THE COMMISSIONER OF INCOME T vs. BLOW PACKAGING INDIA PVT LTD
What did the High Court hold?
The High Court dismissed the appeals filed by the Revenue on account of low tax effect, as per CBDT Circular No. 17/2019. The Court noted the submission by the Revenue's counsel that the tax effect in these cases was below the increased monetary limit for appeals to the High Court. Consequently, the substantial questions of law framed for admission were left open. Liberty was granted to the Revenue to seek restoration of the appeals if the tax effect was found to be above the threshold limit fixed in the circular, allowing them to be heard and decided on merits. No costs were awarded.
What were the facts?
The appeals were filed by the Revenue against the common order of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) dated September 26, 2017. The ITAT's order pertained to assessment years 2003-04 and 2004-05. The appeals were admitted by the High Court on June 26, 2018, based on substantial questions of law. The respondent assessee is M/s. Blow Packaging (India) Pvt. Ltd. The Revenue's counsel appeared, but the respondent assessee did not appear. The Revenue sought to withdraw the appeals due to low tax effect, citing CBDT Circular No. 17/2019, which increased the monetary limit for appeals to the High Court to Rs. 1 Crore. The tax effect in these cases was stated to be below this threshold.
What were the issues?
1. Whether the Tribunal erred in law by holding that the respondent assessee had not lost its character as a small-scale undertaking under Section 11B of the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951, and was thus eligible for deduction under Section 80IB of the Income Tax Act, 1961, despite the total investment in plant and machinery across its two units exceeding the statutory threshold? (Question of law) 2. Whether the Tribunal erred in law by holding that if an assessee satisfied the conditions of being a small-scale industrial undertaking in the first year, it was not necessary to satisfy these conditions in each subsequent year of claim? (Question of law) Contentions of the Revenue: The Revenue argued that the assessee's total investment in plant and machinery across its two units exceeded the prescribed limit, disqualifying it from being a small-scale undertaking and thus from claiming deduction under Section 80IB. The Revenue also contended that the conditions for being a small-scale industrial undertaking must be met in each subsequent year, not just the initial year. Contentions of the Assessee: No appearance was made by the respondent assessee, and therefore, no contentions were recorded.
Which sections of the Income-tax Act were involved?
AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below
TCA.Nos.321 and 322 of 2018 In the High Court of Judicature at Madras Dated : 28.08.2019 Coram : The Honourable Mr.Justice T.S.SIVAGNANAM and The Honourable Mrs.Justice V.BHAVANI SUBBAROYAN Tax Case Appeal Nos.321 and 322 of 2018 The Commissioner of Income Tax, Chennai. ...Appellant Vs M/s.Blow Packaging (India) Pvt. Ltd., No.55-D, SIDCO Industrial Estate, Ambattur, Chennai - 600 098. PAN: AAACB3145L ...Respondent APPEALS under Section 260A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 against the common order dated 26.09.2017 made in ITA.Nos.2288/Mds/2016 and 336/Mds/2017 on the file of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai 'B' Bench for the assessment years 2003-04 and 2004-05. For Appellant: Mr.T.Ravikumar, SSC assisted by Ms.R.Hemalatha, SSC For Respondent: No appearance COMMON JUDGMENT (Judgment was delivered by T.S.Sivagnanam,J) We have heard Mr.T.Ravikumar, learned Senior Standing Counsel assisted by Ms.R.Hemalatha, learned Standing Counsel appearing for the appellant – Revenue. 1/4 http://www.judis.nic.in TCA.Nos.321 and 322 of 2018 2.These appeals, filed by the Revenue under Section 260A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, are directed against the common order dated 26.09.2017 made in ITA.Nos.2288 and 336/Mds/2016 on the file of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai 'B' Bench for the assessment years 2003-04 and 2004-05. 3.The appeals were admitted on 26.06.2018 on the following substantial questions of law : “i.Whether the Tribunal erred in law substantially in holding that the respondent assessee had not lost its character of small scale undertaking as per Section 11B of the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951 and was, hence, eligible for claiming deduction under Section 80IB of the Income Tax Act, 1961, even though the total investment in plant and machinery in its two units had exceeded the threshold limit set by the relevant statutory provisions? ii.Whether the Tribunal erred in law in holding that if an assessee satisfied the conditions of being a small scale industrial undertaking in the first year, it was not necessary for the assessee to satisfy the conditions in each subsequent year of claim?” 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 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 2/4 http://www.judis.nic.in TCA.Nos.321 and 322 of 2018 pursuing an appeal before the High Court has been increased to Rs.1 Crore. It is further submitted that the tax effect in the respective 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 questions of law framed are left open. In the event the tax effect in the respective cases 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. (T.S.S.J.) (V.B.S.J.) 28.08.2019 cse Speaking (or) Non Speaking Order Index : Yes (or) No To 1.M/s.Blow Packaging (India) Pvt. Ltd., No.55-D, SIDCO Industrial Estate, Ambattur, Chennai - 600 098. 2.The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai 'B' Bench. 3/4 http://www.judis.nic.in TCA.Nos.321 and 322 of 2018 T.S.SIVAGNANAM,J. AND V.BHAVANI SUBBAROYAN,J. cse TCA.Nos.321 and 322 of 2018 28.08.2019 4/4 http://www.judis.nic.in
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