THE INDIA CEMENTS LIMITED,CHENNAI vs. DCIT CORPORATE CIRCLE 2(1) CHENNAI, CHENNAI
Facts
The assessee contested several disallowances and additions made by the tax authorities, including disallowance under Section 14A for exempt income and its impact on book profit, and interest on advances to subsidiaries. Further disputes involved depreciation on Vastu fees, taxability of state subsidies, royalty disallowance under Section 43B, leave encashment provision under Section 115JB, interest on belated TDS, transfer pricing for captive power generation, and additions for SBN deposits during demonetization.
Held
The Tribunal partly allowed the appeal, directing re-computation of Section 14A disallowance and deleting the 115JB book profit addition. It allowed the interest disallowance on advances to subsidiaries and the Section 80IA deduction for captive power generation. Issues related to leave encashment and SBN deposits were remanded to the AO for further verification. However, the Tribunal dismissed the appeals regarding Vastu depreciation, taxability of subsidies (citing a change in law), and the royalty disallowance under Section 43B.
Key Issues
1. Whether disallowance under Section 14A for exempt income and its impact on book profit under Section 115JB was correctly computed. 2. Whether proportionate interest on borrowings for interest-free advances to subsidiaries is disallowable when the assessee has sufficient own funds. 3. Whether depreciation on payments for Vastu consultancy is admissible as a business expense. 4. Whether state government subsidies are taxable as revenue receipts in light of the Finance Act, 2015 amendment to Section 2(24)(xviii). 5. Whether royalty payable on limestone excavation is subject to disallowance under Section 43B. 6. Whether provision for leave encashment constitutes an ascertained liability for computing book profit under Section 115JB. 7. Whether interest paid on belated TDS payments should be added back while computing book profit under Section 115JB. 8. What is the correct methodology for computing deduction under Section 80IA for captive power generation, specifically regarding transfer pricing adjustments. 9. Whether deposits of Specified Bank Notes (SBNs) during demonetization can be added back as unexplained cash credit under Section 68.
Sections Cited
Section 14A, Rule 8D, Section 10(39), Section 115JB, Section 36(1)(iii), Section 2(24)(xviii), Section 28, Section 43, Section 43B, Section 43B(f), Section 68, Section 115BBE, Section 80IA, Section 80-IA(4)(iv), Section 80-IA(5)/(7), Section 80-IA(8), Section 92BA, Section 92CA(3)
AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below
आदेश / O R D E R PER ABY T. VARKEY, JM: This is an appeal preferred by the assessee against the order of the
Learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) NFAC, (hereinafter
referred to as ‘Ld.CIT(A)‘), Delhi, dated 18.06.2024 for the Assessment
Year (hereinafter referred to as ‘AY‘) 2017-18.
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Ground No. 1 of the appeal is general in nature which doesn’t
require any adjudication and is therefore dismissed.
Ground No.2 raised by the assessee relates to the disallowance of ₹1,07,44,451/- made by the AO u/s 14A of the Income Tax Act 1961
(herein after the Act) in terms of Rule 8D of the Income Tax Rules 1962
(herein after the Rules). Briefly stated, the AO had observed from the
balance-sheet that the assessee held substantial investments which were
capable of yielding tax-free income and therefore, according to him, the
expenditure incurred in relation to earning such exempt income was to be
disallowed under Section 14A of the Act. The AO inter alia also observed
that, the assessee didn’t derive any dividend income from these investments, but had claimed profit to the extent of ₹1,07,44,451/-
earned from sale of Mutual Funds as exempt u/s.10(39) of the Act. The
AO accordingly show caused the assessee to explain as to why
expenditure incurred for earning such exempt income should not be
disallowed, in accordance with Rule 8D. In response, the assessee
explained that, the investments which yielded exempt-income were made
out of own funds, and therefore pleaded that no disallowance should be
made u/s 14A of the Act. The AO however didn’t agree to the objections
raised by assessee and for the reasons elaborately set out in the assessment order, computed disallowance of ₹1,07,44,451/- under Rule
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8D, which was added back both while computing income under normal
provisions as well as book profit u/s 115JB of the Act. On appeal, the Ld.
CIT(A) confirmed the action of the AO by relying on CBDT Circular
No.5/2014. Aggrieved, the assessee is in appeal before us.
3.1 Heard both the parties. At the outset, the Ld. AR pointed out that,
this Tribunal in assessee’s own case for AY 2013-14 [in ITA Nos.2038 &
2210/Chny/2017 & ITA No.737/Chny/2018] vide order dated 18.08.2021,
had held that, only those investments which yielded exempt income was
to be considered for the purposes of computing disallowance under Rule
8D, by observing as under :-
“6.1 Having heard both the sides and considered material on record, we find that an identical issue has been considered by the Co-ordinate Bench of ITAT, Chennai in assessee’s own case for assessment years 2007-08 in ITA Nos.1343/Mds/2010, where the Tribunal held that, only those investments which yielded exempt income shall be considered to disallow 0.5% of average value of investment, the income from which does not form part of total income. We further noted that ITAT, Delhi Special Bench in the case of ACIT vs. Vireet Investment Pvt. Ltd., 58 ITR (Trib) 313 had considered an identical issue and held that only those investments which yielded exempt income for the year needs to be considered for computing disallowance of 0.5% of the average value of investment. The ld.CIT(A) after considered relevant facts has rightly directed the AO to re-compute disallowance by taking those investments which yielded exempt income for the year. Therefore, we are of the considered view that there is no error in the findings of the ld.CIT(A) and hence, we are inclined to uphold the findings of ld.CIT(A) and reject ground taken by the Revenue.”
