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Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, DELHI BENCHES “F” : DELHI
Before: SHRI R.K. PANDA & Ms. SUCHITRA KAMBLE
PER R.K. PANDA, A.M.
ITA.No.9147/Del./2019 to ITA.No.9152/Del./
2019 filed by the assessee are directed against the common
order dated 30.09.2019 of the Ld. CIT(A)-23, New Delhi
relating to A.Ys. 2011-12 to 2016-17 respectively. The
Revenue has filed ITA.No.9448/Del./2019 for the A.Y. 2013-
14 and ITA.No.9449/Del./2019 for the A.Y. 2014-15 against
the relief granted by the Ld. CIT(A)-23, New Delhi in the
order dated 30.9.2019. Since, common issues are involved
in all these appeals, therefore, these were heard together
and are being disposed of by this common order.
ITA.No.9147/Del./2019 – A.Y. 2011-12 [Assessee] :
Facts of the case, in brief are that the assessee is
an individual and derived income from salary, house
property, income from business and income from other
sources. He filed his return of income on 15.09.2011
declaring total income of Rs.61,93,010/-. A search under
section 132 of the I.T. Act was conducted on 28.02.2017 at
3 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
the residential premises of the assessee at House No. 128,
Sector-16, Faridabad, Haryana from where certain
papers/documents belonging to the assessee were found
and seized. The jurisdiction of the assessee was transferred
from Pr.ClT-5, Delhi to PCIT, Central Circle-4, Delhi vide
order under section 127(1) dated 30.11.2017. In response to
notice under section 153A of the I.T. Act, the assessee filed
return of income declaring total income of Rs.61,93,010/-.
The A.O. issued notice under section 143(2) and
subsequently notice under section 142(1) along with
questionnaire. In response to the same, the assessee
appeared before the A.O. and filed the requisite details from
time to time. The A.O. thereafter completed the assessment
under section 153A of the I.T. Act determining the total
income of the assessee at Rs.1,64,54,330/-.
In appeal, the Ld. CIT(A) granted part relief to the
assessee. Aggrieved with such order of the Ld. CIT(A), the
assessee is in appeal before the Tribunal by raising the
following grounds of appeal :
4 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Because the action for initiation, continuation
and conclusion of assessment proceedings u/s 153A at
an amount of Rs.1,64,54,331/- is being challenged on
facts and law.
Because the action is being challenged on facts
and law for making additions in assessment
proceedings u/s 153A when there is no incriminating
material/ document found during the course of search
u/ s 132 of the Act for the impugned year.
Because the action is being challenged on facts
and law for making an addition of Rs.10,00,000/- by
invoking the provisions u/s. 69A, while the transaction
is duly explained and accounted, recorded, disclosed
and declared in books of account.
Because the action is being challenged on facts
and law for making an addition of Rs.11,00,000/- by
invoking the provisions u/s. 69A, however per assessee
the same are rough notings.
Because the action is being challenged on facts
and law for making an addition of Rs.14,00,000/- by
5 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
invoking the provisions u/s. 69A, which is considering
the explanation of assessee yet without assigning the
reason to the basis of rejection of the explanation hence
mechanically passing the assessment order.
Because the action is being challenged on facts
and] law for making addition of Rs.11,25,000/- (@
1.5%) given to Mishra ji which is unwarranted action by
assuming the interest accrued of 1.5% which is a
hypothetical income and against the principle of law
(Godhara Electricity Co. Ltd., vs., CIT (1997) 225 ITR
746 (SC) further per assessee said loan of
Rs.75,00,000/- is given to Abhay Salwan & not to
Mishraji.
Because the action is being challenged on facts
and law for making addition of Rs.11,25,000/-,
wherein the evidence and the fact of the payee Abhay
Salwan being a proclaimed offender and absconding is
matter of Judicial Review before the Hon’ble Allahabad
High Court, yet wrongly invoking the jurisdiction of
presumption u/s. 132(4A). The prayer is to allow the
6 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
claim/relief in accordance with the provision of section
58(2) r.w.s. 70, 71 of Income Tax Act, 1961.
Because the action is being challenged on facts
and law for making an addition of Rs.40,00,000/- as
unexplained money while treating the witness
(assessee) u/s. 118 of Indian Evidence Act, 1872, as
the assessee involved in the transaction resultingly an
unreasonable finding without even calling and
summoning the person involved namely RA Financial
Services and Om Shanti Educational Society.
Because the action is being challenged on facts
and law for making an addition of Rs.3,207/- by
invoking the provisions u/s 69C by making presumption
on presumption while law is settled that the
presumption is supplied by Statute namely Income Tax
Act, 1961, Schedule VII List 1 Entry 82 it is presumption
of income and not presumption on presumption.
Alternatively and without prejudice to above,
the action for not allowing telescoping of addition on
account of u/s. 69A, u/s. 69C & commission expenses
7 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
against addition on account of bogus purchases of
group concerns is challenged on facts and law as both
additions cannot be made simultaneously.
For any consequential relief and/or legal claim
arising out of this appeal and for any addition, deletion,
amendment and modification in the grounds of appeal
before the disposal of the same in the interest of
substantial justice to the assessee.”
3.1. The assessee has also raised the following
additional ground:
i) Because the action is being challenged on facts &
law for making additions in assessment
proceedings u/s 153A wherein the seized
documents Pg. 125 – 126 of Annexure A-5
relating to assessee were found from the
premises of third parties i.e., LV Rustore
Applications Pvt. Ltd., R R Carwell Pvt. Ltd.,
Blossom Landeal Pvt Ltd., & Elvi Bardahl India
Pvt. Ltd., 17/6, Hanspal Industrial Complex,
8 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Mathura Road, Faridabad, therefore the
additions on the basis of the said documents can
only be made u/s 153C of the Act & not u/s
153A of the Act.
However, the Learned Counsel for the Assessee at
the time of hearing did not press the additional ground, for
which, the Ld. D.R. has no objection. Accordingly, the
additional ground raised by the assessee is dismissed as not
pressed.
Ground of appeal numbers.1 and 11 being
general in nature are dismissed.
Learned Counsel for the Assessee did not press
grounds of appeal numbers.2 and 9, for which, the Ld. D.R.
has no objection. Accordingly, the same are also dismissed
as not pressed.
Grounds of appeal number.3 relates to the
order of the Ld. CIT(A) in confirming the addition of Rs.10
lakhs under section 69A of the I.T. Act, 1961.
9 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Facts of the case, in brief, are that during the
course of assessment proceedings, the A.O. noted that
during the course of search operation at the residential
premises of the assessee at House No. 128, Sector-16,
Faridabad, Haryana, Page-14 of Annexure-A1 was seized
wherein number of transactions were written. The A.O.
asked the assessee to explain every transaction recorded on
Page-14 of Annexure-A1 duly furnishing source of it and
tallying with its regular books of account. The A.O. observed
that there was an entry dated 07.07.10 against narration of
‘Mamaji ko 10,00,000/- diye, 1,00,000 ka Mataji ka hisab
clear. One entry dated 07.08.2010, against narration of
Mamaji ko diye Tagdi and Hath phool Gold ke layi Mamji ke
of Rs.2,00,000/-.
8.1. It was explained by the assessee that Mamaji and
Mataji were living with the assessee and assessee used to
handover business cash to them for safe custody, whenever
he used to go out of station for either business purpose or
some personal purpose. So, Rs.10,00,000/- were given to
Mamaji. Similarly an amount of Rs.1,00,000/- (i.e., 2
10 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
entries of Rs.50,000/- each were kept with Mamaji and
Mataji) and the other entry relate to an amount of
Rs.1,00,000/- received back by the assessee from Mataji.
Therefore, the amount of Rs.1,00,000/- which assessee has
given to them was received back. Alternatively, it was
argued that if any addition on this account is to be made
then assessee is entitled to telescoping against addition
made on account of Bogus purchases which is treated as
undisclosed income of assessee. It was further submitted
that if telescoping of income is not allowed, it will amount to
double addition.
8.2. However, the A.O. was not satisfied with the
arguments advanced by the assessee and made addition of
Rs.12 lakhs to the total income of the assessee.
8.3. In appeal, the Ld. CIT(A) deleted the addition of
Rs.2 lakhs and sustained the addition of Rs.10 lakhs by
observing as under :
“4.6. As far as amount of Rs.2,00,000/- given to ‘Mamaji’ on 07.08.2010 is concerned, it is clearly mentioned
11 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
in the seized paper itself that it was given for purchasing
gold jewellery. The AO has certainly not disputed cash in
hand of Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg (Rs.1,75,446/-) and Smt.
Lata Garg (Rs.1,63,557/-) as on 07.07.2010. It is noted that
Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg has declared income of
Rs.61,93,010/- for AY 2011-12 and Smt. Lata Garg has
declared income of Rs.23,75,500/-. This shows that the
appellant belong to a status family. Therefore, availability of
cash of Rs.2,00,000/- in form of house hold cash,, in case of
an Indian family of such status cannot be taken as
abnormal. I am of a considered opinion that source of the
cash of Rs.2,00,000/- given to ‘Mamaji’ on 07.08.2010 are
explained. As far as ground of telescoping is concerned, I
have noted that the AO, in the assessment orders for AYs
2013-14 and 2014-15, calculated cash availability on
particular dates, by considering transactions which were
outside books but were generating/consuming cash. Such
availability of cash was considered and additions which
were otherwise made out, were not made up to such extent.
This action of the AO is based upon sound logic and is
acceptable. The AR's argument that the cash generated due
to out of books transactions of bogus purchases is to be
12 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
treated at par with other out of books cash
generating/consuming transactions, is in line of the same
logic and hence, cannot be brushed aside. Also, the
argument of the AR that such case generation even in other
cases [Smt. Lata Garg (wife of the appellant), and M/s. RR
Carwell Pvt. Ltd. / M/s. L. V. Rustore Applications Pvt. Ltd.
where the appellant is director] would be available in hands
of the appellant because he is the person controlling affairs
of these entities, cannot be brushed aside as he is the main
decision maker of the group. However, one has to keep in
mind the aspect that if any addition is made under any
section which requires separate treatment, including special
rates, provisions of such section would have over-riding
effect. Secondly, requirement of consumption of cash in
particular case, as per telescoping requirements in that case
would get preference. Therefore, this ground (No.2) of appeal
is partly allowed and as a consequence, the addition to the
extent of Rs.2,00,000/- is deleted and balance addition to
the extent of Rs.10,00,000/- is confirmed, subject to the
above mentioned remarks.”
8.4. Aggrieved with such order of the Ld. CIT(A), the
assessee is in appeal before the Tribunal.
13 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
8.5. The Learned Counsel for the Assessee reiterated
the same arguments as made before the AO and Ld. CIT(A).
He submitted that Mamaji and Mataji were living with the
assessee and assessee used to handover business cash to
them for safe custody, whenever he used to go out of station
for either business purpose or some personal purpose.
Referring to Page-267 of the PB, Learned Counsel for the
Assessee drew the attention of the Bench to the details of
cash in hand as on 07.07.2010 in various proprietorship
firms and companies which are as under :
Sr. Particulars Amount PB No. Pg 1. Blossom Landeal Pvt. Ltd., 8,001.00 268 2. LV Rustore Applications Pvt. 4,51,455.07 269 Ltd., FBD 3. LV Rustore Applications Pvt. 17,392.25 270 Ltd., - DL 4. Vishnu Kumar Garg – 86,520.00 271 Proprietorship Firm 5. Lata Garg – Proprietorship Firm 3,77,827.00 272 6. Vishnu Kumar Garg 1,75,446.59 273 7. Lata Garg 1,63,557.00 274 Total Cash Balance as on 07 Jul 2010 12,80,198.91
8.6. He accordingly submitted that since the amount
of cash available as on 07.07.2010 is Rs.12,80,198/- which
14 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
is more than the amount of Rs.10 lakhs kept with Mamaji
and Mataji, the same should be deleted. In his alternative
contention, he submitted that if any addition on this
account has been made, then the assessee should be
entitled to telescoping against the addition made on account
of Bogus purchases in the hands of the assessee, Smt. Lata
Garg, L V Rustore Applications Pvt. Ltd., and R R Carwell
Pvt. Ltd., as undisclosed income of assessee. He submitted
that unless telescoping is given, it will amount to double
addition. Learned Counsel for the Assessee also relied on
the decision of Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the case of CIT
vs., Sonal Construction [2013] 359 ITR 532 (Del.) and the
decision of Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of
Anantharan Veerasinghaiah & Co. vs., CIT [1980] 123 ITR
457 (SC).
The Ld. D.R. on the other hand relied on the
order of the Ld. CIT(A) and submitted that assessee could
not substantiate with evidence to the satisfaction of the A.O.
or the Ld. CIT(A) regarding the amount paid to Mamaji and
Mataji to the tune of Rs.12 lakhs. She submitted that the
15 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Ld. CIT(A) while deciding the issue has given elaborate
reasoning while sustaining the addition. She accordingly
submitted that the same should be upheld.
We have heard the rival arguments made by both
the sides, perused the orders of the A.O. and the Ld. CIT(A)
and the paper book filed on behalf of the assessee. We have
also considered the various decisions cited before us. We
find the A.O. in the instant case made an addition of Rs.12
lakhs to the total income of the assessee under section 69A
of the I.T. Act, 1961 on the basis of entries dated
07.07.2010 and 07.08.2010 found as per Page-14 of
Annexure-A1. We find the Ld. CIT(A) deleted the addition of
Rs.2 lakhs and sustained the addition of Rs.10 lakhs the
reasoning of which has already been reproduced in the
preceding paragraph. It is the submission of the Learned
Counsel for the Assessee that since the cash available with
the assessee in various proprietorship concerns and
companies in which he is a Director is Rs.12,80,198/-
which is more than the figure of Rs.12 lakhs, therefore, no
addition should be made. Alternatively, it is the contention
16 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
of the Learned Counsel for the Assessee that addition on
account of bogus purchases, if any, made in the hands of
the assessee and other related concerns should be set-off
against this amount.
10.1. We find some force in the arguments of the
assessee. We find the assessee before the AO had
categorically stated that Mamaji & Mataji were staying with
the assessee and he used to handover business cash to
them for safe custody whenever he used to go out of station
for either business purposes or personal work. The
assessee has also given the availability of cash on
07.07.2010 (the date of entry in the seized document) in the
books of accounts of various proprietorship concerns and
companies in which the assessee is a director at
Rs.12,80,198.91/- which is more than the amount of
Rs.10.00 lakhs. Therefore, merely stating that the
explanation is not acceptable is not justified. Since, the
availabilities of cash of Rs.12.80 lakhs on 07.07.2010 in the
books of accounts of various concerns of the assessee is not
doubted, therefore, we are of the considered opinion that the
17 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Ld. CIT(A) is not justified in sustaining the addition of
Rs.10,00,000/-. The order of the Ld. CIT(A) on this issue is,
therefore, set-aside and the AO is directed to delete the
addition. The ground raised by the assessee is accordingly
allowed.
Ground of appeal number.4 relates to the order of
the Ld. CIT(A) in confirming the addition of Rs.11 lakhs.
After hearing both the sides we find the A.O.
during the course of assessment proceedings asked the
assessee to explain the following entries dated 26.04.2010
as mentioned in page-14 of Annexure-A1 found and seized
from the premises of the assessee during the course of
search.
- 16,30,000 cash - 75,000 Registree - 6,05,000 bhaiyaa ne -11,00,000/- Vishnu
12.1. The assessee vide his reply dated 26.12.2018
submitted as under :
18 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
“As regard entries to dt. 26.4.2010 amounting to
Rs.17,05,000/- in pg. 14, it is submitted that the said
entries are estimations and rough calculation for
purchase of property which did not materialised. Papers
pertaining to any such property were not found at the
time of search, the same is verifiable from the statement
of affairs and cash flow statement provided to your
goodself. As regard Rs.14,00,000/- and 6,55,000/- are
also rough notings/estimations, evident from the
calculation mistakes might have done for the above
proposed property. ”
12.2. However, the A.O. was not satisfied with the
arguments advanced by the assessee. He noted that the
amount of Rs.11 lakhs is clearly mentioned against the
name of the assessee. The entry pertains to one 650 Gaz
property for which 16,30,000/- was paid in cash and
Rs.75,000/- in cash was also spent on registries. Out of
total amount of Rs.17,05,000/-, Rs.6,05,000/- is given by
bhaiya whereas remaining Rs.11,00,000/- is given by
Vishnu i.e. the assessee. He therefore was of the opinion
19 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
that the assessee is the owner of such amount of
Rs.11,00,000/-. Since, the assessee could not explain the
source of amount of Rs.11,00,000/- to his satisfaction nor
could he show that these entries are recorded in his books
of account, the A.O. made addition of Rs.11,00,000/- to the
total income of the assessee u/s 69A of the I.T. Act, 1961.
12.3. In appeal, the Ld. CIT(A) upheld the action of the
A.O. on the ground that there is a clear entry in the seized
material to the effect that Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg paid
Rs.11 lakhs. He, however, accepted the arguments of the
Learned Counsel for the Assessee regarding the benefit of
telescoping. The relevant observation of the Ld. CIT(A) at
para 4.7 of his order reads as under:-
“4.7. The third addition is Rs.11,00,000/-. This
addition has been made because there were following
entries on page no.14 of Annexure-A1 seized from
premise no.128, Sec. 16, Faridabad :-
- 16,30,000 cash
20 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
- 75,000 Registree - 6,05,000 bhaiyaa ne -11,00,000/- Vishnu 4.8 Before the AO, the appellant stated that the entries are rough workings s pertained to property relating Shri Mukut Bhaiya, elder brother of the appellant. The / did not accept this reply. The AO noted that Rs. 11,00,000/- were paid by the appella {Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg} and therefore, added this amount. This addition was dispute vide ground No. 3.
