What did the Tribunal hold?

The Tribunal held that the assessee had not been given a proper and sufficient opportunity of being heard. Therefore, the orders of the CIT(A) were set aside and the appeals were restored for fresh adjudication.

The assessee's appeals before the CIT(A) were decided ex-parte as no one appeared on behalf of the assessee. The Tribunal noted that it was unclear if the notices issued by the CIT(A) were properly served on the assessee.

What were the issues?

Whether the CIT(A) properly afforded the assessee an adequate opportunity of being heard before passing ex-parte orders.

M/S Mayfair Leather Exports Pvt… vs DCIT | ITAT Lucknow 2019

Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, LUCKNOW BENCH ‘B’, LUCKNOW

Before: SHRI A. D. JAIN & SHRI T. S. KAPOOR

For Appellant: Shri P. K. Kapoor, C. A

For Respondent: Shri C. K. Singh, D.R

Hearing: 07/02/2019Pronounced: 08/02/2019

PER T. S. KAPOOR, A.M.

These three appeals have been filed by the assessee against the separate orders of learned CIT(A)-II, Kanpur all dated 22/11/2018 pertaining to assessment years 2005-06, 2007-08 & 2008-09.

We have heard the rival parties and have gone through the material placed on record. We noted that learned CIT(A) has passed ex-parte orders in all the appeals as according to him, nobody has appeared on the dates when the appeals were fixed for hearing before him. From the order of CIT(A), it is apparent that the CIT(A) had issued various notices to the assessee however, neither anybody appeared nor filed written submissions and ultimately the CIT(A) passed the ex-parte order. From the orders of learned CIT(A), it is not clear as to whether the notices issued by him were

I.T.A. Nos.322 to 324/Lkw/2018 Asstt Yrs:2005-06,07-08 & 08-09 2

actually served on the assessee or not. Under these facts, we feel that one more opportunity should be given to the assessee as learned CIT(A) has not decided the appeals on merits. The provision of section 250 which deals with the procedure in appeal before the CIT(A), allows a right to an assessee to be heard at the time of hearing of appeal. Even the natural justice demands that no appeal should be disposed of without being heard the party or without giving him the proper and sufficient opportunity. We are of the view from the facts of the case that the assessee has not been given proper and sufficient opportunity before disposing of the appeals by the CIT(A). We, therefore, in the interest of justice and fair play to both the parties, set aside the orders of learned CIT(A) and restore the appeals to the file of the CIT(A) with the direction that the CIT(A) shall refix the said appeals and decide the appeals afresh after giving proper and sufficient opportunity of being heard to the assessee. The assessee is also directed to be present on the date of hearing fixed by learned CIT(A) and not seek undue adjournment and co-operate with learned CIT(A) in disposing of the appeals. 3. In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are allowed for statistical purposes.

(Order pronounced in the open court on 08/02/2019)

Sd/. Sd/. ( A. D. JAIN ) ( T. S. KAPOOR ) Vice President Accountant Member

Dated:08/02/2019 *Singh

Copy of the order forwarded to : 1. The Appellant 2. The Respondent. 3. Concerned CIT 4. The CIT(A) 5. D.R., I.T.A.T., Lucknow

M/S MAYFAIR LEATHER EXPORTS PVT. LTD.,KANPUR vs. DY. COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX-6, KANPUR

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