DCIT, NEW DELHI vs. M/S. RELIGARE TECHNOVA GLOBAL SOLUTION LTD., NEW DELHI

The present appeal by the Revenue is directed against order dated 16.12.2016, passed by learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)-38, New Delhi, for assessment year 2009-10.

At the outset, the learned Sr. DR brought to our attention that CBDT, vide Circular No. 17/2019 dated 08th August, 2019, has decided that the Revenue would not prefer any appeal before the Tribunal, if the tax effect is less than Rs.50 lakhs. Therefore, she pleaded that the appeal of the Revenue be decided as per the Instruction of the CBDT.

Further, with a view to provide parity in filing of appeals in scenarios where separate order is passed by higher appellate authorities for each assessment year vis-a-vis where composite order for more than one assessment years is passed. para 5 of the circular is substituted by the following para: "5. The Assessing Officer shall calculate the tax effect separately for every assessment year in respect of the disputed issues in the case of every assessee. If, in the case of an assessee, the disputed issues arise in more than one assessment year, appeal can be filed in respect of such assessment year or years in which the tax effect in respect of the disputed issues exceeds the monetary limit specified in para 3. No appeal shall be filed in respect of an assessment year or years in which the tax effect is less than the monetary limit specified in para 3. Further, even in the case of composite order of any High Court or appellate authority which involves more than one assessment year and common issues in more than one assessment year, no appeal shall be filed in respect of an assessment year or years in which the tax effect is less than the monetary limit specified in para 3. In case where a composite order/ judgement involves more than one assessee. each assessee shall be dealt with separately.

The said modifications shall come into effect from the date of issue of this Circular. 5. The same may be brought to the notice of all concerned. 6. This issues under section 268A of the Income-tax Act, 1961.” 4. Further, CBDT vide Circular dated 20th August, 2019 (F. No. 279/19-93/2018-ITJ), has clarified that it will apply to all pending appeals. Thus, in view of the aforesaid circular, the appeals of the Revenue are dismissed as non-maintainable as the tax effect involved in the appeals is below Rs.50 lakhs. However, it is made clear that the Department is at liberty to file Miscellaneous Application for recalling of the order, if the tax effect is found to be more than the prescribed limit of Rs.50,00,000/- or any of the conditions etc., as available in the amendment carried out in para 10 of Circular No. 3/2018, dated 20.08.2018, is made out. 5. In the result, the appeal of Revenue is dismissed. Order is pronounced in the open court on 30th Sept., 2019.