M/S. NARMODA TRADE LINK PVT. LTD., ,KOLKATA vs. ITO, WARD - 9(4) , KOLKATA

The assessee is a company and during the previous year it raised share capital amounting to Rs. 10,78,50,000/-, including share premium. The assessing officer made an addition u/s 68 of the Act, of this amount for the reason that there was non-compliance on part of the assessee company, due to non-appearance of share applicants/holders, directors, of the company, in response to notices u/s 131 of the Act, and that the genuineness of the credit could not be proved. Aggrieved the assessee carried the matter in appeal without success.

Further aggrieved the assessee is in appeal before us.

We have heard rival contentions. On careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, perusal of the papers on record, orders of the authorities below as well as case law cited, we hold as follows:- 4.1. Before us, the ld. Counsel for the assessee submits that the assessee has discharged its primary onus by production of all relevant documentary evidences. The Assessing Officer issued notice u/s 131 of the Act on 18/02/2015, which came Assessment Year: 2009-10 M/s. MSL Industries Limited back unserved with the postal remarks “Left”. On 10/03/2015, Shri S.K. Nayak, A/ back unserved with the postal remarks “Left”. On 10/03/2015, Shri S.K. Nayak, A/ back unserved with the postal remarks “Left”. On 10/03/2015, Shri S.K. Nayak, A/R of the assessee-company appeared and stated that notices came back unserved company appeared and stated that notices came back unserved company appeared and stated that notices came back unserved because there was a change of address of registered office of the company because there was a change of address of registered office of the company because there was a change of address of registered office of the company and filed primary details in respect of the same. The Assessing Officer asked the A/R to primary details in respect of the same. The Assessing Officer asked the A/R to primary details in respect of the same. The Assessing Officer asked the A/R to produce the Director of the assessee company as well as Investor Companies fro an ector of the assessee company as well as Investor Companies fro an ector of the assessee company as well as Investor Companies fro an explanation on the issue of receipt of share capital on 16/03/2015. Thereafter, on explanation on the issue of receipt of share capital on 16/03/2015. Thereafter, on explanation on the issue of receipt of share capital on 16/03/2015. Thereafter, on 18/03/2015 (i.e., two days after), the assessment u/s 144/263 of the Act, was 18/03/2015 (i.e., two days after), the assessment u/s 144/263 of the Act, was 18/03/2015 (i.e., two days after), the assessment u/s 144/263 of the Act, was framed. He submitted that th . He submitted that the Assessing Officer only on the ground that the share e Assessing Officer only on the ground that the share applicants/holders and directors of the assessee company, have not appeared applicants/holders and directors of the assessee company, have not appeared applicants/holders and directors of the assessee company, have not appeared before him nor were produced before him, made the addition u/s 68 of the Act. He before him nor were produced before him, made the addition u/s 68 of the Act. He before him nor were produced before him, made the addition u/s 68 of the Act. He prayed that the issue may be remanded back to prayed that the issue may be remanded back to the file of the Assessing Officer for the file of the Assessing Officer for fresh adjudication with a direction to provide adequate opportunity to the assessee. fresh adjudication with a direction to provide adequate opportunity to the assessee. fresh adjudication with a direction to provide adequate opportunity to the assessee. 4.2. The ld. D/R, though not leaving his ground ultimately submitted that the The ld. D/R, though not leaving his ground ultimately submitted that the The ld. D/R, though not leaving his ground ultimately submitted that the matter may be set aside to the file of the Assessing O matter may be set aside to the file of the Assessing Officer for fresh adjudication, in fficer for fresh adjudication, in accordance with law.

