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Facts
The assessee, a domestic company engaged in construction and hotel business, filed its return of income. The Assessing Officer (AO) computed a disallowance under Section 14A read with Rule 8D at a higher amount than what the assessee had suo-motu disallowed. The assessee had earned exempt dividend income. The AO's disallowance was based on the monthly average of all investments, not just those yielding exempt income.
Held
The Tribunal held that disallowance under Section 14A read with Rule 8D should only consider investments that have actually yielded exempt income during the year. The Hon'ble Delhi High Court and various other judicial precedents support this view. The Tribunal found that the CIT(A) had correctly deleted the disallowance made by the AO.
Key Issues
Whether the disallowance under Section 14A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and Rule 8D, should be restricted to investments that have yielded exempt income, and whether the AO erred in computing disallowance based on all investments.
Sections Cited
14A, 8D, 115JB
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Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, MUMBAI BENCH “E” MUMBAI
Before: SHRI OM PRAKASH KANT & SHRI SANDEEP SINGH KARHAIL
ORDER
PER OM PRAKASH KANT, AM
This appeal by the Revenue is directed against order dated 25.07.2025 passed by the Ld. Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) – 52, Mumbai [in short ‘the Ld. CIT(A)’] for assessment year 2020-21, raising following grounds:
1. Whether the Ld. CIT(A) right in law and facts of the case by deleting the disallowance us 14A of the IT Act, relying on the premises that there was no exempt income received by the assessee during the year under consideration, without Circular No.5 of 2014 appreciating the direction contains in the Circular No.5 of 2014 appreciating the direction contains in the Circular No.5 of 2014 dated 11.02.2014 of CBDT? dated 11.02.2014 of CBDT? 2. Whether the Ld. CIT(A) right in law and facts of the case by Whether the Ld. CIT(A) right in law and facts of the case by Whether the Ld. CIT(A) right in law and facts of the case by deleting the disallowance u/s 14A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 deleting the disallowance u/s 14A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 deleting the disallowance u/s 14A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 thereby overlooking th thereby overlooking the computational procedure laid down in e computational procedure laid down in Rule 8D of the 1 T Rulcs. 1962 which has to be necessarily Rule 8D of the 1 T Rulcs. 1962 which has to be necessarily Rule 8D of the 1 T Rulcs. 1962 which has to be necessarily followed whenever a disallowance u/s 14A was to be made followed whenever a disallowance u/s 14A was to be made followed whenever a disallowance u/s 14A was to be made 3. Whether the Ld. CIT(A) right in law and facts of the case by Whether the Ld. CIT(A) right in law and facts of the case by Whether the Ld. CIT(A) right in law and facts of the case by deleting the addition of disallowance u's deleting the addition of disallowance u's 14A of the IT Act to the 14A of the IT Act to the book profit of the assessee without appreciating the clause (f) of book profit of the assessee without appreciating the clause (f) of book profit of the assessee without appreciating the clause (f) of explanation 1 to section 11SJB(2) of the IT Act explanation 1 to section 11SJB(2) of the IT Act 2. Briefly stated, facts of the case are that the assessee is a Briefly stated, facts of the case are that the assessee is a Briefly stated, facts of the case are that the assessee is a domestic company engaged in the construction activity and is also domestic company engaged in the construction activity and is also domestic company engaged in the construction activity and is also running a hotel at Madh Marve Road, Malad in the name and style running a hotel at Madh Marve Road, Malad in the name and style running a hotel at Madh Marve Road, Malad in the name and style “The Resort”. The assessee is also engaged in various business “The Resort”. The assessee is also engaged in various business “The Resort”. The assessee is also engaged in various business activity i.e. Real Estate Development, leasing of properties etc. The tivity i.e. Real Estate Development, leasing of properties etc. The tivity i.e. Real Estate Development, leasing of properties etc. The assessee company owns a 5 star hotel at Mumbai and is also a assessee company owns a 5 star hotel at Mumbai and is also a assessee company owns a 5 star hotel at Mumbai and is also a partner at various partnership firms which are in the business of partner at various partnership firms which are in the business of partner at various partnership firms which are in the business of real estate development, hospitality etc. real estate development, hospitality etc.
2.1 The assessee filed its return of income iled its return of income declaring total income declaring total income at Rs.1,94,15,430/- and book profit of Rs.56,91,386/ and book profit of Rs.56,91,386/-. While filing the said id return, return, the the assessee assessee had had suo-motu motu disallowed Rs.1,45,32,176/- and Rs.740/ and Rs.740/- u/s 14A of the Income u/s 14A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (in short ‘the Act’ 1961 (in short ‘the Act’) while computing the normal income. The ) while computing the normal income. The return of income filed by the assessee was selected for scrutiny and return of income filed by the assessee was selected for scrutiny and return of income filed by the assessee was selected for scrutiny and statutory notices under the Act were issued and complied with. In statutory notices under the Act were issued and complied with. In statutory notices under the Act were issued and complied with. In the assessment completed u/s 143(3) of the Act on 25.03.2022, the the assessment completed u/s 143(3) of the Act on 25.03.2022, the the assessment completed u/s 143(3) of the Act on 25.03.2022, the Assessing Officer however computed disallowance u/s 14A r.w.r. 8D cer however computed disallowance u/s 14A r.w.r. 8D cer however computed disallowance u/s 14A r.w.r. 8D at Rs.4,17,30,725/- and made addition for balance amount other and made addition for balance amount other Rs.2,71,98,549/- while computing income under while computing income under the normal while computing income under provisions of Act and also disal and also disallowance of Rs.2,71,98,549/ lowance of Rs.2,71,98,549/- was made u/s 14A of the Act while computing book profit. made u/s 14A of the Act while computing book profit. made u/s 14A of the Act while computing book profit.