4.9 ' During the appellate proceedings, the appellant re-iterated the same stand as was taken before the AO. The appellant also raised alternative contention that the cash was available out of bogus purchases in the hands of Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Smt. Lata Garg, M/s. RR Carwell Pvt. Ltd. and M/s. L. V. Rustore Applications Pvt. Ltd. and this addition should be telescoped against the same.
4.10 In my considered opinion, there is a clear entry in the seized material to the effect that Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg paid Rs. 11,00,000/-. Therefore, there is no infirmity in the action of the AO in terms of making addition of Rs. 11,00,000/-. As far as alternative plea of telescoping is concerned, it has been dealt with in para 4.6(supra). The observations/remarks made
21 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
therein are applicable to this addition, mutus mutandi.
4.11 In view of the above discussion, this ground (No. 3) of appeal is dismissed, subject to the above mentioned remarks/observations.
12.4. Aggrieved with such order of the Ld. CIT(A), the
assessee is in appeal before the Tribunal.
12.5. The learned Counsel for the Assessee submitted
that the entries found in the seized document are
estimations and rough calculations for purchase of property
which did not materialize. He submitted that papers
pertaining to any such property were not found at the time
of search. Referring to various decisions, he submitted that
documents found during the course of search must be a
speaking one and no addition can be made on the basis of
dumb documents. Further in the absence of any
corroborative evidence so as to support his inference, no
addition can be made by the A.O. For the above proposition,
Learned Counsel for the Assessee relied on the decision of
the Co-ordinate Bench of the Tribunal in the case of CIT vs.
22 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Praveen Juneja vide ITA.No.57/Del./2011 order dated
14.07.2017 and the decision of Hon’ble Supreme Court in
the case of CBI vs., V.C. Shukla reported in 1998 3 SCC
He also relied on the following decisions :
ACIT vs., Ashok Kumar Poddar [2008] 16 DTR 55
[Kol.-Tribu.],
ACIT vs., Satyapal Wassan [2007] 295 ITR (AT)
352 (Jab.-Tribu.].
S.P. Goyals DCIT [2002] 82 ITD 85 (TM)
(Mum.Tribu).
CIT vs Shri Praveen Juneja 99 CCH 0115 (Del.
ITAT)
12.6. He submitted that a perusal of the above
decisions would show that even when entries in the books of
account were held to be authentic and correct, then,
independent evidence was required to prove that entries
were in fact correct. He submitted that in the assessee’s
case the impugned note were merely rough notings in some
loose sheets and absolutely incomplete. Therefore, in the
23 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
absence of any documentary evidence found during the
course of search that assessee has in fact purchased the
property, no addition should be made.
The Ld. D.R. on the other hand heavily relied on
the order of the Ld. CIT(A) and submitted that Ld. CIT(A)
has given justifiable reasons while sustaining the addition.
Therefore, the same should be upheld.
We have considered the rival arguments made by
both the sides, perused the orders of the A.O. and the Ld.
CIT(A) and the paper book filed on behalf of the assessee.
We have also considered the various decisions cited before
us by both the sides. We find the A.O. on the basis of seized
document Page-14 of Annexure-A1 made addition of Rs.11
lakhs since the amount of Rs.11 lakhs was appearing
against the name of the assessee. We find the Ld. CIT(A)
sustained the addition on the ground that there is a clear
entry in the seized material to the effect that Shri Vishnu
Kumar Garg paid Rs.11 lakhs. It is the submission of the
Learned Counsel for the Assessee that the entries found in
24 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
documents seized are rough calculations for purchase of
same property which did not materialize and no such
property was found to have been purchased by the assessee
and, therefore, these are dumb documents and, therefore, in
the absence of any corroborative evidence no addition
should be made. It is the alternate contention of the
assessee that benefit of telescoping should be given on
account of additions made for bogus purchases etc.
14.1. We find the assessee had stated categorically
before the AO that these are rough calculation for purchase
of property which did not materialize. It is an admitted fact
that no such document or papers pertaining to purchase of
any property was found either during the course of search
or post search enquiries. Apart from the noting in the
seized papers, the revenue has no other evidence of
purchase of any property by the assessee. No post search
enquiry or investigation was conducted by the AO to find
out if at all any property has been purchased.
25 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
14.2. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of CBI vs
V.C. Shukla (supra) has held that entries in the books of
accounts shall not alone be sufficient evidence to charge
any person with liability. Entries, even if relevant are
corroborative evidence. Independent evidence as to the
trustworthiness of those entries are necessary to fasten the
liability.
14.3. The Kokata Bench of the Tribunal in the case of
ACIT vs Ashok Kumar Poddar (2008) 16 DTR 055(Kol Trib.)
has observed as under:-
"The AO has made the addition only on the presumption
made u/s 132(4A) that the loose sheets belong to the
assessee without verifying the handwriting and without
making any enquiry or bringing any material on record
to substantiate that the assessee had actually earned
the income recorded in those loose sheets. It is a fact
that there was no substantial seizure in the form of any
investment in any movable or immovable property as
reflected in the annexures to the Panchnamas. If the
26 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
assessee had so much of undisclosed income, such
income should have been reflected in some investment
in one form or the other. But, no such investment or
asset was found during the course of search and
therefore the action of the AO in making the addition of the loose sheets without any matching assets found on
search cannot be held to be justified. The action of the
CIT(A) in deleting the addition was wholly justified. ”
14.4. The Jabalpur Bench of the Tribunal in the case of
ACIT vs Satyapal Wasaan (2007) 295 ITR (AT) (Jab Trib.)
has held that a document found during the course of a
search must be a speaking one and without any
second interpretation, must reflect all the details
about the transaction of the assessee in the relevant
assessment year. Any gap in various components as
mentioned in section 4 of the I.T. Act must be filled
up by the AO through investigation and correlation
with other material found either during the course of
the search or on investigation. Unless the document
27 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
is clear and unambiguous, it is only a dumb
document and no charge can be levied on the basis
of a dumb document. We find the Tribunal at para
11 of the order has observed as under:-
“11. For the sake of argument if we accept the submission of the Ld. D.R. that the Ld. CIT (A) erred in accepting fresh evidence then what is left after ignoring those affidavits is the bare document No. 7 with the bare details as referred to above. The moot question now arises is whether any addition can be made on the basis of that document. We have already pointed out above that this document is bereft of necessary details about year of transaction, ownership of transaction, nature of transaction, necessary code for deciphering the figures. It may be possible that a document may not be complete in all respects as the businessman or tax evaders may chose to record minimum details on a document and keep the rest in their memory. It is the duty of the AO to carry out necessary investigations by correlating the impugned document with other documents seized, with regular books of accounts, with record kept by outside agencies, such as banks or financial institution or debtors/ creditors and finally by recording the statements of concerned parties so as to fill up the gaps in confirming the inference arising from the documents for a proper charge of tax. Such correlation is necessary unless the
28 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
document is capable of speaking giving frill details so as to enable any intelligent person to find out the nature of transaction, the year of transaction , the ownership of the transaction and quantum thereof. Even in that situation, it is necessary to give opportunity to the assesses to offer his explanation and investigation be carried out to strengthen the direct inference arising from this document.”
14.5. The Mumbai Bench of the Tribunal in the case of
S.P. Goyal vs DCIT (2002) 82 ITD 0085 (TM) (Mum.) while
deleting the addition of Rs.60 lakhs on the basis of loose
sheets of diary seized during the course of search has held
that loose sheet of paper torn out of a diary could not be
construed as books for the purpose of section 68,addition
could not be made simply on the basis of certain notings on
loose sheets of a diary without any corroborative evidence in
the form of extra cash, jewellery or investment outside the
books.
14.6. Since, in the instant case, no document/paper
relating to the so called property was either found during
the course of search or post search enquiry and no
independent evidence was either found during the course of
search or collected subsequent to the search, therefore, in
29 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
the light of the above decisions, the assessee in our opinion
cannot be fastened with the liability. We, therefore, set-aside
the order of the ld. CIT(A) on this issue and direct the AO to
delete the addition. Ground of appeal No.4 is accordingly
allowed.
Ground of appeal number.5 relates to the order of
the Ld. CIT(A) in confirming the addition of Rs.14 lakhs
made by the A.O. under section 69A of the I.T. Act, 1961.
15.1. Facts of the case, in brief, are that during the
course of assessment proceedings, the A.O. asked the
assessee to explain the entries dated 26.04.2010 mentioned
in Page-14 of Annexure-A1 seized from the premises of the
assessee which are as under :
- 14,00,000 - 6,55,000 - 8,45,000 – Balance - 5,00,000 – cash recd – 14/9/10 - 26/4/10 – 7,00,000/- mukut bhaiya (lan) - 3,45,000 balance. 15.2. The assessee explained that the entry relating to
dated 26.04.2010 pertains to property relating to Mukut
Bhaiya who is the elder brother of the assessee. However,
the A.O. was not satisfied with the arguments of the
30 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
assessee and held that the assessee could not explain the
source of Rs.14 lakhs. In absence of any satisfactory
explanation given by the assessee, the A.O. made addition of
the same to the total income of the assessee.
15.3. In appeal, the Ld. CIT(A) sustained the addition
made by the A.O. He, however, accepted the alternate plea
of the assessee for telescoping subject to his observation at
para-4.6 of the order reproduced at para 8.3 of his order.
The relevant observations of the Ld. CIT(A) at para 4.15 of
his order reads as under :
“4.15. In my considered opinion, there is a
clear entry in the seized material to the effect that on
14.09.2010, Rs.5,00,000/- cash was received. Also, the
entry “650000” shows either an amount of Rs.
6,50,000/- were received or adjusted so that balance
became Rs.8,45,000/- (instead of earlier balance of Rs.
14,00,000/-). Therefore, there is no infirmity in the
action of the AO in terms of making addition of
Rs.14,00,000/-. As far as alternative plea of telescoping
31 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
is concerned, As far as alternative plea of telescoping is
concerned, it has been dealt with in para 4.6 (supra).
The observations/remarks made therein are applicable
to this addition, mutus mutandi.
4.16. In view of the above discussion, this ground
(No.4) of appeal is dismissed, subject to the above
mentioned remarks/observations.”
Learned Counsel for the Assessee submitted that
the said entries pertain to property mentioned in Ground
number.3 as the same is on the same date i.e., 26.04.2010
and relate to Mukut Bhaiya, elder brother of the assessee.
Further the entries are estimations and rough calculations
for purchase of the property which did not materialize. He
relied on the decisions already mentioned while arguing
ground of appeal number.4.
The Ld. D.R. on the other hand heavily relied on
the order of the Ld. CIT(A). She submitted that the amount
of Rs.14 lakhs is clearly mentioned against the name of the
assessee in the seized documents. The Ld. CIT(A) has given
32 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
justifiable reasons while sustaining the addition. She
accordingly submitted that the addition made by the A.O.
and sustained by the Ld. CIT(A) should be upheld and the
grounds raised by the assessee should be dismissed.
We have considered the rival arguments made by
both the sides, perused the orders of the A.O. and the Ld.
CIT(A) and the paper book filed on behalf of the assessee.
We have also considered the various decisions cited before
us. We find the A.O. in the instant case made addition of
Rs.14 lakhs on the basis of entries found in the seized
documents at page-14 of Annexure-A1 wherein an amount
of Rs.14 lakhs was mentioned. We find the Ld. CIT(A)
sustained the addition on the ground that assessee could
not explain the source of Rs.14 lakhs nor proved that the
entries are recorded in the books of account. It is the
submission of the Learned Counsel for the Assessee that
these are rough calculations and estimations for purchase
of property which did not materialize and, therefore, no
addition should be made in the absence of any corroborative
33 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
evidence. It is his alternative contention that telescoping
benefit should be granted to the assessee.
18.1. We do not find any merit in the arguments of the
Learned Counsel for the Assessee that no property has been
purchased and the entries are mere calculations and
estimations. A perusal of the entries in the seized document,
which has been reproduced at Para 15.1 of this order clearly
mentions Rs.5,00,000/- cash received 14.09.2010. This, in
our opinion, cannot be termed as rough calculation or
estimation. However, a perusal of all the entries shows that
out of Rs.14,00,000/- there is still a balance of
Rs.3,45,000/- left. Therefore, addition, if any, has to be
restricted to Rs.10,55,000/- only (i.e., Rs.14,00,000 -
Rs.3,45,000). We, therefore, modify the order of the Ld.
CIT(A) and direct the A.O. to restrict the addition to
Rs.10,55,000/-.
18.2. So far as argument of Learned Counsel for the
Assessee that telescoping benefit should be given is
concerned, the same is acceptable in view of the decision of
34 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the case of CIT vs. Sonal
Construction reported in [2013] 359 ITR 532 (Del.) where
the Hon’ble High court has accepted the theory of benefit of
telescoping. We, therefore, direct the A.O. to allow the
benefit of telescoping and deduct the addition of
Rs.10,55,000/- from profits from bogus purchases etc.
added in the hands of the assessee and his proprietorship
concerns and in the case of the 02 companies namely LV
Rustore Applications (P) Ltd., and RR Carwell Private Ltd.,
where he is a Director and is the controlling person. The
A.O. shall do the necessary calculation and the ground
raised by the assessee on this issue is accordingly partly
allowed in terms indicated above.
In grounds of appeal number.6 and 7 the
assessee has challenged the order of the Ld. CIT(A) in
confirming the addition of Rs.11,25,000/- made by the A.O.
Facts of the case in brief are that during the
course of search proceedings at premises 17/6, Hanspal
Industrial Complex, Mathura Road, Faridabad, Pages 125
35 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
and 126 of Annexure-A6 were seized. It was found that
assessee has given loan of Rs.50 lakhs in January, 2009
and Rs.25 lakhs in June, 2009 @ 1.5% interest. The A.O,
therefore, asked the assessee to explain the source of the
transaction and to explain as to why interest earned during
the year on the above said loan should not be added back to
the total income of the assessee.
20.1. The assessee filed reply which has been
reproduced by the A.O. and which reads as under :
“Actually, assessee had given Rs.50 Lakh in cash in
Jan 2009 & Rs.25 Lakh in June 2009 @ 1.5% p.m. to
Abhay Salwan & group when the money was given as it
was desired by Abhay Salwan as an interest bearing
loan. The page 125 & 126 of the seized Annexure A-5
(Pg. 1-2) contain details of Loan. When Abhay Salwan
did not make any payment of interest to assessee for
period w.e.f 01.01.2009 to 11.10.2010, then assessee
demanded from Abhay Salwan to recover the principal
amount & interest amount. After that Abhay Salwan
36 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
made repayment of Rs.25 Lakh on 11.10.2010 which
has been adjusted against principal of Rs.75 Lakh. The
same is mentioned on page 126 of the seized Annexure
A-5. However, the interest for the above said period &
balance Rs.50 Lakh (Principal) was still recoverable
from Abhay Salwan, the same is mentioned on page
125 of the seized Annexure A-5. Similarly, Interest
amounting Rs.6 Lakh on principal loan Rs.25 Lakh was
still recoverable as mentioned on page 125 of the seized
Annexure A-5.”
20.2. However, the A.O. was not satisfied with the
explanation given by the assessee and held that the
documents at Page Nos.125 and 126 of Annexure-A10
clearly mentions that assessee had received interest @ 1.5%
during the year under consideration. The Assessee failed to
prove that it had not received any interest during the year
on the loan given in January 2009 of Rs.50 lakhs and June
2009 of Rs.25 lakhs @ 1.5% per month. The A.O, therefore,
calculated the interest on Rs.75 lakhs at Rs.11,25,000/-
37 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
and added the same to the total income of the assessee
treating the same as income from other sources.
20.3. In appeal, the Ld. CIT(A) upheld the action of the
A.O. on the ground that the plea of the assessee that
interest was not received cannot be accepted in the absence
of any supporting evidence.
20.4. Aggrieved with such order of the Ld. CIT(A), the
assessee is in appeal before the Tribunal.
Learned Counsel for the Assessee referring to
Pages 95 and 96 of the paper book submitted that the
seized documents Pages 125 & 126 of Annexure A-5
contain details of Loan. He submitted that the A.O.
presumed that the said documents contain details of loan
amounting Rs.75 Lakh given to Shri Rattan Prakash Mishra
in the year 2009 instead of Shri Abhay Salwan merely on
the basis that the said document contains signature of Shri
Rattan Prakash Mishra. He submitted that the A.O.
overlooked that the seized document Page 125 contains
signature of 4 persons (PB Page 95) namely the assessee,
38 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Abhay Salwan, Rattan Parkash Mishra and Dinesh Gupta
wherein Rattan Parkash Mishra and Dinesh Gupta had
signed as witnesses & assessee had signed as payer and
Abhay Salwan had signed as payee. The hand writing expert
report is at PB Pages 239-259 who confirmed that signature
of Abhay Salwan on various documents and initial signature
of Abhay Salwan on Page 126 of Annexure A5 are similar.
