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Facts
The assessee, Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd., a multi-state cooperative society engaged in banking, failed to deduct TDS under Section 194A of the Income Tax Act on interest payments made to other Co-operative societies (housing societies) and a trust, considering them non-members. The Assessing Officer and CIT(A) treated the assessee as an 'assessee in default,' applying specific TDS provisions for Co-operative banks and rejecting the assessee's claim for exemption under general provisions, leading to demands for TDS and interest.
Held
The Tribunal upheld the CIT(A)'s decision, ruling that the specific TDS provisions of Section 194A(3)(i)(b) and 194A(3)(viia)(b) of the Act, applicable to Co-operative societies engaged in banking, override the general exemption provided under Section 194A(3)(v). Consequently, the assessee was liable to deduct TDS on interest payments exceeding Rs.10,000/- to other Co-operative societies. However, for a specific ground concerning cases where recipients had declared the income, the matter was remanded to the AO for verification under the proviso to Section 201(1).
Key Issues
Whether a Co-operative bank is obligated to deduct TDS under Section 194A on interest paid to other Co-operative societies (housing societies) that are not its members, considering the interplay between specific and general exemption provisions and amendments by the Finance Act, 2015. Also, whether the assessee can be treated as 'assessee in default' if the recipient has already declared the income.
Sections Cited
Section 250, Section 201(1), Section 201(1A), Section 194A, Section 194A(1), Section 194A(3), Section 194A(3)(i), Section 194A(3)(i)(b), Section 194A(3)(v), Section 194A(3)(viia), Section 194A(3)(viia)(a), Section 194A(3)(viia)(b), Section 2(19), Section 80P(2)(d), Section 133(6), Section 271C, Section 139, Banking Regulation Act, 1949, Multi State Co.operative Societies Act, 1984
AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below
Before: SHRI NARENDER KUMAR CHOUDHRY & SHRI BIJAYANANDA PRUSETH
IN THE INCOME-TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, MUMBAI ‘C’ BENCH BEFORE SHRI NARENDER KUMAR CHOUDHRY, JUDICIAL MEMBER & SHRI BIJAYANANDA PRUSETH, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER ITA Nos. 6035 to 6042/M/2025 (AY: 2016-17) & ITA Nos. 6385 to 6442/M/2025 (AYs: 2017-18, 2018-19 & 2019-20) Citizen Credit Co-op Bank Ltd., vs. ITO (TDS), CTS No. 236, Citizencredit Centre, Ward - 1(1)(4), Marve Road, Orlem Malad West, Mumbai Mumbai – 400064 PAN/GIR No: AAAAC0016F (Appellant) (Respondent)
Appellant by Shri Nitesh Joshi a/w Shri Harsh Kothari, Ld. Advocates Respondent by Mr. Virabhadra S. Mahajan, Sr. DR Date of Hearing 18/12/2025 Date of Pronouncement 19/01/2026
O R D E R PER BENCH:
These 66 appeals filed by the assessee emanate from the orders passed
under section 250 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (in short, ‘Act’) by the Addl./JCIT
(A) – 10, Delhi, Office of the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals), dated
05.09.2025 [in short, ‘CIT(A)’] for the assessment years (AYs) 2016-17, 2017-18,
2018-19 and 2019-20. Since the issues in these appeal are similar except variance
in amounts, therefore, with consent of both parties, these appeals were heard
together and are disposed of by this common order for the sake of convenience
and brevity. ITA No.6038/M/2025 for AY 2016-17 is taken as ‘lead’ case.
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. 2. The grounds of appeal in ITA No.6038/M/2025 are as under:
“ON THE FACTS AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CASE, THE LD. ADDL. JCIT(A)-10 DELHI ERRED IN: - 1. confirming the TDS u/s. 201(1) of Rs.4,38,903 & interest u/s. 201(1A) of Rs.3,73,066, aggregating to Rs.8,11,969 u/s. 201(1)/(1A) of I.T. Act, 1961, on the ground that the Appellant had failed to deduct the tax at source u/s. 194A on the interest of Rs.44,07,683 paid by the Appellant to other Co-operative societies (not being members of the Appellant) and one trust. 2. not deciding on the second ground of appeal that in respect of interest payment of Rs.1,61,537 to a trust (included in Rs.44,07,683), the said trust had offered the said interest for taxation in their hands by including the same in the Income Tax Return filed and hence, there was no default in respect of TDS in terms of first proviso to S. 201(1). And hence, TDS u/s. 201(1) of Rs.14,288 & interest u/s 201(1A) of Rs.12,144 was not payable. Further the Appellant had also paid interest u/s 201(1A) of Rs.1,143 on the same. 3. not appreciating the fact that- (a) the Appellant is a Co-operative society duly registered under the Multi State Co.operative Societies Act, 1984 and carried on the business of banking in terms of license granted by the Reserve Bank of India. Hence, even though the Appellant was a Co-operative bank, it was a Co-operative society first as defined u/s 2(19) of I.T. Act, 1961 but carrying on the business of banking. (b) the Appellant was a Co-operative society as defined u/s. 2(19) of I.T. Act, 1961 and hence, the Appellant was exempt from deducting the tax at source on the interest paid by the Appellant to any other Co-operative society (not being members of the Appellant) u/s. 194A (3)(v)/ (viia)(b) of I. T. Act, 1961. (c) interest on time deposits of Rs.42,46,146 was paid by the Appellant to other Co-operative societies (not being members of the Appellant) and hence, no tax was required to be deducted at source on the same u/s. 194A(3)(v) (viia)(b) of the I.T. Act, 1961. (d) the exemption u/s. 194A(3)(v) was in 2 parts 1st part related to income credited by a Co-operative society (other than a Co-operative bank) to a member thereof and the 2nd part related to income credited by a Co-operative society to any other Co-operative society & the Appellant was covered by the 2nd part of the exemption. (e) proviso to Sec 194A(3) making Co-operative society covered under Cl. (v) liable to deduct tax at source under certain circumstances was inserted w.e.f. 01.04.2020 & hence, did not apply for the A. Y. 2016-17.