On further appeal, the Ld. CIT(A) deleted both the additions. On further appeal, the Ld. CIT(A) deleted both the additions. On further appeal, the Ld. CIT(A) deleted both the additions.
Aggrieved, the Revenue is in appeal before the Tribunal by way the Revenue is in appeal before the Tribunal by way the Revenue is in appeal before the Tribunal by way of raising grounds as reproduced above of raising grounds as reproduced above.
We have heard rival submissions of the parties and perused We have heard rival submissions of the parties and perused We have heard rival submissions of the parties and perused the relevant materials on record the relevant materials on record. In the case, the assessee earned . In the case, the assessee earned dividend income of Rs.6,65,50,230/ dividend income of Rs.6,65,50,230/-. Against said exempted Against said exempted income, the assessee following the Rule 8D he assessee following the Rule 8D of Income of Income-tax Rules, 1962( in short the Rules) 1962( in short the Rules) made disallowance @ 1% of the assets nce @ 1% of the assets which had yielded dividend income during the year under yielded dividend income during the year under yielded dividend income during the year under consideration. The assessee also made disallowance of Rs.740/- consideration. The assessee also made disallowance of Rs.740/ consideration. The assessee also made disallowance of Rs.740/ directly related to the earning of the dividend incom directly related to the earning of the dividend income. e.
The Assessing Officer however is of the view that while computing The Assessing Officer however is of the view that while computing The Assessing Officer however is of the view that while computing the disallowance under Rule 8D(2)(ii) the assessee should take into under Rule 8D(2)(ii) the assessee should take into under Rule 8D(2)(ii) the assessee should take into consideration monthly average of all the investments and not only consideration monthly average of all the investments and n consideration monthly average of all the investments and n the investment which had the investment which had yielded the exempted income yielded the exempted income, but the Ld. CIT(A), however following the decision of the Special Bench of the however following the decision of the Special Bench of the however following the decision of the Special Bench of the Tribunal in the case of ACIT vs. Vireet Investment Pvt. Ltd. (82 Tribunal in the case of ACIT vs. Vireet Investment Pvt. Ltd. (82 Tribunal in the case of ACIT vs. Vireet Investment Pvt. Ltd. (82 taxmann.com 415), deleted the disallowance made deleted the disallowance made by the ld AO under normal provisions of the Act. The Ld. CIT(A under normal provisions of the Act. The Ld. CIT(A) also disallowed ) also disallowed the addition/disallowance made while computing book profit. The the addition/disallowance made while computing book profit. The the addition/disallowance made while computing book profit. The relevant finding of the Ld. CIT(A) is reproduced as under: relevant finding of the Ld. CIT(A) is reproduced as under: relevant finding of the Ld. CIT(A) is reproduced as under:
7.2 The appellant has broadly raised the following contentions: The appellant has broadly raised the following contentions: The appellant has broadly raised the following contentions: (i) The appellant had earned an exempt dividend inc (i) The appellant had earned an exempt dividend income of Rs. 6,65,50,231 ome of Rs. 6,65,50,231 during the year under consideration and made a suo moto disallowance of during the year under consideration and made a suo moto disallowance of during the year under consideration and made a suo moto disallowance of Rs. 1,45,32,176 under Section 14A r.w. Rule 8D, considering only Rs. 1,45,32,176 under Section 14A r.w. Rule 8D, considering only Rs. 1,45,32,176 under Section 14A r.w. Rule 8D, considering only investments from which exempt income was actually earned. The details of investments from which exempt income was actually earned. The details of investments from which exempt income was actually earned. The details of exempt dividend income exempt dividend income earned were submitted as under:
Particulars Particulars Amount Amount JUHU BEACH RESORT LTD JUHU BEACH RESORT LTD 5,82,70,710 5,82,70,710 K RAHEJA IT PARK (HYDERABAD) P K RAHEJA IT PARK (HYDERABAD) P 50,000 50,000 SUNDEW PROPERTIES LTD SUNDEW PROPERTIES LTD 10,000 10,000 INTIME PROPERTIES LTD INTIME PROPERTIES LTD 3,35,820 3,35,820 INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 45,833 45,833 Zodiac Clothing Company Ltd Zodiac Clothing Company Ltd 33,151 33,151 Prism Cement Ltd Prism Cement Ltd 65,000 65,000 Kothari Products Ltd Kothari Products Ltd 4,62,717 4,62,717 SHOPPERS STOP LIMITED SHOPPERS STOP LIMITED 25,36,653 25,36,653 DLF Limited DLF Limited 73,200 73,200 Balaji Telefilms Ltd Balaji Telefilms Ltd 16,000 16,000 Ambuja Cements Ltd Ambuja Cements Ltd 7,500 7,500 JM Financial Limited JM Financial Limited 45,000 45,000 FAERING CAPITAL INDIA EVOLVING FAERING CAPITAL INDIA EVOLVING 43,95,827 43,95,827 INDIA VALUE INDIA VALUE FUND SCHEME 'B' 2,02,820 2,02,820 Total Total 6,65,50,231 6,65,50,231 (ii) A working for the same suo moto disallowance computed was submitted (ii) A working for the same suo moto disallowance computed was submitted (ii) A working for the same suo moto disallowance computed was submitted which is reproduced as under: which is reproduced as under: Particulars Particulars Amount Amount JUHU BEACH RESORT LTD JUHU BEACH RESORT LTD 96,12,85,508 96,12,85,508 K RAHEJA IT PARK (HYDERABAD) P K RAHEJA IT PARK (HYDERABAD) P 50,000 50,000 SUNDEW PROPERTIES LTD SUNDEW 0 INTIME PROPERTIES LTD INTIME PROPERTIES LTD 0 INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 13,56,910 13,56,910 Zodiac Clothing Company Ltd Zodiac Clothing Company Ltd 83,33,296 83,33,296 Prism Cement Ltd Prism Cement Ltd 33,97,940 33,97,940 Kothari Products Ltd Kothari Products Ltd 3,87,86,642 3,87,86,642 SHOPPERS STOP LIMITED SHOPPERS STOP LIMITED 32,58,86,651 32,58,86,651 DLF Limited DLF Limited 20,02,864 20,02,864 Balaji Telefilms Ltd Balaji 18,89,415 18,89,415 Ambuja Cements Ltd Ambuja Cements Ltd 12,26,649 12,26,649
JM Financial Limited JM Financial Limited 61,18,823 61,18,823 FAERING CAPITAL INDIA EVOLVING FAERING CAPITAL INDIA EVOLVING 4,86,83,106 4,86,83,106 FAERING CAPITAL INDIA EVOLVING FAERING CAPITAL INDIA EVOLVING 2,55,45,278 2,55,45,278 INDIA VALUE FUND SCHEME 'B' INDIA VALUE FUND SCHEME 'B' 2,80,67,857 2,80,67,857 Total 1,45,26,30,939 1,45,26,30,939
