THE COMMISSIONER OF INCOME T vs. M/S AIRCEL CELLULAR SERVICES

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TCA/294/2015HC Madras27 August 2019Bench: Hon`ble Mr Justice T. S. SIVAGNANAM4 pages
AI SummaryDismissed

What did the High Court hold?

The High Court dismissed the appeal filed by the Revenue on account of low tax effect, as per CBDT Circular No. 17/2019, which raised the monetary threshold for appeals to the High Court to Rs. 1 Crore. The Court noted that the tax effect in this case was below the specified limit. Consequently, the substantial questions of law framed for the appeal were left open. The Revenue was granted liberty to mention the case for restoration if the tax effect was found to be above the threshold limit. No costs were awarded. The specific findings on the merits of the substantial questions of law were not decided.

What were the facts?

The Commissioner of Income Tax, Chennai (the Revenue) filed an appeal under Section 260A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, against an order dated 19.04.2012 passed by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Chennai 'C' Bench. The appeal pertained to assessment year 2005-06 and challenged the ITAT's decision regarding the addition made by the Assessing Officer towards provisions for doubtful debt for computing book profit under Section 115JB. The High Court admitted the appeal on substantial questions of law. Subsequently, the Revenue sought to withdraw the appeal, citing Circular No. 17/2019 of the CBDT, which increased the monetary limit for filing appeals before the High Court to Rs. 1 Crore, and stating that the tax effect in this case was below that threshold.

What were the issues?

1. Whether, on the facts and in the circumstances of the case, the Appellate Tribunal was right in holding that the addition made by the assessing officer towards provisions for doubtful debt for the purpose of computing book profit under Section 115JB is not proper? 2. Whether, on the facts and circumstances of the case, the order of the Tribunal was valid, especially in view of the retrospective amendment introduced to Section 115JB by Finance Act, 2009, inserting clause (i) to Explanation (1) to Section 115JB(2) with retrospective effect from 01.04.2001, by which any provisions for diminution in the value of the asset is to be added back while computing book profit under Section 115JB? The Revenue argued that the appeal was not being pursued due to low tax effect, citing CBDT Circular No. 17/2019. The assessee's contentions are not recorded in the judgment.

Which sections of the Income-tax Act were involved?

Section 260A,Section 115JB

AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below

TCA.No.294 of 2015 In the High Court of Judicature at Madras Dated : 27.08.2019 Coram : The Honourable Mr.Justice T.S.SIVAGNANAM and The Honourable Mrs.Justice V.BHAVANI SUBBAROYAN Tax Case Appeal No.294 of 2015 The Commissioner of Income Tax, Chennai. ...Appellant Vs M/s.Aircel Cellular Services Ltd., Fifth Floor, Spencer Plaza, 769, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002. ...Respondent APPEAL under Section 260A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 against the order dated 19.04.2012 made in ITA.No.417/MDS/2009 on the file of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai 'C' Bench for the assessment year 2005-06. For Appellant : Mr.T.Ravikumar, SSC and Ms.R.Hemalatha, SSC For Respondent : Mr.Sathish Parasaran JUDGMENT (Judgment was delivered by T.S.Sivagnanam,J.) We have heard Mr.T.Ravikumar, learned Senior Standing Counsel, and Ms.R.Hemalatha, learned Senior Standing Counsel appearing for the 1/4 http://www.judis.nic.in TCA.No.294 of 2015 appellant/revenue and Mr.Sathish Parasaran, learned counsel appearing for the respondent/assessee. 2.This appeal, filed by the Revenue under Section 260A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 is directed against the order dated 19.04.2012 made in ITA.No.417/MDS/2009 on the file of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai 'C' Bench for the assessment year 2005-06. 3.The appeal was admitted on 06.07. 2015 on the following substantial questions of law : “i) Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case, the Appellate Tribunal was right in holding that the addition made by the assessing officer towards provisions for doubtful debt for the purpose of computing book profit under Section 115JB is not proper? ii) Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case, the order of the Tribunal was valid especially in view of the retrospective amendment introduced to Section 115JB by Finance Act, 2009, inserting clause (i) to Explanation (1) to Section 115JB(2) with retrospective effect from 01.04.2001 by which any provisions for diminution in the value of the asset is to be added back while computing book profit under Section 115JB?" 4.The learned Senior Standing Counsel for the appellant submits that the above appeal is not pursued by the Revenue on account of the low tax 2/4 http://www.judis.nic.in TCA.No.294 of 2015 effect in terms of Circular No.17/2019 dated 08.8.2019 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 this case is less than the threshold limit. 5.In the light of the said submissions, the above tax case appeal is dismissed on account of the low tax effect. The substantial questions of law framed are 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 appeal to be heard and decided on merits. No costs. (T.S.S.J.) (V.B.S.J.) 27.08.2019 cse Speaking (or) Non Speaking Order Index : Yes (or) No To 1.M/s.Aircel Cellular Services Ltd., Fifth Floor, Spencer Plaza, 769, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002. 2.The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai 'C' Bench. 3/4 http://www.judis.nic.in TCA.No.294 of 2015 T.S.SIVAGNANAM,J. AND V.BHAVANI SUBBAROYAN,J. cse TCA.No.294 of 2015 27.08.2019 4/4 http://www.judis.nic.in

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