 of 2017) before the High Court of Judicature at Madras against the common order dated 04.12.2015 passed by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) 'C' Bench, Chennai. These appeals challenged the ITAT's decision for assessment years 2004-05 and 2003-04 concerning Dr. Shapal Shetty. The appeals were filed under Section 260A of the Income-tax Act, 1961. The procedural history involves the ITAT passing an order which the Revenue is now appealing to the High Court.
What were the issues?
The Tribunal had to decide one substantial question of law: 1. Whether, on the facts and in the circumstances of the case, the Tribunal was right in holding that an addition on account of suppression of stock cannot be made? The Revenue argued that the appeals were not being pursued due to low tax effect, citing CBDT Circular No.17/2019 which increased the monetary limit for filing appeals before the High Court to Rs.1 Crore. The Revenue submitted that the tax effect in these cases was below this threshold. The Respondent (assessee) did not present any arguments as the Revenue indicated they were not pressing the appeals on merits.
Which sections of the Income-tax Act were involved?
AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below
T.C.A.Nos.224 & 225 of 2017 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 29.08.2019 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE T.S.SIVAGNANAM and THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE V.BHAVANI SUBBAROYAN Tax Case Appeal Nos.224 and 225 of 2017 and C.M.P.No.6616 of 2017 Commissioner of Income Tax, Chennai. .. Appellant in both Appeals -vs- Dr.Shapal Shetty, No.670, 10th Cross West of Chord Road, Mahalakshmipuram Post, Bangalore-560 086. PAN: ALIPS 4414R .. Respondent in both Appeals Appeals under Section 260A of the Income-tax Act, 1961, against the common order dated 04.12.2015, made in I.T.A.Nos.1319 & 1318/Mds/2015 on the file of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal 'C' Bench, Chennai for the assessment years 2004-05 and 2003-04 respectively. For Appellant : Mr.T.R.Senthil Kumar, (In both Appeals) Senior Standing Counsel : assisted by Ms.K.G.Usharani, Standing Counsel For Respondent : Mr.T.Vasudevan (In both Appeals) ****** 1/4 http://www.judis.nic.in T.C.A.Nos.224 & 225 of 2017 COMMON JUDGMENT (Delivered by T.S.Sivagnanam, J.) These appeals filed by the Revenue under Section 260A of the Income- tax Act, 1961 are directed against the common order dated 04.12.2015, made in I.T.A.Nos.1319 & 1318/Mds/2015 on the file of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal 'C' Bench, Chennai for the assessment years 2004-05 and 2003-04 respectively. 2.The appeals have been filed raising the following substantial question of law:- “Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case and on grounds raised herein the tribunal was right in holding that addition on account of suppression of stock cannot be made?” 3.Heard Mr.T.R.Senthil Kumar, learned Senior Standing Counsel assisted by Ms.K.G.Usharani, learned Standing Counsel for the appellant – and Mr.T.Vasudevan, learned counsel for the respondent. 4.The learned Senior Standing Counsel for the appellant submits that the above appeals are not pursued by the Revenue on account of the low tax 2/4 http://www.judis.nic.in T.C.A.Nos.224 & 225 of 2017 effect in terms of Circular No.17/2019, dated 08.08.2019 issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes. By the said Circular, the monetary limit for filing or pursuing an appeal before the High Court has been increased to Rs.1 Crore. It is further submitted that the tax effect in these cases is less than the threshold limit. 5.In the light of the said submissions, the above tax case appeals are dismissed on account of the low tax effect. The substantial question of law framed is left open. In the event the tax effect is above the threshold limit fixed in the said circular, liberty is granted to the Revenue to make a mention to this Court to restore the appeals to be heard and decided on merits. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. (T.S.S., J.) (V.B.S., J.) 29.08.2019 Index : Yes/No Speaking/Non-Speaking Order abr To The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal 'C' Bench, Chennai. 3/4 http://www.judis.nic.in T.C.A.Nos.224 & 225 of 2017 T.S.Sivagnanam, J. and V.Bhavani Subbaroyan, J. (abr) T.C.A.Nos.224 and 225 of 2017 29.08.2019 4/4 http://www.judis.nic.in
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