3.2 The Ld. DR appearing for the Revenue however pointed out that,
Rule 8D was amended by the IT (Fourteenth Amdt.) Rules, 2016, w.e.f.
2-6-2016, in terms of which the erstwhile Rule 8D(2)(ii) was omitted and
Rule 8D(2)(iii) was renumbered as Rule 8D(2)(ii), and the computation
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methodology was changed from 0.5% of the average of opening and
closing value of investments to 1% of the monthly average of the
investments. He thus urged that, the disallowance ought to be computed
with reference to the amended Rule 8D which was applicable for AY 2017-
3.3 We find that the case of the assessee is squarely covered by the
decision rendered by this Tribunal in the assessee’s own case (supra), and
following the same, we hold that, the disallowance in terms of Rule 8D
was required to be computed with reference to only those investments which yielded the exempt income of ₹1,07,44,451/- during the relevant
year. Having regard to the amended Rule 8D, the AO is directed to re-
compute and restrict the disallowance to 1% of the monthly average of
exempt income yielding investments. Needless to say, the assessee shall
provide the relevant month-wise details of investments to the AO to
enable him to re-compute the disallowance.
3.4 In so far as the issue relating to disallowance computed u/s 14A
r.w. Rule 8D, while computing book profit u/s 115JB is concerned, we find
that this issue is no longer res integra in view of the decision rendered by
this Tribunal in the assessee’s own case (supra), wherein it was held as
under:
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The next issue that came up for our consideration from Ground No.3 of assessee appeal is re-computation of book profit u/s.115JB of the Act, by making additions towards disallowance u/s.14A r.w.r. 8D of the Rules. The AO has computed disallowance u/s.14A of the Act of Rs.1,46,18,000/- and has made additions to book profit computed u/s.115JB of the Act.
10.1 The ld.AR for the assessee submitted that the issue is covered in favour of the assessee by decision of the ITAT in assessee’s own case in ITA Nos.2414, 2415 & 2416/Chny/2019 dated 12.12.2019 for assessment years 2014-15 to 2016-17, where the Tribunal by following decision of ITAT, Delhi Special Bench in the case of ACIT vs. Vireet Investment Pvt. Ltd., 58 ITR (Trib) 313 had held that “computation under Clause (f) of the Explanation -1 to Section 115JB(2) is to be made without resorting to the computation as contemplated u/s.14A r.w.rule.8D of the Rules”.
10.2 The ld.DR on the other hand agreed that the issue is squarely covered in favour of the assessee.
10.3 We have heard both the parties, perused materials available on record and gone through orders of the authorities below. We find that the Tribunal has considered an identical issue in assessee’s own case for assessment years 2014- 15 to 2016-17 in ITA Nos.2414, 2415 & 2416/Chny/2019 and by following decision of ITAT, Delhi Special Bench in the case of ACIT vs. Vireet Investment Pvt. Ltd., supra, held that “computation under Clause (f) of the Explanation -1 to Section 115JB(2) is to be made without resorting to the computation as contemplated u/s.14A r.w.rule.8D of the Rules”. Therefore, we direct the AO to delete addition made towards disallowance u/s.14A r.w.rule 8D to book profit computed u/s.115JB of the Act.
3.5 Respectfully following the above binding decision (supra), we direct
the AO to delete addition made on account of disallowance u/s.14A
r.w.rule 8D to the book-profit computed u/s.115JB of the Act. Ground No.
2 is therefore partly allowed.
Ground No. 3 raised by the assessee is against the disallowance of
proportionate interest on borrowings in relation to the interest-free
advances given by the assessee. The AO is found to have noted that, the
assessee had debited a sum of ₹36,045.91 lakhs on account of Interest
and Other borrowing costs to the Profit and loss account. The AO further
observed that the assessee has advanced certain amount to its
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subsidiaries, but did not credit any interest on such amounts advanced to
the subsidiaries. The AO drew up a comparative chart of the interest-free
advances given by the assessee to its subsidiaries in FYs 2015-16 and
2016-17 which is as under:-
Advance to Subsidiaries (Amount - Rs. Lakhs) Company Name Bal. as on 31-3-16 Bal. as on 31-3-17 ICL Financial Services 3523.94 3634.99 ICL Securities Ltd. 0.21 (1996.38) ICL International Ltd. 0 0 Industrial Chemicals and 1480.83 1508.00 Monomers Ltd Total 5,004.98 3146.61
4.1 According to the AO, the interest cost corresponding to these
interest-free advance given to the subsidiaries was required to be
disallowed and added back as in the earlier assessment years; and he
therefore computed disallowance of ₹24,95,76,400/-. On appeal, the
Ld.CIT(A) upheld the AO’s action of making the impugned disallowance.