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. (f) if at all the Appellant being a Co-operative bank was not entitled for exemption u/s. 194A(3)(v) of 1. T. Act, 1961 as contended by the Respondent, there was no need for inserting the proviso u/s. 194A w.e.f. 01.04.2020. (g) co.operative societies were not the members of the Appellant bank and hence, even after 01.06.2015, Appellant was not required to deduct the tax at source on the interest paid to other co.operative societies. (h) S. 194A(3)(viia)(a)(b) was not applicable since it applied to income credited or paid in respect of deposits other than time deposits and in the present case, interest was paid on time deposits to any other co.operative society, which was covered by S. 194A(3)(v) of the Act. 4. mentioning in para 13 of the order dated 05.09.2025 that the Appellant had claimed to be primary agricultural society registered under the ministry of agriculture & referring to objects of the bank which was totally incorrect and irrelevant. 5. Relying on the ITAT order dated 15.07.2025 in the case of the Appellant for A. Y. 2016-17, which in the opinion of the passed without (e) proviso to Sec 194A(3) making Co-operative society covered under Cl. (v) liable to deduct tax at source under certain circumstances was inserted w.e.f. 01.04.2020 & hence, did not apply for the A. Y. 2016-17. 6. Observing in Para 20.1 of the order dated 05.09.2025 that the primary issue was about the liability of the Appellant for TDS u/s. 194A on interest payments made to its members totally overlooking the fact that the interest was paid to the Co.operative Housing Societies which were not the members of the Appellant bank. And hence, the TDS Default of Rs.4,38,903/- (4,24,615 + 14,288) and Interest of Rs.3,73,066/- (3,60,922 + 12,144) u/s 201(1)/201(1A) of the I.T. Act, 1961, aggregating to Rs.8,11,969/- deserves to be deleted in toto. Your Appellant craves leave, to add, alter, modify or delete all or any of the grounds of the appeal.” ITA No.6038/M/2025 (AY 2016-17):
The facts of the case in brief are that the assessee is a multi-state Co-
operative society, registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act,
1984 holding license from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for carrying on the business
of banking. The assessee was originally registered as “The Bombay Catholic Urban
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. Co-operative Credit Society” in 1920 with the Registar of Co-operative Societies.
Its capital structure relies on contributions from its members. It was granted a full
banking license by the RBI in 1989 and achieved ‘Scheduled Bank’ status in 1996,
which allows it to operate like other commercial banks offering wide range of
services. It is categorized as a multi-state urban Co-op. bank and is regulated by
RBI, unlike commercial banks, which have different regulatory provisions. In a
sense, though it offers similar type of banking services like a commercial bank, its
fundamental structure and ownership model are those of a Co-operative bank. It
had 24 branches in Mumbai and every branch of the bank holds a separate TAN
registration. Therefore, multiple orders have been passed by the ITO (TDS) [in
short, ‘AO’] u/s 201(1)/201(1A) of the Act in respect of each of its 24 Mumbai
based branch for each financial year. Pursuant to the survey action and
information gathered u/s 133(6) of the Act, a notice u/s 201 of the Act was issued
to the assessee bank on 19.01.2023, calling for various details from different
branches of the assessee bank. It was seen from the details furnished by the
assessee bank that it had not deducted TDS u/s 194A of the Act on the interest
paid to the registered Co-op. societies and other persons. In case of some
individuals, TDS were deducted at lower rates. As per section 194A(1) r.w.s.
194A(3)(i) of the Act, tax is to be deducted on payment or credit of interest, other
than interest on securities over a specified amount, i.e., Rs.10,000/-. However,
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. the assessee failed to deduct TDS despite specific provisions to do so. The AO
issued show cause notice, which is at pages 2 to 5 of the order u/s 201(1) / 201(1A)
of the Act, dated 24.03.2023. The reply of the assessee is in para 5 at pages 5 to
7 of the above order. The findings of the AO are at para 6 of his order wherein he
has held that a Co-operative bank is an urban commercial bank and does not fall
under the purview of a “Co-operative society” referred to in section 80P(2)(d) of
the Act. The assessee had not deducted TDS u/s 194A of the Act on the interest
payments to housing societies. The interest income of the housing societies from
the Co-op. bank was not eligible for deduction u/s 80P(2)(d) of the Act. Hence, it
was obligatory on part of the assessee to deduct tax on the interest income on
the fixed or time deposits paid to the concerned Co-op. societies. The AO further
referred to provisions of section 194A(1) r.w.s. 194A(3)(i) of the Act and held that
these two provisions are specific provisions while exemption granted u/s
194A(3)(v) of the Act is a general provision. The special provisions override the
general provision. Regarding the reliance placed by the appellant on the proviso
below section 194A(3) to the effect that by Finance Act, 2020 w.e.f. 01.04.2020,
interest payable by the assessee to its customer in excess of specified limit would
be liable for deduction of tax at source, the AO observed that the said amendment
would apply to such recipients of interests, which are in the business of banking
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. and not to Co-op. societies. The AO referred to the CBDT Circular No.18/2017 and
stated that the appellant does not find a reference in the said Circular.
3.1 The AO also held that the explanation that some individuals and trusts
have included the interest income in their ITRs and hence, the assessee was not
liable to deduct TDS, is not acceptable because it was obligatory on part of the
assessee to deduct TDS u/s 194A of the Act. The AO further observed that where
Form 15H, 15G, Senior Citizen, NRE were given, the claim was allowable. He did
not accept the contention of the assessee on its failure to deduct TDS in respect
of Co-op. societies. He held that the appellant was under obligation to deduct TDS
u/s 194A and due to failure to comply with the relevant provisions as discussed
above, he treated the appellant as an ‘assessee in default’ and it was made liable
to deposit tax u/s 201(1) along with interest u/s 201(1A) of the Act. The TDS
default u/s 201(1) was Rs.4,44,035/- and the interest u/s 201(1A) of the Act was
Rs.3,77,403/-. He directed the assessee to pay the aforesaid amounts totaling to
Rs.8,21,465/-. He also intimated the Addl. CIT(TDS) to consider imposing penalty
u/s 271C of the Act for failure to deduct/pay tax.
Aggrieved by the order of AO, the assessee filed appeal before the CIT(A).
