SCHLUMBERGER INDIA TECHNOLOGY PRIVATE LIMITED,PUNE vs. DCIT CIRCLE-6, PUNE

In the aforesaid observation, the learned CIT(A) holds that this company earns its entire revenue from software and its related segment from the domestic market. The extract of the annual report clearly specifies that “Software Development Services (SDS) segment is 100% domestic. Therefore, this company was rightly removed as a comparable in the software development service segment by the ld. CIT(A). Ground No. 2 of the Revenue’s appeal is dismissed.

Further, the ld. A.R referred to paper book Vol. II a page 772 where the annual report of this company has been placed and he demonstrated that the company is functionally different since this company is into creation of innovative project products whereas the assessee is manufacturing software. The ld. A.R further submitted bringing to our notice at paper book Vol. II page 603 wherein the application for amalgamation of this company has been given and the scheme of amalgamation is annexed at paper book Vol. 2 at page 773. This amalgamation got effected on 1-4-2015 i.e. in financial year 2015-16 relevant to A.Y. 2016-17. Therefore, the amalgamation has taken place during the year under consideration. The ld. A.R further referred to the decision of Co- ordinate Hyderabad Bench in the case of Infor (India) Pvt. Ltd. Vs. DCIT Cir. 2(1) for A.Y. 2016-17, order dated 06-10-2021 wherein at para 4.4 the Tribunal, regarding Aspire Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. held as follows:

The Ld. DRP while upholding the findings of the TPO at running Page 58 to 62 of its order and as per reasoning given therein had found the company to be functionally comparable with that of the assessee company.

The Ld. Counsel for the assessee heavily relied on the decision of the Pune Bench of the Tribunal in the case of Symantec Software India Private Limited Vs. DCIT, for the assessment year 2014- 15 dated 17.02.2020 wherein the Tribunal in respect of MPS Limited has held and observed as follows : “20. We have perused the case records and heard the rival contentions. We find from the annual report of MPS Limited is engaged in high end activity i.e. type-setting, data digitization, content and product development for learners which is in the nature of „knowledge processing outsourcing services. From the various functions performed by MPS Limited, we find that the said comparable is predominantly in the business of digital publishing which cannot be treated at par with ITes which is in the name of the assessee in ITes segment. In this regard, we find in the case of Emerson Electric Company (India) Private Limited Vs. ACIT (supra.) wherein the Co-ordinate Bench of the Tribunal, Mumbai held the MPS Limited as functionally not comparable by observing as follows: “9.3. From the perusal of the annual report for the year ended 31/03/2014 of the said comparable, we find from page 707 of the paper book that the said comparable had incurred outsourcing cost ofRs.1078.76 Crores which is included under the head "miscellaneous expenses" which goes to prove that it has got a different business model. From the various functions performed by MPS Ltd., we find that the said comparable is predominantly in the business of digital publishing which cannot be treated at par with ITeS which is the case of the assessee in ITeS segment. In this regard, we find that the reliance placed by the ld.AR on the Co-ordinate Bench decision of Bangalore Tribunal in the case of M/s. Google (India) Pvt. Ltd., vs. DCIT in ITA No.1368/Bang/2010 for A.Y.2006-07 dated 19/10/2012 is well founded wherein it was held asunder:- 16. As far as (4) Apex Knowledge Solutions Pvt. Ltd., is concerned, we find that the assessee had taken objections before the TPO that it is functionally different, as it is provides services such as Epublishing knowledge based services etc. But TPO has rejected the objection on the ground the assessee has not considered the verticals or functional lines during the search process conducted by it and, therefore, it is not proper to make any objection on this basis now. We are not able to agree with the finding of the TPO as confirmed by the DRP on this issue. Merely because, the assessee itself has not considered the said filter while making its TP study; it cannot be said that it cannot raise such an objection before the TPO. It is the TPO who has adopted this company as comparable. On such adoption, the assessee has every right to raise the objections as regards the functional differences between the assessee and comparable. It is the bounden duty of the TPO to consider the said objections in accordance with law. As brought out by the assessee, the assessee is in the TT enabled services, whereas the said company Apex Knowledge Salutation Pvt. Ltd., is in the business of E-publishing which cannot be said to be in the same line of business. The functional differences are likely to affect the profit marking capacity of both the companies. In view of the same, we are of the opinion that this company is also to be excluded from the list of comparables. 9.3. In view of the above, we hold that the comparable chosen by the ld. TPO, M/s. MPS Ltd., is functionally not comparable with that of the assessee and accordingly, we direct the ld. TPO to exclude the same from the list of comparables.”