After hearing both sides we are of the opinion that this case has to be After hearing both sides we are of the opinion that this case has to be After hearing both sides we are of the opinion that this case has to be restored to the file of the Assessing Officer as no adequate opportunity was given to restored to the file of the Assessing Officer as no adequate opportunity was given to restored to the file of the Assessing Officer as no adequate opportunity was given to the assessee. We find that this bench of the assessee. We find that this bench of the ITAT in all such cases has been restoring the ITAT in all such cases has been restoring the matter to the file of the Assessing Officer for fresh adjudication. the matter to the file of the Assessing Officer for fresh adjudication. 5.1. In the case of Sriram Tie Up Pvt. Ltd. supra at para 6 and 7 held as follows: In the case of Sriram Tie Up Pvt. Ltd. supra at para 6 and 7 held as follows: In the case of Sriram Tie Up Pvt. Ltd. supra at para 6 and 7 held as follows: “6. In the case of M/s. Sukanya In the case of M/s. Sukanya Merchandise Pvt. Ltd. vs ITO (ITA 291/Kol/2016 Merchandise Pvt. Ltd. vs ITO (ITA 291/Kol/2016 dated 15.12.2017) cited by the learned counsel for the assessee, a similar view has been dated 15.12.2017) cited by the learned counsel for the assessee, a similar view has been dated 15.12.2017) cited by the learned counsel for the assessee, a similar view has been taken by the Co-ordinate Bench of this Tribunal and the similar issue relating to the ordinate Bench of this Tribunal and the similar issue relating to the ordinate Bench of this Tribunal and the similar issue relating to the addition made under section 68 on addition made under section 68 on account of share capital contribution by treating account of share capital contribution by treating the same as unexplained cash credits is restored back by the Tribunal to the file of the the same as unexplained cash credits is restored back by the Tribunal to the file of the the same as unexplained cash credits is restored back by the Tribunal to the file of the A.O. in almost similar situation after recording its observations / findings as under: A.O. in almost similar situation after recording its observations / findings as under: A.O. in almost similar situation after recording its observations / findings as under: We note that the AO pursuant to the order of Ld. CIT had taken note of the directions We note that the AO pursuant to the order of Ld. CIT had taken note of the directions We note that the AO pursuant to the order of Ld. CIT had taken note of the directions of the Ld. CIT and issued notice u/s. 142(1) dated 16.08.2013 and has acknowledged of the Ld. CIT and issued notice u/s. 142(1) dated 16.08.2013 and has acknowledged of the Ld. CIT and issued notice u/s. 142(1) dated 16.08.2013 and has acknowledged that the assessee had furnished the copy of final account, I. T. Acknowledgement, bank that the assessee had furnished the copy of final account, I. T. Acknowledgement, bank that the assessee had furnished the copy of final account, I. T. Acknowledgement, bank statement for the relevant period evidencing the receipt of share application money statement for the relevant period evidencing the receipt of share application money statement for the relevant period evidencing the receipt of share application money from the share applicants. Thereafter, the AO makes certain inferences based on the from the share applicants. Thereafter, the AO makes certain inferences based on the from the share applicants. Thereafter, the AO makes certain inferences based on the list of shareholders and taking note of the bank statement furnished by the assessee. list of shareholders and taking note of the bank statement furnished by the assessee. list of shareholders and taking note of the bank statement furnished by the assessee. We note that after the initial notice dated 16.08.2013, thereafter the AO had issued the We note that after the initial notice dated 16.08.2013, thereafter the AO had issued the We note that after the initial notice dated 16.08.2013, thereafter the AO had issued the notice on 26.02.2014 which has been reproduced at page 3 of the reassessment order, notice on 26.02.2014 which has been reproduced at page 3 of the reassessment order, notice on 26.02.2014 which has been reproduced at page 3 of the reassessment order, wherein AO required the directors of the assessee company to be present before him wherein AO required the directors of the assessee company to be present before him wherein AO required the directors of the assessee company to be present before him on 06.03.2014. However, according to the Ld. AR, the assessee received the notice only on 06.03.2014. However, according to the Ld. AR, the assessee received the notice only on 06.03.2014. However, according to the Ld. AR, the assessee received the notice only on 07.03.2014 and thereafter, the assessee requested the AO to provide another 07.03.2014 and thereafter, the assessee requested the AO to provide another 07.03.2014 and thereafter, the assessee requested the AO to provide another Assessment