The appellant submitted that w.e.f. 01.06.2015, a Co-op. society is required to
deduct tax on interest or other income credited or paid to its members. However,
such payment made by a Co-op. society to other Co-op. society is exempt u/s
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. 194A(3)(v) of the Act. The appellant also referred to clause 42 of the Explanatory
Memorandum of Finance Bill, 2015, which stated that a Co-op. bank shall not be
required to deduct tax on the payment of interest on time deposit to a Co-op.
society. The exemption provided u/s 194(3)(v) with regard to deduction of tax at
source from interest payment by a Co-op. society to another Co-op. society, which
existed before the amendment, continuous to apply to the Co-op. bank even after
the amendment. The appellant relied on the decision of the ITAT, Mumbai in case
of Abhyudaya Co-op. Bank Ltd. vs. ITO(TDS), in ITA Nos.2571 to 2590/Mum/2025,
dated 26.06.2025, where appeal of the said bank was allowed treating it as a Co-
op. society and not urban commercial bank. However, the CIT(A) did not follow
the ratio of the above decision in view of the subsequent decision of ITAT, Mumbai
in appellant’s own case, i.e, Citizen Credit Co-op. Bank Ltd. vs. ITO(TDS), in ITA
Nos.2374 to 2381/Mum/2025 for AY 2016-17, dated 15.07.2025. The CIT(A) has
reproduced the bye-laws of the appellant at para 14 (pages 12 to 14) of the
appellate order and observed that no objects of the society are related to
agricultural or farmer related activities. All the objects of the society are related
to banking and commercial activities. The appellant bank primarily focuses on
urban centric financial activities and was not for the beneficiary of agriculture
economy. Consequently, the banking transactions and deposits by the institutions
have no direct nexus with the primary objects of Co-op. society. The CIT(A) also
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. observed that the bye-laws and membership conditions revealed that the
appellant Co-op. bank is engaged in banking services similar to those of the
nationalized banks. He relied upon the decision of ITAT, Mumbai in its own case in
ITA Nos.2374 to 2381/Mum/2025 (supra) and held that there was no merit in
appellant’s argument seeking exemption from TDS liabilities u/s 194A(3)(v) of the
Act. Hence, the order of AO was upheld and the appeal of the appellant was
dismissed.
Aggrieved by the order of CIT(A), the assessee filed appeal before the
Tribunal. The learned authorized representative (ld. AR) of the assessee filed
paper books, enclosing various details and documents submitted before the lower
authorities. He also filed a legal paper book, enclosing therein the relevant
provisions of the Act, CBDT Circular and decisions of Hon’ble High Courts and
Tribunals in favour of the assessee. The ld. AR submitted that pursuant to the
banking license granted to the assessee bank dated 27.12.1989 by the RBI under
the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the appellant has been carrying on the business
of banking. He referred to sections 194A(1), 194A(3)(v) and 194A(3)(viia) of the
Act and submitted that section 194A(1) of the Act places an obligation on a person
who is responsible to pay interest, other than interest on securities, to deducts
tax at source at the rates in force at the time of credit or payment of such income.
Sub-section (3) of section 194A comprising clauses (i) to (xi) provides for exception
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. and specifies the circumstances in which such tax is not required to be deducted
at source. Each of the clauses are mutually exclusive. If the case of the assessee
falls within any one of the said clauses, obligation for TDS could not apply to its
case. As per clause (i) of section 194A(3) of the Act, tax is not required to be
deducted if the amount of interest does not exceed Rs.10,000/-. This clause is not
applicable because the interest paid to each of the parties under consideration
exceeded Rs.10,000/-.
5.1 Independent of above clause, clause (v) is relevant to decide the impugned
issue. Before its amendment by the Finance Act, 2015, w.e.f. 01.06.2015, clause
(v) exempted a Co-op. society from deduction of tax at source in respect of
interest paid to its members. After amendment, the benefit was withdrawn where
a Co-operative bank paid such interest to its members. The ld. AR submitted that
the Co-op. societies (i.e., Co-op. housing societies) to whom interest was paid
were not members of the assessee.
5.2 The ld. AR submitted that the appellant is covered by the second part of
clause (v) of section 194A(3) of the Act, which exempts TDS in respect of credit or
payment of interest by a Co-op. society to another Co-op. society. Both the
appellant (Payer) as well as recipient (Housing Co-op. societies) are Co-op.
societies. A Co-op. society carrying on banking business would not lose its status
of being a Co-op. society. Since the appellant’s case fell within the second part of
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. section 194A(3)(v) of the Act, it was under no obligation to deduct tax at source
on credit or payment of such interest to the Co-op. housing societies de hors the
quantum of such interest. The ld. AR relied on paragraph 42.7 of Circular
No.19/2015, dated 27.11.2015, explaining the provisions of the Finance Act,
2015, that the existing exemption u/s 194A(3)(v) of the Act from TDS on interest
paid by Co-op. society to another Co-op. society shall continue to apply to the Co-
op. bank and therefore, a Co-op. bank shall not be required to deduct tax from
payment of interest on time deposit to a Co-op. society. The ld. AR submitted this
position has been accepted by various Benches of the Tribunal while dealing with
similar issue post 01.06.2015, such as (i) HP State Co-op. Bank Ltd. vs. ITO(TDS),
172 taxmann.com 470 (Chd.), (ii) Abhyudaya Co-op. Bank Ltd. (supra), (iii) Bombay
Merchantile Co-op. Bank Ltd. vs. ITO, ITA Nos.1306 to 1307/Mum/2025, dated
26.08.2025, (iv) Darjeeling District Central Co-op. Bank Ltd. vs. ACIT(OSD)(TDS),
ITA Nos.766, 767 & 768/Kol/2023, dated 26.06.2024 (v) Kadakkavoor Services Co-
op. Bank Ltd. vs. ACIT, WP(C) No.11176 of 2019, dated 18.10.2019 (Kerala) and
(vi) Saraswat Co-op. Bank Ltd. vs. ITO(TDS), TA Nos.3 to 9 & 11 of 2015, dated
07.03.2017 (Bom.).
5.3 The ld. AR submitted that the Tribunal in appellant’s own case in ITA Nos.
2374 to 2381/Mum/2025 (supra) has proceeded as if assessee is crediting/paying
interest to its members and therefore, after amendment w.e.f. 01.06.2015, it
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. would be liable to deduct tax at source based on the first part of section
194A(3)(v) of the Act. He submitted that the Tribunal overlooked the fact that the
recipient of interest in the present case are Co-op. societies and, therefore, fall
within the second part of section 194A(3)(v) of the Act. He submitted that the
recipients of interest from the assessee bank are not its members. This is
supported by the Bank’s registered bye-laws where in clause 4B(ii) r.w. clause
2(ix), it is stated that Co-op. societies cannot be made members of the assessee
bank. He submitted that clauses (i) and (viia) of section 194A(3) of the Act do not
create a charge; in fact, they provide an exemption from the obligation to deduct
tax at source. Further, the clauses in sub-section (3) of section 194A of the Act are
mutually exclusive and independent of each other. If assessee falls within one of
such clauses, the obligation to deduct tax stands taken away. It was submitted
that the decision of Karnataka High Court in case of Yeshwantpur Credit Co-op.
Society, in ITA No.237 of 2012 was concerned with deduction u/s 80P of the Act
and difference between Co-op. bank and Co-op. society was in that context. The
ld. AR submitted that the Tribunal in its own case (supra) has proceeded on
erroneous basis that appellant paid interest to its members instead of
appreciating that the payments were made to Co-op. housing societies, which
would fall within the second part of section 194A(3)(v) of the Act.