Aggrieved, the assessee is before us.
4.2 The Ld. AR submitted that, the assessee had given interest-free
advances to its subsidiaries, which were essentially extension(s) of the
assessee and were carrying on similar business and therefore the
advancement of monies was driven on the principle of commercial-
expediency because the assessee had both strategic and economic
interests in their well-being and operations. It is therefore the assessee’s
case that, even if the interest free advances were given out of borrowed
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capital, the fact remained that it was advanced in the course and for the
purposes of business and therefore the corresponding interest paid on
borrowings was allowable u/s 36(1)(iii) of the Act. Anyway, it was also
brought to our notice that, the impugned disallowance was even
otherwise unwarranted because, the assessee had sufficient own funds to cover the average balance of interest-free-advances of ₹311.97 Crs.
According to the assessee therefore, it was to be presumed that the
advanced amount were given out of the own-interest-free funds available
with the assessee and hence, even otherwise, no disallowance can be
made on account of interest. Per contra, the Ld DR supported the action
of Ld CIT(A) and doesn’t want us to interfere.
4.3 We have heard both the parties and perused the material available
on record. It is seen that, the assessee had own funds comprising of capital, reserve & surplus of ₹5,109.9 Crs. which was far in excess of the average balance of interest-free-advances of ₹311.97 Crs. The Ld. AR has
rightly pointed out that, the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of CIT v.
Reliance Industries Ltd., reported in [2019] 102 taxmann.com 52
(SC) has held that, where the amount of any interest- free loans given is
sufficiently covered with the non-interest-bearing fund available with the
assessee, then the question of disallowance of interest on borrowed fund
does not arise. We find that identical disallowance was made by the AO in
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the earlier year(s) as well and this Tribunal had deleted the same in the
consolidated order passed for AYs 2007-08 to 2011-12 by their order
dated 01.01.2016 wherein at Para No.10, it was held as under:
We have considered the rival submissions on either side and also perused the material available on record. As rightly submitted by the learned counsel for the assessee even if the borrowed funds were diverted for making advances to subsidiary companies, this Tribunal is of the considered opinion that there cannot be any addition of notional interest since it is not the case of the Revenue that the subsidiary companies had misused the funds for any other purpose. In other words, since the subsidiary companies used the funds for their business this Tribunal is of the considered opinion that in view of the judgment of the Apex Court in S.A. Builders (supra) there cannot be any addition in the hands of the assessee. A bare reading of the order of the CIT(A) shows that similar addition was made by the Assessing Officer in asst. yrs. 2003-04 and 2004-05. The CIT(A), however, deleted the addition. This Tribunal in ITA Nos. 778 & 779/Mds/2008 dt. 15th July, 2009 has confirmed an identical order of the CIT(A). In fact, the CIT(A), by following the decision of this Tribunal in assessee's own case for the asst. yrs. 2003-04 and 2004-05 and the judgment of the Apex Court in S.A Builders (supra) allowed the claim of the assessee. Therefore, this Tribunal do not find any reason to interfere with the order of the CIT(A). Accordingly, the same is confirmed.
4.4 Having regard to the position of own interest free funds and the
average value of interest free advances, as noted above, we agree with
the Ld. AR that, the presumption is that the assessee had given interest-
free advances [₹311.97 crores] from its own funds [₹5,109.9 Crs].
Following the above decision (supra) rendered in assessee’s own case, we
direct the AO to delete the impugned disallowance. This ground is
accordingly allowed.
Ground No. 4 relates to disallowance of depreciation of
₹2,66,22,000/- attributable to the fees paid to Dr. K. Venkatesan. The
facts concerning this ground are that, the assessee had paid aggregate
sum of ₹34 crores to Dr. K Venkatesan, a purported vastu expert across
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AYs 2009-10 to 2011-12 which was capitalized to the cost of buildings in
certain projects in Sankar Nagar, Parli and Chennai, and consequently
depreciation was being claimed thereon. The assessee had made further
payment of ₹6 crores to the same individual during the year, which was
also capitalized to the block of building. Following the orders passed by
his predecessors, the AO held that such expenses paid Dr. K.Venkatesan
cannot be termed to be for business purposes and therefore disallowed
the depreciation attributable to such expenditure. It is seen that, the
Ld.CIT(A) confirmed the disallowance made by the AO by holding as
under:
“As held earlier, such expenses cannot be termed to be for business purposes and hence the depreciation on such expenditure is not to be allowed.
WDV as on 01.04.2012 Rs.3,400.00 Depreciation claimed Rs.510.00 WDV as on 01.04.2013 Rs.2,890.00 Depreciation claimed Rs. 433.50 WDV as on 01.04.2014 Rs.2,456.50 Depreciation claimed Rs. 368.48 WDV as on 01.04.2015 Rs.2,088.00 Depreciation claimed Rs. 313.20 WDV as on 01.04.2016 Rs.1,774.82 Depreciation claimed Rs. 266.22 WDV as on 01.04.2017 Rs.1,508.89
Therefore the disallowance of deprecation on this count is quantified at Rs.2,66,22,000/- The disallowance of Rs.2,66,22,000/- is confirmed.