Average Average Investment 1,45,31,43,595 1,45,31,43,595 Disallowance under section 14A @ 1% Disallowance under section 14A @ 1% 1,45,31,436 1,45,31,436 of investments of investments Add: Direct Expenditure Add: Direct Expenditure 740 Disallowance u/s. 14A Disallowance u/s. 14A 1,45,32,176 1,45,32,176 Less: Suo Moto Disallowance Less: Suo Moto Disallowance (1,45,32,176) (1,45,32,176) Difference Difference - iii) The appellant submitted that the AO iii) The appellant submitted that the AO did not record the mandatory did not record the mandatory satisfaction under Section 14A(2) of the Act. satisfaction under Section 14A(2) of the Act. (iv) Without prejudice to the above, the appellant contended that the amount (iv) Without prejudice to the above, the appellant contended that the amount (iv) Without prejudice to the above, the appellant contended that the amount of disallowance must be restricted upto the exempt income earned during of disallowance must be restricted upto the exempt income earned during of disallowance must be restricted upto the exempt income earned during the relevant year. For this the relevant year. For this proposition the appellant relied on the decision of proposition the appellant relied on the decision of Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Commissioner of Income Tax, (Central) Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Commissioner of Income Tax, (Central) Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Commissioner of Income Tax, (Central) v Chettinad Logistics (P.) Ltd. [2018](95 taxmann.com 250) wherein it was v Chettinad Logistics (P.) Ltd. [2018](95 taxmann.com 250) wherein it was v Chettinad Logistics (P.) Ltd. [2018](95 taxmann.com 250) wherein it was held that while computing expenditure allocable for ear held that while computing expenditure allocable for earning exempt income ning exempt income as per the formulae prescribed in Rule 8D, investments which have not as per the formulae prescribed in Rule 8D, investments which have not as per the formulae prescribed in Rule 8D, investments which have not yielded exempt income must be excluded and that provisions of Rule 8D yielded exempt income must be excluded and that provisions of Rule 8D yielded exempt income must be excluded and that provisions of Rule 8D cannot override the provisions of section 14A of the Act and disallowance cannot override the provisions of section 14A of the Act and disallowance cannot override the provisions of section 14A of the Act and disallowance under section 14A of th under section 14A of the Act is only warranted when there is actual receipt e Act is only warranted when there is actual receipt of exempt income. of exempt income. (v) Without prejudice to the above, the appellant contended that for the (v) Without prejudice to the above, the appellant contended that for the (v) Without prejudice to the above, the appellant contended that for the purpose of disallowance u/s 14A of the Act, only those investments are to purpose of disallowance u/s 14A of the Act, only those investments are to purpose of disallowance u/s 14A of the Act, only those investments are to be considered from which exempt income be considered from which exempt income has been received during the year has been received during the year under consideration. For this proposition the appellant relied on the decision under consideration. For this proposition the appellant relied on the decision under consideration. For this proposition the appellant relied on the decision of Hon'ble Delhi High Court in the case of Cargo Motors (P.) Ltd V. Deputy of Hon'ble Delhi High Court in the case of Cargo Motors (P.) Ltd V. Deputy of Hon'ble Delhi High Court in the case of Cargo Motors (P.) Ltd V. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax ([2022] 145 taxmann.com 641) wherein it Commissioner of Income Tax ([2022] 145 taxmann.com 641) wherein it Commissioner of Income Tax ([2022] 145 taxmann.com 641) wherein it was held that while calculating disallowance made under Rule 8D @ 0.5% of the held that while calculating disallowance made under Rule 8D @ 0.5% of the held that while calculating disallowance made under Rule 8D @ 0.5% of the average investments, only those investments have to be considered which average investments, only those investments have to be considered which average investments, only those investments have to be considered which has yielded exempt income during the previous year. has yielded exempt income during the previous year. (vi) Without prejudice to the above, the appellant co (vi) Without prejudice to the above, the appellant contended that the suo ntended that the suo moto disallowance made is correct as per law. For the proposition, the moto disallowance made is correct as per law. For the proposition, the moto disallowance made is correct as per law. For the proposition, the appellant relied on the decision of Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of appellant relied on the decision of Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of appellant relied on the decision of Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd. V. Deputy Commissioner of Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd. V. Deputy Commissioner of Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd. V. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax ([2017] 81 t Income Tax ([2017] 81 taxmann.com 111) wherein it was held that Rule 8D axmann.com 111) wherein it was held that Rule 8D cannot be applied mechanically and must be consistent with the facts of cannot be applied mechanically and must be consistent with the facts of cannot be applied mechanically and must be consistent with the facts of K Raheja Corp Pvt. Ltd. K Raheja Corp Pvt. Ltd. each case. Since, a suo moto disallowance is made, it is possible that the each case. Since, a suo moto disallowance is made, it is possible that the each case. Since, a suo moto disallowance is made, it is possible that the additional disallowance under Rule 8D(2)(iii) might not be j additional disallowance under Rule 8D(2)(iii) might not be j additional disallowance under Rule 8D(2)(iii) might not be justified. The appellant relied on various other Tribunal order and High Court decisions. appellant relied on various other Tribunal order and High Court decisions. appellant relied on various other Tribunal order and High Court decisions. (vii) In