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. 5.4 The ld. AR also submitted that the requirement to deduct TDS has to be
decided as per clause (v) of section 194A(3) of the Act and clauses (i) and (viia)
have no applicability in the present case. He further submitted that decision of
ITAT, Goa in case of Saraswat Co-op. Bank is no longer a good law in view of
decision of the Hon’ble Bombay High Court in case of Saraswat Co-op. Bank Ltd.
(supra).
Regarding ground No.2, the ld. AR submitted that they are peculiar only in
respect of appeals relatable to the Colaba Bench in ITA No. 6038/M/2025 and
Amboli Bench in ITA No.6422/M/2025. He requested that a direction may be given
to the AO that if the appellant is able to show fulfilment of conditions in proviso
below section 201(1) of the Act, then, the appellant cannot be treated as an
“assessee in default” to such extent.
On the other hand, the learned Senior Departmental Representative (ld.
Sr. DR) for the revenue relied on the orders of lower authorities and submitted
that after amendment w.e.f. 01.06.2015, the Co-op. banks were mandated to
deduct tax at source on interest paid or credited to their members, if the amount
of such payment exceeds specified threshold of Rs.10,000/-. He submitted that
the Co-op. banks tried to avail this exemption by making the depositors their
members of different categories. This benefit has been taken away by
amendment w.e.f. 01.06.2015, so as to exclude the payment exceeding
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. Rs.10,000/- from exemption of TDS, if it was made to members by Co-op. bank.
The ld. Sr. DR also submitted that the word ‘Member’ has not been removed after
amendment. Hence, even after amendment all Co-op. banks have to deduct tax
from members as well as non-members. Only a Co-op. society, which is a member
is exempted from deducting tax, if payer Co-op. society is a Co-op. bank. He
submitted that section 194A(3)(v) of the Act is only for members and therefore,
is applicable to member Co-op. society. The TDS default is against the Co-op.
societies, which are not the members of assessee bank. He submitted that as per
the provisions of section 194A(1) r.w. provisions of section 194A(3)(i)(b) and
194A(3)(viia)(b) of the Act, a Co-op. bank is required to deduct tax from interest
payment on time deposits, if the amount of such payment exceeds specified limit
of Rs.10,000/- in F.Y. 2015-16 (A.Y. 2016-17). However, provisions of section
194A(3)(v) provides general exemption from TDS in respect of payment of interest
by Co-op. society to its members, as a result of which, Co-op. bank tried to avail
the exemption by making the depositors as members of different categories. This
caused disputes as to whether the Co-op. banks for which specific provisions of
TDS exist in the form of section 194A(1), 194A(3)(i)(v) and 194A(3)(viia)(b) of the
Act can take benefit of general exemption provided to all Co-op. societies from
deduction of tax on payment of interest to members. The matter was carried to
appellate forums where a view was taken that section 194(3)(viia)(b) of the Act
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. makes no distinction between members and non-members for the purpose of
TDS. Hence, Co-op. banks are required to deduct tax on payment of interest and
cannot avoid by taking shelter under the general exemption provided u/s
194(3)(v) of the Act. The ld. Sr. DR submitted that the specific provisions of section
194A(3)(i)(b) and 194A(3)(viia)(b) override the general exemption provided to Co-
op. societies for non-deduction of tax u/s 194A(3)(v) of the Act. He submitted that
after amendment from 01.06.2015, all Co-op. banks have to deduct tax from
members as well as non-members. Only a Co-op. society which is a member is
exempted from deducting tax if the payer Co-op. society is a Co-op. bank. He
submitted that provisions of section 194A(3)(i)(b) and 194A(3)(viia)(b) of the Act
do not say anything about membership of recipients. In view of the above, the ld.
Sr. DR submitted that the provisions of section 194A of the Act are applicable in
the instant case. He submitted that the assessee being a Co-op. bank and the
interest payment being made to Co-op. societies which are not members of the
bank, provisions of section 194A of the Act are applicable and the assessee is not
exempted from the said provisions of u/s. 194A(3)(i)(b), 194A(viia)(b) and also not
u/s. 194A(3)(v) of the Act. He also submitted, without prejudice to the above, as
regards the CBDT circular No. 19/2015 dated 27.11.2015, that even if it is assumed
that the payment of interest by a Co-op. bank to a Co-op. society, which is a non-
member is eligible for exemption u/s. 194A(v), the said Circular in contrary to the
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. provisions u/s. 194A(3)(i)(b) and 194A(viia)(b) of the Act. Hence, the same does
not prevail over the statute He has relied on the decisions in cases of Citizen Co-
op. Bank Ltd. (supra), Saraswat Co-op. Bank Ltd. vs. ITO (TDS), (2015) 54
taxmann.com 297 (Panaji – Trib.), and Noida Commercial Co-op. Bank Ltd. vs.
ITO(TDS), (2015) 64 taxmann.com 158 (Del – Trib.).
We have heard both the parties and perused the materials available on
record. We have also deliberated on the decisions relied upon by both parties.
The issue for consideration is whether the appellant, which is a multi-state
cooperative bank, was under an obligation to deduct tax at source in respect of
the interest paid or credited on fixed deposit placed by the Co-op. societies as per
section 194A(1) r.w. section 194A(3) of the Act. These provisions provide for
deduction of tax on interest other than “interest on securities” over a specified
limit, i.e. Rs.10,000/- for interest payment (A.Y. 2016-17) by any person including
bank and Co-operative society engaged in banking business (Co-operative bank).
According to the AO and as confirmed by CIT(A), section 194A(3)(v) of the Act,
which was amended by the Finance Act, 2015 with effect from 01.06.2015
mandated a Co-operative bank to deduct tax at source on interest paid or credited
to registered Co-operative housing societies which are not in the business of
banking. According to the AO, the provisions contained in section 194A(3)(v)
provide a general exemption on making tax deduction from payment of interest
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. by all the Co-operative societies, and it was not applicable to the assessee since it
is a Co-operative bank.
8.1 It is imperative to take note of certain definitions – (A) ‘Co-operative bank’
means a Co-operative bank as defined under the Banking Regulations Act, 1949.
As per Section 5(1)(cc) of the Banking Regulations Act, 1949, “Co-operative bank”
is defined as a state Co-operative bank, a central cooperative bank, or a primary
Co-operative bank which are Co-operative societies undertaking banking
business, registered under Co-operative laws and subject to RBI regulation; (B)
‘Co-operative society’ u/s.2(19) of the Income-tax Act means a cooperative
society registered under the Co-operative Societies Act, 1912 or under any other
law for the time in force, in any state, for the registration of Co-operative societies.