Further, during assessment proceedings under section
153A, statement of Sh. Rattan Prakash Mishra was
recorded on dt. 16.11.2018 (PB Pages 275-276) wherein no
question regarding loan taken by him from assessee has
been asked. This shows that AO with preconceived mind
has considered that the said loan was given to Rattan
Prakash Mishra. So, the presumption of loan to Rattan
Prakash Mishra is wrong. He submitted that rule of
presumption is that, once there is a doubtful fact, then, that
may be inferred from certain other proven facts. While
inferring the existence of a fact from another set of proved
facts, the Court exercises the process of reasoning and
reaches to a logical conclusion so as to arrive at the most
39 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
probable position pursuant to Section 114 of the Indian
Evidence Act, 1872. He submitted that in the present case
the Department is settling the whole case on presumption
on presumption and that too on circumstances which are a
very weak recourse of one of the form of secondary evidence.
21.1. The Learned Counsel for the Assessee further
submitted that the presumption of A.O. regarding interest
received on loan amounting Rs.11,25,000/- is wrong
because he overlooked the written pleadings of assessee dt.
30.11.2018 (PB Pages 68-78) and dt. 19.12.2018 (PB Pages
84-94) that assessee had given loan Rs. 50 Lakh in cash in
Jan 2009 and Rs. 25 Lakh in June 2009 @ 1.5% p.m. to
Abhay Salwan and group. When the money was given, it
was desired by Abhay Salwan as an interest bearing loan.
When Abhay Salwan did not make any payment of interest
to assessee for period w.e.f 01.01.2009 to 11.10.2010, then
the assessee demanded the money from Abhay Salwan to
recover the principal amount & interest amount. After that
Abhay Salwan made repayment of Rs.25 Lakh on dt.
11.10.2010 which has been adjusted against principal of
40 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Rs. 75 Lakh. The same is mentioned on pg.126 of the seized
Annexure A-5 (supra). However, the interest for the above
said period and balance Rs.50 Lakh (Principal) was still
recoverable from Abhay Salwan and the same is mentioned
on Page-125 of the seized Annexure A-5. Similarly, Interest
amounting Rs.6 Lakh on principal loan Rs.25 Lakh was still
recoverable as mentioned on Page-125 of the seized
Annexure A-5. Thus, it is a proven fact that assessee has
not received any interest on loan from Abhay Salwan during
that year. AO overlooked the documents Pages 125 & 126
(supra) and submissions of assessee and merely on
presumption added interest amount Rs.11,25,000/- during
the year.
21.2. Learned Counsel for the Assessee submitted that
Shri Rattan Prakash Mishra, in his proceedings under
section 153C has denied to have any transaction with the
assessee. He referred to the copy of assessment orders
passed under section 153A/153C for the A.Ys. 2011-12 and
2012-13, copies of which, are placed at Pages 16-24 of
41 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
second synopsis dated 03.08.2021 and drew the attention of
the Bench to the submission before the A.O. He submitted
that when both assessee and Shri Rattan Prakash Mishra
are denying of any transaction and there is no other
corroborative evidence or material before the A.O, the
addition on account of interest received is not justified.
21.3. Referring to the decision of Hon’ble Delhi High
Court in the case of CIT vs., Ved Prakash Choudhary
reported in 305 ITR 245 he submitted that when both the
parties are denying to have entered into the transaction,
then no addition could be made, in absence of corroborative
evidence as the presumption under section 132(4A) of the
I.T. Act, 1961 is a rebuttal one.
21.4. The Learned Counsel for the Assessee submitted
that the search party has not found any unrecorded assets
or cash which can be said to have been received in the form
of interest. So, interest on loan is not taxable so as to arrive
at a real income and accrual basis cannot be a justifying
factor and the commercial and business realties of the
assessee, should be considered.
42 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
21.5. Learned Counsel for the Assessee submitted that
the interest income has to be recognized in the books of
accounts only to the extent of actual collection. Referring to
the Accounting Standard 9 of ICAI, he submitted that
according to these guidelines when uncertainties exist
regarding the determination of the amount or its
collectability, the revenue shall not be treated as accrued,
hence shall not be recognized until collection is made. The
recognition of revenue on accrual basis presupposes the
satisfaction of two conditions – i.e., (i) The revenue is
measurable and (ii) The revenue is collectable with
certainty. In support of the above proposition, the Learned
Counsel for the Assessee relied upon the following
decisions:
Order of ITAT, Delhi Bench in the case of Red Fort
Shahjahan Properties Pvt. Ltd., vide
ITA.No.742/Del./2020 dated 20.08.2020 for the
A.Y. 2016-17. 2. CIT vs., Goyal M.G. Gases (P) Ltd., 303 ITR 159
(Del.HC).
43 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad. 3. CIT vs., Godhra Electricity Co. 225 ITR 746 (SC). 4. Andhra Bank vs., CIT 225 ITR 447 (SC). 5. CIT vs., Excel Industries Ltd., & Others 358 ITR 295
(SC).
21.6. The Learned Counsel for the Assessee
further submitted that Shri Abhay Salwan to whom loan
was given on interest is a proclaimed offender and
absconding and the matter is subjudice before Hon'ble
Allahabad High Court in pursuant to order dt.20.07.2015
[PB Page-117 & Civil Misc. Writ Petition filed before Hon'ble
Allahabad High Court is at PB Pages 198-238]. Resultantly,
the ambit of re-convertibility of statutory levies are like a
general lien of the state on all the belongings (moveable and
immoveable assets) of the litigant whereby the assessee
Vishnu Garg is an unsecured creditor. However an
unsecured creditor with a unilaterally signed document
bereft of bilateral and consensus-ad-idem is not an
enforceable document in Law perse. Simultaneously and
collaterally the state (statutory bodies for statutory levy)
don't have any document of whatsoever kind to recover the
44 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
amounts from said Shri Abhay Salwan and in spite of that
they are a secure creditor in accordance with the principle
of law laid down in the case of Vijay Bank vs., CIT (2010)
323 ITR 166 (SC).
21.7. He further submitted that in the Court of Saurab
Gusain, Civil Judge (Sr. Div), Faridabad in the case of Vijay
Sachdeva (Plaintiff) vs., Abhay Salwan (Defendant), vide
order dt. 22.09.2015 (PB Pages 112-197) in suit for specific
performance of contract where the issue is that the
defendant Abhay Salwan agreed to sell the property to the
plaintiff for a total sale consideration of Rs.50 Lakhs vide
sale agreement dt.31.12.2012. On same day defendant
received a sum of Rs.45 Lakh as part payment and also
handed over the original sale deed dt.05.11.2009 to the
plaintiff. The last date for execution and registration of sale
deed was fixed on or before 30.06.2013. A separate receipt
was also executed by defendant in presence of witnesses. It
has been further claimed that since defendant was in need
of money, he requested the plaintiff to make balance sale
consideration of Rs.5 Lakh, which was also paid by Plaintiff
45 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
vide separate receipt. It was claimed that thereafter
although plaintiff always remained ready and willing to
perform the part of the contract, but, the defendant evaded
on performing his part of contract and did not execute the
sale deed in his favour. Hence this suit.
21.8. The defendant did not present before court and
ex-parte order was passed on 22.09.2015. Thus, Abhay
Salwan has not only defaulted to the assessee, but, was
also a regular defaulter since past as mentioned in above
case where he has received Rs.50 Lakh in December 2012.
Even the plaintiff Vijay Sachdeva got decree in his favour
from Civil Judge (Senior Division), Faridabad, still the said
plaintiff could not recover his money and the same is open
for verification. Further Judicial Magistrate, Faridabad in
various cases held that Abhay Salwan is not traceable and
is a proclaimed person [PB Pages 318-409 and at Page-327]
wherein it is held as under :-
"Intimation to this regard be sent to SHO concerned &
PO Staff. File after doing the needful be consigned to the
46 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
record room with a red ink note on the index of the file
that the accused Brij Bhushan Tyagi & Abhay Salzoan
have been declared proclaimed persons in this case and
proceeding against above named accused will be
initiated as and when accused will be arrested and
appeared before the court and till then file be not
destroyed."
21.9. He accordingly submitted that Shri Abhay
Salwan is not traceable, is absconding, is a proclaimed
person and has not repaid any of his debts/liabilities. The
said fact is verifiable from Police stations, Banks and
Various Courts of Faridabad that the said person is
defaulter of many persons & not traceable since year 2014.
He accordingly submitted that when Shri Abhay Salwan is a
defaulter and not traceable to even Police, how it can be
said that assessee has received interest from such person.
So, it is only AO's presumption that assessee has recovered
such huge interest amount from Shri Abhay Salwan even
though no document was found during search relating to
recovery of interest and even overlooking the order of
47 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Hon'ble Allahabad High Court, Civil Court and Judicial
Magistrate wherein Shri Abhay Salwan has been declared
as a proclaimed person.
21.10. Alternatively and without prejudice to
above, the Learned Counsel for the Assessee submitted that
if any addition on this account is made, then, the assessee
should be entitled to telescoping against addition made of
Bogus purchases in the hand of assessee and two
companies namely LV Rustore Applications Pvt. Ltd. and R
R Carwell Pvt. Ltd. where he is the director and the
controlling person as undisclosed income of assessee. He
submitted that if telescoping of income is not given than
there will be double addition in as much as both the
undisclosed income and the investment made out of such
income are both brought to tax which was contrary to the
basic principles of assessment. Therefore, undisclosed
income and the undisclosed investment are to be set off
against each other, thus giving benefit of telescoping to the
assessee. For the above proposition, the Learned Counsel
for the Assessee relied upon the following Judgments :-
48 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
(i) CIT vs., Sonal Construction [2013] 359 ITR 532
(Del.) (ii) Anantharan Veerasinghaiah & Co. vs., CIT [1980]
123 ITR 457 (SC)
The Ld. D.R. on the other hand, heavily relied on
the orders of the A.O. and the Ld. CIT(A). She submitted
that when the seized documents clearly mention the
interest @ 1.5% per month, therefore, in the absence of any
evidence on record to show that assessee has not received
the interest, the order of the Ld. CIT(A) be upheld.
We have considered the rival arguments made by
both the sides, perused the orders of the A.O. and the Ld.
CIT(A) and the paper book filed on behalf of the assessee.
We have also considered the various decisions cited before
us. We find the A.O. in the instant case made addition of
Rs.11,25,000/- being interest @ 1.5% on the loan of Rs.50
lakhs in January, 2009 and Rs.25 lakhs in June, 2009
given to Shri Abhay Salwan. The submission of the assessee
that he has not received any interest on loan and only an
49 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
amount of Rs.25 lakhs was received towards the principal
amount was not accepted by the A.O. in the absence of any
credible evidence to his satisfaction that assessee has not
received any interest. According to the A.O. as per the
provisions of Section 132 (4A) of the I.T. act, 1961 it is
presumed that any content or document found during the
course of search operation are true. It is also the
observation of the A.O. that documents at Page Nos.125 and
126 of Annexure-A10 clearly mention that assessee had
received interest @ 1.5% during the year under
consideration and the assessee failed to prove that he had
not received any interest during the year. It is the
submission of the Learned Counsel for the Assessee that
A.O. overlooked the seized documents at Page number.125
which contains signature of 04 persons namely the
assessee, Abhay Salwan, Rattan Prakash Mishra and
Dinesh Gupta, where Mr. Dinesh Gupta and Mr. Rattan
Prakash Mishra have signed as witnesses, the assessee has
signed as Payer and Abhay Salwan has signed as Payee. It
is also his contention that a perusal of the seized
50 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
documents at page no.125 of Annexure-A5 clearly shows
that interest for the above said period and balance of Rs.50
lakhs was still recoverable from Abhay Salwan. Therefore,
once the assessee has proved that he has not received any
interest from Abhay Salwan during the year, no addition on
account of such interest should be made.
23.1. We find some force in the above arguments of the
Learned Counsel for the Assessee. A perusal of the seized
document at Page Number-125 of Annexure-A5 clearly
mentions the following :
“Principal Amount Rs.75,00,000
Paid 11.10.2010 Rs.25,00,000/-
Balance up to 31.12.2010 Rs.50,00,000/-
[Interest @ 1.5% p.m.]”
23.2. From the above it cannot be deciphered that
assessee has received any interest on the amount of Rs.75
lakhs given to Shri Abhay Salwan. We find merit in the
arguments of the Learned Counsel for the Assessee that the
lower authorities have overlooked the submissions and
51 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
added the interest merely on the basis of presumption and
surmises. We find the Learned Counsel for the Assessee
through various documents/Court order has established
that Shri Abhay Salwan is absconding, is a proclaimed
person and is a defaulter. Therefore, in absence of any
evidence available with the Revenue, it cannot be said that
the assessee has received the interest of Rs.11.25 lakhs
from Shri Abhay Salwan during the year especially when
the seized document does not categorically mention that the
assessee has in fact received the interest.
23.3. We find the Coordinate Bench in the case of Red
Fort Shahjahan Properties Pvt. Ltd., (supra) vide
ITA.No.742/Del./2020 dated 20.08.2020 has held as under:
“16. In our considered opinion where the
principle amount of loan/advance is doubtful of
recovery interest thereon cannot be accrued and
added to income even under the mercantile system of
accounting. Our view is fortified from the decision of
the Hon'ble Madras High Court in the case of CIT v.
Motor Credit Co. P. Ltd.: 127 ITR 572.
52 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
xxx 18. xxx
Considering the facts in totality in the light of
the judicial decision discussed hereinabove, we are of
the considered view that on given set of facts there is no
accrual of interest even though the assessee's following
the mercantile system of accounting and the charge of
notional interest by the AO/ CIT (A) is bad on facts and
deserves to be deleted. We direct accordingly.”
23.4. We find the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the case
of CIT vs Goyal M G Gases P Ltd. 303 ITR 159 has held that
when the realization of even the principal amount of loan
was in jeopardy, there could not be any accrual of income
by way of interest, even as per the mercantile system of
accounting.
23.5. We find the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of
CIT vs. Godhra Electricity Co. (1997) 225 ITR 746 (SC) has
held that if income does not result at all, there cannot be
53 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
any tax and that if an income has not materialized, then
merely an entry made about a hypothetical income by
following book keeping methods, the liability to tax cannot
be attracted.
23.6. We find the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of
Andhra Bank vs., CIT (1997) 225 ITR 447 (SC) has held that
there cannot be a tax if no income resulted, despite the
entry in the book keeping. The case deals with s. 148.
Assessee changed method of accounting from A.Y. 1960
onwards. But during A.Y. 1963-64, the A.O. objected the
change and reopened assessments for A.Y. 1960 onwards.
The Hon’ble Apex court held that this amounts to change of
opinion and re-assessment is not valid.
23.7. We find the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of
CIT vs. Excel Industries Ltd. & Ors. (2013) 358 ITR 295 (SC)
has held that going by the Accounting Standard though the
revenue is collectible by certainty, the assessee in the
present case, in fact, had not received any interest and
hence, interest in question remained only notional interest.
54 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
23.8. In view of the above discussion, we set aside the
order of the Ld. CIT(A) on this issue and direct the AO to
delete the addition. The grounds raised by the assessee are
allowed.
In ground of appeal number.8, the assessee has
challenged the order of the Ld. CIT(A) in confirming the
addition of Rs.40 lakhs made by the A.O. as unexplained
money.
Facts of the case, in brief, are that during the
course of search proceedings at premises 17/6, Hanspal
Industrial Complex, Mathura Road, Faridabad, Page Nos.67
to 71 of Annexure-A5 Hanspal Industrial Complex were
seized. These pages are letters issued by R.A. Financial
Services to Mr. Rattan Prakash Mishra, President Om
Shanti Educational Society. As per this letter, Sh. Vishnu
Garg has received Rs.40,00,000/- (Rs.18,00,000/- received
on 19.10.2010 and Rs.22,00,000/- received on 30.10.2010)
from R. A. Educational Trust. The A.O, therefore, asked the
assessee to explain the said amount and his interest in
55 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Omshanti Educational Society and the reasons as to why
the said amount was paid to assessee.
25.1. The reply of the assessee vide letter dated
30.11.2018 has been reproduced by the A.O. which reads
as under :
“As regard Pg. No. 67 & 71 of Annexure 5(Pg. 155-159)
seized from 17/6, Hanspal Industrial Complex, Mathura
Road, Faridabad, letters issued by R A Financial
Services to Rattan Prakash Mishra, President Om
Shanti Educational Society. As per these letters,
assessee received cash of Rs.40,00,000/- on behalf of
Om Shanti Educational Society from R.A. Financial
Services. In this regard, it is submitted that assessee
has received cash on behalf of Om Shanti Educational
Society (as authorised person) which is specifically
mentioned in Letter at Pg. 155. Moreover, the impugned
agreement mentioned in this letter was between RA
financial services and Om Shanti Education Society &
assessee was not related to either with Om Shanti
56 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Education Society or R.A. Financial services. His role
was only that of a witness to the transactions and he
had not received any amount from any of the involved
parties. It is further stated that he has neither any
interest in Om Shanti Education Society nor do have
any shareholding or investment in the said society.”
25.2. However, the A.O. was not satisfied with the
arguments advanced by the assessee and made addition of
Rs.40 lakhs on the ground that assessee did not furnish
any evidence in respect of its claim that this money was
actually further given to Omshanti Educational Society.