Ground No. 2, the appellant contended that the Ld. AO erred in (vii) In Ground No. 2, the appellant contended that the Ld. AO erred in (vii) In Ground No. 2, the appellant contended that the Ld. AO erred in disallowing Rs. 2,71,98,549/ disallowing Rs. 2,71,98,549/- u/s 14A of the Act while computing the book u/s 14A of the Act while computing the book profits under section profits under section 115JB of the Act. (viii) Further in relation to the explanation to section 14A inserted vide (viii) Further in relation to the explanation to section 14A inserted vide (viii) Further in relation to the explanation to section 14A inserted vide Finance Act 2022, the appellant contented that the said Explanation comes Finance Act 2022, the appellant contented that the said Explanation comes Finance Act 2022, the appellant contented that the said Explanation comes into force only with effect from AY 2022 into force only with effect from AY 2022-23 i.e. effective prospectively and 23 i.e. effective prospectively and not retrospectively. In this regard the assessee has relied on the following ectively. In this regard the assessee has relied on the following ectively. In this regard the assessee has relied on the following decision of the Hon'ble Supreme Court: decision of the Hon'ble Supreme Court: a) MM Aqua Technologies Vs CIT (436 ITR 582) a) MM Aqua Technologies Vs CIT (436 ITR 582) b) Sedco Forex International Drilling Inc Vs CIT (279 ITR 310) b) Sedco Forex International Drilling Inc Vs CIT (279 ITR 310) b) Sedco Forex International Drilling Inc Vs CIT (279 ITR 310) Also, appellant has relied on various other Also, appellant has relied on various other decisions of High court and decisions of High court and tribunal. 7.3 I have considered the facts of the case, statement of facts, grounds of 7.3 I have considered the facts of the case, statement of facts, grounds of 7.3 I have considered the facts of the case, statement of facts, grounds of appeal and submissions made by the appellant. In the above background, appeal and submissions made by the appellant. In the above background, appeal and submissions made by the appellant. In the above background, the grounds of appeal are adjudicated as follows. the grounds of appeal are adjudicated as follows. 7.4. The submission 7.4. The submissions made by the appellant have been examined. It is s made by the appellant have been examined. It is noted that the appellant has categorically stated in its reply and the AO has noted that the appellant has categorically stated in its reply and the AO has noted that the appellant has categorically stated in its reply and the AO has also mentioned in the assessment order that the appellant has earned also mentioned in the assessment order that the appellant has earned also mentioned in the assessment order that the appellant has earned exempt income of Rs. 6,65,50,230/ exempt income of Rs. 6,65,50,230/-. Whereas the appellant h . Whereas the appellant has suo-moto made disallowances of Rs. 1,45,32,176/ made disallowances of Rs. 1,45,32,176/- towards the expenses incurred in towards the expenses incurred in relation the earning such exempt income. relation the earning such exempt income. 7.5. As regards the issue of disallowance made u/s 14A of the Act is 7.5. As regards the issue of disallowance made u/s 14A of the Act is 7.5. As regards the issue of disallowance made u/s 14A of the Act is concerned when there is no exempt income or the exempt income concerned when there is no exempt income or the exempt income concerned when there is no exempt income or the exempt income is less than the disallowance calculated as per Rule 8D, the various Judicial than the disallowance calculated as per Rule 8D, the various Judicial than the disallowance calculated as per Rule 8D, the various Judicial Authorities have held that disallowance u/s 14A cannot exceed the exempt Authorities have held that disallowance u/s 14A cannot exceed the exempt Authorities have held that disallowance u/s 14A cannot exceed the exempt income. However, in this case the disallowance is much less than the income. However, in this case the disallowance is much less than the income. However, in this case the disallowance is much less than the exempt income. exempt income. 7.6. The appellant h 7.6. The appellant has also raised the issue that satisfaction was not as also raised the issue that satisfaction was not recorded by the AO. I have gone through with the assessment order and recorded by the AO. I have gone through with the assessment order and recorded by the AO. I have gone through with the assessment order and examined examined examined that that that the the the AO AO AO has has has recorded recorded recorded satisfaction satisfaction satisfaction while while while making making making disallowances u/s 14A of the IT Act. The AO has not straight away resorted disallowances u/s 14A of the IT Act. The AO has not straight away resorted disallowances u/s 14A of the IT Act. The AO has not straight away resorted to Rule 8D. He has considered the books of accounts and arrived at an to Rule 8D. He has considered the books of accounts and arrived at an to Rule 8D. He has considered the books of accounts and arrived at an objective satisfaction that the appellant's claim is incorrect. Such satisfaction objective satisfaction that the appellant's claim is incorrect. Such satisfaction objective satisfaction that the appellant's claim is incorrect. Such satisfaction has been reached and recorded only after the claim of the appellant has has been reached and recorded only after the claim of the appellant has has been reached and recorded only after the claim of the appellant has been verified. This issue is, th been verified. This issue is, therefore, decided against the appellant as I find erefore, decided against the appellant as I find that the AO has recorded his satisfaction before rightly invoking the that the AO has recorded his satisfaction before rightly invoking the that the AO has recorded his satisfaction before rightly invoking the provisions of Rule 8D. However, as regards the quantum of disallowance, provisions of Rule 8D. However, as regards the quantum of disallowance, provisions of Rule 8D. However, as regards the quantum of disallowance, my observations are contained in the following portion of the ord my observations are contained in the following portion of the ord my observations are contained in the following portion of the order.