The assessee has been incurring substantial expenditure under this head year after year. Going from the submission in the past, it is seen that these are activities of performing homams etc. The payments as above cannot be classified as being wholly and exclusively for the purpose of the assessee’s business.
In any case, the Assessee’s appeal on this issue has not found favour with Appellate Authorities in the past, as discussed earlier, the credibility of Vastu Consultant is not proved. There is no logical reason to prove that the payment was made for the purpose of business. It is not justified that if the payment would not have been incurred for conducting and performing certain rituals to Mr K Venkasan are exclusive to the Assessee. There is no tangible or intangible benefit to the Assessee with these payments. Rituals is
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not scientifically proved and in fact because of this there is no tangible profit but assessee incurred only tangible loss as this payment is disallowed. Hence, Rs.6,00,00,000/- paid during the year to Mr K Venkatesan is disallowed as being not laid out wholly and exclusively for the purpose of business of the Assessee”
5.1 Aggrieved by the aforesaid action of Ld.CIT(A), the assessee is
before us.
5.2 We have heard both the parties and perused the material available
on record. Though the Ld. AR had pointed out that, this was a recurring
issue and it was decided in assessee’s favour by this Tribunal in their
order dated 01.01.2016 for AYs 2007-08 to 2011-12, wherein the
assessee was allowed deduction of ₹50 lakhs paid to Dr.K. Venkatesan of
M/s.Rishi Vidhya Consultants Pvt. Ltd. The Ld. DR however brought to
our notice that, this Tribunal had later on distinguished the aforesaid
order and deviated therefrom in assessee’s own case for AY 2013-14 by
order dated 18.08.2021, wherein the Ld.CIT(A)’s action disallowing the
payment made to Dr.K. Venkatesan was confirmed, by holding as under:
The next issue that came up for our consideration from Ground No.4 of cross objection filed by the assessee is disallowance of payment to Vasthu Consultant, M/s. Rishividya Consultants P Ltd. The ld.AR for the assessee submitted that this issue was decided against the assessee by the Tribunal in assessee’s own case in ITA Nos.1343/Mds/2010, 604 & 1299/Mds/2012 and 237 to 239/Mds/2015. 29.1 We find that an identical issue has been considered by the Tribunal in assessee’s own case for assessment years 2007-08 to 2011-12 in ITA Nos. 1343/Mds/2010, 604 & 1299/Mds/2012 and 237 to 239/Mds/2015, where the Tribunal had confirmed addition made by the AO towards payment made to M/s. Rishividya Consultants Pvt. Ltd. The relevant findings of the Tribunal are as under:- “65. Now, coming to the payment made to M/s Rishi Vidhya Consultants Pvt. Ltd to the extent of Rs.2,50,00,000/-, this Tribunal has allowed the claim of the assessee for assessment year 2009-10 as revenue expenditure to the extent of Rs.50,00,000/-. It is not known why such a huge payment was
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made to the very same company M/s Rishi Vidhya Consultants Pvt. Ltd for the year under consideration. The assessee cannot make such a payment year after year in the name of vastu consultancy, therefore, it lacks bonafideness of the services rendered by M/s Rishi Vidhya Consultants Pvt. Ltd for the year under consideration. Hence, this Tribunal is of the considered opinion that the CIT(A) has rightly confirmed the addition made by the Assessing Officer for the year under consideration.”
29.2 In view of the matter and consistent with view taken by the Co- ordinate Bench, we are of the considered view that there is no error in the findings recorded by the CIT(A) to confirm additions made by the AO towards disallowance of payment to vasthu Consultancy M/s. Rishividya Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Hence, we reject the ground taken by the assessee.
The next issue that came up for our consideration from Ground No.5 of cross objection filed by the assessee is depreciation charges on amount paid to consultant Dr. K. Venkatesan. The ld.AR for the assessee submitted that this issue is also held against the assessee in assessee’s own case for earlier assessment years 2007-08 to 2011-12 in ITA Nos. 1343/Mds/2010, 604 & 1299/Mds/2012.