According to him, merely submitting that the amount was
received on behalf of the Society without furnishing any
evidence of giving it further to the Society cannot be
accepted. He accordingly made addition of Rs.40 lakhs to
the total income of the assessee under section 69A of the
I.T. Act, 1961.
25.3. In appeal, the Ld. CIT(A) upheld the action of the
A.O. by observing as under :
57 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
“5.4. It is not in dispute that the cash was received
by the appellant. It is onus of the appellant to prove that
the cash was received as an agent of someone else
(M/s. Omshanti Educational Society). The appellant
failed to discharge this onus before the A.O. as well as
before the undersigned. I find no infirmity in action of
the A.O. in making this addition. Therefore, this ground
(No.6) is dismissed.”
25.4. Aggrieved with such order of the Ld. CIT(A) the
assessee is in appeal before the Tribunal.
Learned Counsel for the Assessee strongly
challenged the order of the Ld. CIT(A) in confirming the
addition of Rs.40 lakhs made by the A.O. He submitted that
the documents Page Nos. 67 to 71 of Annexure 5 (PB-1
Pages 79-83) seized from 17/6, Hanspal Industrial
Complex, Mathura Road, Faridabad, are letters issued by
RA Financial Services to Rattan Prakash Mishra, President
Om Shanti Educational Society. As per these letters
58 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
assessee received cash of Rs.40,00,000/- (40 Lakh) on
behalf of Om Shanti Educational Society from R.A.
Financial Services as Authorized Person which is
specifically mentioned in Letter at PB Pages 81-82.
Moreover, the impugned agreement mentioned in this letter
was between RA financial services and Om Shanti
Educational Society and assessee was not related to either
with Om Shanti Educational Society or R. A. Financial
Services. He submitted that assessee's role was only that of
a witness to the transactions and he had not received any
amount from any of the involved parties. During
assessment proceedings under section 153A, statement of
Sh. Rattan Prakash Mishra was recorded on dt. 16.11.2018
(PB Pg. 275-276) wherein specific question (Q-13) was
asked relating to above said letter and money received by
assessee amounting Rs.40 Lakh from R A Educational Trust
on behalf of Om Shanti Education Trust and in reply after
looking the letter (supra), he has recalled about Ms. Ashima
Salwan he had stated as under :-
"Presently I can't recall about such information and I am
59 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
unable to access books of accounts of Om Shanti
Education Society now. After looking these pages I
recall that Ms. AshimaSalwan is the wife of Sh.
AbhaySalwan who is the controlling authority ofRA
Financial services & RA Education Trust."
26.1. Thus from above submissions, letter and
statement of Rattan Prakash Mishra, it is clear that the said
sum of Rs.40 Lakh belongs to Om Shanti Educational
Society. The A.O. without making any further enquiry from
Om Shanti Educational Society or Sh. Rattan Prakash
Mishra merely on surmises and conjectures made the
addition of Rs.40 lakh in the hands of the assessee.
26.2. The Learned Counsel for the Assessee in his
alternate contention submitted that if any addition on this
account is to be made, then assessee is entitled to
telescoping against addition made on account of bogus
purchases in the hands of assessee, L V Rustore
Applications Pvt. Ltd. & R R Carwell Pvt. Ltd. as undisclosed
income of assessee. He submitted that if telescoping of
60 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
income is not given, then there will be double addition in as
much as both the undisclosed income and the investment
made out of such income are both brought to tax which is
contrary to the basic principles of assessment. Therefore,
undisclosed income and the undisclosed investment are to
be set-off against each other, thus, giving benefit of
telescoping to the assessee. In support of this contention,
the Learned Counsel for the Assessee relied upon the
following decisions :
(1) CIT vs Sonal Construction (2013) 359 ITR 0532
(Del) (supra).
(2) AnantharanVeerasinghaiah & Co. Vs CIT (1980)
123 ITR 0457 (SC) (supra).
The Ld. D.R. on the other hand heavily relied on
the order of the A.O. She submitted that assessee could not
substantiate with evidence that it had received money on
behalf of Omshanti Educational Society from R.A. Financial
Services and handed over the same to Omshanti
Educational Society. She submitted that it is highly
61 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
improbable that R.A. Financial Services instead of giving the
money directly to Omshanti Educational Society has given
the money to the assessee to handover the same to
Omshanti Educational Society. She accordingly submitted
that the order of the Ld. CIT(A) should be upheld and the
ground raised by the assessee on this issue should be
dismissed.
We have considered the rival arguments made by
both the sides, perused the orders of the A.O. and the Ld.
CIT(A) and the paper book filed on behalf of the assessee.
We have also considered the various decisions cited before
us. We find the A.O. in the instant case made addition of
Rs.40 lakhs on the basis of the seized documents Page
Nos.67 to 71 of Annexure-A5 on the ground that as per the
letter issued by R.A. Financial Services to Mr. Rattan
Prakash Mishra, President Omshanti Educational Society,
Mr. Vishnu Garg has received Rs.40 lakhs from R.A.
Educational Trust on various dates i.e., Rs.18 lakhs on
19.10.2010 and Rs.22 lakhs on 30.10.2010. The
submission of the assessee that he has received the cash of
62 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Rs.40 lakhs on behalf of Omshanti Educational Society
from R.A. Financial Services and were subsequently passed-
on to Omshanti Educational Society was rejected by the
A.O. on the ground that the assessee failed to furnish any
evidence that this money was actually further given to
Omshanti Educational Society. It is the submission of the
Learned Counsel for the Assessee that there is an
agreement between R.A. Financial Services and Omshanti
Educational Society and assessee was not related to either
of them and his role was that of a witness to the
transaction. It is also his submission that during the course
of assessment proceedings under sections 153A/153C of
the I.T. Act, 1961, the statement of Shri Rattan Prakash
Mishra was recorded on 16.11.2018 wherein specific query
was asked to him. The A.O. without any further enquiry
from Omshanti Educational Society or Shri Rattan Prakash
Mishra made the addition which is nothing but surmises
and conjectures.
28.1. We find some force in the above arguments of the
Learned Counsel for the Assessee. A perusal of the seized
63 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
documents clearly and categorically show that the amount
of Rs.40 lakhs was paid by R.A. Financial Services to Shri
Rattan Prakash Mishra, President of Omshanti Educational
Society through Shri Vishnu Garg. We find from PDF Page-
81 (PB Pages 172 and 173) that R.A. Financial Services vide
letter dated 17.08.2011 addressed to Shri Rattan Prakash
Mishra, President Omshanti Educational Society has
written as under :
“R.A. FINANCIAL SERVICES
SOLUTION TO FINANCIAL MATTERS
F-13, 2nd Floor, Sector-10, Faridabad Ph.9971797798
Email : abhaysalwan@gmail.com
17th August, 2011 To Mr. Rattan Prakash Mishra, President, Om Shanti Educational Society, H.No.1365, Sector-17, Faridabad.
Sub: Re-Reply to your Letter Dated 09.08.2011 in context
with my Letter Dated 5.08.2011.
64 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Dear Mr. Mishra,
This has reference to the letter dated 9th August
2011 regarding the re reminders and reminder
letters for the MOU agreement dated 6th Sep 2010
between RPS Education Foundation, Om Shanti
Educational Society and R.A. Financial Services. At
the outset, it is stated that each and every
allegation of breach and or non performance of-any
of the terms and conditions of MOU dated
06.09.2010 are wrong, false and have been totally
concocted.
It is not disputed that as per the Clause 11 of MOU
dated 06.09.2010, R.A. Financial Services was
liable to pay 1,73,32,674/- (Rupees; One Crore
Seventy Three Lacs Thirty Two Thousand Six
Hundred and Seventy Four only) to party of the
first and second part which stands already paid,
The details of which are as under :
65 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
“A sum of Rs.1,35,00,000 (Rs.One Crore Thirty
Five Lacs only) has been paid till 16.10.2010 as
admitted by you in your letter under reply. The
balance amount of Rs.40,00,000 (Rs.Fourty Lacs
only) has been paid by R.A. Financial Services
through its authorized signatory Mr. Abhay
Salwan to Mr. Vishnu Garg, s/o. Sh. B.D. Garg,
member Omshanti Educational Society as per your
instructions and to your knowledge because you
have to pay the aforesaid amount to Mr. Vishnu
Garg. The details of payment are given below :
19.10.2010 – A sum of Rs.18,00,000 (Rs.Eighteen Lacs only) was paid.
30.10.2010 – A sum of Rs.22,00,000 (Rs.Twenty Two Lacs only) was paid.
That as per the clause 9 of MOU and the
payment terms of the said agreement, the
balance payment having already been paid to
you on 30.10.2010 by R.A. Financial Services
66 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
the land of RPS Education. Foundation has
been transferred to Omshanti Educational
Society vide Sale Deed No.149 dated
06.04.2011. It is further stated that after
having received the amount of Rs.1,35,00,000
(Rs. One Crore Thirty. Five lacs only) the
undersigned and five of his associates were
inducted as members of the Governing body of
Omshanti Educational Society which fact is to
your knowledge. The undersigned and five of
his associates were inducted as members with
all powers to deal with, the properties and
management of Omshanti Educational Society.
It is further to bring to your notice that the
undersigned was .appointed as the Treasurer
of the society and Ms. Aashima Salwan as the
Vice President of the society. The aforesaid
members were inducted on 12.10.2010. The
67 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
intimation of the induction of the said members
was duly communicated to the District
Registrar, Firms and Societies, Faridabad vide
letter dated 18.10.2010 addressed to him by
your goodself.
It is further’ brought to your kind notice that a
resolution was passed on in the name of
Shyam College of Education which was run by
Omshanti Educational Society inter alia
authorising the undersigned to operate the
account of Shyam College of Education run by
Omshanti Educational Society in Syndicate
Bank, Chawla Colony, Ballabgarh.
It is therefore preposterously wrong to allege
that any amount is outstanding towards the
undersigned or R.A. Financial Services. You
have no right to allege or say that the MOU
68 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
dated 06.09.2010 has in any way been
violated by the undersigned thereby giving
you any scope to treat the MOU as cancelled
or rescinded. In these premises each and
every allegation and statement of facts
contained in the letter under reply is totally
false and the symbol of falsity stated therein
is to your knowledge.
It is highly incongruent on your part to suppress the
factum of receipt of the amount of Rs.40,00,000 (Rs.
Forty Lacs only) which has, been paid by the
undersigned on behalf of R.A. Financial Services to
your authorised arid nominated person.
Under the circumstances you are hereby inform to
withdraw your letter dated and refrain from shuttle
cocking such type of obnoxious communications in
future. Needless to add that you have no right to
either resile from the terms and conditions of the
69 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
MOU dated 06.09.2010 or treat it as cancelled on your fabricated grounds.
For R.A. Financial Services Sd/- Authorised Signatory
cc. Mr. Vishnu Garg, H.No.128, Sector-16, Faridabd. Mr. Dinesh Gupta, H.No.326, Sector-10, Faridabad.”
28.2. Similarly, R.A. Financial Services vide
letter dated 29.08.2011 addressed to Shri Rattan
Prakash Mishra, President Omshanti Educational
Society has written as under [PB Pages 170-171
and PDF Pages 79-80] :
“R.A. FINANCIAL SERVICES SOLUTION TO FINANCIAL MATTERS F-13, 2nd Floor, Sector-10, Faridabad Ph.9971797798 Email : abhaysalwan@gmail.com
29th August, 2011 To Mr. Rattan Prakash Mishra, President, Om Shanti Educational Society,
70 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
H.No.1365, Sector-17, Faridabad.
Dear Mr. Mishra,
Please refer to your communication dated 23,08.2011.
After going through the contents and without adverting to
para-wise and point-wise reply, I wish to Inform you as
under :
At the outset, it is highly surprising and painful to say
that despite having received- the entire amount in terms of
the MOU dated 06.09.2010, you still have the audacity to
deny the receipt of payment, although it is in your active and
full knowledge. To steer clear the misgivings, it is once again
brought to-your notice in order to straighten the records that
admittedly a sum of Rs.1,35,00,000 has been received by
you. The remaining amount of Rs.40,00,000 stands paid to
you by the, undersigned and the payment has been received
by you through Mr. Vishnu Garg, your authorised person..
The details of payment have been given in the last letter
dated 17.08.2011. You can cross check and co ordinate with
your own representative..
71 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Your bid to cancel the MOU is obviously mischievous
and malafide attempt. It is beyond anybody's comprehension
as to how and under what circumstances you can wriggle out
of the aforementioned MOU when its terms and conditions
have been, adhered to by the undersigned in its entirety.
Regarding your assertion that attempts are being made
to allegedly occupy or possess the land and building at
Panhera Khurd, Ballabgarh by the undersigned and about
the alleged trespass, it is yet another cock and bull story on
your part. You are unnecessary trying to put curtain on your
admitted stand. It is again emphasized that the land and
building at the said site is in possession of R.A. Educational
Trust which is in in lawful possession under a valid
arrangement. Any attempt, to dislodge the working of R.A.
Educational Tryst would on the other hand be an act of
trespass and or interference in the legal and peaceful
possession of the said R.A. Educational Trust. Rest of the
contentions in your reply are nothing but old rhymes
enchanted earlier in your communication under reply which
have since been appropriately dealt with and replied.
72 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
It is needless to emphasize that R.A. Educational Trust
is running Savitri Polytechnic For Women in the premises
which is too well known to you and such activity is going on
since January 2011, Coincidently the said institution was
inaugurated by your goodself and the members of your
family. It is therefore too late in the day for you to resile from
the factual matrix.
For R.A. Financial Services Sd/- Authorised Signatory
cc. Mr. Vishnu Garg, H.No.128, Sector-16, Faridabd. Mr. Dinesh Gupta, H.No.326, Sector-10, Faridabad.”
28.3. Since these letters were found and seized during
the course of search and the letters clearly and categorically
mention that an amount of Rs.40 lakhs was given by R.A.
Financial Services to Shri Rattan Prakash Mishra, President
Omshanti Educational Society and the assessee was only
an intermediary, therefore, adding the same to the income
of the assessee, in our opinion, is not justified. Accordingly,
the order of the Ld. CIT(A) on this issue is set aside and the
73 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
ground of appeal number 8 raised by the assessee is
allowed.
Grounds of appeal number.10 relates to
telescoping which has already been adjudicated while
deciding the ground No.5 at para 18.2 of this order and,
therefore, no separate adjudication is required.
In the result, ITA.No.9147/Del./2019 of the
Assessee is partly allowed.
ITA.No.9148/Del./2019 – A.Y. 2012-13 :
The grounds raised by the Assessee are as under:
“Because the action for initiation, continuation and
conclusion of assessment proceedings u/s 153A at
an amount of Rs.79,47,790/- is being challenged on
facts and law.
Because the action is being challenged on facts and
law for making additions in assessment proceedings
u/s 153A when there is no incriminating material/
74 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
document found during the course of search u/ s 132
of the Act for the impugned year.
Because the action is being challenged on facts and
law for making an addition of Rs.4,50,000/- (@ 1.5%
of Rs.50,00,000/- given to Mishra ji) which is
unwarranted action by assuming the interest accrued
of 1.5% which is a hypothetical income and against
the principle of law (Godhara Electricity Co. Ltd., vs.,
CIT (1997) 225 ITR 746 (SC) whereas per assessee
said loan of Rs.50,00,000/- is given to Abhay
Salwan & not to Mishraji.
Because the action is being challenged on facts and
law for making an addition of Rs.4,50,000/- (@ 3% of
Rs.50,00,000/- given to Abhay Salwan) which is
unwarranted action by assuming the interest accrued
@ 3% which is a hypothetical income and against the
principle of law (Godhara Electricity Co. Ltd., vs., CIT
(1997) 225 ITR 746 (SC).
Because the action is being challenged on facts and
law for making an addition of Rs.9,00,000/-, wherein
75 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
the evidence and the fact of the payee Abhay Salwan
being a proclaimed offender and absconding is
matter of Judicial Review before the Hon’ble
Allahabad High Court, yet wrongly invoking the
jurisdiction of presumption u/s. 132(4A).
Alternatively and without prejudice to above, the
prayer is to allow the claim/relief in accordance with
the provision of section 58(2) r.w.s. 70, 71 of Income
Tax Act, 1961.
For any consequential relief and/or legal claim
arising out of this appeal and for any addition,
deletion, amendment and modification in the grounds
of appeal before the disposal of the same in the
interest of substantial justice to the assessee.”
31.1. The assessee has also raised the following
additional ground :
ii) Because the action is being challenged on facts
& law for making additions in assessment
proceedings u/s 153A wherein the seized
76 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
documents Pg. 125 – 126 of Annexure A-5 relating
to assessee were found from the premises of third
parties i.e., LV Rustore Appliations Pvt. Ltd., R.R
Carwell Pvt. Ltd., Blossom Landeal Pvt Ltd., & Elvi
Bardahl India Pvt. Ltd., 17/6, Hanspal Industrial
Complex, Mathura Road, Faridabad, therefore the
additions on the basis of the said documents can
only be made u/s 153C of the Act & not u/s 153A
of the Act.
31.2. However, the Learned Counsel for the Assessee
did not press the additional ground, for which, the Ld. D.R.
has no objection. Accordingly, the additional ground is
dismissed as not pressed.
Grounds of appeal number.1 and 6 being general
in nature, are dismissed.
Learned Counsel for the Assessee did not press
grounds of appeal number.2, for which, the Ld. D.R. has no
objection. Accordingly, grounds of appeal number.2 is
dismissed as not pressed.