7.7. The explanation of sec. 14A inserted by the Finance Act, 2022 can be 7.7. The explanation of sec. 14A inserted by the Finance Act, 2022 can be 7.7. The explanation of sec. 14A inserted by the Finance Act, 2022 can be treated to be clarificatory in nature, the Hon'ble Delhi High Court in the case treated to be clarificatory in nature, the Hon'ble Delhi High Court in the case treated to be clarificatory in nature, the Hon'ble Delhi High Court in the case of M/s. Era Infrastructure (India) Ltd. in & CM APPL. of M/s. Era Infrastructure (India) Ltd. in & CM APPL. of M/s. Era Infrastructure (India) Ltd. in ITA No. 204/2022 & CM APPL. 31445/2022 dated 20.07.2022 31445/2022 dated 20.07.2022 has held that the provisions cannot be has held that the provisions cannot be treated to be retrospective. treated to be retrospective. 7.8. It is pertinent to point out that vide the Finance Act 2022 the following 7.8. It is pertinent to point out that vide the Finance Act 2022 the following 7.8. It is pertinent to point out that vide the Finance Act 2022 the following Explanation was inserted in section 14A w.e.f 01.04.2022: Explanation was inserted in section 14A w.e.f 01.04.2022: Explanation. For the removal of doubts, it is her Explanation. For the removal of doubts, it is hereby clarified that eby clarified that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act, the notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act, the notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act, the provisions of this section shall apply and shall be deemed to have always provisions of this section shall apply and shall be deemed to have always provisions of this section shall apply and shall be deemed to have always applied in a has not accrued or arisen or has not been received during the applied in a has not accrued or arisen or has not been received during the applied in a has not accrued or arisen or has not been received during the previous year case w previous year case where the income, not forming part of the total income here the income, not forming part of the total income under this Act. relevant to an assessment year and the expenditure has under this Act. relevant to an assessment year and the expenditure has under this Act. relevant to an assessment year and the expenditure has been incurred during the said previous year in relation to such income not been incurred during the said previous year in relation to such income not been incurred during the said previous year in relation to such income not forming part of the total income." forming part of the total income." 7.9. The legislative 7.9. The legislative intent behind insertion of the aforesaid Explanation to intent behind insertion of the aforesaid Explanation to section 14A of the Act was to clarify that notwithstanding anything to the section 14A of the Act was to clarify that notwithstanding anything to the section 14A of the Act was to clarify that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act, the provisions of this section shall apply and contrary contained in this Act, the provisions of this section shall apply and contrary contained in this Act, the provisions of this section shall apply and shall be deemed to have always applied in a ca shall be deemed to have always applied in a case where exempt income has se where exempt income has not accrued or arisen or has not been received during the previous year not accrued or arisen or has not been received during the previous year not accrued or arisen or has not been received during the previous year relevant to an assessment year and the expenditure has been incurred relevant to an assessment year and the expenditure has been incurred relevant to an assessment year and the expenditure has been incurred during the said previous year in relation to such exempt income. during the said previous year in relation to such exempt income. during the said previous year in relation to such exempt income. 7.10. However, the Hon' 7.10. However, the Hon'ble ITAT Mumbai vide its order dated 29.06.2022 in ble ITAT Mumbai vide its order dated 29.06.2022 in the case of Bajaj Capital Ventures (P) Ltd. (2022) 141 taxmann.com 1 the case of Bajaj Capital Ventures (P) Ltd. (2022) 141 taxmann.com 1 the case of Bajaj Capital Ventures (P) Ltd. (2022) 141 taxmann.com 1 (Mumbai-Trib) has held that the amendment by way of insertion of the Trib) has held that the amendment by way of insertion of the Trib) has held that the amendment by way of insertion of the aforesaid explanation was prospective in nature and that prior to 1 aforesaid explanation was prospective in nature and that prior to 1 aforesaid explanation was prospective in nature and that prior to 1.4.2022, no disallowance could be made under section 14A with respect to no disallowance could be made under section 14A with respect to no disallowance could be made under section 14A with respect to expenditure incurred by assessee to earn exempt income, when no exempt expenditure incurred by assessee to earn exempt income, when no exempt expenditure incurred by assessee to earn exempt income, when no exempt income was earned during relevant assessment year. The relevant extract of income was earned during relevant assessment year. The relevant extract of income was earned during relevant assessment year. The relevant extract of the said decision is reproduced as un the said decision is reproduced as under: "7. We find that there is no dispute about the fact that the assessee did not "7. We find that there is no dispute about the fact that the assessee did not "7. We find that there is no dispute about the fact that the assessee did not have any tax exempt income during the relevant previous year and that the have any tax exempt income during the relevant previous year and that the have any tax exempt income during the relevant previous year and that the period before us pertains to the period prior to insertion of explanation to period before us pertains to the period prior to insertion of explanation to period before us pertains to the period prior to insertion of explanation to section 14A. In this v section 14A. In this view of thematter, and in the light of consistent stand by iew of thematter, and in the light of consistent stand by co-ordinate benches, following Hon'ble Delhi High Court's judgment in the ordinate benches, following Hon'ble Delhi High Court's judgment in the ordinate benches, following Hon'ble Delhi High Court's judgment in the case of Cheminvest Ltd v. CIT [2015] 61 taxmann.com 118/234 Taxman case of Cheminvest Ltd v. CIT [2015] 61 taxmann.com 118/234 Taxman case of Cheminvest Ltd v. CIT [2015] 61 taxmann.com 118/234 Taxman 761/378 ITR 33, we uphold the plea of the assessee that n 761/378 ITR 33, we uphold the plea of the assessee that n 761/378 ITR 33, we uphold the plea of the assessee that no disallowance under section 14A was and in the circumstances of the case. The plea of the under section 14A was and in the circumstances of the case. The plea of the under section 14A was and in the circumstances of the case. The plea of the Assessing Officer is thus rejected". Assessing Officer is thus rejected". 7.11. The same view that the insertion of the explanation in section 14A is 7.11. The same view that the insertion of the explanation in section 14A is 7.11. The same view that the insertion of the explanation in section 14A is prospective in nature has also been held by the Hon' prospective in nature has also been held by the Hon'ble Delhi High Court in ble Delhi High Court in the case of Era Infrastructure (India) Ltd (2022) 141 taxmann.com 289 the case of Era Infrastructure (India) Ltd (2022) 141 taxmann.com 289 the case of Era Infrastructure (India) Ltd (2022) 141 taxmann.com 289 (Delhi). The relevant extract is reproduced as under: (Delhi). The relevant extract is reproduced as under: "8. Consequently, this Court is of the view that the amendment of section "8. Consequently, this Court is of the view that the amendment of section "8. Consequently, this Court is of the view that the amendment of section K Raheja Corp Pvt. Ltd. K Raheja Corp Pvt. Ltd.
