M/S MOHAN BROTHERS (DRINKS) PVT. LTD.,KOLKATA vs. D.C.I.T.,CIRCLE-11(1), KOLKATA

None appeared for the assessee. However, we note from perusal of ground nos. 1 to 4 raised by the assessee that the assessee is aggrieved by the impugned order of the Ld. CIT(A) in passing an ex parte order qua the assessee without hearing it as well as not passing the impugned order on merits. It is noted that the Ld. CIT(A) has passed an ex parte order stating that the appeal was fixed on four (4) times. However, since none attended/responded he dismissed it. He was of the opinion that the assessee is not interested in prosecuting this appeal. Therefore, he dismissed it. We note that the assessee sought adjournment on 10-08-2018 before the Ld. CIT(A). We note that from perusal of grounds of appeal that last date of hearing before the Ld. CIT(A) was on 23-10-2018. However, the assessee is aggrieved by the impugned order of the Ld. CIT(A), which was passed after 3 months i. e on 28-01-2019 without fixing further hearing. We note that the Ld. CIT(A) has not decided the appeal on merits as per provisions of sub-section (6) of section 250 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 ( hereinafter, referred to as the ‘Act’). The Ld.

Since the impugned order of the Ld. CIT(A) is not as per statute and the Ld. CIT(A) was duty bound to dispose off the appeal as per law. Therefore, we set aside the impugned order of the Ld. CIT(A) and remand the issue(s) back to the file of the Ld. CIT(A) to decide/dispose off the grounds on merits after hearing the assessee. We also direct the assessee to be diligent before the Ld. CIT(A) and to file necessary documents along with written submissions in support of its claim/contentions, if so advised to do so.

In the result, the appeal of assessee is allowed for statistical purpose. Order is pronounced in the open court on 14 October, 2020.