8.2 In the appellant’s case, it is evident that assessee is a Co-operative society
registered under the Co-operative Societies Act of the State. In order to carry on
the business of the banking, it was granted a banking license from RBI on
27.12.1989 and, thus, is referred to as a Co-operative bank. It received Scheduled
Bank status on 26.10.1996. Co-operative banks in India function under a dual
regulatory frame work, dividing banking and managerial oversight between the
RBI and the Registrar of Co-operative Society (RCS). RBI regulates banking
functions under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and Banking Laws (Application
to Co-operative Societies) Act, 1965. This includes capital adequacy, risk
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. management, lending norms and financial supervision. On the other hand, RCS
overseas managerial aspects under the State/Central government including
incorporation, registration, governance, audit, board suppression and liquidation
of Co-operative banks. It is, therefore, clear that “Co-operative society” and “Co-
operative bank” are not identical. There are several distinguishing features
between the two. The RBI does not have any control over the “co-operative
society” whereas “co-operative bank” are supervised and controlled by RBI in
respect of all banking specific operations. The RBI has also the power to revoke
banking license of co-operative banks. This duality has been recognized in the
statute and distinct and specific provisions have been made for them. It is also a
fact on record that assessee bank has made payment of interest to its customers,
who are Co-operative housing societies, without any TDS.
8.3 The provisions contained in section 194A, to the extent relevant for the
instant appeal, read as under:
“[Interest other than “Interest on securities”. 194A. (1) Any person, not being an individual or a Hindu undivided family, who is responsible for paying to a resident any income by way of interest other than income by way of interest on securities, shall, at the time of credit of such income to the account of the payee or at the time of payment thereof in cash or by issue of a cheque or draft or by any other mode, whichever is earlier, deduct income- tax thereon at the rates in force: Provided that …… Explanation. - …… (2) [Omitted by the Finance Act, 1992, w.e.f. 1-6-1992.]
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. (3) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall not apply- (i) where the amount of such income or, as the case may be, the aggregate of the amounts of such income credited or paid or likely to be credited or paid during the financial year by the person referred to in sub-section (1) to the account of, or to, the payee, does not exceed- (a) ten thousand rupees, where the payer is a banking company to which the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (10 of 1949) applies (including any bank or banking institution, referred to in section 51 of that Act); (b) ten thousand rupees, where the payer is a Co-operative society engaged in carrying on the business of banking; (c) ten thousand rupees, on any deposit with post office under any scheme framed by the Central Government and notified 84 by it in this behalf; and (d) five thousand rupees in any other case]:] [Provided that in respect of the income credited or paid in respect of- (a) time deposits with a banking company to which the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (10 of 1949) applies (including any bank or banking institution referred to in section 51 of that Act); or (b) time deposits with a Co-operative society engaged in carrying on the business of banking; (c) deposits with a public company which is formed and registered in India with the main object of carrying on the business of providing long-term finance for construction or purchase of houses in India for residential purposes and which is eligible for deduction under clause (viii) of sub-section (1) of section 36. the aforesaid amount shall be computed with reference to the income credited or paid by a branch of the banking company or the Co-operative society or the public company, as the case may be Provided further that the amount referred to in the first proviso shall be computed with reference to the income credited or paid by the banking company or the Co-operative society or the public company, as the case may be, where such banking company or the Co-operative society or the public company has adopted core banking solutions:] ……………………………………….. (v) to such income credited or [paid by a Co-operative society (other than a cooperative bank) to a member thereof or to such income credited or paid by a Co-operative society] to any other Co-operative society.]
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. Explanation.- For the purposes of this clause, “Co-operative bank” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in Part V of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (10 of 1949);] …………………………………… (viia) to such income credited or paid in respect of, - (a) deposits with a primary agricultural credit society or a primary credit society or a Co-operative land mortgage bank or a Co-operative land development bank; (b) deposits (other than time deposits made on or after the 1st day of July, 1995) with a Co-operative society, other than a Co-operative society or bank referred to in sub-clause (a), engaged in carrying on the business of banking;]” [Emphasis supplied]
8.4 The Finance Act, 2015 made an amendment in clause (v) of subsection (3)
to Section 194A with effect from 01.06.2015. Prior to the said amendment,
relevant portion of Section 194A read as under:
“(v) to such income credited or paid by a Co-operative society to a member thereof or to any other Co-op. society”.
8.5 The ld. AR of the assessee submitted that in the amendment brought in by
the Finance Act, 2015, the phrase ‘other than a Co-operative bank’ is inserted in
the first part/limb of the amended clause (v) of section 194A(3) of the Act.
However, the same does not appear in the second limb of clause (v), meaning
thereby that the condition that it should not be a Co-operative bank is not
applicable in respect of interest paid to a Co-operative society. It is not disputed
that assessee is a Co-operative society duly registered under Co-operative
Societies Act, holding banking license issued by RBI for the conduct of its banking
business. It has paid interest to other Co-operative societies and no deduction of
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. tax at source is required to be done in view of the provisions contained in clause
(v) of Section 194A(3) of the Act.
8.6 The ld. AR also referred to clause 42 of the Explanatory Memorandum to
Finance Bill, 2015 by which the amendment was introduced w.e.f. 01.06.2015.
While explaining the amendment, in clause 42.7, it is stated that
“Further, the existing exemption provided u/s.194A(3)(v) of the Income-tax Act from deduction of tax from interest paid by a Co-operative society to another Co- operative society shall continue to apply to the Co-operative bank and, therefore, a Co-operative bank shall not be required to deduct tax from the payment of interest on time deposit to the depositor being a Co-operative society.”
8.7 The ld. AR submitted that from the reading of the Memorandum of Finance
Bill, 2015, it is clear that exemption provided u/s 194A(3)(v) with regard to
deduction of tax at source from interest payment by a Co-operative society to
another cooperative society existed before the amendment and continues to
apply to the Co-operative bank even after the amendment. In the said
Memorandum, it is clarified that such a waiver to a Co-operative bank is available
when the depositor is a Co-operative society and interest is paid to such Co-
operative society. In view of this, even though it is categorically stated in the
explanation given in the Explanatory Memorandum in clause 42 of the Finance
Bill, 2015 that a Co-operative society shall not be required to deduct tax for the
payment of interest on time deposit to a Co-operative society, the AO has
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. incorrectly treated the assessee “as assessee in default” and imposed a tax
liability towards non-deduction of tax at source along with interest thereon.