Year: 2009-10 M/s. MSL Industries Limited opportunity of hearing vide its letter dated 20.03.2014. Thereafter, the AO fixed the opportunity of hearing vide its letter dated 20.03.2014. Thereafter, the AO fixed the opportunity of hearing vide its letter dated 20.03.2014. Thereafter, the AO fixed the date of hearing on 12.03.2014 vide notice dated 10.03.2014. So, according to the te of hearing on 12.03.2014 vide notice dated 10.03.2014. So, according to the te of hearing on 12.03.2014 vide notice dated 10.03.2014. So, according to the assessee company since the directors were not in station till 23.03.2014, the Ld. AR had assessee company since the directors were not in station till 23.03.2014, the Ld. AR had assessee company since the directors were not in station till 23.03.2014, the Ld. AR had requested for adjournment till that time. Though the AO has stated that he has issued requested for adjournment till that time. Though the AO has stated that he has issued requested for adjournment till that time. Though the AO has stated that he has issued summons on 24.03.2014 to the assessee company to produce the directors of the ummons on 24.03.2014 to the assessee company to produce the directors of the ummons on 24.03.2014 to the assessee company to produce the directors of the company before him on 26.03.2014, the assessee company contended that it has not company before him on 26.03.2014, the assessee company contended that it has not company before him on 26.03.2014, the assessee company contended that it has not received the said summon and, therefore, could not make the personal appearance. received the said summon and, therefore, could not make the personal appearance. received the said summon and, therefore, could not make the personal appearance. The AO has drawn adverse conclusion basically because of non adverse conclusion basically because of non-appearance of the appearance of the directors of the assessee company and that of the shareholder companies. We note directors of the assessee company and that of the shareholder companies. We note directors of the assessee company and that of the shareholder companies. We note that initially the AO started the enquiry on 16.08.2013 which was complied by the that initially the AO started the enquiry on 16.08.2013 which was complied by the that initially the AO started the enquiry on 16.08.2013 which was complied by the assessee by submitting docume assessee by submitting documents which has been acknowledged by the AO. nts which has been acknowledged by the AO. Thereafter, the enquiry was started only at the fag end of February 2014 and the Thereafter, the enquiry was started only at the fag end of February 2014 and the Thereafter, the enquiry was started only at the fag end of February 2014 and the assessee company had informed the AO that their directors were out of station till assessee company had informed the AO that their directors were out of station till assessee company had informed the AO that their directors were out of station till 23.03.2014. In the light of the aforesaid fact 23.03.2014. In the light of the aforesaid facts, we are of the opinion that the assessee s, we are of the opinion that the assessee did not get fair opportunity to present the evidences before the AO so, there was a lack did not get fair opportunity to present the evidences before the AO so, there was a lack did not get fair opportunity to present the evidences before the AO so, there was a lack of opportunity as aforesaid, therefore, it has to go back to AO. of opportunity as aforesaid, therefore, it has to go back to AO.

8. We also note that Ld. Cit while setting aside the order We also note that Ld. Cit while setting aside the order of the AO which was of the AO which was passed u/s. 147/143(3) of the Act, the Ld. CIT gave certain guidelines to follow for passed u/s. 147/143(3) of the Act, the Ld. CIT gave certain guidelines to follow for passed u/s. 147/143(3) of the Act, the Ld. CIT gave certain guidelines to follow for conducting deep investigation. We also note that similarly placed assessees had conducting deep investigation. We also note that similarly placed assessees had conducting deep investigation. We also note that similarly placed assessees had challenged the exercise of revisional jurisdiction u/s. 263 of the Ac challenged the exercise of revisional jurisdiction u/s. 263 of the Ac challenged the exercise of revisional jurisdiction u/s. 263 of the Act before this Tribunal in those cases one of it of Subha Lakshmi Vanijya Pvt. Ltd. Vs. CIT in in those cases one of it of Subha Lakshmi Vanijya Pvt. Ltd. Vs. CIT in ITA No. Tribunal in those cases one of it of Subha Lakshmi Vanijya Pvt. Ltd. Vs. CIT in ITA No. 1104/Kol/2014 dated 30.07.2015, wherein the Tribunal was pleased to uphold the 1104/Kol/2014 dated 30.07.2015, wherein the Tribunal was pleased to uphold the 1104/Kol/2014 dated 30.07.2015, wherein the Tribunal was pleased to uphold the order passed by the Ld. CIT passed u/s. 263 of the Act, which we learn to h order passed by the Ld. CIT passed u/s. 263 of the Act, which we learn to h order passed by the Ld. CIT