77 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Grounds of appeal numbers.3 to 5 relate to interest
of Rs.9,00,000/- [Rs.4,50,000/- + Rs.4,50,000/-] from Shri
Abhay Salwan and Shri Rattan Prakash Mishra.
After hearing both the sides, we find the above
grounds are identical to the grounds of appeal numbers.6
and 7 in ITA.No.9147/Del./2019. We have already decided
the issue and the grounds raised by the assessee have been
allowed wherein the addition of interest made by the AO
and upheld by the Ld. CIT(A) has been deleted. Following
similar reasoning the above grounds by the assessee are
allowed.
ITA No.9149/Del./2019(Assessee’s appeal) A.Y. 2013-14
The grounds raised by the assessee are as under :
Because the action for initiation, continuation and
conclusion of assessment proceedings u/s 153A at an
amount of Rs.3,70,94,992/- is being challenged on
facts and law.
Because the action is being challenged on facts and
law for making additions in assessment proceedings
78 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
u/s 153A when there is no incriminating
material/document found during the course of search
u/ s 132 of the Act for the impugned year.
Because the action is being challenged on facts and law
for invoking the jurisdiction u/s. 69A r.w.s. 115BBE as
unexplained money for Rs.2,39,25,000/- while
assuming the presumption for addition bereft of
material facts containing material particulars in the
case proceedings.
Alternatively & without prejudice to above, the action for
not giving benefit of Rs.50,00,000/- (receipts dt.
01.01.2012 seized during search) received back from
Abhay Salwan & R. A. Financial Services in peak cash
balance. Similarly, A.O. has not given benefit of
Rs.50,00,000/- (receipts dt.15.12.2011 seized during
search relating to L V Rustore Applications P. Ltd.,
wherein assessee is Share Holder & Director) received
back from Abhay Salwan & R A Financial Services
along with interest in peak cash balance.
79 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Because the action is being challenged on facts law for
charging interest of Rs.41,86,000/- (Period 12.11.2012
to 31.03.2013) as income from other sources which is
disputed since hypothetical income cannot be put to
charge and alternatively without prejudice, the prayer
is to allow the claim/relief in accordance with the
provision of section 58(2) r.w.s. 70,71 of Income Tax
Act 1961.
Because the action is being challenged on facts and law
for making the addition of Rs.13,50,000/- on the
invoking of provision u/s 132(4A) (presumption) which
is being disputed since treated as income from other
sources since hypothetical income cannot be put to
charge and alternatively without prejudice, the prayer
is to allow the claim/relief in accordance with the
provision of section 58(2) r.w.s. 70,71 of Income Tax
Act 1961.
Because the action is being challenged on facts and law
for making disallowance of interest for Rs.3,04,832/-
80 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
which is a deduction allowable while computing
chargeable income u/s 22 to 24.
For any consequential relief and/or legal claim arising
out of this appeal and for any addition, deletion,
amendment and modification in the grounds of appeal
before the disposal of the same in the interest of
substantial justice to the assessee.”
The assessee has also raised the following
additional ground :
“(i) Because the action is being challenged on
facts & law for making additions in assessment
proceedings u/s 153A wherein the seized
documents Pg. 38 – 39 of Annexure A-10 & Pg.36-
37 of Annexure A-10 relating to assessee were
found from the premises of third parties i.e., LV
Rustore Applications Pvt. Ltd., RR Carwell Pvt.
Ltd., Blossom Landeal Pvt Ltd., & Elvi Bardahl
India Pvt. Ltd., 17/6, Hanspal Industrial Complex,
Mathura Road, Faridabad, therefore the additions
on the basis of the said documents can only be
81 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
made u/s 153C of the Act & not u/s 153A of the
Act.”
Learned Counsel for the Assessee did not press the
additional ground, for which, the Ld. D.R. has no objection.
Accordingly, the additional ground by the assessee is
dismissed.
Grounds of appeal numbers.1 and 8 being
general in nature, are dismissed.
Learned Counsel for the Assessee did not press
ground of appeal number.2, for which, the Ld. D.R. has no
objection. Accordingly, the same is dismissed as not
pressed.
In ground of appeal number.3 the assessee
has challenged the addition of Rs.2,39,25,000/- made by
the A.O. and sustained by the Ld. CIT(A).
Facts of the case, in brief, are that during the
search operation at premises 17/6, Hanspal Industrial
Complex, Mathura Road, Faridabad, Page numbers.35 and
36 of Annexure A-10 was seized. It is an MOU entered into
82 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
by the Assessee and Gyaneshwar Education Trust on
12.11.2012. According to this MOU assessee had given a
cash loan of Rs.3.5 crores to Gyaneshwar Education Trust
@ 2.6% interest per month for one year till 11.11.2013. This
MOU is duly signed by Shri Abhay Salwan on behalf of the
Trust and was found in the custody of the assessee. The
A.O, therefore, asked the assessee to explain the source of
Rs.3.5 crores and explain as to why the same should not be
added as unexplained income.
The assessee filed the following reply :
“As regard Pg. No. 36 & 37 of the Annexure A-10
(Pg. 98-100 of submission for AY 2011-12) seized
from premises 17/6, Hanspal Industrial Complex,
Mathura Road, Faridabad, it is submitted that in
MOU, Abhay Salwan has not signed at First Party
place but made initial only as proposal of signing
MOU(supra) & sent the same to the assessee for
execution however assessee rejected said MOU &
declined to sign the said MOU and however the
document was kept as a matter of abundant
83 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
caution to determine the acceptance of
acknowledged debt by Mr Abhay Salwan.
Moreover, the same is not having any seal of
Gyaneshwar Education Trust nor the document is
notarized hence the same is not enforceable in
accordance with the procedure of law...”
However, the A.O. was not satisfied with the
explanation given by the assessee on the reasoning that
during assessment proceedings in case of the assessee for
AY 2012-13, it was concluded that the basic premise of the
assessee that Rs.75,00,000/- was given to Shri Abhay
Salwan in Year 2009 was false because such amount of
Rs.75,00,000/- was found to have been given to Shri Rattan
Prakash Mishra in Year 2009. The AO also reasoned that
the version of the assessee that the assessee, in order to
protect the principal amount of Rs.50,00,000/- (out of
Rs.75,00,000/-, Rs.25,00,000/- was returned to the
assessee in September 2011) and interest thereon, decided
to create the MOU with Shri Abhay Salwan for Rs.3.5 Cr on
12.11.2012, did not appeal to human logic on several
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accounts. The AO reasoned that even if it is considered that
Rs.50,00,000/- and interest @ 1.5% per month thereon was
pending to be received from September 2010, the said
amount would not be more than Rs.71,47,514/- in
September 2012. Then why a person i.e. Shri Abhay Salwan
on behalf of M/s. Gyaneshwar Educational Trust would
sign an agreement which clearly mentioned that M/s.
Gyaneshwar Educational Trust had received a cash loan of
Rs.3.5 Cr which carried interest @ 2.6% per month for one
year (i.e. till 11.11.2013). The AO calculated available cash
balance as per the table mentioned in para 5.8 of the
assessment order to the tune of Rs.1,10,75,000/- as on
12.11.2012. Since, the MOU acknowledged receipt of cash
loan of Rs. 3.5 Cr, therefore, the AO treated
Rs.2,39,25,000/- being the difference between Rs.3.5 Cr
and Rs.1,10,75,000/-, as unexplained and made addition of
equivalent amount u/s 69A.
In appeal, the Ld. CIT(A) upheld the action of
the A.O. by observing as under :
85 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
22.6. During the present appellate proceedings,
that AR repeated the stand taken before the AO.
Additionally, the AR argued that calculation of
availability of cash as on 12.11.2012 was not correct
because benefit of Rs.1,00,00,000/- which was
extended by way of four receipts of Rs.25,00,000/-
each {first evidencing payment of cash loan
Rs.25,00,000/- by Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg to Shri
Abhay Salwan, second evidencing payment of cash loan
of Rs.25,00,000/- by M/s. L.V. Rustore Applications Pvt.
Ltd. to Shri Abhay Salwan, third evidencing payment of
cash loan of Rs.25.00,000/- by Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg
to M/s. RA Financial Services (signed by Shri Abhay
Salwan) and fourth evidencing payment of cash loan of
Rs.25,00,000/- by M/s. L V. Rustore Applications Pvt.
Ltd. to M/s. RA Financial Services (signed by Shri
Abhay Salwan) } and cash generated out of bogus
purchases in case of appellant, Smt. Lata Garg (W/o the
appellant), M/s. L.V. Rustore Applications Pvt. Ltd. and
M/s. R R Carwell Pvt. Ltd. has not been allowed.
86 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
22.7. As far as plea that this agreement was not
enforceable by the law is concerned, the same cannot
be accepted. The provisions u/s 132(4A)/292C are very
clear. The presumption is that content of any seized
material are to be taken as true. The MOU clearly stated
that the appellant had given a total amount of
Rs.3,50,00,000/- as a loan in cash for a period of one
year i.e. from 12th November, 2012 to 11th November,
2013. It is an evidence. Of course, it is a rebuttable
evidence. However, the appellant produced no evidence
to rebut the same. Therefore, this plea is rejected. The
AO has rejected the theory of earlier loan of
Rs.75,00,000/- ( Rs.50,00,000/- in Jan, 2009 and
Rs.25,00,000/- in June, 2009 and re-payment of
Rs.25,00,000/- on 11.10.2010) to Shri Abhay Salwan
because the seized papers clearly showed that it was
given to Shri Rattan Prakash Mishra. During the present
appellate proceedings, the AR could not show that any
material was submitted before the AO to rebut this
finding. Therefore, this theory is also rejected.
87 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
22.8. As far as benefit of Rs.1,00,00,000/- which
was extended by way of four receipts of Rs.25,00,000/-
each is concerned, the two receipts out of captioned four
receipts have stated that the amounts mentioned therein
were advanced on 15.12.2011 for a period of one year.
Rest of the two receipts stated that the amount
mentioned therein were advanced on 01.01.2012 for a
period of one year. Although, the AR claimed that it was
the same amount along with the due interest (because
the interest was never paid) which was shown as
received under the MOU under consideration, however,
the appellant produced no material evidence in support
of this claim. As such, these (four) receipts evidence that
the loan was extended for one year with effect from
01.01.2012. Therefore, in absence of any evidence
showing contrary, it will be presumed that these loans
would be returned on 15.12.2012/01.01.2013.
Therefore, it is difficult to accept this plea. As far as the
other plea (telescoping against the generation of cash
out of bogus purchases) is concerned, it has been dealt
88 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
with in para 4.6 (supra). The observations/remarks
made therein are applicable to this addition, mutus
mutandi.
22.9. In view of the above discussion, this ground
(No. 3) of appeal is dismissed, subject to the above
mentioned remarks/observations.”
Aggrieved with such order of the Ld. CIT(A),
the assessee is in appeal before the Tribunal.
The ld. Counsel for the assessee strongly
challenged the order of the Ld. CIT(A) in sustaining the
addition of Rs.2,39,25,000/- made by the AO on the basis
of seized documents at page no.36 & 37 of the Annexure A-
He submitted that the First MOU dated 12.11.2012 has
only the signature of Abhay Salwan, which was neither
stamped nor notarized. Therefore, it has no evidentiary
value. Further Shri Abhay Salwan is a fraud has already
been brought on record by producing court orders while
arguing for AY 2011-12. There is no corroborative evidence
that the amount of Rs.3.5 crores is given by the assessee to
89 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Abhay Salwan. He submitted that a perusal of the MOU and
other details given by the assessee to the AO at the time of
assessment proceedings conclusively prove the amount of
Rs.3.50 Crores consists of the principal, interest and
interest on interest be recovered from Abhay Salwan. He
accordingly submitted that the addition made by the AO
and sustained by the Ld. CIT(A) should be deleted.
47.1. He submitted that in the MOU, Abhay Salwan
has not signed at First Party place but made initial only as
proposal of signing MOU and sent the same to the assessee
for execution. However, the assessee rejected the said MOU
and declined to sign the said MOU. However the document
was kept as a matter of abundant caution to determine the
acceptance of debt acknowledged by Mr Abhay Salwan. He
submitted that the MOU is not having any seal of
Gyaneshwar Education Trust nor the document is notarized
hence the same is not enforceable in accordance with the
procedure of law.
47.2. He submitted that the two MOUs dated
12.11.2012 and 28.09.2013 are not supported by any book
90 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
entries which could reveal that actual cash has been paid.
He submitted that the above MOUs are only made up
documents to protect the assessee’s interest on account of
assuring the amount to be received from Mr. Abhay Salwan.
The ld. Counsel for the assessee submitted that the
assessee does not have any source to pay such huge
amount of Rs.5 Crores to Mr. Abhay Salwan as per the
second MOU. Referring to various pages of the paper book,
he submitted that in fact the principal loan given to Mr.
Abhay Salwan in 2009-10, the interest on it and interest on
interest all together comes to Rs.5 Crores which can be
verified from the details given before the AO and the AO has
not found the same to be incorrect or untrue. Referring to
various decisions, he submitted that when assessee is
denying the making of any payment, then the burden is on
the Revenue to bring cogent evidence to establish the same.
47.3. Ld. Counsel for the assessee referring to the
contents of the MOUs, submitted that as per the MOU,
money was received by Mr. Abhay Salwan for construction
of his ongoing project. However, no effort has been made by
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the AO to find out as to whether any construction activity
has taken place so as to verify the authenticity of the cash
payment and charge the assessee. He submitted that since
the main person Mr. Abhay Salwan is absconding, the AO
should have examined the witnesses to such MOUs and the
notary who are available to find out the truth.
47.4. Ld. Counsel for the assessee referring to
various court orders submitted that Mr. Abhay Salwan, his
wife Ashima Salwan, his partner Brij Bhusan Tyagi, Mr.
Himanshu Tyagi and Suman Tyagi wife of Mr. Brij Bhushan
Tyagi, who are parties to the second MOUs are declared as
proclaimed offenders. However, the AO has not examined
Mr. Sanjay Gupta, one of the witness of the MOU or the
notary in whose register, such documents/MOUs were
entered to find out the truth.
47.5. Ld. counsel for the assessee submitted that
during the course of search, receipts in the name of O.P.
Gulati and his wife Renu Gulati were also found, which is
related to these MOUs. Although the AO has summoned
O.P. Gulati and recorded his statement, however, no
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question was asked to him on these MOUs which shows
that no proper examination was done by the AO. He
submitted that since the AO has failed in his duty, the
addition made by him and sustained by the Ld. CIT(A)
should be deleted.
47.6. The ld. counsel for the assessee further
submitted that addition has been made by the AO under
section 69A of the I.T. Act. Referring to the provisions of
section 69A, he submitted that these MOUs do not come
under the category of money, bullion, jewellery or other
valuable articles. Further, the date of payment is also not
mentioned in the MOUs and therefore to which financial
year it relates is not ascertainable which is mandatory
requirement of provisions of section 69A of the I.T. Act,
1961. He submitted that addition, if any, could have been
made only u/s 69 of the Act.
47.7. Ld. counsel for the assessee submitted that
the first MOU dated 12.11.2012 does not have the signature
of the assessee or any witness and not even notarized. The
Second MOU dated 28.09.2013 has not been acted upon.
93 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
The so-called property to be mortgaged by Mr. Abhay
Salwan as mentioned in the MOU was already mortgaged to
the bank and property documents were never handed over
to the assessee, then it is against human probability that
the assessee would have given such huge money especially
when he is denying the same from the beginning.
47.8. Alternatively & without prejudice to the above, he
submitted that the AO has not given the benefit in
calculation of peak cash credit relating to loan given by L V
Rustore Applications P Ltd. to Abhay Salwan amounting Rs.
50 Lakh in AY 2012-13 received back from him during the
year and interest on loan given to Abhay Salwan for which
separate addition of Rs. 5,25,000/- in AY 2012-13 & Rs.
11,25,000/- in AY 2013-14 has been made. The peak cash
credit after giving benefit of amount of L V Rustore
Applications Pvt. Ltd. & interest amount be reduced by Rs.
66,50,000/-.
47.9. He accordingly submitted that the addition
sustained by the ld. CIT(A) should be deleted.
94 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
The Ld. DR on the other hand, heavily relied on
the orders of the AO and the Ld. CIT(A). She submitted that
the addition was made by the AO on the basis of seized
documents page no.36 & 37 of the Annexure A-10. The
assessee could nothing explain with satisfactory explanation
as to how and why the MOUs were found from the place of
the assessee. Whatever argument the ld. Counsel for the
assessee has made are nothing but concocted story and
does not have any evidentiary value. She submitted that
the argument of the assessee nowhere matches with the
figures mentioned in the MOU. Therefore, the order of the
Ld. CIT(A) being in accordance with law should be upheld.