30.1 Having heard both the sides and considered material on record, we find that the Tribunal has considered an identical issue and after considering necessary facts has confirmed additions made by the AO towards depreciation charges on amount paid to consultant Dr. K. Venkatesan. The relevant findings of the Tribunal in ITA Nos. 1343/Mds/2010, 604 & 1299/Mds/2012 are as under:-
“64. We have considered the rival submissions on either side and also perused the material available on record. Vastu is depending ITA No.1343 etc upon the belief of a particular individual/group of individuals. It may improve the productivity and profit or may not improve the productivity and profit of the company. But nobody could stand in the way of belief of a particular individual. At the very same time, the assessee cannot make such an exorbitant payment year after year on the ground that it is for business purpose. For the assessment year 2009-10, the assessee has made a payment of Rs.2,50,00,000/- to M/s Rishi Vidhya Consultants Pvt. Ltd. In the earlier part of this order, this Tribunal allowed the claim of the assessee to the extent of Rs.50,00,000/- on the ground that it would depend upon the individual belief of the businessman and when the services rendered were not doubted, no disallowance can be made. However, such a huge payment cannot be made year after year. When the assessee claims that payment of Rs. 2,50,00,000/- was made for assessment year 2009-10, it is not known why such a huge payment of Rs.75 lakhs was made to Dr. K. Venkatesan for the same services. The assessee is expected to incur certain expenditure on the belief that the art of vastu may increase the productivity or profit of the assessee. However, claiming such expenditure year after year cannot be for business purpose. Therefore, this Tribunal is of the considered opinion that payment for Rs.75 lakhs for the year under consideration to Dr. K. Venkatesan cannot be considered to be for business
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purpose. Therefore, the CIT(A) has rightly confirmed the disallowance.” 30.2 In view of this matter and consistent with view taken by the Co- ordinate Bench, we are inclined to uphold the findings of the CIT(A) and reject ground taken by the assessee. 5.3 Respectfully following the later decision of the co-ordinate Bench of
the Tribunal in the assessee’s own case for AY 2013-14, we are inclined to
uphold the impugned action of the Ld.CIT(A) and reject this ground taken
by the assessee.
Ground No. 5 raised by the assessee is against the Ld. CIT(A)’s
action of upholding the AO’s order treating the subsidy received from the
Government of Maharashtra for investing in backward area to by way of
income instead of capital receipt not liable to tax. The facts as noted are
that, the assessee company was granted subsidy by Government of
Maharashtra for setting up new manufacturing unit in their State. Under
this scheme, the subsidy was to be quantified as a percentage of the
investments made in Plant and Machinery for setting up such new
industrial undertaking in Maharashtra. The mode of disbursement of
subsidy was that, the sales-tax collected on the sale of goods
manufactured by the newly established unit was permitted to be retained
by the assessee instead of being remitted to the State Government and
such retained amount was to be adjusted and treated as subsidy granted
by the State Government. The assessee has claimed that, the subsidy
received in connection with setting up of a manufacturing unit at Parli
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Unit, Maharashtra, constituted capital subsidies or incentives provided for
the specific purpose of encouraging investment in setting up a new
industrial undertaking in a backward area. Accordingly, it was contended
that the receipt of subsidy was capital and not revenue in nature.
Consequently, the assessee excluded the subsidy of ₹24,38,04,415/- from
its taxable income. The AO however did not agree with this claim of the
assessee and he added the subsidy of ₹24,38,04,415/- holding it to be
taxable income, by observing as under:
9.1. In the Income computation statement, it is noted that the following items, being subsidies received from the State Governments of Maharashtra, Telengana and Rajasthan, were reduced by the assessee. • Capital Subsidy Parli - Sales tax incentive - Rs.1,98,48,000 • Capital subsidy- Malkapur-Sales tax incentive - Rs. 4,03,25,924 • Power Incentive-Malkapur - Rs.8,19,94,927 • Capital subsidy-Rajasthan-Sales tax incentive - Rs. 10,16,35,564
9.2 The assessee was asked to show cause vide this office notice u/s 142(1) dated 19.08.2019 as to why the above items should not be treated as revenue receipts and the claim of deduction in the computation statement be not disallowed. The assessee submitted that the receipts relating to Parli Unit, Maharashtra, were in the nature of capital subsidy granted to the unit / incentive for investing in the backward area and hence, the same has been deducted from income for income tax purposes.
9.3. The assessee's submissions are considered but not found to be acceptable. The issue is a settled one in view of the decision of Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Sahney Steel & Press Works Ltd - 228 ITR 253, wherein, the Apex Court held that payments from public funds to assist companies in carrying on trade or business revenue receipts. Accordingly, refund of power subsidies are operational subsidies and to be treated as revenue receipts. The above decision of Hon'ble Supreme Court is squarely applicable to the facts of the case.
9.4. Further, on the issue of power subsidy, the Madras High Court, in the case of Brakes India Ltd v. JCIT - 363 ITR 13, held that power tariff concession was contingent upon commencement of production and to enable assessee to run business more profitably and hence, the same had to be treated as revenue receipt. This decision of the jurisdictional High Court is also squarely applicable to the facts of the case. Accordingly, The above subsidy amounting to Rs. 24,38,04,415/- is disallowed and added back to the total income.
Disallowance: Rs.24,38,04,415/-
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6.1 On appeal, the Ld.CIT(A) is noted to have confirmed the action of
the AO. Now the assessee is in appeal before us.
6.2 The Ld. AR appearing for the assessee has relied on the decision
rendered by this Tribunal in their own case for AY 2013–14, in ITA No.
737/Chny/2018, wherein it was held that the subsidy received under the
impugned State Industrial Scheme of Maharashtra was capital in nature.
On the other hand, the Ld. DR invited our attention to the amendment
made by the Finance Act, 2015, by way of insertion of clause (xviii) in
section 2(24) of the Act, in terms of which, any and all subsidies,
irrespective of its nature/purpose, has been defined to constitute taxable
‘business income’ u/s 28 of the Act. He thus urged that, the position of
law had changed since AY 2013-14 and therefore according to him, the
decision rendered in assessee’s own case (supra) was no longer relevant
and hence distinguishable.