8.8 The ld. AR relied upon the decision of Co-ordinate Bench of ITAT
Chandigarh in case of HP State Co-operative Bank Ltd. (supra), wherein similar
issue had come up and it was held that assessee was not required to deduct tax
at source in view of Section 194A(3)(v) of the Act. He also placed reliance in cases
of Kadakkavoor Services Co-op. Bank Ltd. vs. ACIT, WP(C) No.11176 of 2019
(Kerala), Kaipuzha Services Co-op. Bank Ltd. vs. CIT(TDS), WP(C) No.10712 of
20196 (Kerala), Abhyudaya Co-op. Bank Ltd. (supra) and Darjeeling District Central
Co-op Bank Ltd. (Supra).
8.9 On the reliance placed by the CIT(A) on the decision of the Co-ordinate
Bench of ITAT in appellant’s own case in ITA Nos.2374 to 2381/Mum/2025 (supra),
the ld. AR submitted that in the said case the issue involved was on the interest
paid by the appellant to its members and not on the interest paid to Co-operative
housing societies registered under the Registrar of Co-op. Societies, Mumbai and
they are not in the business of banking as in the present case. Accordingly, the
facts of the said case are not applicable to the present case.
In view of the above, the ld. AR submitted that the assessee is not required
to deduct tax at source from the interest payment made by it on time deposits to
other Co-operative societies. Accordingly, the assessee cannot be treated as
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. assessee in default u/s 201 of the Act. The demand raised by the AO in respect of
non-deduction and short deduction of tax at source along with interest thereon
is required to be deleted.
On the other hand, the ld. Sr. DR submitted that as per the provisions of
section 194A(1) r.w. provisions of section 194A(3)(i)(b) and 194A(3)(viia)(b) of the
Act, a Co-op. bank is required to deduct tax on the interest payments on time
deposit, if the amount of such payment exceeds Rs.10,000/- (A.Y. 2016-17). He
submitted that the exemption provided u/s 194A(3)(v) of the Act is a general
exemption from TDS in respect of payment of interest in certain cases. He
submitted that when there are specific provisions of TDS u/s 194A(3)(i)(b) and
194(3)(viia)(b) of the Act, the general exemption u/s 194A(3)(v) cannot prevail
over the specific provisions. Since, there is no amendment to section 194A(3)(i)(b)
and 194A(3)(viia)(b) of the Act, which are specific provisions applicable to the
assessee bank, the assessee was clearly in default for not deducting tax from
payment of interest to the Co-op. housing societies. The ld. Sr. DR has relied on
the decision of the Co-ordinate Bench in assessee’s own case for AY 2016-17 in
ITA Nos.2374 to 2381/Mum/2025 (supra) and Noida Commercial Cooperative
Bank Ltd (supra).
We find that the revenue has relied on provisions of section 194A(1),
194A(3)(i)(b) and 194A(3)(viia)(b) of the Act, whereas the appellant has relied on
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. the second limb of section 194A(3)(v) of the Act. At the cost of repetition, the
same may be reproduced below for ready reference and clarity:
“[Interest other than “Interest on securities”.
194A. (1) Any person, not being an individual or a Hindu undivided family, who is responsible for paying to a resident any income by way of interest other than income by way of interest on securities, shall, at the time of credit of such income to the account of the payee or at the time of payment thereof in cash or by issue of a cheque or draft or by any other mode, whichever is earlier, deduct income- tax thereon at the rates in force: (3) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall not apply- (i) where the amount of such income or, as the case may be, the aggregate of the amounts of such income credited or paid or likely to be credited or paid during the financial year by the person referred to in sub-section (1) to the account of, or to, the payee, does not exceed- (a) ………………….. (b) ten thousand rupees, where the payer is a Co-operative society engaged in carrying on the business of banking; …………… (v) to such income credited or [paid by a Co-operative society (other than a cooperative bank) to a member thereof or to such income credited or paid by a Co-operative society] to any other Co-operative society.] …………… (viia) to such income credited or paid in respect of, - (a) ……… (b) deposits (other than time deposits made on or after the 1st day of July, 1995) with a Co-operative society, other than a Co-operative society or bank referred to in sub-clause (a), engaged in carrying on the business of banking;]”
It is clear from the reading of the relevant provisions of the Act reproduced
above that provisions of sections 194A(1), 194A(3)(i)(b), 194A(3)(v) and
194A(3)(viia)(b) of the Act are relevant to decide the issue at hand. There is no
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. dispute that the appellant is a multi-state credit Co-op. society, which is engaged
in the business of banking after obtaining license from RBI. It is a Scheduled Bank
carrying on the business of banking at various places in Mumbai and other cities.
During the year under consideration (A.Y. 2016-17), the appellant bank had paid
interest to various Co-op. housing societies and other persons, above the
threshold limit of Rs.10,000/-. There is no dispute that the assessee did not
deduct TDS on such interest payment. The ITO(TDS) and the CIT(A) treated the
assessee bank as an “assessee in default” for not deducting TDS u/s 201 of the
Act. It is the contention of the ld. Sr. DR that there are specific provisions, which
require the assessee to deduct TDS. He has referred to the provisions of section
194A(3)(1)(b) and 194A(3)(viia)(b) of the Act and submitted that these are specific
provisions directly dealing with the fact situation of the assessee, which is a Co-
operative bank. On the other hand, the provisions of section 194A(3)(v) of the Act
provide general exemption to concerned payers from deducting tax at source and
has no relevance in deciding case of the assessee.
On the other hand, the ld. AR of the assessee submitted that the assessee
is covered by the second limb of section 194A(3)(v), which remained untouched
by the amendment by the Finance Act, 2015 w.e.f. 01.06.2015. The assessee is a
Co-op. society carrying on the business of banking which has paid interest to other
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. Co-op. housing societies. Therefore, it was not required to deduct Tax u/s 194A of
the Act.
13.1 In view of the rival contention by the parties, we have again perused
provisions of section 194A(1), 194A(3)(i)(b), 194A(3)(v) and 194A(3)(viia)(b) of the
Act. Section 194A(1) requires any person, other than individual or HUF, to deduct
tax at the time of credit or payment of interest to the account of the payee. Sub-
section (3) of 194A provides exemption from deduction in certain cases.
Provisions of section 194A(3)(i)(b) of the Act makes it clear that provisions of sub-
section (1) of section 194A(1) shall not apply to such income if the amount does
not exceed “ten thousand rupees where the payer is a Co-op. society engaged
in carrying on the business of banking”. This clause is directly applicable in case
of the appellant because it is a Co-operative society engaged in carrying on the
business of banking. Hence, the appellant bank was exempted from TDS liability
only upto payment of interest of Rs.10,000/-. Beyond the above amount, it was
obliged to deduct tax on credit or payment of interest to the respective payees.
