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Facts
The assessee's appeal was dismissed by the CIT(A) due to a delay of 144 days, without condoning the same. The assessee contended that the delay was due to bona fide reasons and that the dismissal violated principles of natural justice.
Held
The Tribunal condoned the delay, emphasizing that substantial justice should be prioritized over technicalities. The case was restored to the CIT(A) for adjudication on merits, allowing the assessee an opportunity to be heard and present documents.
Key Issues
Whether the CIT(A) erred in dismissing the appeal on grounds of limitation without condoning the delay, and if the matter should be remanded for adjudication on merits.
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Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, `GAUHATI BENCH, GUWAHATI
Before: SHRI DUVVURU RL REDDY & SHRI RAJESH KUMAR
Date of hearing: 13/03/2026 Date of pronouncement: 13/03/2026 O R D E R
PER: BENCH
This is an appeal preferred by the assessee against the order of the National Faceless Appeal Centre (NFAC), Delhi (hereinafter referred to as the “Ld. CIT(A)”] dated 20/11/2025 for the AY 2020-21.
At the outset, the Learned Counsel of the assessee submitted before us that the Learned CIT (A) has passed the appellate order dismissing the appeal in Limine without condoning the delay of 144 days, which was on account of bona fide and genuine reasons. The ld. Counsel for the assessee submitted that the order passed by the Learned CIT (A) is in violation of the principles of natural justice and fair play and accordingly, the assessee needs to be given
The learned CIT-DR on the other hand relied on the order of the ld. CIT(A).
After hearing the rival contentions and perusing the materials available on record , we observe that the ld. CIT(A) has dismissed the appeal of the assessee on the ground of condonation of delay and without considering the merit of the case. When substantial justice is pitted against technicality such as limitation, it is always better to follow the principles of adjudicating in respect of the substantial justice. By not condoning the delay in filing of the appeal, considerable loss could be caused to the assessee. This being so, we are of the view that the delay in filing of the appeal before the ld. CIT(A) is liable to be condoned and we do so. It is noticed from the order of the ld. CIT(A) that the assessee could not substantiate its claim by providing relevant documents. This being so, in the interest of justice, we restore the issues in the appeal to the file of ld. CIT(A) for adjudication on merits after providing the assessee adequate opportunity of being heard. The assessee is directed to cooperate with the ld. CIT(A) and also directed to provide all the relevant documents and evidences as required by the ld. CIT(A).
In the result, the appeal of the assessee is allowed for statistical purposes.
Order pronounced in the open court on 13/03/2026.