6.3 Heard both the parties. Before we advert to the facts involved in the
impugned issue, let us first take note of the position of law as was
applicable in the relevant AY 2017-18. It is noted that, the ascertainment
of object/purpose of incentive or subsidy to determine whether it is
capital or revenue in nature, is no longer relevant as the position of law is
noted to have has underwent change from AY 2016-17 and onwards. It is
observed that, in the Finance Act, 2015, the Legislature has amended the
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definition of ‘income’ by inserting clause (xviii) in section 2(24), which
read as under:-
“assistance in the form of subsidy or grant or cash incentive or duty drawback or waiver or concession or reimbursement (by whatever name called) by the Central Government or a State Government or any authority or body or agency in cash or kind to the assessee other than subsidy or grant or reimbursement which is taken into account for determination of actual cost of the asset in accordance with the provision of Explanation 10 to clause (1) of section 43.”
6.4 It is noted that, under the above provision, subsidies, grants, cash
incentives, duty drawback, waivers, concessions or reimbursements
provided by the Central or State Governments either in cash or kind, will
be included within the meaning of term “income” and consequently, will
be taxable under the Act. The genesis of above amendment can be traced
back to judicial precedents in which capital subsidy (the benefit of subsidy
being capital in nature) was held to be non-taxable. Through above-
mentioned amendment, all types of subsidy, assistance, incentive
received from the Government, irrespective capital or revenue in nature,
has now become taxable. Prior to the above amendment, it is observed
that, the Hon’ble Supreme Court had applied the “purpose test” to
determine whether a subsidy was a capital or revenue receipt. The
Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Sahney Steel & Press Works Ltd.
vs. CIT (228 ITR 253) held that purpose or object of subsidy was
relevant to decide the character of the incentive not the mechanism of
payment and observed that, “If the object of the subsidy scheme was to
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 16 ::
enable the assessee to run the business more profitably then the receipt
is on revenue account. On the other hand, if the object of the assistance
under the subsidy scheme was to enable the assessee to set up a new
unit or to expand the existing unit then the receipt of the subsidy was on
capital account”. Similarly, in CIT Vs Ponni Sugars and Chemicals
Limited (306 ITR 392), it was held that, if the subsidy's purpose was to
help the assessee run the business more profitably or meet daily business
expenses, it was considered a revenue receipt (and thus taxable).
Conversely, if the subsidy aimed at setting up a new unit or expanding an
existing unit, it was deemed a capital receipt (and not taxable). The
above amendment by the Finance Act, 2015, is noted to have altered the
position of law and has made all subsidies, irrespective of its object or
purpose, to be taxable by way of ‘income’ unless it has been received
towards the actual cost of an asset. We also note that, the constitutional
validity of this amendment was challenged, which is noted to have been
already negated by the Hon’ble Bombay High Court in the case of Serum
Institute of India (P.) Ltd. Vs UOI (157 taxmann.com 107). It is
seen that, Hon’ble High Court inter alia affirmed the Legislature’s action of
overruling judicial precedents that distinguished capital receipts from
revenue receipts and subsumed both under ‘income’ and subjecting them
to taxation.
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 17 ::
6.5 We find that, this identical issue had come up for consideration
before this Tribunal in the case of M/s Hyundai Motor India Ltd Vs
DCIT in IT(TP) No.56/Chny/2024 for the AY 2018-19, and the
subsidies were held to be taxable, in light of the amendment to Section
2(24)(xviii) by the Finance Act, 2015, by holding as under:
"12. Proceeding further, we find that the provisions of Sec.5 provide the scope of total income. It provides that subject to the provisions of this Act, total income of a person who is resident would include all income from whatever sources derived which is received or deemed to be received in India or income which accrue or arise or deemed to accrue or arise in India. The heads of income has been carved out in Section 14 of the Act. The provisions of Sec.14 provide for heads of income under which such income would be assessable. These provisions provide that save as otherwise provided by this Act, all income shall, for the purposes of charge of income-tax and computation of total income, be classified in five distinct heads of income i.e., Salaries, Income from House Property, Profits and Gains of business or profession, capital gains or income from other sources. In other words, once an item has been found to be covered within the meaning of 'income', the same shall have necessarily to be classified in distinct heads of income and computations of tax would be made accordingly. Since the definition of income is an inclusive one, it is not necessary as well as not practical that each item of income is clearly and distinctly spelt out in charging provisions of distinct heads of income. We also find that the provisions of Sec.28 specify the income which shall be chargeable to Income Tax under the heads 'Profits and Gains of business or Profession'. The sub- clause (i) provides that profits and gains of business or profession which was being carried on by the assessee at any time during the previous year shall be chargeable to tax under the head 'Profits and Gains of Business or Profession'. From the scheme of the Act, it could be seen that the definition of income as provided in Sec. 2(24)(xviii) is of widest amplitude and it is an inclusive definition and not an exhaustive definition. The scope of total income includes all types of income that is received or that accrues or arises to the assessee. The income has to be divided into five distinct heads one of which is 'Profits and Gains of Business or Profession'. In our considered opinion, when the definition of income is not exhaustive one, it is not necessary that to tax the income, corresponding amendment should have been made in Sec.28 of the Act.