We further observe that the Ld. DRP held MPS Limited as BPO Company and is engaged in ITes only. In this regard, the Pune Bench of the Tribunal in the case of Macom Technology Solutions (India) Private Limited Vs. DCIT in for A.Y.2013-14 vide its order dated 08.08.2019 discussed the definitions as provided under Rule 10TA of Part-II DB wherein the definition of Information Technology Enabled Services are provided the business process outsourcing is defined under clause (e) which provides mainly with assistance or use of Information Technology which as back office operations, call centre, data processing or insurance claim processing. Further, the definition of KPO is provided under clause (g) of Rule 10TA to mean certain business process outsourcing services (BPO) services provided mainly with the assistance or use of information technology requiring application of knowledge and advanced analytical and technical skills such as geographic information system, human resource services, business analytical services, financial services or engineering and design services, therefore, the Tribunal held being a KPO, it cannot be compared with that of company which is into business of BPO. The revenue recognition note states that the company is deriving revenue from website design and development and website hosing which is not similar to ITes. Further, MPS Limited underwent type- setting, data digitization, content and product development for learner which as per Safe Harbour Rules issued by Central Board of Direct Taxes qualifies to be in the nature of KPO. In view of the above, respectfully following the decisions of the Tribunal as mentioned hereinabove, we are of the considered view, high end activities of the MPS Limited is akin to IT services and not ITes. The activities of the MPS Limited i.e. typesetting, data digitization, content development and product development are in the nature of “Knowledge Processing Outsourcing Services (KPOs) and not BPO. Accordingly, MPS Limited cannot be treated as comparable company and the AO/TPO is directed to exclude MPS Limited from final list of comparable companies with regard to its technical support service segment.”

Having gone through the annual report of the company, findings of the Sub- ordinate Authorities and the submissions of the assessee placed on record along with judicial pronouncements, it is evident that MPS Limited is functionally different from that of the assessee company in more-so that high end activities of MPS Ltd is akin to IT services and not ITes. Respectfully following the decision of 9 ITA 653 and 640/PUN/2021 Schlumberger India A.Y. 2016-17 the Co-ordinate Bench of the Tribunal (supra.) we direct the AO/TPO to exclude MPS Limited from final list of comparable companies.”

The ld. D.R could not bring out any contrary decision of these facts and could not demonstrate any relevant evidences to contradict the present facts and circumstances involved in the case. Respectfully following our decision for the same assessment year on same parity of reasoning, we do not find any reason to interfere with the findings of the ld. CIT(A) and the relief provided to the assessee is sustained. Ground No. 5 of the Revenue’s appeal is dismissed.

Ground No. 6 is with regard to ITes segment. The Revenue wants inclusion of M/s. Domex E-Data Pvt. Ltd., CES Ltd. and Manipal Digital Systems Pvt. Ltd. in the final set of comparables. The ld. CIT(A) at para 2.5.3.2 placing reliance on the decision of Pune Tribunal in the case of Credence Resource Management Pvt. Ld. (supra) provided relief to the assessee directing exclusion of these companies from the final set of comparables. The relevant paragraphs pertaining to the aforesaid companies is discussed in the Tribunal order in the case of Credence Resource Management Pvt. Ltd. (supra) as follows:

The submissions of the assessee were not accepted by the TPO which is evident at running Page No.192 of the order and the main reason again is that the company earns most of the revenue from export of ITes. The TPO has however not dealt specifically with the objection of the assessee that Domex E-Data Pvt. Ltd. is primarily a KPO company. The Ld. DRP as per their observation at running Page No.66 on their order has given reasoning for upholding the findings of the TPO and making this company as comparable with that of the assessee company. Therein the Ld. DRP has emphasized again on the revenue earned from ITes services and regarding the objections of the assessee company i.e. Domex E- Data Pvt. Ltd. being KPO company, the Ld. DRP was of the opinion that since information was available in the website that cannot be relied on since the 10 ITA 653 and 640/PUN/2021 Schlumberger India A.Y. 2016-17 company has provided information in website which they intend to carry out but however at the present moment they may not be dealing with those activities.

Per contra, the Ld. Counsel for the assessee took us through the annual report, P & L account and reiterated the submissions placed before the Revenue Authorities. Here again as per facts placed on record, this company is primarily a KPO company as per Note-II of Annexure to Auditor‟s report for FY 2014-15. Here again the Revenue Authorities have not specifically stated the reason why this company is made comparable to that with the assessee company. That as per the logical principle following from the decision in the case of M/s. Tasty Bites Eatables Limited Vs. ACIT(supra.), it is for the TPO to explain the reason for inclusion of this company since it was chosen as comparable by him. That even the Ld. DRP had emphasized on the revenue earning of this company from ITes. Here also, the decision of the Hon‟ble Delhi High Court (supra.) is clear that if two companies performing ITes are to be considered as comparable then the specific business of the said two companies has to be analysed and then decide upon whether they are at all comparable or not. In this case, we do not find such exercise was conducted neither by TPO nor by the Ld. DRP. Therefore, we are of the considered view that in the given set of facts, this company is functionally not comparable with that of the assessee company. We, therefore, direct the AO/TPO to exclude this company i.e. Domex E-Data Pvt. Ltd. from the final set of comparables” B. CES Limited :- 15. The contention of the assessee are that as per the annual report of CES Limited for FY 2015-16, the company is engaged in providing IT and ITes services. The Director‟s report has further provides the detailed disclosure of activities carried out under ITes segment which describes that the revenue under this segment is generated from BPO as well as KPO activities for which the bifurcated information is not available. Therefore it cannot be comparable to the business of the assessee which is engaged in BPO services. Further the assessee contended that as per the website of the company the BPO segment is engaged in providing varied activities which includes fraud prevention and process automation. Thus, CES Limited is engaged in high end activities which are distinguished from low end back office activities of the assessee.

The TPO has observed that CES limited is engaged in the business of ITes only. The TPO even referred the annual report of this company at Page 39 where IT enabled services are comprising of BPO and KPO and still the TPO was of the opinion that since at Page 12 of the annual report of this company, there are ITes activities which formed 79% of the revenue and therefore, it is functionally comparable with that of the assessee company and hence, it was retained.

The Ld. DRP while upholding the observation of the TPO at running Page 70 of its order observed that the company derives revenue mainly from provision of ITes which works out to 79.75% of its total operational revenue for the year. Therefore, this company is very much functionally comparable with that of the assessee company. In respect of the submissions of the assessee that ITes comprises two services i.e. BPO & KPO services, referring to the Director‟s report, the Ld. DRP observed that they have only made reference in the ITes segment only and whether it is BPO or KPO services has nowhere been referred to. That further, the Ld. DRP also observed that most of the information was gathered from website of the company which may not always be reliable and relevant.

The Ld. Counsel for the assessee at the time of hearing reiterated the submissions made in respect of exclusion of Manipal Digital Systems Private Limited, for this company also. He took us through the annual report of the 12 A.Y.2016-17 company, P & L account, notes of financial accounts and segmental information and therein, it is evident that companies operations predominantly relate to providing IT services in two primary business segments viz. IT services and IT Enables Services (ITes). The company considered the business segment as the primary segment and Geographical segment based on the location of the customers as the secondary segment.

