HIREN CHANDRAKANT PAREKH,MUMBAI vs. INCOME TAX OFFICER-32(1)(5), MUMBAI

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ITA 5389/MUM/2019Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai16 March 2021AY 2009-104 pages
AI SummaryPartly Allowed

What did the Tribunal hold?

The Tribunal found that while the assessee failed to prove the genuineness of purchases, the estimated profit of 12.5% was on the higher side. Considering the trade and the assessee's own case, the profit was restricted to 7.5% on bogus purchases.

What were the facts?

The assessee was found to have obtained accommodation entries for purchases amounting to Rs. 1,04,81,150/- from dealers declared as hawala operators. The Assessing Officer estimated a 12.5% profit on these bogus purchases, leading to an addition of Rs. 13,10,144/-.

What were the issues?

The primary issue was the estimation of profit on bogus purchases made from hawala operators and the validity of the assessment reopening.

Which sections of the Income-tax Act were involved?

Section 133(6)

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Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, MUMBAI BENCH “SMC”, MUMBAI

Before: VIKAS AWASTHY & SHRI N.K.PRADHAN

Hearing: 11/03/2021Pronounced: 16/03/2021

This appeal by the assessee is directed against the order of Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)-44, Mumbai ( in short ‘the CIT(A)’) dated 10/06/2019 for the assessment year 2009-10.

2.

The brief facts of the case as emanating from records are: The assessee is engaged in trading of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. On the basis of information received by DGIT(Inv), Mumbai from the Sales Tax Department, Government of 2 आअसं. 5389/मुं/2019 (�न.व. 2009-10) (A.Y.2009-10)

Maharashtra, the assessment in the case of assessee for assessment year 2009-10 was reopened. As per the information received, the assessee had obtained accommodation entries to the tune of Rs.1,04,81,150/- from various ( nine) dealers declared as hawala operators by the Sales Tax Department. During assessment proceedings, the assessee failed to substantiate genuineness of purchases made from suspicious dealers. The Assessing Officer considering the facts and the contentions of the assessee estimated G.P @ 12.5% on bogus purchases and made addition of Rs.13,10,144/-. Aggrieved by the assessment order dated 16/03/2015, the assessee filed appeal before the CIT(A). The CIT(A) upheld the findings of Assessing Officer and dismissed the appeal of assessee.

3.

Ms. Smita Verma representing the Department vehemently supporting the impugned order submitted that the assessee has failed to discharge his onus in proving genuineness of purchases and the suppliers. No documents were furnished by the assessee to prove trail of goods. No confirmations were filed by the assessee from the suppliers, even the notices issued to the suppliers by the Assessing Officer under section 133(6) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 ( in short ‘the Act’) on the addresses provided by the assessee were returned back unserved with postal remarks ‘unclaimed’. The ld.Departmental Representative contended that the Assessing Officer and the CIT(A) have made reasonable estimation of G.P at 12.5% following the order of Hon'ble Gujarat High Court in the case of Simit P. Sheth, 356 ITR 451.

4.

We have heard the submissions made by ld.Departmental Representative and have examined the orders of authorities below. Undisputedly, the assessee has failed to prove authenticity of the transactions with hawala operators. No documents were furnished by the assessee to substantiate that the goods were in fact delivered to the assessee or delivered at the address as directed by the assessee. No confirmations were either filed by the assessee from suspicious

3 आअसं. 5389/मुं/2019 (�न.व. 2009-10) (A.Y.2009-10) dealers. In such bogus transactions it is the profit element embedded in the purchase transaction that has to be brought to tax. The Assessing Officer and the CIT(A) has determined G.P @ 12.5% of the bogus purchases. The estimation of G.P by lower authorities is on higher side. In the trade of ferrous and non-ferrous metals the G.P generally varies between 5 to 8%. We observe that the Tribunal in assessee’s own case in assessment year 2010-11 has accepted G.P of 7.5%. in the impugned assessment year the assessee has admitted G.P of 4.95%. Taking into consideration entirety of facts we hold that the ends of justice would be met if the G.P is restricted to 7.5% on bogus purchases. The impugned order is modified accordingly. The ground No.3 of the appeal is partly allowed in the terms aforesaid.

5.

In ground No. 1 & 2 of the appeal, the assessee has assailed reopening of assessment. We have examined the findings of first appellate authority on this issue. We find no reason to interfere with the well reasoned findings of the First Appellate Authority. The ground No.1 & 2 of the appeal are thus, dismissed.

6.

The ground No.4 of appeal is general in nature and hence, require no adjudication.

7.

In the result, appeal by assessee is partly allowed in the terms aforesaid.

Order pronounced in the open court on Tuesday, the 16th day of March, 2021.

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