COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX vs. SIMPSON & GENERAL
What did the High Court hold?
The High Court dismissed the appeals filed by the Revenue. The dismissal was based on the submission made by the Revenue's counsel regarding the low tax effect, referencing CBDT Circular No. 17/2019. The circular increased the monetary limit for filing or pursuing appeals before the High Court to Rs. 1 Crore, and the tax effect in these respective cases was stated to be less than this limit. Consequently, the appeals were dismissed on this administrative ground. The substantial question of law framed at the time of admission was 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.
What were the facts?
The Revenue, represented by the Commissioner of Income Tax, Chennai, filed these appeals under Section 260A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, against the common order dated March 18, 2015, passed by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Chennai 'A' Bench. The appeals pertain to assessment years 2002-03 to 2008-09 and challenge the ITAT's decision regarding the sustainability of penalties levied under Section 271(1)(c) of the Act. The appeals were admitted by the High Court on July 12, 2016. The assessee is M/s. Simpson & General Finance Co. Ltd., Chennai.
What were the issues?
1. Whether, on the facts and in the circumstances of the case, the Tribunal was right in holding that penalty levied under Section 271(1)(c) is not sustainable? 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 appeals before the High Court to Rs. 1 Crore. The Revenue stated that the tax effect in these cases was below this threshold. The assessee did not record any arguments in the judgment.
Which sections of the Income-tax Act were involved?
AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below
TCA.Nos.359-365/2016 In the High Court of Judicature at Madras Dated : 30.8.2019 Coram : The Honourable Mr.Justice T.S.SIVAGNANAM and The Honourable Mrs.Justice V.BHAVANI SUBBAROYAN Tax Case Appeal Nos.359 to 365 of 2016 The Commissioner of Income Tax, Chennai ...Appellant Vs M/s.Simpson & General Finance Co. Ltd., Chennai-2. ...Respondent APPEALS under Section 260A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 against the common order dated 18.3.2015 made in ITA.Nos.2655 to 2661/Mds/2014 on the file of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai 'A' Bench respectively for the assessment years from 2002-03 to 2008-09. For Appellant: Mr.T.R.Senthilkumar, SSC assisted by Ms.K.G.Usharani, SC For Respondent: Mr.R.Venkatanarayanan for M/s.Subbaraya Aiyer Padmanabhan COMMON JUDGMENT (Judgment was delivered by
T.S.Sivagnanam,J)
We have heard Mr.T.R.Senthilkumar, learned Senior Standing Counsel assisted by Ms.K.G.Usharani, Standing Counsel appearing for the appellant – 1/4 http://www.judis.nic.in TCA.Nos.359-365/2016 Revenue and Mr.R.Venkatanarayanan, learned counsel appearing for the respondent – assessee. 2. These appeals, filed by the Revenue under Section 260A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, are directed against the common order dated 18.3.2015 made in ITA.Nos.2655 to 2661/Mds/2014 on the file of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai 'A' Bench respectively for the assessment years from 2002-03 to 2008-09. 3. The appeals were admitted on 12.7.2016 on the following substantial question of law : “Whether, on the facts and in the circumstances of the case, the Tribunal was right in holding that penalty levied under Section 271(1)(c) is not sustainable?” 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 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. 2/4 http://www.judis.nic.in TCA.Nos.359-365/2016 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 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.)
30.8.2019 Speaking (or) Non Speaking Order Index : Yes (or) No Internet: Yes (or) No To The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai 'A' Bench. RS 3/4 http://www.judis.nic.in TCA.Nos.359-365/2016 T.S.SIVAGNANAM,J AND V.BHAVANI SUBBAROYAN,J RS TCA.Nos.359 to 365 of 2016 30.8.2019 4/4 http://www.judis.nic.in
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