The assessee submits that the Manipal Digital Systems Private Limited is functionally different from the assessee which is involved in provision of ITes services. As per the annual report of the company, the activity undertaken by the company is in the nature of pre-press activities which is not comparable to the assessee. That further in the website of the company, it is engaged in the diversified set of activities which involves graphic solutions, packaging brand management, digital publishing and digital content solutions. Therefore, the assessee submits that this company should be rejected from the final set of comparables companies.

The TPO was of the opinion that in this company i.e. Manipal Digital Systems Private Limited, 90% of the revenue is earned from ITes which is similar to that of the assessee company. The TPO further observed that most of the information provided by the assessee was from website and it cannot be said reliable source of information as any company while projecting itself in public domain tries to shows its diverse functioning and range of products so as to create a brand image of itself. With these observations, the contention of the assessee was rejected and the company was taken as comparable company. 10. That before the Ld. DRP, objections have been raised by the assessee which are at running Page No.34 of the appeal memo and therein, apart from reiterating the submissions made before the TPO, the assessee has stated that as per the online advertising laws and guidelines provided by the Advertising Standard Council of India, advertisements are based on principle of truthfulness and honesty of representation and there cannot be any misleading advertisement. That further, since the audited financial statements do not provide detailed description of operations/products in which the company deals, the website can be referred to for the analysis of functions performed by the company. The Ld. DRP vide Para (c) of Page No.67 to 70 of its order and as per reasoning therein, had upheld the findings of the TPO and included Manipal Digital Systems Private Limited in the final set of comparables companies. That again the prime observation of the Ld. DRP in this regard was that more than 90% of the total revenue of the operation of the company comes from ITes. 11. At the time of hearing, the Ld. Counsel for the assessee took us through the annual report of the company at Volume –II, Page 1279 onwards, Page 1302 having notes of accounts. The Ld. Counsel vehemently submitted that on perusal of the annual report, notes of accounts, nothing can be stated whether at all this company i.e. Manipal Digital Systems Private Limited is engaged in the business of call center or not. The realm of ITes involves various activities and on general principle the Revenue cannot say that since majority of the earning of the said company comes from ITes, it is comparable company with that of the assessee company.

It has been pointed out that whilst the Tribunal in Willis Processing Services (India) Pvt. Ltd. v. DCIT (supra) held that no distinction could be made between KPO and BPO service providers, however, a contrary view had been taken by several benches of the Tribunal in other cases. In Capital IQ Information System India (P.) Ltd. v. Dy. CIT, (IT) [2013] 32 taxmann.com 21 and Lloyds TSB Global Services Pvt. Ltd. v. DCIT, (ITA No. 5928/Mum/2012 dated 21th November 2012), the Hyderabad and Mumbai Bench of the Tribunal respectively accepted the view that a BPO service provider could not be compared with a KPO service provider.

The Special Bench of the Tribunal in Maersk Global Centers (India) Pvt. Ltd. (supra) struck a different cord. The Special Bench of the Tribunal held that even though there appears to be a difference between BPO and KPO Services, the line of difference is very thin. The Tribunal was of the view that there could be a significant overlap in their activities and it may be difficult to classify services strictly as falling under the category 8 ITA No. 133/PUN/2021 A.Y.2016-17 of either a BPO or a KPO. The Tribunal also observed that one of the key success factors of the BPO Industry is its ability to move up the value chain through KPO service offering. For the aforesaid reasons, the Special Bench of the Tribunal held that ITeS Services could not be bifurcated as BPO and KPO Services for the purpose of comparability analysis in the first instance. The Tribunal proceeded to hold that a relatively equal degree of comparability can be achieved by selecting potential comparables on a broad functional analysis at ITeS level and that the comparables so selected could be put to further test by comparing specific functions performed in the international transactions with uncontrolled transactions to attain relatively equal degree of comparability.