We have considered the rival arguments made by
both the sides, perused the orders of the Assessing Officer
and the Ld. CIT(A) and the paper book filed on behalf of the
assessee. We have also considered the various decisions
cited before us. We find the AO in the instant case made
addition of Rs.2,39,25,000/-on the basis of documents at
page 36 and 37 of the Annexure A-10 seized from the
premise at 17/6, Hanspal Industrial Complex, Mathura
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Road, Faridabad. According to the AO, the seized
document is an MOU entered into between the assessee and
Gyaneshwar Education Trust on 12.11.2012, according to
which the assessee had given cash loan of Rs.3.50 Crores
to Gyaneshwar Educational Trust @ 2.6% interest per
month for one year till 11.11.2013. This MOU is duly signed
by Shri Abhay Salwan on behalf of the Trust and was found
in the custody of the assessee. We find the reply of the
assessee that Mr. Abhay Salwan has not signed at First
Party place but made initial only as proposal of MOU was
rejected by the AO and for which the AO has given his
reasoning at pra 5.4 to 5.10 onwards in his order. However,
the AO while making the addition of Rs.2,39,25,000/-, has
given benefit of peak credit of Rs.1,10,75,000/- and made
the addition of balance Rs.2,39,25,000/-. We find the ld.
CIT(A) upheld the same, the reasoning of which have
already been reproduced in the preceding paragraph. It is
the submission of the ld. Counsel for the assessee that since
Mr. Abhay Salwan defaulted in making the payment, he
came with a new proposal in the month of November, 2012
96 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
to secure the assessee’s loan and voluntarily furnished an
undertaking in the form of MOU with Gyaneshwar
Education Trust for consolidated amount of Rs.3.5 Crores
which was outstanding with interest upto 12.11.2012. It is
the submission of the ld. Counsel for the assessee that in
the MOU dated 12.11.2012, there is only one initial of Mr.
Abhay Salwan, which is not stamped or notarized. Further,
it does not contain the signature of the assessee or any
witness. It is his submission that Mr. Abhay Salwan is fraud
and was only buying time to pay the principle as well as
interest. It is the submission of the ld. Counsel for the
assessee that there is no corroborative evidence regarding
the amount of Rs.3.5 Crores given by the assessee to Mr.
Abhay Salwan and that the AO has not examined the
available persons to the MOU such as the witness Mr.
Sanjay Gupta or the notary since the other persons in the
MOU are declared as proclaimed persons. It is also his
submission that although the AO summoned and recorded
statement of Mr. O.P. Gulati, he has not asked any question
to Mr. Gulati on the issue of the MOU although receipts in
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the name of Mr. Gulati were found and related to the same
MOU.
49.1. We find some force in the argument the ld.
counsel for the assessee that proper justice has not been
done while making such huge addition without examining
the various persons to the MOU to find out the truth. We
find a somewhat identical issue had come up before the
Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the case of CIT Mr. Ved Prakash
Choudhary, reported in 305 ITR 245 (Del.) and relied by the
Ld. counsel for the assessee, where the Hon’ble High Court
dismissed the appeal filed by the Revenue by observing as
under:-
Briefly the facts of the case are that a search was conducted at the residence of the Appellant on 10th February, 2000. During the course of search, two Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) dated 1st March, 1999 were recovered. These MOUs were entered into between the Assessee, Ravi Talwar and Madhu Talwar. In terms of the MOUs, the Assessee had paid Rs.25 lakhs each to Ravi Talwar and Madhu Talwar towards part consideration for the purchase of agricultural land valued at Rs.123.30 lakhs. The balance amount was to be paid on or before 30th April, 1999, failing which the amount of Rs.25 lakhs each would be forfeited.
98 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
On the basis of the MOUs, the Assessing Officer issued a questionnaire to Ravi Talwar and Madhu Talwar regarding receipt of the amount of Rs.25 lakhs each but while they both admitted having signed the MOUs, they denied having received any amount. The Assessing Officer concluded that the denials by the Assessee of having made payments and of Ravi Talwar and Madhu Talwar of having received the amounts was only to escape payment of tax liabilities. Accordingly, an amount of Rs.50 lakhs was added in the hands of the Assessee under Section 69 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (for short the Act) as unexplained expenditure. 4. The view taken by the Assessing Officer was not accepted by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) and also by the Tribunal. Both concurrently were of the view that there was not enough evidence to add the amount in the hands of the Assessee. 5. The Commissioner was of the view that all the parties had denied the transaction and in fact the property in question was eventually sold by Ravi Talwar and Madhu Talwar to M/s. Delhi Tent and Decorators Pvt. Ltd. whose Director gave a statement on 4th February, 2002 to the effect that he had purchased the agricultural land in question from Ravi Talwar and Madhu Talwar. It was also held that in view of the denial of receipt of any money by Ravi Talwar and Madhu Talwar, there ought to have been some independent corroboration of the payment but there was no such material forthcoming. 6. In so far as the Tribunal is concerned, it was of the view that under the provisions of Section 132(4A) of the Act, there was a presumption about the correctness of the contents of the MOUs but relying upon the decision of the Karnataka
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High Court in Commissioner of Income Tax vs. P.R. Metrani (HUF), [2001] 251 ITR 244, it was held that the presumption was rebuttable. It was further held that the Assessee had been able to successfully rebut the presumption. 7. Learned counsel for the Revenue reiterated the view expressed by the Assessing Officer. Unfortunately, we are not in agreement with that view. 8. The facts of the case make it very clear that there were two MOUs entered into by the Assessee with Ravi Talwar and Madhu Talwar in respect of the purchase of agricultural land. The two MOUs did record that “the purchase consideration shall be Rs.123.30 lacs. The purchaser having paid to the vendor the sum of Rs.25,00,000 part of the said purchase consideration as a deposit and shall pay the residual of said purchase consideration to the vendor on or before 30th April, 1999 when the purchase will be completed.” 9. Notwithstanding this, the Assessee as well as Ravi Talwar and Madhu Talwar denied the money transaction. In addition thereto, the case set up was that the agricultural land had, in fact, been sold to M/s. Delhi Tent and Decorators Pvt. Ltd. by Ravi Talwar and Madhu Talwar. This was confirmed by Shri N.K. Mittal, one of the Directors of M/s. Delhi Tent and Decorators Pvt. Ltd. Quite clearly, the MOUs did not fructify. 10. Section 132(4A) of the Act uses the expression “it may be presumed”. It is not obligatory on the assessing authority to make a presumption. Even if a presumption is required to be made, then, as held in Commissioner of Income Tax v. S.M.S. Investment Corporation P. Ltd., [1994] 207 ITR 364, the presumption is a
100 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
rebuttable one and relates to a question of fact. While coming to this conclusion, the Rajasthan High Court relied upon an earlier decision rendered by it in Commissioner of Income Tax v. S.M.S. Investment Corporation, [1988] 173 ITR 393. 11. Even in Income Tax Officer, B-Ward, Ernakulam v. T. Abdul Majeed, [1988] 169 ITR 440, it has been held as follows: - “It is true that section 132(4A) of the Act enables the court to presume the truth of the contents of such books. However, it is a presumption which can be rebutted. Moreover, the presumption envisaged therein is only a factual presumption. It is in the discretion of the court, depending upon other factors, to decide whether the presumption must be drawn. The expression used in the sub-section is “may be presumed” as is used in section 114 of the Evidence Act, 1872. It is not a mandate that whenever the books of account are seized, the court shall necessarily draw the presumption, irrespective of any other factors which may dissuade the court from doing so.” 12. In so far as the present case is concerned, the Assessee had stated that in fact there was no transfer of money between him and Ravi Talwar and Madhu Talwar. On the other hand, Ravi Talwar and Madhu Talwar had denied receipt of any money from the Assessee. In the fact of these denials, there ought to have been corroborative evidence to show that there was in fact such a transfer of money. Both the Commissioner as well as the Tribunal have come to the conclusion that there was no such material on record.
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The Assessing Officer relied on certain other transactions entered into by the Assessee with Ravi Talwar and Madhu Talwar for drawing a presumption in respect of the transfer of money, but the Tribunal rightly held that those were independent transactions and had nothing to do with the MOUs, which were the subject matter of discussion. Even if there was something wrong with some other transactions entered into, that would not give rise to an adverse inference in so far as the subject MOUs are concerned. 14. In our opinion, no substantial question of law arises. 15. Dismissed.”
49.2. We find the SLP filed by the Revenue was
dismissed by Hon’ble Supreme Court vide order dated
09.01.2009 as reported in (2010) 3 taxmann.com 785 (SC)
In the instant case, we find it is peculiar
case where the assessee is denying to have made any
payment as per the MOU and the second party in the MOU
is absconding and is a proclaimed person. However, it is
also a fact that the MOUs were found from the premises of
the assessee and therefore the onus is on the assessee to
prove that the assessee has not paid the amount as
mentioned in the first and second MOU and that these
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MOUs are only for securing the payments made earlier with
interest and interest on interest.
50.1. In our opinion, the matter requires a revisit to the
file of the AO to examine certain things to find out the truth
before making any addition. i. The AO shall summon and record the statement of Mr. Sanjay Gupta who is a witness to the MOU and the notary in whose register the same has been entered to find out the facts and veracity of the MOU.
ii. The AO shall also summon and record the statement of Mr. O.P. Gulati in whose name receipts were found and which are related the MOU.
iii. In case the above persons do not respond to the summons issued by the AO, the onus shall be on the assessee to produce them before the AO. If the assessee fails to produce them and they do not respond to the summons then the AO may take adverse view.
50.2 The AO shall decide the issue in the light of our
above observation and in accordance with law after giving
due opportunity of being heard to the assessee. He shall
also keep in mind the decision of the Hon’ble Delhi High
Court (cited supra), while deciding the issue. We hold and
103 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
direct accordingly. The ground of appeal no.3 by the
assessee is accordingly allowed for statistical purposes.
Ground of appeal no.4 relates to the non-granting
of credit of Rs.50 lakhs received from Mr. Abhay Salwan and
R.A. Financial Services while computing the peak cash
balance.
51.1. After hearing both the sides, we find it is the
contention of the ld. Counsel for the assessee that benefit of
Rs.50 lakhs as per receipt dated 01.01.2012 seized during
the search and received back from Mr. Abhay Salwan and
R.A. Financial Services should be given for computing the
peak cash balance, Similarly, it is also his submission that
the Assessing Officer has not given the benefit of Rs.50
lakhs as per seized documents dated 15.12.2011 seized
during the course of search relating to L.V. Rustor
Application Pvt. Ltd. where the assessee is shareholder and
director and amount being received back from Mr. Abhay
Salwan and R.A. Financial Services along with interest
should be considered for computing the peak cash balance.
Considering the totality of the facts of the case and in the
104 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
interest of justice, we deem it proper to restore this issue to
the file of the AO with a direction to decide the issue afresh
after giving due opportunity of being heard to the assessee.
We hold and direct accordingly. Ground of appeal No.4 by
the assessee is accordingly allowed for statistical purposes.
Ground no.5 relates to the addition of
Rs.41,86,000/- made by the Assessing Officer and
sustained by the Ld. CIT(A).
After hearing both the sides, we find the
Assessing Officer made the addition of Rs.41,86,000/- being
interest @ 2.6% of cash loan of Rs.3.5 Crores given by
Gyaneshwar Education Trust for the period 12.11.2012 to
11.11.2013 on the basis of MOU seized at the time of
search. We find the Ld. CIT(A) sustained the addition by
observing as under:-
22.9 Vide ground No. 4, the appellant has contested the addition of Rs. 41,86,000/-. This addition has been made because the AO has calculated the interest on the above stated cash loan of Rs. 3,50,00,000/- to M/s. Gyaneshwar Educational Trust.
105 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
22.10 Before the AO, as well as during the present appellate proceedings, the appellant contested that no interest was ever received. Other contentions extended are same as raised in support of ground No. 3, adjudicated above.
22.11 The provisions u/s 132(4A)/292C are very clear. The presumption is that content of any seized material are to be taken as true. The MOU clearly stated that the appellant had given a total amount of Rs. 3,50,00,000/- as a loan in cash for a period of one year i.e. from 12th November, 2012 to 11th November, 2013 and bears an interest @2.6 % per months. It is an evidence. Of course, it is a rebuttable evidence. However, the appellant produced no evidence to rebut the same. Therefore, this plea is rejected.
22.12 In view of the above discussion, this ground (No. 4) of appeal is dismissed.”
53.1. Since, the issue relating to the addition on
the basis of the MOU as per ground of appeal No.3 has been
restored to the file of the AO for fresh adjudication,
therefore, this ground is also restored to the file of the for
fresh adjudication by the AO. Needless to say, the AO shall
give due opportunity of being heard to the assessee and
decide the issue as per fact and law. We hold and direct
106 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
accordingly. This ground of the assessee is accordingly
allowed for statistical purposes.
Ground no.6 relates to the addition of
Rs.13,50,000/- made by the AO and sustained by the Ld.
CIT(A) again on account of interest received from Mr. Abhay
Salwan on the loan granted of Rs.25 lakhs and Rs.25 lakhs
each.
After hearing both the sides, we find the above
ground is identical to the ground of appeal no.6 and 7 in
ITA No.9147/Del/2019 for AY 2011-12. We have already
decided the issue and ground raised by the assessee has
been allowed. Following similar reasonings, this ground
raised by the assessee is allowed.
Ground No.7 by the assessee relates to the order
of the Ld. CIT(A) in confirming the addition of Rs.3,04,832/-
made by the AO being interest paid on housing loan.
After hearing the both the sides, we find the AO
on the perusal of the computation of income found that the
assessee has shown interest payment on housing loan
107 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
amounting to Rs.12,05,686/- . On being questioned by the
AO, it was submitted by the assessee that he has obtained
housing loan of Rs.2,00,75,720/- on which interest has
been paid. However, the AO noted that the assessee has
utilized only Rs.1,50,00,000/- out of the above amount of
Rs.2,00,75,720/- for the purchase of the house property
and the remaining funds were diverted for other purpose.
In absence of any satisfactory explanation given by the
assessee, the AO made addition of Rs.3,04,832/-, which has
been upheld by the Ld. CIT(A). We do not find any infirmity
in the order of the Ld. CIT(A) on this issue in absence of any
satisfactory explanation even before us. Accordingly, the
order of the ld. CIT(A) on this issue is upheld and the
ground raised by the assessee is dismissed.
Ground No.8 being general in nature is
dismissed.
ITA No.9448/Del/2019 (Revenue’s Appeal) for AY 2013-14.
The Revenue has raised the following grounds of
appeal :
108 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
The order of Ld. CIT (A) is not correct in law and facts.
Whether the facts and circumstances of the case, the
Ld. CIT (A) has erred in allowing telescoping effect of
Rs.2,39,25,000/- on account of bogus purchases made
in the hand of other entity of Group to the assessee's
case.
Whether the facts and circumstances of the case, the
Ld. CIT (A) has erred in allowing the benefit of cash
generated due to the additions of bogus purchases in
the hands of other entity of Group to the assessee’s
case.
Whether the facts and circumstances of the case, the
Ld. CIT (A) has erred in allowing the cash generated
due to out of books transactions of bogus purchases is
to be treated at par with other out of books cash
generating transactions in assessee’s case.
Whether the Ld. CIT (A) has erred in appreciating the
facts that additions on account of bogus purchases
made in the cases of other entity whereas, the addition
on account of un-explained money u/s. 69A of the Act,
109 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
made in the assessee's hand.
The appellant craves for leave to add, amend any/all
the ground of appeal before or during the course of
hearing of the appeal.”
The Revenue in various grounds of appeal has
challenged the order of the Ld. CIT(A) in allowing the
telescoping benefit out of the income from bogus purchases
and the profit from other entities.
After hearing both the side, we do not find any
infirmity in the order of the Ld. CIT(A) on this issue. So far
as the benefit of telescoping is concerned, we have already
allowed the benefit of telescoping by relying on the decision
of the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the case of CIT vs., Sonal
Construction [2013] 359 ITR 532 (Del.). Therefore, the
grounds raised by the Revenue on this issue are dismissed.
So far as the order of the ld. CIT(A) in granting
telescoping benefit from additions made in various other
companies are concerned, the same in our opinion is
justified. Admittedly, the assessee Mr. Vishnu Kumar Garg
110 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
is the director and controlling person of the two other
companies namely R.R.Carwell (P) Ltd. and L.V. Rustore
Applications Pvt. Ltd. . Therefore, there is no infirmity in the
order of the Ld. CIT(A) on this issue since the profit was
generated on account of bogus purchases, etc in the hands
of the two companies are appropriated by Mr. Vishnu
Kumar Garg only. Therefore, the grounds raised by the
Revenue on this issue being devoid of any merit are
dismissed.
ITA No.9150/Del/2019 (Assessee’s Appeal) for AY 2014-15.
The grounds raised by the assessee are as under:-
Because the action is under challenge on facts and
law for arriving at the chargeable income of
Rs.6,03,53,210/- which is dehors material facts
containing material particular to the case controversy
during the course of case proceeding and contrary to
the judgement S. Sankappa vs. ITO ((1968) 2SCR
674).
111 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Because the action is being challenged on facts and
law for making additions in assessment proceedings
u/s 153A when there is no incriminating material/
document found during the course of search u/s 132
of the Act for the impugned year.
Because the action is being challenge on facts and
law for invoking the jurisdiction u/s 69A r.w.s.
115BBE as unexplained money for Rs 3,59,64,000/-
while assuming the presumption for addition bereft
of material facts containing material particulars in
the case proceedings.
Alternatively & without prejudice to above, the
action for not giving benefit of Rs.3,50,00,000/- (as
per MOU dt. 12.11.2012 seized during search)
received back from Gyaneshwar trust in peak cash
balance.
Because the action is being challenged on facts law
for charging interest of Rs.91,50,000/- (Period
28.09.2013 to 31.03.2014) as income from other
sources which is disputed since hypothetical income
112 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
cannot be put to charge and alternatively without
prejudice, the prayer is to allow the claim/relief in
accordance with the provision of section 58(2) r.w.s.