In the instant appeal, all payments were more than Rs.10,000/-. Hence, the
appellant was required to deduct tax on such interest payments. Further,
provisions of section 194A(3)(viia)(b) also excludes payment of interest on
deposits by a Co-op. society or bank, engaged in carrying on the business of
banking from waiver of TDS. Since the assessee is a Co-op. society engaged in the
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. business of banking, the exemption from TDS is not available to it while crediting
or making payment of interest to other Co-op. societies. On the other hand,
provisions of 194A(3)(v) provides exemption from TDS u/s 194A(1) to Co-op.
societies other than a Co-op. bank to a member thereof or to such income
credited or paid by a Co-op. society to any other Co-op. society. The second limb
of 194A(3)(v) exempts a “Co-op. society” from TDS on payment made to another
“Co-op. society”. The second limb does not deal with a “Co-op. society engaged
in carrying on the business of banking” and, therefore, it is a general provision
exempting Co-op. society from TDS on interest to other Co-op. societies. On the
other hand, the provisions of section 194A(3)(i)(b) and 194A(3)(viia)(b) of the Act
are specific provisions dealing with Co-op. society engaged in carrying on business
of banking. Therefore, we agree with the contention of the ld. Sr. DR that the
specific provisions of section 194A(3)(i)(b) and 194A(3)(viia)(b) related to Co-op.
society engaged in carrying on the business of banking will prevail over the
general provisions of section 194A(3)(v) of the Act dealing with credit or payment
of interest by Co-operative society to other Co-operative society.
It is well established principle of statutory interpretation that a specific
provision will prevail over a general provision when there is conflict between the
two. This is embodied in the maxim “generalia specialibus non derogant”, i.e.,
general things do not derogate from special things. When both general and
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. special provisions cover the same issue, the special provision is considered an
exception to the general one and applies to that specific situation. It is assumed
that the legislature by enacting a specific provision intended the specific rule to
govern the particular situation, excluding the operation of general provision. In
taxation matters, the Courts have consistently applied this principle in various fact
situations. Reference may be made to the decision of Hon’ble Supreme Court in
case of Commercial Tax Officer Vs. Binani Cements Ltd & Another, (2014) 8 SCC
319, where the judgement established and reinforced the legal principle that a
specific provision relating to a specific and defined subject would prevail over a
general provision relating to a broad subject. It also held that equity is out of place
in tax law; a particular income in eligible to tax under the taking statute or not. It
also reinforced the principle that executive orders cannot override statutory
regulations unless explicitly permitted by law.
There is no reason as to why the ratio will not be applicable to the facts of
the instant appeal. In the present case, the provisions relating to a “Co-operative
society engaged in carrying on the business of banking” will be applicable; rather
than the provisions in respect of “a Co-operative society”. Therefore, we do not
find any reason to deviate from the finding of the lower authorities and
observation of the Co-ordinate Bench in appellant’s own case (supra) where, after
detailed discussion on the facts, provisions of section 194A of the Act,
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. amendment to section 194A(3) of the Act w.e.f 01.06.2015 and precedents on the
issue including decision relied upon by ld. AR in case of H. P. Co-op Bank Ltd
(supra), it was held that the assessee bank was covered by provisions of sub-
clause (b) of clause (i) of section 194A(3) as well as provisions of sub-clause(b) of
clause (viia) of the Act. For ready reference, the relevant para may be reproduced
below:
“7.3 Since the assessee bank is covered by the provisions of sub-clause(b) of clause(i) of Section 194A(3) as well as the provisions of clause (viia) of the Act which are specific in nature, the assessee cannot claim that it is covered under section 194(3)(v) which are general in nature. Rather, it is a Co-operative society engaged in the business of banking, it is covered under these aforesaid specific clauses. There are a number of judicial pronouncements wherein it has been held that a specific provision overrides a general provision. For this purpose reliance was placed by the AO on Kirloskar Pneumatic Company Ltd Vs. Commissioner of Surtax (1994) 210 ITR 485 (Bom) and CIT vs. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (2002) 254 ITR 627(Del). The Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of South Indian Corporation (P) Ltd Vs. Secretary, Board of Revenue AIR 1964 SC 207 has held that the special provision should be given to the extent of its scope leaving the general provision to control cases where the special provision does not apply.
7.4 We find that the Co-operative is also interpreted by the Hon'ble Karnataka High Court, wherein in the case of CIT vs. Yeshwanthpur Credit Co- operative Society Limited in ITA No. 237/2012, wherein the Court has interpreted the Co- operative Bank by inter alia observing that banks give credit, do discounting bills of exchange, cheque, demand issue cheques, drafts, pay orders, demand drafts, gift cheques, Pay orders, bank cheques, lockers, bank guarantees etc. all of which Cooperative Society cannot. Banks are bound to follow the rules and regulations as per RBI. Moreover, we find that in the said judgment the hon'ble Court has held as under: ― If a Co-operative Bank is exclusively carrying banking business, then the income derived from the said business cannot be deducted in computing the total income of the assessee. The said income is liable for tax. A Co- operative bank as defined under the Banking Regulation Act includes the primary agricultural credit society or a primary co-operative agricultural rural development bank.The Legislature did not want to deny the said benefit to a primary agricultural credit society or a primary cooperative
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. agricultural and rural development bank. They did not want to extend the said benefit to a co-operative bank which is exclusively carrying on banking business i.e., the purport of the amendment. If the assessee is not a Co-operative bank carrying on exclusively banking business and if it does not possess a license from the Reserve Bank of India to carry on business, then it is not a Co-operative bank. It is a Co-operative society which also carries on the business of lending money to its members which is covered under Section 80P(2)(a)(i) i.e., carrying on the business of banking for providing credit facilitates to its members. The object of the aforesaid amendment is not to exclude the benefit extended under Section 80P(i) to the society.Looking to the facts and circumstances of the case the Hon'ble High Court has interpreted the difference between Co-operative Bank and Co-operative Society.
