THE COMMISSIONER OF vs. DELOITTE HASKINS & SELLS
What did the High Court hold?
The High Court dismissed the appeal filed by the Revenue. The dismissal was based on the submission made by the Revenue's counsel regarding the low tax effect, in line with CBDT Circular No. 17/2019. The circular increased the monetary limit for filing appeals before the High Court to Rs. 1 Crore, and the tax effect in this particular case was below this limit. Consequently, the Revenue chose not to pursue the appeal on its merits. The substantial question of law framed by the court was expressly left open. Liberty was granted to the Revenue to seek restoration of the appeal if the tax effect was found to be above the threshold limit fixed in the circular, for hearing and decision on merits. No costs were awarded.
What were the facts?
The Revenue, represented by the Commissioner of Income Tax, Chennai, filed an appeal under Section 260A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, against an order dated 25.11.2016 passed by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Chennai 'A' Bench. The appeal pertained to assessment year 2011-12 and concerned M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells. The substantial question of law admitted for consideration was whether the Tribunal was correct in allowing a disallowance made on advances received, particularly when the assessee followed the cash system of accounting and all receipts were considered income. The appeal was admitted on 27.08.2018.
What were the issues?
1. Whether the Tribunal was right in holding that the disallowance made on advances received is to be allowed, especially when the Assessee is following the cash system of accounting and all receipts received represent income and are therefore chargeable to tax? (Question of law, turning on the interpretation of accounting principles and taxability of receipts under the Income Tax Act, 1961). Assessee's Contention: Not recorded in the judgment. Revenue's Contention: The Revenue argued that the appeal should be dismissed 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 tax effect in this case was stated to be below this threshold.
Which sections of the Income-tax Act were involved?
AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below
TCA.No.563 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 No.563 of 2018 The Commissioner of Income Tax, Chennai. ...Appellant Vs M/s.Deloitte Haskins & Sells ASV Ramana Towers, No.52, Venkatanarayana Road, T.Nagar, Chennai - 600 017. PAN: AACFD3771D ...Respondent APPEAL under Section 260A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 against the order dated 25.11.2016 made in ITA.No.2077/MDS/2016 on the file of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai 'A' Bench for the assessment year 2011-12. For Appellant : Mr.T.Ravikumar, SSC and Ms.R.Hemalatha, SSC For Respondent : Mr.S.P.Chidambaram 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 appellant/revenue and Mr.S.P.Chidambaram, learned counsel appearing for the respondent/assessee. 1/4 http://www.judis.nic.in TCA.No.563 of 2018 2.This appeal, filed by the Revenue under Section 260A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 is directed against the order dated 25.11.2016 made in ITA.No.2077/MDS/2016 on the file of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai 'A' Bench for the assessment year 2011-12. 3.The appeal was admitted on 27.08.2018 on the following substantial question of law : “Whether the Tribunal was right in holding that the disallowance made on Advances received, is to be allowed especially when the Assessee is following cash system of accounting ad all receipts received represents income and therefore chargeable to tax?" 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 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. 2/4 http://www.judis.nic.in TCA.No.563 of 2018 5.In the light of the said submissions, the above tax case appeal is 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 appeal to be heard and decided on merits. No costs. (T.S.S.J.) (V.B.S.J.) 28.08.2019 [1/2] cse Speaking (or) Non Speaking Order Index : Yes (or) No To 1.M/s.Deloitte Haskins & Sells ASV Ramana Towers, No.52, Venkatanarayana Road, T.Nagar, Chennai - 600 017. 2.The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai 'A' Bench. 3/4 http://www.judis.nic.in TCA.No.563 of 2018 T.S.SIVAGNANAM,J. AND V.BHAVANI SUBBAROYAN,J. cse TCA.No.563 of 2018 28.08.2019 [1/2] 4/4 http://www.judis.nic.in
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