MOHANLAL HARIDAS PURWAT,PUNE vs. DCIT, CC- 8(3), MUMBAI

Brief facts of the case are that pursuant to search operations at the assessee’s premises certain jewellery were detected by the Department, as per the contention of Ld. Counsel of the assessee .

After considering the explanation and evidences submitted by the assessee the Assessing Officer made an addition of Rs.562,400 made on account of unexplained gold . This was sustained by the appeals.

Against the above order assessee has filed appeals before us. The ld. Counsel of the assessee contended that as against the jewellery as found in search the Assessing Officer has erred in making the addition by taking the value of gold found on search at Rs.28,83,301, which is actually the combined figure of gold and silver. Hence the assessee contended that addition of Rs.462,095 is unjustified.

Upon careful consideration we find that the submissions of the assessee are cogent. The Assessing Officer has started by considering the valuation of gold at the quantity of 831.74 at Rs.28,83,301 and has finally 3 Mohanlal Haridas Purwat Assessment Year-2013-14 added a sum of Rs.562,400 as unexplained gold. However, it is the fact that actually the valuation of gold seized was Rs.24,21,206. In the valuation the silver found was Rupees 462 095, hence the inclusion of silver valued at Rupees 462 095 into gold ornaments and consequent addition to this extent is not sustainable.

Accordingly we direct the addition of Rupees 462,095 as not justified, and the same is directed to be deleted.

Another aspect of assessee’s grievance is that the Assessing Officer, despite mentioning and considering the CBDT Circular in this regard has not provided the necessary relief for the jewellery described by the CBDT Circular No.1916 dated11/05/1994. As per the assessee’s contention assessee should have been granted relief of 600 gms on his and his wife’s belongings. As against this, he Assessing Officer has granted relief of only 500 gms. We find that this claim of the assessee is also correct and we direct the Assessing Officer to grant the assessee the required relief as per the said CBDT Circular. In the result, appeal filed by the assessee stands partly allowed.