PRADEEP N. SHAH,MUMBAI vs. INCOME TAX OFFICER WARD 19(2)(5), MUMBAI

Brief facts of the case are that the assessee is engaged in the business of metal trading. The information was received from the Sales Tax Department that the assessee is making bogus purchases. The assessment was accordingly reopened.

The Assessing Officer (‘A.O.’ for short) in this case has made 12.5% addition on account of bogus purchase amounting to Rs.11,68,038/- for A.Y. 2010-11 and Rs.14,34,093/- for A.Y. 2011-12. Upon the assessee’s appeal, the ld. CIT(A) confirmed the same.

We have heard both the counsel and perused the records.

Upon careful consideration we find that the assessee has provided the documentary evidence for the purchase. Adverse inference has been drawn due to the inability of the assessee to produce the suppliers. We find that in this case, the sales have not been doubted. It is settled law that when sales are not doubted, hundred percent disallowance for bogus purchase cannot be done. The rationale being no sales is possible without actual purchases. This proposition is supported from honourable jurisdictional High Court decision in the case of Nikunj Eximp Enterprises (in writ petition no 2860, order dt 18.6.2014). In this case the honourable High Court has upheld hundred percent allowance for the purchases said to be bogus when sales are not doubted. However, in that case all the supplies were to the government agency. In the present case, the facts of the case indicate that the assessee has made purchase from the grey market. Making purchases through the grey market gives the assessee savings on account of non-payment of tax and others at the expense of the exchequer.