We have reservations as to the Tribunal's aforesaid view in Maersk Global Centers (India) Pvt. Ltd. (supra). As indicated above, the expression 'BPO' and 'KPO' are, plainly, understood in the sense that whereas, BPO does not necessarily involve advanced skills and knowledge; KPO, on the other hand, would involve employment of advanced skills and knowledge for providing services. Thus, the expression 'KPO' in common parlance is used to indicate an ITeS provider providing a completely different nature of service than any other BPO service provider. A KPO service provider would also be functionally different from other BPO service providers, inasmuch as the 13 ITA 653 and 640/PUN/2021 Schlumberger India A.Y. 2016-17 responsibilities undertaken, the activities performed, the quality of resources employed would be materially different. In the circumstances, we are unable to agree that broadly ITeS sector can be used for selecting comparables without making a conscious selection as to the quality and nature of the content of services. Rule 10B(2)(a) of the Income Tax Rules, 1962 mandates that the comparability of controlled and uncontrolled transactions be judged with reference to service/product characteristics. This factor cannot be undermined by using a broad classification of ITeS which takes within its fold various types of services with completely different content and value. Thus, where the tested party is not a KPO service provider, an entity rendering KPO services cannot be considered as a comparable for the purposes of Transfer Pricing analysis. The perception that a BPO service provider may have the ability to move up the value chain by offering KPO services cannot be a ground for assessing the transactions relating to services rendered by the BPO service provider by benchmarking it with the transactions of KPO services providers. The object is to ascertain the ALP of the service rendered and not of a service (higher in value chain) that may possibly be rendered subsequently.

As pointed out by the Special Bench of the Tribunal in Maersk Global Centers (India) Pvt. Ltd. (supra), there may be cases where an entity may be rendering a mix of services some of which may be functionally comparable to a KPO while other services may not. In such cases a classification of BPO and KPO may not be feasible. Clearly, no straitjacket formula can be applied. In cases where the categorization of services rendered cannot be defined with certainty, it would be apposite to employ the broad functionality test and then exclude uncontrolled entities, which are found to be materially dissimilar in aspects and features that have a bearing on the profitability of those entities. However, where the controlled transactions are clearly in the nature of lower-end ITeS such as Call Centers etc. for rendering data processing not involving domain knowledge, inclusion of any KPO service provider as a comparable would not be warranted and the transfer pricing study must take that into account at the threshold.

As pointed out earlier, the transfer pricing analysis must serve the broad object of benchmarking an international transaction for determining an ALP. The methodology necessitates that the comparables must be similar in material aspects. The comparability must be judged on factors such as product/service characteristics, functions undertaken, assets used, risks assumed. This is essential to ensure the efficacy of the exercise. There is sufficient flexibility available within the statutory framework to ensure a fair ALP.”

Now we would take up assessee’s appeal in A.Y. 2016-17. At the outset, the ld. A.R submitted in respect of ground No. 7 of assessee’s appeal that it should be remitted back to the file of the A.O/T.P.O for re-adjudication as per law. The ld. D.R did not raise any objection if this ground is restored to the file of the A.O/T.P.O.

Having heard the parties, we remand this ground of appeal of the assessee to the file of the A.O./T.P.O for proper adjudication as per law complying with the principles of natural justice. Ground No. 7 of assessee’s appeal is allowed for statistical purposes.

It has been analysed by the ld. CIT(A) that this company is into ITES activity and therefore, it is included as comparable in the final set of comparables. Taking the totality of the facts and circumstances and the functional spectrum of the assessee, we are in conformity with the view taken by the ld. CIT(A) and we uphold the inclusion of this company in the final set of comparables in respect of the assessee. Ground No. 5 of the assessee’s appeal is dismissed.

In the combined result, Revenue’s appeal in is partly allowed while assessee’s appeal in is partly allowed for statistical purposes.