7.5 The Co-operative Bank and Co-operative Society are also interpreted in the case of Bhagani Nivedita Sahakari Bank Ltd. vs. ACIT (2003) 87 ITD 567 where in it is held that Co-operative Society mentioned in Section 194A(3)(v) should be interpreted as Co-operative Society other than Co-operative Bank. We find that hon’ble ITAT Pune Bench has interpreted the word Co-operative and Co-operative Society and further the hon'ble Kerala High Court in the case of Moolamattom Electricity Board Employees Co-operative Bank Ltd. has made a clear distinction between primary credit society and a Co-operative society engaged in banking business. We find that the assessee bank is covered by the provisions of sub- clause (b) of clause (i) of Sec.194A(3) as well as the provisions of clause (viia) of Section 194A(3) which are specific in nature and not section 194A(3)(v) which is general in nature. Respectfully following the ratio of the above case laws including that of the Supreme Court, we conclude that the assessee's case is covered by the specific provision in clause (i) & (vii), rather than the general provisions of clause (v) of Sec 194A(3) as rightly held by the AO. 7.6 We may mention here that the cited decision of coordinate bench of ITAT, Chandigarh in The H.P.State Co-Operative Bank in ITAT No.125/127/chd/202 dated 27.2.2025 is distinguishable on facts of the case since in the instant case the recipients are housing cooperative societies which are neither cooperative banks nor cooperative societies engaged in banking business and are therefore liable to make TDS on interest paid to such cooperative societies. 7.7 To conclude, we are of the considered opinion that the issue is no longer res integra in view of the CBDT Circular (supra) holding that such Co-operative Banks were not required to deduct tax at source an interest paid on one time deposits by its members, paid or credited on or before 01.06.2015.In view of these facts and looking to the intention of the legislature while making amendment to clause of section 194A, it is very much clear that the said amendment is prospective in nature and, therefore, is applicable w.e.f. 01.06.2015 and onwards. There is no
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. dispute that assessee is a co-operative society engaged in banking business and the exemption for deducting tax at source for payment of interest is only up to Rs.10,000/-. So the assessee was liable to deduct TDS for payment of interest above this threshold. The above amendment is clearly applicable to the years under appeal and, therefore, the ld.CIT(A) has rightly upheld the action of the AO. Accordingly, we decline to interfere with the orders of the ld.CIT(A), which are hereby upheld. Therefore, all the grounds of appeal of the assessee are dismissed.”
We find no reason to differ from the findings of the Co-ordinate Bench in
appellant’s own case (supra) for the same year. We hold that the appellant is
covered by provisions of section 194A(1), 194A(3)(i)(b) and 194A(3)(viia)(b) of the
Act and not under provisions of section 194A(3)(v) of the Act. The decisions relied
upon by the ld. AR are not applicable because in those cases the impugned issue
had not been examined in the light of the specific provisions of section
194A(3)(i)(b) and 194A(3)(viia)(b) of the Act. The said decisions were based on
interpretation of the provisions of clause (v) of section 194A(3) of the Act and
Circular No. 19/2015 (supra). In case of Abhyudaya Co-op Bank Ltd. (supra), the
Tribunal decided in favour of the appellant by observing that waver provided u/s.
194A(3)(v) of the Act from interest payment by a Co-op society to another Co-op
society existed before amendment and continues to apply to co-operative bank
even after the amendment. It relied on the Explanatory Memorandum (supra). It
also relied on the decision in case of H. P. state co-operative Bank Ltd. (supra). In
case of Kadakkaboor Services Co-op Bank Ltd. (supra), the interest payment was
by the District Co-operative Bank to the Primary Agricultural Credit Society.
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. Hence, the facts are not similar. In H. P. State Co-operative Bank Ltd. (supra), the
Tribunal held that by virtue of provisions of section 194A(3)(v), a Co-op bank is
not required to deduct tax at source on interest paid to another Co-op society. We
have already discussed the above issue and held that provisions of sections
194A(3)(i)(b) and 194A(3)(viia) are relevant to decide the issue and not the
provisions of section 194A(3)(v). This case was also considered by the Tribunal in
appellant’s own case cited supra.
16.1 Therefore, we are of the considered view that the decisions relied upon by
the ld. AR are distinguishable either on facts or based on general provisions of
exemption rather than the specific provisions of section 194A(3) of the Act
fastening TDS liability on the assessee. We have already held that the specific
provisions applicable to the appellant would prevail over the general provisions
contained in section 194A(3)(v) of the Act. No amendment has been made in the
specific provisions contained in section 194A(3)(i)(b) and 194A(3)(viia)(b) of the
Act dealing with “Co-operative society engaged in carrying on the business of
banking”. Hence, the decisions relied upon would not come to the rescue of the
appellant.
16.2 At this stage, it may be mentioned that the Circular, Instruction, Order or
Direction issued by the CBDT cannot override or detract from the provisions of
the Act, as held by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in case of Kerala Finance
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. Corporation vs. CIT, 210 ITR 129 (SC). The Hon’ble SC held that “Such an order,
instruction on direction cannot override the provisions of the Act; that would be
destructive of all known principles of law as the same would really amount to
giving power to a delegated authority to even amend the provision of law enacted
by the Parliament. Such a contention cannot seriously be even raised.”. In view of
the above factual and legal positions, we do not find any infirmity in the order of
CIT(A), which we confirm. The grounds are accordingly dismissed.
Ground No.2 pertains to Colaba Branch (ITA No.6038/Mum/2025) and
Amboli Branch (ITA No.6422/Mum/2025) where it is submitted that the payees
have shown the amounts received from the assessee in their returns of income.
The ld. AR submitted that the above cases are covered by the proviso below
section 201(1) of the Act. As per the proviso, the prayer shall not be deemed to
be an assessee in default in respect of the impugned tax if such payee has
furnished his return of income u/s 139 of the Act and has taken into account the
impugned sum for computing the income in the return of income. After
considering the submission of the appellant, we deemed it proper to restore the
matter to the file of AO for verification as to whether the appellant is able to show
fulfilment of the conditions mentioned in proviso below section 201(1) of the Act.
If the conditions are satisfied, the AO shall allow necessary relief. For statistical
purposes, the ground is allowed.
ITA Nos.6035 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/M/2025 Citizen Credit Co-operative Bank Ltd. 18. In the result, the appeal of the assessee is partly allowed for statistical purposes. ITA Nos.6035 to 6037, 6039 to 6042 & 6385 to 6442/Mum/2025 (AYs 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19 & 2019-20):
The facts and grounds in these appeals are similar to those in ITA No.
6038/Mum/2025 (supra). Following the reasons given therein, these appeals of
the assessee are also dismissed, whereas ITA No.6422/Mum/2025 is partly
allowed for statistical purposes.
Order is pronounced on 19/01/2026 in the open court.
Sd/- Sd/- (N. K. CHOUDHRY) (BIJYANANDA PRUSETH) JUDICIAL MEMBER ACCOUNTANT MEMBER Mumbai / Date: 19/01/2026 Anandi.Nambi (Steno) Copy of the Order forwarded to: 1. The Assessee 2. The Respondent 3. The CIT(A) 4. CIT 5. DR/AR, ITAT, MUMBAI 6. Guard File
By Order
Assistant Registrar ITAT, Mumbai