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd.
:: 18 ::
The argument that the amendment is not a substantive amendment is not correct and we do not concur with this argument.
It could also be observed that even before this amendment, the subsidy was not specifically spelt out in Sec.28 yet the subsidies which were of revenue in nature were always brought to tax under the head 'Profits and Gains of Business or Profession' and capital receipts were held to be non-taxable considering the 'purpose test' as laid down by Hon'ble Supreme Court in various case laws. The revenue subsidies were so brought to tax under the head 'Profits and Gains of Business or Profession' on the reasoning that subsidies primarily arose to the assessee while conducting its business and the same was to be treated as per the provisions as applicable to computation of Income under the head 'Profits and Gains of Business or Profession'. The subsidies, in our opinion, in all such cases were covered under the provisions of Sec. 28 (i) itself i.e., the 'profits and gains of any business or profession which was carried on by the assessee at any time during the year'. This being the case, the logical conclusion that would follow would be that after amendment of the definition of 'income, there was no separate requirement of bringing corresponding amendment to Sec.28 since clause (i) was wide enough or in fact, was already governing the treatment of such subsidies. Therefore, the argument of Ld. AR that there should be corresponding amendment in the charging provisions before an item could be brought to tax is not acceptable. These arguments stand rejected.
Upon perusal of amendment, we find that the effect of amendment made in Sec.2(24) by Finance Act 2015 w.e.f. 01.04.2016 by way of insertion of Clause (xviii) would be that income would include any assistance in the form of a subsidy or grant or cash incentive or duty drawback or waiver or concession or reimbursement (by whatever name called) by the Central Government or a State Government or any authority or body or agency in cash or kind to the assessee other than the subsidy or grant or reimbursement which is taken into account for determination of the actual cost of the asset in accordance with the provisions of Explanation 10 to clause (1) of section 43. The effect of the amendment, in our considered opinion, was that various concessions etc. provided by specified authorities either in cash or in kind by whatever name called will be included within the meaning of term 'income' and consequently, the same would be taxable under the Act. The phrase by whatever name called captures the essence of the amendment as brought out by the legislatures and the same in crystal clear terms expresses the intention of the legislatures. In our opinion, the distinction being hitherto created by judicial decisions between capital receipts and revenue receipts was done away by this amendment
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 19 ::
and the earlier case laws holding the field would cease to apply after the amendment. The intention of legislature was to bring to tax all kinds of subsidies irrespective of their nature, manner of receipt and the agency from which it was received. The only exception provided is that in case the said concessions were taken into account to determine the actual cost of an asset in terms of Explanation 10 to clause (1) to Section 43, the same would not be separately taxable since in such a case, the quantum of depreciation would be reduced. In all the other cases, irrespective of nomenclature or the manner in which the same are given, such concessions would always form part of income of the assessee notwithstanding the 'purpose' or objective of the scheme or whether the same was in capital field or in revenue field. This amendment has, thus, taken away the distinction between capital receipts and revenue receipts or the 'purpose test' as laid down by Hon'ble Apex Court in various decisions. The amended definition provide that all sorts of assistance received by an assessee from the specified persons, irrespective of its nature as capital or revenue, shall be taxable as income of the assessee unless the same falls in the exclusion category. In such a situation, the relevant case laws as cited by Ld. AR in support of the argument that 'purpose test' must be followed are to be disregarded and it was to be held that those case laws would have no application after the aforesaid amendment. We concur with the stand of Ld. CIT-DR, in this regard.
In view of the foregoing, the amount of subsidies as received by the assessee has rightly been brought to tax by Ld. AO in the assessment order. Ground No.6 and all its sub-grounds as raised by the assessee, stand dismissed."
6.6 Considering the above amendment to section 2(24) of the Act and
decision of this Tribunal (supra), we are of the view that the decision
rendered in assessee’s own case for AY 2013-14 is no longer applicable,
due to change in position of law. We are therefore of the view that the
lower authorities had rightly taxed the impugned subsidy as income of the
assessee. Accordingly, this ground of the assessee stands dismissed.