passed u/s. 263 of the Act, which we learn to have been confirmed by the Hon’ble jurisdictional High Court and the SLP preferred against the confirmed by the Hon’ble jurisdictional High Court and the SLP preferred against the confirmed by the Hon’ble jurisdictional High Court and the SLP preferred against the decision of the Hon’ble jurisdictional High Court has been dismissed by the Hon’ble decision of the Hon’ble jurisdictional High Court has been dismissed by the Hon’ble decision of the Hon’ble jurisdictional High Court has been dismissed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Therefore, similar order of the Ld. CIT passed u/s. 263 of the Supreme Court. Therefore, similar order of the Ld. CIT passed u/s. 263 of the Supreme Court. Therefore, similar order of the Ld. CIT passed u/s. 263 of the Act has been upheld. We note that the AO while giving effect to the CIT’s 263 order has noted been upheld. We note that the AO while giving effect to the CIT’s 263 order has noted been upheld. We note that the AO while giving effect to the CIT’s 263 order has noted that the assessee company has in fact furnished the documents sought by him to his that the assessee company has in fact furnished the documents sought by him to his that the assessee company has in fact furnished the documents sought by him to his notice u/s. 142(1) of the Act. However, the AO took the adverse view against notice u/s. 142(1) of the Act. However, the AO took the adverse view against notice u/s. 142(1) of the Act. However, the AO took the adverse view against the assessee on the plea that the directors of the assessee company and share subscribing assessee on the plea that the directors of the assessee company and share subscribing assessee on the plea that the directors of the assessee company and share subscribing companies had not appeared before him on 26.03.2014 and t after taking note that companies had not appeared before him on 26.03.2014 and t after taking note that companies had not appeared before him on 26.03.2014 and t after taking note that none appeared on 26.03.2014 concluded on the same day 26.03.2014 that entire none appeared on 26.03.2014 concluded on the same day 26.03.2014 that entire none appeared on 26.03.2014 concluded on the same day 26.03.2014 that entire amount of share application money received along with premium amounting to of share application money received along with premium amounting to of share application money received along with premium amounting to Rs.8,06,00,000/- which has remained unexplained and added to the income of the which has remained unexplained and added to the income of the which has remained unexplained and added to the income of the assessee. We also note that the Ld. CIT after looking into the pernicious practice of assessee. We also note that the Ld. CIT after looking into the pernicious practice of assessee. We also note that the Ld. CIT after looking into the pernicious practice of converting black money into white money has given the guidelines to AO as to how the ey into white money has given the guidelines to AO as to how the ey into white money has given the guidelines to AO as to how the investigation should be conducted to find out the source of source. Since similar order investigation should be conducted to find out the source of source. Since similar order investigation should be conducted to find out the source of source. Since similar order of the Ld. CIT passed u/s. 263 of the Act has been upheld by the Tribunal as well as by of the Ld. CIT passed u/s. 263 of the Act has been upheld by the Tribunal as well as by of the Ld. CIT passed u/s. 263 of the Act has been upheld by the Tribunal as well as by the Hon’ble Calcutta High Court as well as the SLP has been dismissed by the Hon’ble lcutta High Court as well as the SLP has been dismissed by the Hon’ble lcutta High Court as well as the SLP has been dismissed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, similar order of the Ld. CIT has to be given effect to as directed by the Supreme Court, similar order of the Ld. CIT has to be given effect to as directed by the Supreme Court, similar order of the Ld. CIT has to be given effect to as directed by the Ld. CIT. We take note that the Ld. CIT with his experience and wisdom has given Ld. CIT. We take note that the Ld. CIT with his experience and wisdom has given Ld. CIT. We take note that the Ld. CIT with his experience and wisdom has given certain guidelines in the backdrop of black money menace should have been properly nes in the backdrop of black money menace should have been properly nes in the backdrop of black money menace should have been properly enquired into as directed by him. The AO ought to have followed the investigating enquired into as directed by him. The AO ought to have followed the investigating enquired into as directed by him. The AO ought to have followed the investigating guidelines and method as directed by him to unearth the facts to determine whether guidelines and method as directed by him to unearth the facts to determine whether guidelines and method as directed by him to unearth the facts to