VINAY ARORA,NEW DELHI vs. ITO WARD - 44(7), NEW DELHI

The learned CIT(A) has erred on law by not considering the merits of the grounds of appeal filed supported by documents available in the records of the learned AO as well as filed with the learned CIT(A).

The learned CIT(A) has erred in allowing the addition made by learned AO of Rs. 69,47,800 as unexplained investments on the basis of incorrect information of purchase of property located A- 1/12, First Floor, Paschim Vihar for Rs. 1,21,75,000 whereas the deed in possession of the learned AO and also filed with CIT(A) clearly mentions the names of other persons as buyers. (Standalone Tax Effect Rs. 23,95,495)

The learned CIT(A) has erred in allowing the addition made by learned AO on account of deemed rent on the property that has been purchased during the financial year itself without allowing vacancy allowance under section 23(1 )(c) considering the fact that it takes time to make a newly purchased property ready for letting out and to find a tenant. (Standalone Tax Effect Rs. 75,213).”

At the outset, the Learned Counsel of the assessee referred to para-5 of the order of the Ld. CIT(A) and submitted that only two notices i.e. notice dated 15/10/2019 and 30/10/2019 were sent to the assessee, which were also not served. He further submitted that the Ld. CIT(A) has claimed to have sent final hearing notice on 30/12/2019, whereas the impugned order has been passed and 31/12/2019 and, therefore, no sufficient opportunity has been provided by the Learned CIT(A), which is against the principle of natural justice. He submitted that the assessee is willing to appear before the Ld. CIT(A) and thus matter may be restored back to the file of the Learned CIT(A) for deciding afresh. 5. The Learned DR though relied on the order of the lower authorities, however, did not object for restoring the matter back to the Learned CIT(A). 6. We have heard rival submission of the parties on the issue in dispute. The Learned First Appellate Authority i.e. Ld CIT(A) has passed this order in view of non-compliance of the notices sent by him by email as well as by speed post. The Learned Counsel of the assessee, however, has contended before us that notices were not received by the assessee and the final notice was sent only on 30/12/2019 and impugned order has been passed on 31/12/2019. For adjudication of matter, the explanation of assessee need to be considered by Ld. CIT(A). Before us, the Learned Counsel of the assessee has expressed willingness of the assessee to appear before the Learned First Appellate Authority. In view of the above facts and circumstances and in the interest of substantial justice, we set aside the order of the Ld. CIT(A) and restore the matter back to him for deciding afresh after providing adequate opportunity of being heard to both the assessee as well as the Assessing Officer. The grounds of the appeal raised by the assessee are accordingly allowed for statistical purposes. 7. In the result, the appeal of the assessee is allowed for statistical purposes. Order pronounced in the open court on 1st July, 2021.