MANMOHAN SINGH,LUDHIANA vs. INCOME TAX OFFICER, WARD 2(1), LUDHIANA

Aforesaid appeal by assessee for Assessment Year (AY) 2018- 19 arises out of an order of learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)-5, Ludhiana [CIT(A)] dated 28-02-2025 in the matter of an assessment framed by Ld. Assessing Officer [AO] on best judgment basis u/s 147 read with section 144 of the Act on 29-03-2023. The registry has noted delay of 117 days, the condonation of which has been sought by Ld. AR on the strength of condonation petition which is accompanied by an affidavit of the assessee. Considering the fact that the assessee faced medical issues near to relevant point of time, I admit the appeal and proceed with adjudication of the same on merits.

In the assessment order, Ld. AO made addition of cash deposit of Rs.40.31 Lacs for want of any documentary evidences from the assessee. The Ld. CIT(A) dismissed the appeal for the same very reasons. Aggrieved, the assessee is in further appeal before Tribunal. The Ld. AR raised pertinent legal issues and also assailed impugned addition on merits. It has been stated that the assessee is in a position to substantiate the sources of cash deposit. The Ld. Sr. DR has pleaded for dismissal of the appeal.

Keeping in mind the principles of natural justice, I deem it fit to accept the prayer of Ld. AR. Accordingly, the impugned order is set aside and the appeal is restored back to the file of Ld. CIT(A) for fresh adjudication with a direction to the assessee to plead and prove its case forthwith. All the issues are kept open.

The appeals stand allowed for statistical purposes. Order pronounced on 02nd December, 2025.