NISARG REALTORS PVT LTD.,THANE vs. ACIT 15 (2)(1), MUMBAI

This appeal is filed by Nisarg Realtors Pvt. Ltd. (the appellant/ assessee) against order passed by learned Commissioner of Income–tax (Appeals)–24, Mumbai (the learned CIT(A)] for A.Y. 2013–14 dated 25th February, 2019 raising the following grounds of appeal:–

During the course of assessment proceedings the learned Assessing Officer found that was executed a Leave and License Agreement on 9th September, 2011 between M/s Sankalpan Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (Licensor) and M/s Lanxess India Pvt. Ltd. for Lanxess house situated at Thane. As per that deed, Sankalpan Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (Licensor) granted license to Lanxess India Pvt. Ltd. (Licensee) from 1st January 2012, to 31st December 2016 at license fee of ₹8,08,312 per month for a total built up area of 18,088 sq. ft. Further, rectification deed was entered into where total built up area was enhanced to 48,417 sq. ft. and license fee was revised to ₹20,12,265 PM. Accordingly, the total license fee per year was determined at ₹3,38,46,924.

The learned Authorized Representative vehemently submitted that the assessee is engaged in the business of real estate development. It has purchased one property which was at the time of purchase was earning rental income. Assessee’s memorandum of association clearly shows that the assessee is a developer and builder and according to clause no. A(1) and B(5) assessee can also engage into renting out of the property. The learned Authorized Representative further submitted that the case is squarely covered by the decision of Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in Chennai Properties and Investment Ltd. Vs. CIT 373 ITR 673. Reference was made to paragraph no. 5 of that decision and submitted that assessee has also similar objects in the memorandum of association. Reference was also made to paragraph no. 7, where in the decision of Hon'ble Supreme Court in case of East India Housing and Rent Development Trust Ltd. vs. CIT 42 ITR 49 was also discussed. It was stated that this is the decision relied upon by the CIT (A) to confirm the addition. She further relied upon the decision of Hon'ble Supreme Court in Rayala Corporation Pvt. Ltd. vs. ACIT 386 ITR 500. She, in this case, submitted that similar arguments are used by the Revenue to treat the rental income as income from house property. She referred to paragraph no. 5. Accordingly, she submitted that both these decisions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court cover the issue in

The learned Departmental Representative vehemently supported the order of the lower authorities. It was submitted that:–

We have carefully considered the rival contentions and perused the order of the lower authorities. The fact clearly shows that assessee is a company engaged in the business of real estate development. According to Memorandum Of Association, main object of the assessee

In the result, the appeal of the assessee is allowed.