14A, which is "for removal of doub 14A, which is "for removal of doubts" cannot be presumed to be retrospective ts" cannot be presumed to be retrospective even where such language is used, if it alters or changes the law as it even where such language is used, if it alters or changes the law as it even where such language is used, if it alters or changes the law as it earlier stood.
Though the judgment of this Court has been challenged and is pending 9. Though the judgment of this Court has been challenged and is pending 9. Though the judgment of this Court has been challenged and is pending adjudication before the Supreme Court, yet there is no adjudication before the Supreme Court, yet there is no stay of the said stay of the said judgment till date. Consequently, in view of the judgments passed by the judgment till date. Consequently, in view of the judgments passed by the judgment till date. Consequently, in view of the judgments passed by the Supreme Court in Kunhayammed v. State of Kerala [2000] 113 Taxman Supreme Court in Kunhayammed v. State of Kerala [2000] 113 Taxman Supreme Court in Kunhayammed v. State of Kerala [2000] 113 Taxman 470/245 ITR 360 and Shree Chamundi Mopeds Ltd. v. Church of South 470/245 ITR 360 and Shree Chamundi Mopeds Ltd. v. Church of South 470/245 ITR 360 and Shree Chamundi Mopeds Ltd. v. Church of South India Trust Association [1992] 3 India Trust Association [1992] 3 SCC 1, the present appeal is dismissed SCC 1, the present appeal is dismissed being covered by the judgment passed by the learned predecessor Division being covered by the judgment passed by the learned predecessor Division being covered by the judgment passed by the learned predecessor Division Bench in IL & FS Energy Development Co. Ltd. (supra) and Cheminvest Ltd. Bench in IL & FS Energy Development Co. Ltd. (supra) and Cheminvest Ltd. Bench in IL & FS Energy Development Co. Ltd. (supra) and Cheminvest Ltd. v. CIT [2015] 61 taxmann.com 118/234 Taxman 761/378 ITR 33 (Delhi). v. CIT [2015] 61 taxmann.com 118/234 Taxman 761/378 ITR 33 (Delhi). v. CIT [2015] 61 taxmann.com 118/234 Taxman 761/378 ITR 33 (Delhi).
Accordingly, the appeal and application are dismissed. However, it is Accordingly, the appeal and application are dismissed. However, it is Accordingly, the appeal and application are dismissed. However, it is clarified that the order passed in the present appeal shall abide by the final clarified that the order passed in the present appeal shall abide by the final clarified that the order passed in the present appeal shall abide by the final decision of the Supreme Court in the SLP filed in the case of IL & FS Energy decision of the Supreme Court in the SLP filed in the case of IL & FS Energy decision of the Supreme Court in the SLP filed in the case of IL & FS Energy Development Co. Ltd. (supra). Development Co. Ltd. (supra)." 7.12. The appellant has contended that for the purpose of disallowance u/s 7.12. The appellant has contended that for the purpose of disallowance u/s 7.12. The appellant has contended that for the purpose of disallowance u/s 14A of the Act, only those investments are to be considered from which 14A of the Act, only those investments are to be considered from which 14A of the Act, only those investments are to be considered from which exempt income has been received during the year under consideration. The exempt income has been received during the year under consideration. The exempt income has been received during the year under consideration. The appellant relied on the decision of appellant relied on the decision of Hon'ble Delhi High Court in the case of Hon'ble Delhi High Court in the case of Cargo Motors (P.) Ltd V. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax ([2022] 145 Cargo Motors (P.) Ltd V. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax ([2022] 145 Cargo Motors (P.) Ltd V. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax ([2022] 145 taxmann.com 641) wherein it was held that while calculating disallowance taxmann.com 641) wherein it was held that while calculating disallowance taxmann.com 641) wherein it was held that while calculating disallowance made under Rule 8D @ 0.5% of the average investments, only those made under Rule 8D @ 0.5% of the average investments, only those made under Rule 8D @ 0.5% of the average investments, only those investments have to be considered which has yielded exempt income during ments have to be considered which has yielded exempt income during ments have to be considered which has yielded exempt income during the previous year. the previous year. 7.13. The issue raised by the appellant and interpretation that evolved is 7.13. The issue raised by the appellant and interpretation that evolved is 7.13. The issue raised by the appellant and interpretation that evolved is that the investments which do not give rise to exempt income are to be that the investments which do not give rise to exempt income are to be that the investments which do not give rise to exempt income are to be excluded from working of excluded from working of disallowance under rule 8D. Rule 8D is to be disallowance under rule 8D. Rule 8D is to be applied only in respect of investment yielding exempted income. During the applied only in respect of investment yielding exempted income. During the applied only in respect of investment yielding exempted income. During the period under consideration in the present case of the appellant, Rule 8D(2)(ii) period under consideration in the present case of the appellant, Rule 8D(2)(ii) period under consideration in the present case of the appellant, Rule 8D(2)(ii) postulated that in the calculation of the disallowance postulated that in the calculation of the disallowance amount "1% of the amount "1% of the annual average of the monthly averages of the opening and closing balances annual average of the monthly averages of the opening and closing balances annual average of the monthly averages of the opening and closing balances of the value of investment which does not or shall not form part of the total of the value of investment which does not or shall not form part of the total of the value of investment which does not or shall not form part of the total income" should be taken into consideration. The appellant has relied on a income" should be taken into consideration. The appellant has relied on a income" should be taken into consideration. The appellant has relied on a slew of judgments on this issue. gments on this issue. 