determine whether the identity, genuineness and creditworthiness of the share subscribers. We note that ess and creditworthiness of the share subscribers. We note that ess and creditworthiness of the share subscribers. We note that the Hon’ble Supreme Court in three judges bench in the case of Tin Box, (supra), has the Hon’ble Supreme Court in three judges bench in the case of Tin Box, (supra), has the Hon’ble Supreme Court in three judges bench in the case of Tin Box, (supra), has held that since there was lack of opportunity to the assessee at the assessment stage held that since there was lack of opportunity to the assessee at the assessment stage held that since there was lack of opportunity to the assessee at the assessment stage itself, the assessment needs to be done afresh and thereby reversed the Hon’ble High nt needs to be done afresh and thereby reversed the Hon’ble High nt needs to be done afresh and thereby reversed the Hon’ble High Court, Tribunal and CIT(A)’s orders and remanded the matter back to AO for fresh Court, Tribunal and CIT(A)’s orders and remanded the matter back to AO for fresh Court, Tribunal and CIT(A)’s orders and remanded the matter back to AO for fresh assessment. So, since there was lack of opportunity as aforestated it has to go back to assessment. So, since there was lack of opportunity as aforestated it has to go back to assessment. So, since there was lack of opportunity as aforestated it has to go back to AO. We also note that the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the case of CIT Vs. Jansampark t the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the case of CIT Vs. Jansampark t the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the case of CIT Vs. Jansampark Assessment Year: 2009-10 M/s. MSL Industries Limited Advertising & Marketing Pvt. Ltd. in dated 11.03.2015 wherein after Advertising & Marketing Pvt. Ltd. in ITA No. 525/2014 dated 11.03.2015 wherein after Advertising & Marketing Pvt. Ltd. in ITA No. 525/2014 dated 11.03.2015 wherein after noticing inadequate enquiry by authorities below have held as under: noticing inadequate enquiry by authorities below have held as under: “41. We are inclined to agree wit “41. We are inclined to agree with the CIT(Appeals), and consequently with ITAT, to h the CIT(Appeals), and consequently with ITAT, to the extent of their conclusion that the assessee herein had come up with some proof of the extent of their conclusion that the assessee herein had come up with some proof of the extent of their conclusion that the assessee herein had come up with some proof of identity of some of the entries in question. But, from this inference, or form the fact identity of some of the entries in question. But, from this inference, or form the fact identity of some of the entries in question. But, from this inference, or form the fact that the transactions were thr that the transactions were through banking channels, it does not necessarily following ough banking channels, it does not necessarily following that satisfaction as to the creditworthiness of the parties or the genuineness of the that satisfaction as to the creditworthiness of the parties or the genuineness of the that satisfaction as to the creditworthiness of the parties or the genuineness of the transactions in question would also have been established. transactions in question would also have been established.

The AO here may have failed to discharge his obli 42. The AO here may have failed to discharge his obligation to conduct a proper gation to conduct a proper inquiry to take the matter to logical conclusion. But CIT(Appeals), having noticed want inquiry to take the matter to logical conclusion. But CIT(Appeals), having noticed want inquiry to take the matter to logical conclusion. But CIT(Appeals), having noticed want of proper inquiry, could not have closed the chapter simply by allowing the appeal and of proper inquiry, could not have closed the chapter simply by allowing the appeal and of proper inquiry, could not have closed the chapter simply by allowing the appeal and deleting the additions made. It was also the obligatio deleting the additions made. It was also the obligation of the first appellate authority, n of the first appellate authority, as indeed of ITAT, to have ensured that effective inquiry was carried out, particularly as indeed of ITAT, to have ensured that effective inquiry was carried out, particularly as indeed of ITAT, to have ensured that effective inquiry was carried out, particularly in the fact of the allegations of the Revenue that the account statements reveal in the fact of the allegations of the Revenue that the account statements reveal in the fact of the allegations of the Revenue that the account statements reveal uniform pattern of cash deposits of equal amounts i uniform pattern of cash deposits of equal amounts in the respective accounts n the respective accounts preceding the transactions in question. This necessitated a detailed scrutiny of the preceding the transactions in question. This necessitated a detailed scrutiny of the preceding the transactions in question. This