70,71 of Income Tax Act 1961.
Because the action is being challenged on facts and
law for making the addition of Rs.67,03,666/- on the
invoking of provision u/s 132(4A) (presumption)
which is being disputed since treated as income from
other sources since hypothetical income cannot be
put to charge and alternatively without prejudice, the
prayer is to allow the claim/relief in accordance with
the provision of section 58(2) r.w.s. 70, 71 of Income
Tax Act 1961.
Because the action is being challenged on facts and
law for making disallowance of interest for
Rs.5,47,261/- which is a deduction allowable while
computing chargeable income u/s 22 to 24.
For any consequential relief and/or legal claim
arising out of this appeal and for any addition,
deletion, amendment and modification in the grounds
113 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
of appeal before the disposal of the same in the
interest of substantial justice to the assessee.”
The assessee has also raised the following
additional ground :
(i) Because the action is being challenged on facts
& law for making additions in assessment
proceedings u/s 153A wherein the seized
documents Pg. 36-37 of Annexure A-10 & Pg.13-
14 of Annexure A-10 relating to assessee were
found from the premises of third parties i.e., LV
Rustore Applications Pvt. Ltd., RR Carwell Pvt.
Ltd., Blossom Landeal Pvt Ltd., & Elvi Bardahl
India Pvt. Ltd., 17/6, Hanspal Industrial
Complex, Mathura Road, Faridabad, therefore
the additions on the basis of the said
documents can only be made u/s 153C of the
Act & not u/s 153A of the Act.
However, the ld. Counsel for the assessee did not
press the additional ground of appeal for which the Ld. DR
114 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
has no objection. Accordingly, the additional ground filed by
the assessee is dismissed as not pressed.
Ground No.1 and 2 were not pressed by the ld.
counsel for the assessee for which the Ld. DR has no
objection. Accordingly, the grounds of appeal no. 1 and 2
are dismissed as not pressed.
67 Grounds of appeal no.3 and 4 relate to the order
of the Ld. CIT(A) in confirming the addition of
Rs.3,59,64,000/-.
Facts of the case in brief are that the AO noted
that during the search operation at premise 17/6, Hanspal
Industrial Complex, Mathura Road, Faridabad , page No.
13 & 14 Of Annexure- A10 was seized. It is an MOU entered
into by the assessee and Gyaneshwar Educational Trust on
28.09.2013. According to this MOU, the assessee had given
a cash loan of Rs 5 Cr in cash to Gyaneshwar Educational
Trust on 28.09.2013 @ 3% interest per month for three
years from 28.09.2013 to 28.09.2016. This MOU is duly
signed by the assessee and Sh Abhay Salwan on behalf of
Gyaneshwar Educational Trust and was found in the
115 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
custody of the assessee. During assessment proceedings,
the assessee was asked to explain the source of Rs 5 Cr and
to show cause as to why the amount Rs 5 Cr not to be
treated as unaccounted money and be added back to total
income of the assessee during the year under consideration.
The assessee in his reply dated 30.11.2018
submitted that Pg. No. 13 & 14 of the Annexure A-10 were
seized from premises 17/6, Hanspal Industrial Complex,
Mathura Road. Faridabad. It is an MOU dt. 28.09.2013
executed between Gyaneshwar Educational Trust &
assessee. It was submitted that during the year Abhay
Salwan has not made any payment of whatsoever kind
relatable to principal, interest & interest on interest.
However it is most relevant to state that Abhay Salwan
again offered to furnish an undertaking in the form of
another MOU with Gayneshwar Education Trust for Rs. 5
Crs acknowledged outstanding debt upto 15.09.2013
towards earlier given loan and interest amount & interest
on interest for the period w.e.f 15.12.2011/01.01.2012 to
116 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
15.09.2013. However, Abhay Salwan was unable to either
repay the principal or the interest amount. The said MOU
was duly signed & notarized but assessee had not received
any amount as interest till date.
However, the AO was not satisfied with the
arguments advanced by the assessee. He noted that during
assessment proceedings of the assessee for AY 2012-13, it
was concluded that the basic premise of the assessee that
Rs 75,00,000/- was given to Abhay Salwan in Year 2009 is
false because such amount of Rs 75,00,000/- was found to
be given to Sh Ratan Prakash Mishra in Year 2009.
Submission of the assessee that he, in order to protect the
principle amount of Rs.50,00,000/- (Out of Rs 75,00,000/-,
Rs 25,00,000/- was returned to the assessee in Sep 2011)
and interest thereon , entered into the MOU with Abhay
Salwan for Rs. 5Cr. on 28.09.2013 defies human wisdom on
several accounts. According to the AO, even if it is
considered that Rs.50.00,000/- and interest @1.5% per
month thereon is pending to be received from Sep 2010, the
117 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
said amount would not be more than Rs.85,45,697/- in
September 2013. Then why a person i.e. Abhay Salwan on
behalf of Gyaneshwar educational trust would sign on an
agreement which clearly mentioned that Gyaneshwar
educational trust is receiving Rs 5 Cr in cash on
28.09.2013@ 3% interest for three year till 28.09.2016.
The AO further observed that MOU of Rs 5 Cr
was entered into by the assessee and Gyaneshawar
Educational Trust on 28.09.2013 whereas MOU of Rs 3.5
Cr was entered into by the assessee and Gyaneshawar
Educational Trust on 12.11.2012 for one year. Therefore,
the MOU of Rs 5 Cr was entered before completion of the
MOU of Rs 3.5 Cr. Therefore, Both MOUs are independent
and not related to each other. The AO therefore concluded
that the assessee had given a cash loan of Rs 5 Cr to
Gyaneshwar Educational trust @ 3% interest per month on
28.09.2013 for three year till 28.09.2016.
From the various seized material found during
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course of search, the AO noted that the following
transactions pertain to the assessee and were occurred in
cash. In order to find peak cash balance on a given date,
the AO recorded these transactions in chronological order
with narration as shown below:
AY 2011- 12
Date Amount Amount Narration Received Paid Interest received on unsecured cash loan of Rs 25 lakh given to Mishraji in Year 2009 for period from 30.09.2010 2,25,000 01.04.2010 to 30.09.2010 interest income for prior period on loan of Rs 25 lakh given to Mishraji in Year 2009 for period from 30.09.2010 3,75,000 01.04.2010 to 30.09.2010 Received on behalf of Om Shanti education society 19.10.2010 18,00,000 from RA financial services 30.10.2010 22,00,000 Received on behalf of Om Shanti education society from RA financial services Received back principle amount of Rs 25,00,000 11.11.2010 25,00,000 given to Mishra in 2009 Interest income on cash loan of Rs 50 lakh given to Mishraji in 2009 for period from 01.04.2010 to 31.03.2011 9,00,000 31.03.2011 31.03.2011 11,25,000 Prior period interest on Rs 50 lakh cash loan given to Mishra in 2009 91,25,000 Cash in hand on 31.03.2012 AY 2012- 13 30.09.2011 50,00,000 Received back principle amount of Rs 50,00,000 given to Mishra in 2009 Interest on 50 lakh given to mishra in 2009 for 30.09.2011 4,50,000 period from 01.04.2011 to 30.09.2011 1,45,75,000 Total cash in hand at 01.01.2012 01.01.2012 Cash loan given to Abhay Salwan & RA Financial 50,00,000 Services
119 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
95,75,000 Remained cash in hand as on 02.01.2012 Interest income from cash loan of Rs25,00,000/- given to Abhay Salwan & cash loan of Rs25,00,000/-.given to RA Financial Services for 31.3.2012 4,50,000 period from 01.01.2012 to 31.03.2012 1,00,25,000 Total cash in hand on 31.03.2013 AY 2013- 14 Interest income from cash loan of Rs25,00,000/- given to Abhay Salwan & cash loan of Rs25,00,000/- given to RA Financial Services for 11.11.2012 10,50,000 period from 01.04.2010 to 31.10.2012 1,10,75,000 Total cash in hand on 12.11.2012 12.11.2012 3,50,00,000 Cash loan given to Gyaneshwar Trust Interest income from cash loan of Rs25,00,000/- given to Abhay Salwan & cash loan of Rs25,00,000/- given to RA Financial Services for 31.12.2012 3,00,000 period from 1.1 1.2012 to 31.12.2012
Received back principle amount of Rs25,00,000/- given to Abhay Salwan and Rs.25,00,000/- 01.01.2013 50,00,000 given to RA Financial Services
Interest income from cash loan of 3.5 Cr given to Gyaneshwar Trust on 12.11.2012 31.3.2013 41,86,000 for period from 12.11.2012 to 31.03.2013 94,86,000 Cash in hand as on 31.03.2014 AY 2014-15 Interest income from cash loan of 3.5 Cr given to Gyaneshwar Trust on 12.11.2012 31.8.2013 45,50,000 for period from 01.04.2013 to 31.08.2013 1,40,36,000 Total cash in hand as on 28.09.2013
He observed that on 28.09.2013, the assessee
had a peak cash balance of Rs. 1,40,36,000/-. The assessee
had given a cash loan of Rs 5 Cr to Gyaneshwar
Educational Trust on 28.09.2013. Out of total cash of Rs 5
Cr given to the Gyaneshwar Educational Trust, Rs.
1,40,36,000/- is adjusted against total cash in hand on
120 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
28.09.2013. For the remaining amount of Rs.3,59,64,000/-
out of Rs 5 Cr, the source remained unexplained. The
assessee has not recorded these transactions in his books
of account/statement of affairs. The assessee is found to be
owner of Rs.3,59,64,000/- but he did not furnish any
explanation regarding the source of the money. Therefore,
he treated the amount of Rs.3,59,64,000/- as unexplained
money of the assessee u/s 69A of IT Act.
In appeal, the Ld. CIT(A) confirmed the addition
made by the AO by observing as under:-
29.7. During the present appellate proceedings, that AR repeated the stand taken before the AO. Additionally, the AR argued that calculation of availability of cash as on 28.09.2013 is not correct because benefit of Rs. 3.5 Cr received as per earlier (draft) MOU have already been added. The AR also said that the benefit of cash generated due to additions of bogus purchases in the hands of appellant, his wife (Smt. Lata Garg) and his companies namely, M/s. RR Carwell Pvt. Ltd. and M/s. L. V. Rustore Applications Pvt. Ltd. should be allowed, while calculating cash availability.
29.8. It was argument of the AR that MOU
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dated 28.09.2013 was made after rescinding the MOU dated 12.11.2012 or in other words only additional amount of Rs.1.5 Cr was given which was in form of accrued interest. The AR submitted calculation by using a calculation of interest @ 3% per month, compounded every month which was nearing (but not exactly tally) the figure of Rs. 5 Cr. The AR also argued that the property mentioned in both the MOUs is same and he also produced a copy of auction notice published on 18 May, 2018 in 'Jan Satta' newspaper (got published by Central bank of India) in respect of a part the same property showing its reserved price Rs. 1.43 Cr for 5.063 acre. The AR pointed out that the total area of this property was 3.883 hectares. The AR argued that by this rate the total value of the property is less than 2.5 Cr and no prudent was likely to give an additional loan of Rs. 5 Cr during the pendency of earlier loan of Rs. 3.5 Cr.
29.9 Although, the AR claimed that the amount of Rs. 3.5 Cr became the amount of Rs. 5 Cr by including the due interest (because the interest was never paid). However, the appellant used rate of interest @ 3% per month and used compounding every month. However, the rate of interest as per seized MOU dated 12.11.20121 was only 2.6 % per month and the agreement was supposed to be in force upto 11.11.2013. The appellant produced no material evidence in support of this claim that the (earlier) MOU dated 12.11.2012 was rescinded.
122 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Therefore, in absence of any evidence showing contrary, it will be presumed that the loan of Rs. 3.5 Cr would be returned' on 11.11.2013. Therefore, it is difficult to accept this plea. As far as the other plea (generation of cash out of bogus purchases) is concerned, it has been dealt with in para 4.6(supra). The observations/remarks made therein are applicable to this addition, mutus mutandi.”
Aggrieved with such order of the Ld. CIT(A), the
assessee is in appeal before the Tribunal.
After hearing both sides, we find this ground is
identical to ground of appeal no.3 in ITA No.9149/Del/2019
for AY 2013-14. We have already decided the issue and
restored the issue to the file of the AO for fresh
adjudication. This issue was also discussed in the said
ground. Following similar reasonings, we restore this issue
to the file of the AO for fresh adjudication. The AO shall
decide the issue as per fact and law after giving due
opportunity of being heard to the assessee in the light of
our direction given therein. We hold and direct accordingly.
This ground by the assessee is accordingly allowed for
statistical purposes.
123 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
In ground no.4, the assessee made alternate
contention regarding giving benefit of Rs.3.56 lakhs which
was received back from M/s Gyaneshwar Educational Trust
as per MOU dated 12.11.2012.
77.1. Since, we have already restored ground of appeal
no.3, this ground is also restored to the file of the AO for
fresh adjudication. The ground raised by the assessee is
accordingly allowed for statistical purposes.
In ground No. 5, the assessee has challenged the
order of the Ld. CIT(A) in confirming the addition of interest
of Rs.91,50,000/- made by the AO.
After hearing both the sides, we find the AO on
the basis of MOU that the assessee has received interest @
3% per month on the cash loan of Rs.5 Crores given to
Gynaeshwar Educational Trust on 28.09.2013 made
addition of Rs.91,50,000/- being interest. We find the Ld.
CIT(A) upheld the action of the AO. It is the submission of
the ld. Counsel for the assessee that Mr. Abhay Salwan is
not traceable, is absconding, is a proclaimed person and
offender. Therefore, no interest can be taxed on notional
124 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
basis. For the above proposition, he relied on the argument
while arguing for the interest on loan from Mr. Abhay
Salwan for AY 2012-13.
The Ld. DR on the other hand heavily relied on
the order of the AO and the Ld. CIT(A).
After hearing both the sides, we find the issue of
MOU has been restored to the file of the AO for fresh
adjudication. We therefore, restore this issue to the file of
the AO for adjudication of this issue in accordance with law
and after giving due opportunity of being heard to the
assessee. While doing so, the AO shall also keep in mind
our findings in ground of appeal No.6 and 7 in ITA
No.9147/Del/2019 for AY 2011-12. The ground raised by
the assessee on this issue is accordingly allowed for
statistical purpose.
In ground No.6, the assessee has challenged the
order of the ld. CIT(A) in sustaining the addition of
Rs.67,03,666/- again on interest income.
After hearing both the sides, we find the AO on
the basis of MOU entered into by the assessee with M/s
125 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Gyaneshwar Educational Trust on 12.11.2012, according
to which the assessee had given a sum of Rs.3.5 Crores to
Gyaneshwar Education Trust on 12.11.2012 as loan on
interest @ 2.6% per month for one year made addition of
Rs.6,70,3666/- on account of interest received, which has
been upheld by the Ld. CIT(A).
We find the above issue is identical to the ground
of appeal No.5 decided in the preceding paragraph.
Following the similar reasoning, we restore this issue to the
file of the AO for fresh adjudication in the light of our
directions given therein. The ground raised by the assessee
is accordingly allowed for statistical purposes.
In grounds of appeal no.7, the assessee has
challenged the order of the Ld. CIT(A) in sustaining the
addition of Rs.5,47,261/- on account of disallowance of
housing loan interest.
After hearing both the sides, we find this ground
is identical to ground of appeal no.7 in ITA
No.9149/Del/2019 for AY 2013-14. We have already
126 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
decided this issue and dismissed the ground. Following the
similar reasoning, the ground raised by the assessee is
dismissed.
ITA No.9449/Del/2019 (Revenue’s Appeal) for AY 2014-15 87. The ground raised the Revenue are as under:-
The order of Ld. CIT (A) is not correct in law and facts.
Whether the facts and circumstances of the case, the
Ld. CIT (A) has erred in allowing telescoping effect of
Rs.1,8186,816/- on account of bogus purchases made
in the hand of other entity of Group to the assessee's
case.
Whether the facts and circumstances of the case, the
Ld. CIT (A) has erred in allowing the benefit of cash
generated due to the additions of bogus purchases in
the hands of other entity of Group to the assessee’s
case.
Whether the facts and circumstances of the case, the
Ld. CIT (A) has erred in allowing the cash generated
due to out of books transactions of bogus purchases is
to be treated at par with other out of books cash
127 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
generating transactions in assessee’s case.
Whether the Ld. CIT (A) has erred in appreciating the
facts that additions on account of bogus purchases
made in the cases of other entity whereas, the addition
on account of un-explained money u/s. 69A of the Act,
made in the assessee's hand.
The appellant craves for leave to add, amend any/all
the ground of appeal before or during the course of
hearing of the appeal.”
After hearing both the sides, we find the above
grounds are identical to the ground raised by the Revenue
in ITA No.9448/Del/2019 for AY 2013-14. We have already
decided this issue and the grounds raised by the Revenue
have been dismissed. Following, the similar reasoning, the
ground raised by the Revenue are dismissed.
ITA.No.9151/Del./2019 – A.Y. 2015-16 :
The grounds raised by the assessee are as under :
Because the action is under challenge on facts and
law for arriving at the chargeable income of Rs
128 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
1,95,05,533/- which is dehors material facts
containing material particular to the case controversy
during the course of case proceeding and contrary to
the Judgment S. Sankappa vs. ITO ((1968) 2 SCR
674).