7.14. A similar view has been taken into the recent decision of Special 7.14. A similar view has been taken into the recent decision of Special 7.14. A similar view has been taken into the recent decision of Special Bench of Delhi ITAT in the case of ACIT Vs Vireet Investment (P.) Ltd(82 Bench of Delhi ITAT in the case of ACIT Vs Vireet Investment (P.) Ltd(82 Bench of Delhi ITAT in the case of ACIT Vs Vireet Investment (P.) Ltd(82 taxmann.com 415) where in it has been categorically being held that for the taxmann.com 415) where in it has been categorically being held that for the taxmann.com 415) where in it has been categorically being held that for the purpose of co purpose of computing disallowance under section 14A, only those mputing disallowance under section 14A, only those investments are to be considered for computing average value of investments are to be considered for computing average value of investments are to be considered for computing average value of investments which yielded exempt income during the year. It shall be investments which yielded exempt income during the year. It shall be investments which yielded exempt income during the year. It shall be pertinent to note that though the judgment has been rendered from the pertinent to note that though the judgment has been rendered from the pertinent to note that though the judgment has been rendered from the perspective of Rule 8D(2)(iii) but the rationale of the same can even be rspective of Rule 8D(2)(iii) but the rationale of the same can even be rspective of Rule 8D(2)(iii) but the rationale of the same can even be extending to the provisions of Rule 8D(2)(ii) since both the provisions use the extending to the provisions of Rule 8D(2)(ii) since both the provisions use the extending to the provisions of Rule 8D(2)(ii) since both the provisions use the same terminology. same terminology.
7.15. Further, reliance can be placed on the decision of the Hon'ble Mumbai 7.15. Further, reliance can be placed on the decision of the Hon'ble Mumbai 7.15. Further, reliance can be placed on the decision of the Hon'ble Mumbai ITAT in the case case DCIT DCIT Vs Vs Anand Anand Rathi Rathi Capital Capital Advisors Advisors P. P. Ltd(7472/Mum/2016), where in it has been specifically held that for the Ltd(7472/Mum/2016), where in it has been specifically held that for the Ltd(7472/Mum/2016), where in it has been specifically held that for the purpose of Rule 8D(ii) & Rule 8D(iii) only those investments will be purpose of Rule 8D(ii) & Rule 8D(iii) only those investments will be purpose of Rule 8D(ii) & Rule 8D(iii) only those investments will be considered from which exempt income is being earned during the year u considered from which exempt income is being earned during the year u considered from which exempt income is being earned during the year under consideration. 7.16. Next, in the decision of Hon'ble Mumbai Tribunal in case of Sajjan 7.16. Next, in the decision of Hon'ble Mumbai Tribunal in case of Sajjan 7.16. Next, in the decision of Hon'ble Mumbai Tribunal in case of Sajjan India Ltd. v. ACIT (89 taxmann.com 21), the Hon'ble Tribunal reliance India Ltd. v. ACIT (89 taxmann.com 21), the Hon'ble Tribunal reliance India Ltd. v. ACIT (89 taxmann.com 21), the Hon'ble Tribunal reliance placing on the decision of the Hon'ble Special Bench in the case of Vireet placing on the decision of the Hon'ble Special Bench in the case of Vireet placing on the decision of the Hon'ble Special Bench in the case of Vireet Investments Investments (supra) (supra ) has has categorically categorically held held that that only only those those instruments/securities which yielded exempt income during previous year instruments/securities which yielded exempt income during previous year instruments/securities which yielded exempt income during previous year relevant to assessment year shall be considered for computing disallowance relevant to assessment year shall be considered for computing disallowance relevant to assessment year shall be considered for computing disallowance under section 14A of the Act read with Rule 8D of the rules. under section 14A of the Act read with Rule 8D of the rules. 7.17. Further, reliance is placed on the decision of the Hon'ble Delhi High Further, reliance is placed on the decision of the Hon'ble Delhi High Further, reliance is placed on the decision of the Hon'ble Delhi High Court in case of ACB India Ltd. v. ACIT [2015] 62 taxmann.com 71 (Delhi) Court in case of ACB India Ltd. v. ACIT [2015] 62 taxmann.com 71 (Delhi) Court in case of ACB India Ltd. v. ACIT [2015] 62 taxmann.com 71 (Delhi) wherein the facts of the case are similar to that of the appellant, wherein the wherein the facts of the case are similar to that of the appellant, wherein the wherein the facts of the case are similar to that of the appellant, wherein the assessee had substantial investme assessee had substantial investments out of which only few investments nts out of which only few investments generated exempt income during the year. Though the AO had considered generated exempt income during the year. Though the AO had considered generated exempt income during the year. Though the AO had considered all the investments while computing disallowance under Rule 8D, the all the investments while computing disallowance under Rule 8D, the all the investments while computing disallowance under Rule 8D, the Hon'ble High Court directed to factor out those investments which did not Hon'ble High Court directed to factor out those investments which did not Hon'ble High Court directed to factor out those investments which did not yield exempt income and consider only those investments from which exempt income and consider only those investments from which exempt income and consider only those investments from which exempt income is received during the year. exempt