necessitated a detailed scrutiny of the material submitted by the assessee in response to the notice under Section148 issued material submitted by the assessee in response to the notice under Section148 issued material submitted by the assessee in response to the notice under Section148 issued by the AO, as also the material submitted at the stage of ap by the AO, as also the material submitted at the stage of appeals, if deemed proper by peals, if deemed proper by way of making or causing to be made a 'further inquiry’ in exercise of the power under way of making or causing to be made a 'further inquiry’ in exercise of the power under way of making or causing to be made a 'further inquiry’ in exercise of the power under Section 250(4). His approach not having been adopted, the impugned order of ITAT, Section 250(4). His approach not having been adopted, the impugned order of ITAT, Section 250(4). His approach not having been adopted, the impugned order of ITAT, and consequently that of CIT(Appeals), cannot be approved or and consequently that of CIT(Appeals), cannot be approved or upheld." upheld." In view of the aforesaid order and in the light of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s decision In view of the aforesaid order and in the light of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s decision In view of the aforesaid order and in the light of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s decision in Tin Box Company (supra) and taking into consideration the fact the order of the Ld. in Tin Box Company (supra) and taking into consideration the fact the order of the Ld. in Tin Box Company (supra) and taking into consideration the fact the order of the Ld. CIT passed u/s. 263 of the Act in similar cases being upheld up to the CIT passed u/s. 263 of the Act in similar cases being upheld up to the CIT passed u/s. 263 of the Act in similar cases being upheld up to the level of Apex Court, and taking note of Hon’ble Delhi High Court’s order in Jansampark Advertising Court, and taking note of Hon’ble Delhi High Court’s order in Jansampark Advertising Court, and taking note of Hon’ble Delhi High Court’s order in Jansampark Advertising & Marketing Pvt. Ltd. (supra), we set aside the order of the Ld. CIT(A) and remand the & Marketing Pvt. Ltd. (supra), we set aside the order of the Ld. CIT(A) and remand the & Marketing Pvt. Ltd. (supra), we set aside the order of the Ld. CIT(A) and remand the matter back to the file of AO for de novo assessment and to decide the matter back to the file of AO for de novo assessment and to decide the matter back to the file of AO for de novo assessment and to decide the matter in accordance to law after giving opportunity of being heard to the assessee. accordance to law after giving opportunity of being heard to the assessee. accordance to law after giving opportunity of being heard to the assessee.

The Kolkata Bench of the ITAT has passed similar order in many cases on the The Kolkata Bench of the ITAT has passed similar order in many cases on the The Kolkata Bench of the ITAT has passed similar order in many cases on the same issue of additions made u/s 68 of the share capital and ade u/s 68 of the share capital and has set aside the has set aside the assessment to the file of the AO for fresh adjudication to the file of the AO for fresh adjudication. The Assessing Officer may . The Assessing Officer may examine the evidence already on record as well as other documentary evidences examine the evidence already on record as well as other documentary evidences examine the evidence already on record as well as other documentary evidences which the assessee may file before him and adjudicate the issue in accordance with which the assessee may file before him and adjudicate the issue in accordance with which the assessee may file before him and adjudicate the issue in accordance with the directions given by the ld. CIT in the order passed/s 263 of the Act, in all such the ld. CIT in the order passed/s 263 of the Act, in all such the ld. CIT in the order passed/s 263 of the Act, in all such cases.

Keeping in view the totality of the facts and circumstances of the case and Keeping in view the totality of the facts and circumstances of the case and Keeping in view the totality of the facts and circumstances of the case and also the orders of the Co-ordinate Bench of the Tribunal in similar matters, we set ordinate Bench of the Tribunal in similar matters, we set ordinate Bench of the Tribunal in similar matters, we set Assessment Year: 2009-10 M/s. MSL Industries Limited aside this issue to the file of the AO for fresh adjudication in accordance with law, e file of the AO for fresh adjudication in accordance with law, e file of the AO for fresh adjudication in accordance with law, after giving the assessee adequate opportunity of being heard. after giving the assessee adequate opportunity of being heard.

In the result, appeal of the assessee is allowed for statistical purposes. In the result, appeal of the assessee is allowed for statistical purposes. In the result, appeal of the assessee is allowed for statistical purposes.