Because the action is being challenged on facts and
law for making additions in assessment proceedings
u/s 153A when there is no incriminating
material/document found during the course of search
u/s 132 of the Act for the impugned year.
Because the action is being challenged on facts law
for charging interest of Rs.90,00,000/- (Period
01.04.2014 to 30.09.2014) as income from other
sources which is disputed since hypothetical income
cannot be put to charge and against the principle of
law (Godhara Electricity Co. Ltd v CIT (1997) 225 ITR
746(SC)).
Because the action is being challenged on facts and
law for making an addition of Rs.90,00,000/-,
wherein the evidence and the fact is that the payee
129 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Abhay Salwan being a proclaimed offender and
absconding is matter of Judicial Review before the
Hon'ble Allahabad High Court, yet wrongly invoking
the jurisdiction of presumption u/s 132(4A) and
alternatively without prejudice, the prayer is to allow
the claim/relief in accordance with the provision of
section 58(2) r.w.s. 70, 71 of Income Tax Act 1961.
Because the action is being challenged on facts and
law for making disallowance of interest for
Rs.5,06,563/- which is a deduction allowable while
computing chargeable income u/s 22 to 24.
Because the action for addition amounting
Rs.30,00,000/- is being challenged on facts and law
as assessee failed to prove identity, genuineness and
credit worthiness of unsecured loan whereas per
assessee the said amount received is repayment of
loan given to Abhay Salwan by assessee
substantiated through document seized in search. 7. For any consequential relief and/or legal claim
arising out of this appeal and for any addition,
130 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
deletion, amendment and modification in the grounds
of appeal before the disposal of the same in the
interest of substantial justice to the assessee.”
The assessee has also raised the following
additional ground :
Because the action is being challenged on facts i)
& law for making additions in assessment
proceedings u/s 153A wherein the seized
documents Pg. 13-14 of Annexure A-10 & Pg.46 of
Annexure A-10 relating to assessee were found
from the premises of third parties i.e., LV Rustore
Appliations Pvt. Ltd., RR Carwell Pvt. Ltd.,
Blossom Landeal Pvt Ltd., & Elvi Bardahl India
Pvt. Ltd., 17/6, Hanspal Industrial Complex,
Mathura Road, Faridabad, therefore the additions
on the basis of the said documents can only be
made u/s 153C of the Act & not u/s 153A of the
Act.
131 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
However, the ld. Counsel for the assessee did not
press the additional ground for which the ld. DR has no
objection. The additional ground raised by the assessee is
accordingly dismissed.
The ld. Counsel for the assessee did not press
grounds no.1 and 2 for which the ld. DR has not objection,
accordingly, the grounds no.1 and 2 are dismissed.
In ground no.3 and 4, the assessee has
challenged the order of the Ld. CIT(A) in confirming the
addition of Rs.90 lakhs being interest @ 3% on the amount
of cash loan to Mr. Gyaneshwar Educational Trust.
After hearing both the sides, we find the above
grounds are identical to grounds of appeal No. 5 to 6 in ITA
No.9150/Del/2019. We have already decided the issue and
the grounds raised by the assessee have been restored to
the file of the AO for fresh adjudication. Following similar
reasoning, these grounds by the assessee are allowed for
statistical purpose.
132 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
In ground no.5, the assessee has challenged the
order of the Ld. CIT(A) in confirming the addition of
Rs.5,06,563/- being interest on borrowed capital.
After hearing both the sides, we find that above
ground is identical to ground of appeal no. 7 in ITA
No.9149/Del/2019. We have already decided this issue and
the ground raised by the assessee has been dismissed.
Following similar reasoning, this ground by the assessee is
dismissed.
In ground no.6, the assessee has challenged the
order of Ld. CIT(A) in confirming the addition of
Rs.30,00,00/- made by the AO being unsecured loan from
M/s Giantmaker Developers Pvt. Ltd. and M/s NBS
Engineers India Pvt. Ltd.
The facts of the case, in brief, are that the AO
during the course of assessment proceedings observed from
the details of unsecured loan that the assessee has shown
unsecured loan of Rs 10,00,000/- received on 09.04.2014
and Rs.l5,00,000/- on 11.04.2014 from M/s Giantmaker
Developers P Ltd and Rs5,00,000/- received on 05.05.2014
133 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
from NBS Engineers India P Ltd during the year under
consideration. The assessee was asked to provide ITR,
Bank statement of the party and Confirmation of the party
who provided unsecured loan during the year in order to
prove identity, credit worthiness and genuineness of the
transaction. But the assessee failed to provide any of the
above mentioned documents. Further, page no 46 of
Annexure A-10 seized from the premise of the asessee
contains above mentioned loan amount from Giant maker
developers P Ltd and NBS Engineers P Ltd. Vide
questionnaire dated 15.10.2018, the assessee was asked to
explain these entries. Thereafter, the assessee was asked to
show cause as to why the amount Rs.25,00,000/- received
from M/s Giant maker Developers Pvt. Ltd and
Rs.5,00,000/- received from M/s NBS Engineers P Ltd not
to be considered bogus/unaccounted and added back to
total income of the assessee. The assessee did not file any
satisfactory reply. The AO noted that the assessee could not
provide any document in support of his claim of unsecured
loan received during the year. Secondly, the assessee is
134 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
contradicting himself when he is mentioning that Rs
25,00,000/- received from Giantmaker Developers Pvt Ltd
and Rs 5,00,000/- received from M/s NBS Engineers India
Pvt Ltd is actually a payment made by Abhay Salwan
against the loan given by the assessee in earlier years. He
noted that as per submission made by the assessee, this
payment of Rs 30,00,000/- should have been shown as bad
debt recovered or loan recovered in the hand of the assessee
and not as unsecured loan in hand of the assessee.
Moreover, the assessee has shown this received payment as
a liability in his statement of affairs. That liability still exists
in the statement of affairs as on 31.03.2017. That clearly
shows that the assessee was trying to hide the actual nature
of receipt and colouring it with character of liability in his
statement of affairs. In view of the above the AO held that
the assessee failed to prove identity, genuineness and credit
worthiness of the unsecured loan but also tried to hide the
actual nature of the payment by showing it as a liability.
Therefore, he considered the said amount of Rs.25,00,000/-
received from M/s Giantmaker Developers Pvt. Ltd. and
135 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Rs.5,00,000/- received from M/s NBS Engineers P Ltd as
unexplained money of the assessee. He accordingly made
addition of Rs 30,00,000/- to the total income of the
assessee.
In appeal, the ld. CIT(A) confirmed the action of
the AO by observing as under:-
“39.3. Before AO, the appellant failed to discharge initial onus of providing identity and creditworthiness of the lender and genuineness of the transaction. The appellant stated that these are re- payments of the loan taken by Shri Abhay Salwan. The appellant that these are companies of Shri Abhay Salwan and the addition has already been made in the hands of appellant when this amount was extended as a loan, in cash. In other words, It was claim of the appellant that the cash of Rs. 50,00,000/- { Rs. 25,00,000/- each paid to Shri Abhay Salwan/ M/s. R A Financial } has already been taxed(added) and the same money has come back. The AO did not accept this plea and added the amount.
39.4. Before undersigned, the AR argued that the fact of this money being received from Shri Abhay Salwan was evident from the entries reflecting re-payments under consideration which are written in juxtaposition of an entry reflecting receipt of Rs. 10 Lakhs on 07.05.2014 from Shri Abhay Salwan. The AR informed that this re-payment of Rs. TO Lakhs received from Shri Abhay Salwan was received in group company M/s. Blossom Landeal Pvt. Ltd. and has been taxed in AY 2015-16.
136 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
39.5 It is noted that these additions have been made u/s 68. It is not the case of appellant that he was able to discharge initial onus of proving identity and creditworthiness of the lender and genuineness of the transaction. It is also noted that the amount of Rs. 50 Lakhs was not added in the AY 2012-13 (because due to telescoping, the source of two cash loans of Rs. 25 each were extended on 01 January, 2012 to Shri Abhay Salwan and M/s. RA Financial Services, were treated as explained, as discussed in para 15.2, above ). Moreover, the AO has already given credit for receipt of this amount after one year i.e. on 01.01.2013 as per the chart of cash availability in para 5.8 of the AY 2014-15. 39.6. Therefore, this ground (No. 5) of appeal is dismissed.”
Aggrieved with such order of the Ld. CIT(A), the
assessee is in appeal before the Tribunal.
The ld. Counsel for the assessee submitted that
the seized document at page no.46 Annexure A-10 from the
premises at 17/6, Hanspal Industrial Complex, Mathura
Road, Faridabad, shows certain hand written entries of
receipt of amount from Mr. Abhay Salwan in his group
companies. The ld. Counsel for the assessee drew the
attention of the Bench to the following details:-
137 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
S. No. Date Amount Mode of Name of Party (Rs.) Payment from whom Books of Acoounts Received in which received 1. 09.04.2014 10,00,000 RTGS Giantmaker Developers P. Ltd. Vishnu Kumar Garg (ROC Form 32 & Annual returns showing that Abhay Salwan is director & shareholder in said company (Submitted at submission dt. 23.07.2019 of Vishnu Kumar Garg AY 2011-12 Pg. 451 - 468) 2. 11.04.2014 15,00,000 RTGS Vishnu Kumar Garg
Giantmaker Developers Pvt Ltd. 3. 05.05.2014 5,00,000 RTGS NBS Engineers Vishnu Kumar Garg India Pvt Ltd. (ROC Form 32 for appointment on dt. 13.04.2013 & resignation on dt. 01.07.2014 from directorship in said company (Submitted at submission dt. 23.07.2019 of Vishnu Kumar Garg AY 2011-12 Pg. 469 -478)
138 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
28.04.2014/ 10,00,000 RTGS SBN Blossom Construction Landeal Pvt 06.05.2014 Ltd. & Blossom has given cheque dt. 06.05.2014 to Vishnu Kumar Garg 5. 05.05.2014 10,00,000 RTGS NBS Engineers L V Rustore India P Ltd. Applications Pvt Ltd. 6. 14.09.2012 10,00,000 Cheque Giantmaker L V Rustore Developers Pvt Applications Ltd. Pvt Ltd. 7. 23.11.2012 15,00,000 Cheque Giantmaker L V Rustore Developers Pvt Applications Ltd. Pvt Ltd. Total 75,00,000
He submitted that the assessee has received back
Rs. 75 Lakh from Abhay Salwan, Rs. 25 Lakh in A.Y. 2013-
14 & Rs. 50 Lakh in A.Y. 2015-16. When assessee received
back the principal amount Rs. 50 Lakh & Rs. 25 Lakh as
interest, then assessee decided not to file any FIR against
Abhay Salwan to buy peace of mind. Most importantly, if
assessee had given such huge amount of Rs 8.5 Cr. as loan
to Abhay Salwan, then assessee must have filed the FIR as
filed by other persons and (or) initiated court proceedings
under the Specific Relief Act,1963. However, till date no
such proceeding has been initiated, thus, the onus to
139 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
explain & put the details of transaction to the knowledge of
the deptt. stands discharged by the assessee & even further
to state that rule of presumption is that once there is a
doubtful fact then that may be inferred from certain other
proved facts. While inferring the existence of a fact from
another set of proved facts , the Court exercises the process
of reasoning and reaches to a logical conclusion so as to the
most probable position pursuant to Section 114 of the
Indian Evidence Act, 1872. He submitted that in the
present case the Deptt. is settling the whole case on
presumption which is not correct. He accordingly
submitted that the order of the Ld. CIT(A) be set-aside and
the ground raised by the assessee be allowed.
The Ld. DR, on the other hand, heavily relied on
the order of the Ld. CIT(A).
We have heard the rival arguments made by both
the sides, perused the orders of the A.O. and the Ld. CIT(A)
and the paper book filed on behalf of the assessee. We have
also considered the various decisions cited before us. We
find the AO in the instant case made addition of
140 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Rs.30,00,000/- to the total income of the assessee being
unsecured loans of Rs.25 lakhs from M/s Giant Maker
Developers Pvt. Ltd. aned Rs.5 lakhs from NBS Engineers
India Pvt. Ltd. obtained by the assessee on the ground that
the assessee has failed to prove the identity, genuineness
and creditworthiness of the loan creditors and also tried to
hide actual nature of the payment by showing its liability.
We find the ld. CIT(A) upheld the action of the
AO, the reasons of which have already been reproduced in
the preceding paragraph. It is the submission of the Ld.
counsel for the assessee that the amount of Rs.30,00,000/-
received by the assessee are in fact the recovery of principal
amount earlier given to Mr. Abhay Salwan and the addition
made by the AO and sustained by Ld. CIT(A) are on
presumption basis. It is the settled position of law that for
allowing any cash credit as genuine, the onus is always on
the assessee to substantiate with evidence to the
satisfaction of the AO regarding the identity and
creditworthiness of the loan creditor and genuineness of the
141 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
transactions. However, the assessee in the instant case has
not discharged the onus. The submission of the ld. counsel
for the assessee that these are in fact recovery of principal
amount also needs to be established by the assessee.
Considering the totality of facts of the case and in the
interest of justice, we deem it proper to restore this issue to
the file of the AO with a direction to give one more
opportunity to the assessee to substantiate his case and
decide the issue as per fact and law. We hold and direct
accordingly. The ground raised by the assessee is
accordingly allowed for statistical purposes.
Ground No.7 being general in nature is
dismissed.
ITA.No.9152/Del./2019 – A.Y. 2016-17 :
The grounds raised by the assessee are as under :
Because the action is being challenged on facts and
law for making disallowance of interest for
Rs.2,39,785/- which is a deduction allowable while
computing chargeable income u/s 22 to 24.
142 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Because the action is being challenged on facts and
law for making addition of Rs.10,000 based on
seized paper whereas per assessee the said entry is
rough noting given to driver for business purposes.
For any consequential relief and/or legal claim
arising out of this appeal and for any addition,
deletion, amendment and modification in the grounds
of appeal before the disposal of the same in the
interest of substantial justice to the assessee.
The additional grounds raised by the assessee are
as under:-
Because the action is being challenged on facts i)
& law for making additions in assessment
proceedings u/s 153A wherein the seized
documents Pg. 13-14 of Annexure A-10 & Pg.46 of
Annexure A-10 relating to assessee were found
from the premises of third parties i.e., LV Rustore
Appliations Pvt. Ltd., RR Carwell Pvt. Ltd.,
Blossom Landeal Pvt Ltd., & Elvi Bardahl India
143 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Pvt. Ltd., 17/6, Hanspal Industrial Complex,
Mathura Road, Faridabad, therefore the additions
on the basis of the said documents can only be
made u/s 153C of the Act & not u/s 153A of the
Act.
However, the ld. Counsel for the assessee did not
press the additional ground for which the ld. DR has no
objection. Accordingly, the additional ground raised by the
assessee is dismissed.
In ground no. 1, the assessee has challenged the
order of the Ld. CIT(A) in confirming the addition of
Rs.2,39,785/- made by the AO being interest on borrowed
capital for house property.
After hearing both the sides, we find the above
ground is identical to the ground of appeal no. 7 in ITA
No.9149/Del/2019. We have already decided this issue and
the ground raised by the assessee on this issue has been
dismissed. Following similar reasoning, this ground of the
assessee is dismissed.
144 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
In ground no.2, the assessee has challenged the
addition of Rs.1 lakhs made by the AO as unexplained
money.
After hearing both the sides, we find the AO
during the course of assessment proceedings noted that
during the course of search at premises H. No.128, Sec 16,
Faridabad, page 11 of Annexure A-1 was seized. It contains
entry dated 14.04.2015 of Rs.1,00,000/- against narration
of Yadav bhai le gaye, 65000 unke, 35000/- mere. In
absence of any satisfactory explanation given by the
assessee, the AO made addition of Rs.1 lakhs u/s 69A of
the Act.
In appeal, the ld. CIT(A) sustained the addition by
holding that it is clear entry of handing over cash of Rs.1
lakh to Yadav Bhai and no specific explanation was given by
the assessee either before the AO or before him. Since, the
ld. Counsel for the assessee could not explain before us also
regarding the nature and source of the entry of Rs.1 lakh,
145 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
therefore, we uphold the addition made by the AO and
sustained by Ld. CIT(A). However, the alternate contention
of the ld. Counsel for the assessee that the benefit of
telescoping be given is accepted. The AO is directed to give
the benefit of telescoping as held by us in the preceding
years. The ground raised by the assessee is accordingly
partly allowed for statistical purposes.
Ground No.3 being general in nature is
dismissed.
In the result, both the appeals filed by the
Revenue are dismissed and all the appeals filed by the
assessee are partly allowed for statistical purposes.
Order pronounced in the open Court on11.02.2022.
Sd/- Sd/- (Ms. SUCHITRA KAMBLE) (R.K. PANDA) JUDICIAL MEMBER ACCOUNTANT MEMBER Delhi, Dated 11th February, 2022 f{x~{tÜ 9 VBP/-
146 ITA.Nos.9147 to 9152 & 9448 & 9449/Del./2019 Shri Vishnu Kumar Garg, Faridabad.
Copy to 1. The appellant 2. The respondent 3. CIT(A) concerned 4. CIT concerned 5. D.R. ITAT ‘F’ Bench, Delhi 6. Guard File.
// By Order //
Assistant Registrar : ITAT Delhi Benches : Delhi.