income is received during the year. 7.18. Thus, out of the entire investment made by the assessee, the 7.18. Thus, out of the entire investment made by the assessee, the 7.18. Thus, out of the entire investment made by the assessee, the investment which yielded exempt income has to be identified and monthly investment which yielded exempt income has to be identified and monthly investment which yielded exempt income has to be identified and monthly average of opening and closing stock of such investment alone has to be ening and closing stock of such investment alone has to be ening and closing stock of such investment alone has to be considered for working out 1% for disallowance. In other words, the considered for working out 1% for disallowance. In other words, the considered for working out 1% for disallowance. In other words, the investments which do not give rise to exempt income are to be excluded from investments which do not give rise to exempt income are to be excluded from investments which do not give rise to exempt income are to be excluded from working of disallowance under rule 8D. working of disallowance under rule 8D. 7.19. The appe 7.19. The appellant further contended that, in their own case, the Hon'ble llant further contended that, in their own case, the Hon'ble Mumbai ITAT, through orders for AY 2010 Mumbai ITAT, through orders for AY 2010-11 and AY 2012 11 and AY 2012-13, directed the learned AO to restrict the disallowance solely to those investments that had learned AO to restrict the disallowance solely to those investments that had learned AO to restrict the disallowance solely to those investments that had generated exempt income for the assessee. This generated exempt income for the assessee. This direction was issued in light direction was issued in light of the Special Bench decision in Vireet Investment (P) Ltd. of the Special Bench decision in Vireet Investment (P) Ltd. - 165 ITR 27. 165 ITR 27. 7.20. The appellant further submitted that, in their own case, the Hon'ble 7.20. The appellant further submitted that, in their own case, the Hon'ble 7.20. The appellant further submitted that, in their own case, the Hon'ble Mumbai ITAT in its orders for AY 2013 Mumbai ITAT in its orders for AY 2013-14 and AY 2015-16 ruled that the 16 ruled that the book profit" under Section 115JB is not to be increased by the disallowance profit" under Section 115JB is not to be increased by the disallowance profit" under Section 115JB is not to be increased by the disallowance made by the A.O. under Section 14A of the Act. made by the A.O. under Section 14A of the Act. 7.21. Accordingly, in light of the above discussions and relevant legal 7.21. Accordingly, in light of the above discussions and relevant legal 7.21. Accordingly, in light of the above discussions and relevant legal precedents, it is concluded that the appellant's contention that w precedents, it is concluded that the appellant's contention that w precedents, it is concluded that the appellant's contention that while calculating the disallowance under Section 14A read with Rule 8D, only calculating the disallowance under Section 14A read with Rule 8D, only calculating the disallowance under Section 14A read with Rule 8D, only those investments that have generated actual exempt income should be those investments that have generated actual exempt income should be those investments that have generated actual exempt income should be considered is correct in law. Consequently, the AO is directed to consider considered is correct in law. Consequently, the AO is directed to consider considered is correct in law. Consequently, the AO is directed to consider only such investments for disallowan only such investments for disallowance purposes. In the present case, the ce purposes. In the present case, the appellant has appropriately made a suo moto disallowance under Section appellant has appropriately made a suo moto disallowance under Section appellant has appropriately made a suo moto disallowance under Section 14A of the Act. Accordingly, the AO is directed to delete the disallowance 14A of the Act. Accordingly, the AO is directed to delete the disallowance 14A of the Act. Accordingly, the AO is directed to delete the disallowance Rs. 2,71,98,549/ made amounting to Rs. 2,71,98,549/- u/s 14A of the Act while calculating u/s 14A of the Act while calculating income under normal provision as well as calculating income u/s 115JB of income under normal provision as well as calculating income u/s 115JB of income under normal provision as well as calculating income u/s 115JB of the Act appellant during the year. Accordingly, the disallowance made by the Act appellant during the year. Accordingly, the disallowance made by the Act appellant during the year. Accordingly, the disallowance made by the AO amounting Rs. 2,71,98,549/ the AO amounting Rs. 2,71,98,549/-is hereby deleted. In view of the above, is hereby deleted. In view of the above, this ground of appeal of the appel this ground of appeal of the appellant is allowed.” 5.1 We find that the Ld. CIT(A) has followed the binding precedent We find that the Ld. CIT(A) has followed the binding precedent We find that the Ld. CIT(A) has followed the binding precedent of the Co-ordinate Bench of the Tribunal in the case of Vireet ordinate Bench of the Tribunal in the case of Vireet ordinate Bench of the Tribunal in the case of Vireet Investment Pvt. Ltd. (supra). Accordingly, we do not find any Investment Pvt. Ltd. (supra). Accordingly, we do not find any Investment Pvt. Ltd. (supra). Accordingly, we do not find any infirmity in the order of the Ld. CIT(A) on th infirmity in the order of the Ld. CIT(A) on the issue in dispute and e issue in dispute and same is upheld. The grounds raised by the Revenue are accordingly same is upheld. The grounds raised by the Revenue are accordingly same is upheld. The grounds raised by the Revenue are accordingly dismissed.
In the result, the appeal of the Revenue is dismissed. In the result, the appeal of the Revenue is dismissed. In the result, the appeal of the Revenue is dismissed.
Order pronounced in the open Court on ounced in the open Court on 22/01/2026. /01/2026.