ACIT -17 (1), MUMBAI vs. VINODKUMAR PREMCHAND AGGARWAL, MUMBAI

This appeal by the Revenue is directed against the order of Commissioner of Income Tax(Appeals), National Faceless Appeal Centre, Delhi [in short 'the CIT(A)’] dated 31/08/2021 for the assessment year 2010-11.

This appeal is time barred by 60 days. Shri S.N.Kabra representing the Department submitted that the delay in filing of the appeal was on account of COVID-19 Pandemic . The limitation for filing the appeal was extended by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India on its own motion to mitigate the hardship caused due to COVID 19 Pandemic. The limitation for filing of appeals under various laws was extended by general order reported as Cognizance for Extension of Limitation 132 taxmann.com 123. In the present case the impugned order was passed on 31/08/2021. The appeal before the Tribunal was filed on 29/12/2021. The appeal has been filed within extended period of limitation. Hence, no delay in filing of the appeal.

The ld.Departmental Representative submitted that the appeal is against the order of CIT(A) deleting penalty levied under section 271(1)(c) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 [in short ‘the Act’]. The assessee has indulged in obtaining bogus purchase bills. The addition of Rs.68,78,286/- was made by the Assessing Officer in reassessment proceedings on account of boguspurchases. Consequent to the addition, penalty under section 271(1)(c) of the Act was levied by the Assessing Officer vide order dated 12/03/2019. The CIT(A) deleted the penalty. The ld.Departmental Representative prayed for upholding the order levying penalty.

Per contra, ld.Counsel appearing on behalf of the assessee vehemently defended the impugned order. The ld.Counsel for the assessee submitted that the Tribunal in Cross Objection of the assessee i.e. C.O No.176/Mum/2018 arising out of for assessment year 2009-10 vide order dated 28/02/2019 has held reopening of assessment under section 147 of the Act as invalid. Once the reassessment is held to be invalid, the addition does not survive. Hence, there is no question of levying penalty under section 271(1)(c) of the Act.

Both sides heard. The Revenue is in appeal assailing the order of CIT(A) deleting the penalty levied under section 271(1)(c) of the Act . At the outset it is observed that Co-ordinate Bench of the Tribunal has held the reassessment proceedings under section 147 of the Act as invalid, wherein the addition on account of bogus purchases were made in the hands of assessee. Once the assessment is held to be invalid, penalty proceedings does not survive. The CIT(A) has deleted the penalty precisely for the reason that the Tribunal has held the reassessment proceedings as invalid. We find no infirmity in the impugned order. Consequently, the same is upheld and the appeal of Revenue is dismissed.