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 20 ::
Ground No. 6 raised by the assessee relates to disallowance of
royalty payable to the Government on limestone excavation. According to
the AO, the royalty paid to the Government on limestone excavation was
subject to the rigors of Section 43B of the Act and was deductible only on
actual payment basis. The AO observed that, the provisions of Sec. 43B
covers “Any sum payable by way of tax, duty, cess or fee, by whatever
name called under any law for the time being in force” and that the
amount provided for in the books of account as per the demand made
under the Mines and Mineral (Development Regulation) Act was subject to
Section 43B of the Act. The AO noted that, the assessee had provided an amount of ₹13,25,77,002/- towards sum payable to National Mineral Fund
under the Mines and Mineral (Development Regulation) Act, which
remained unpaid upto the date of filing of ROI. The AO further observed that, the assessee had paid an amount of ₹98,86,737/- relating to earlier
years before due date of filing the ROI. The AO is accordingly found to have made net disallowance of ₹12,26,90,265/- [13,25,77,002 -
98,86,737] u/s 43B of the Act. On appeal, though the Ld. CIT(A) in
principal upheld the action of the AO, but he observed that, the assessee
had furnished details/evidence showing that, a further sum of ₹8,36,64,107/- relating to amount(s) disallowed in earlier years, was
paid/reversed during the year, pursuant to the Notification dt. 17th
September, 2015 issued by Ministry of Mines, Government of India
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:: 21 ::
reducing the quantum of royalty payable. The Ld. CIT(A) accordingly
allowed further deduction of ₹8,36,64,107/- u/s 43B of the Act and
thereby confirmed net disallowance of ₹3,90,26,158/- [12,26,90,265 -
8,36,64,107]. The relevant findings of the Ld. CIT(A) taken note of by us,
is as under:-
“10. Disallowance u/s 43B:
10.1. As Per the financials, the assessee has claimed an amount of Rs. 11425.73 lakhs as Royalty payment payable to the Government and the limestone excavated. It is noted that this payment includes an amount of Rs. 13,25,77,002/- as provision payable to National Mineral Fund under The Mines and Mineral (Development Regulation) Act. Out of this provision, an amount of Rs.98,86,737/- was paid before due date of filing the ROI. However, balance provision of Rs. 12,26,90,265/- were not paid to the Government. The assessee argued that disputes were going on before the legal forums on the said levy, therefore the payment was delayed till finality was reached on the amount demanded by the Government, and therefore, the provision is an allowable deduction.
10.2. Whereas, the provisions of sec 43B covers Any sum payable by way of tax, duty, cess or fee, by whatever name called under any law for the time being in force. Therefore, the amount provided for in the books of account as per the demand made under The Mines and Mineral (Development Regulation) Act is squarely covered and the same is disallowed u/s.43B.
10.3. The assessee also submitted that out of total sum of Rs. 24,47,24,383/- (Rs.4,45,52,003/- from AY 2015-16; Rs.20,01,72,380)net disallowed amount brought forward from previous asst year 2015-16/2016-17, a sum of Rs. 8,36,64,107/- was paid/reversed due to the Notification dt. 17th September, 2015 by Ministry of Mines, Government of India reducing the Royalty payable. The copy of the GO was also produced for verification. Accordingly, the disallowance for the current asst year 2017-18 is worked out as follows:
Provision of Current year to be disallowed = Rs. 12,26,90,265
Less: Allowance of payment wrt AY 2015-16/16-17 = Rs. 8,36,64,107
Disallowance : Rs.3,90,26,158/-
7.1 Aggrieved by the above action of the Ld. CIT(A) partly confirming
the disallowance made by the AO, the assessee is now in appeal before
us.
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 22 ::
7.2 Heard both the parties. Though the Ld. AR appearing for the
assessee vehemently contended in support of this ground, but was neither
able to controvert the above findings of the Ld. CIT(A) nor was he able to
show as to why the royalty payable to government under the Mines and
Mineral (Development Regulation) Act cannot be subject to the provisions
of Section 43B of the Act. We thus see no reason to interfere with the
impugned action of the Ld. CIT(A), which we confirm, and dismiss this
ground of appeal of assessee.
Ground No.7 raised by the assessee is against the Ld. CIT(A)’s
action of confirming the addition made by the AO on account of the provision set aside for leave encashment of ₹1514.47 Lakhs, while
assessing the book profit u/s 115JB of the Act. Briefly stated the facts of
the case are that the assessee had provided for the leave encashment in
terms of the mandatory Accounting Standards -15 issued by the Institute
of Chartered Accountants of India. It is seen that, the AO had invoked
Section 43B(f) and disallowed the provision for leave encashment, both
while computing income under normal provisions as well as the book profit
u/s 115JB of the Act. On appeal the Ld. CIT(A) confirmed the action of the
AO. Being aggrieved the assessee is now in appeal before us.
8.1 The Ld. AR argued before us that, though in view of the decision of
Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Exide Industries Ltd Vs CIT (425
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 23 ::
ITR 1) the provision for leave encashment was allowable only on
payment basis u/s 43B(f), while computing income under normal
provisions, but according to him, the provisions of Section 43B(f) cannot
be imported while computing book profit u/s Section 115JB of the Act. He
submitted that, the book profit is required to be computed in accordance
with the manner laid down in Explanation (1) to Section 115JB and that
no addition/deletion can be made, except as provided in the clauses
contained in Explanation (1) to Section 115JB. He explained that, only
provision for unascertained liabilities is required to be added back under
clause (c) of the Explanation to section 115JB(2) and that the impugned
provision for leave encashment being in the nature of ascertained liability,
could not have been added back while computing book profit u/s 115JB of
the Act. In this regard, he relied upon the following decisions:-
(i) Bharat earth movers v CIT (211 ITR 684) (SC)
(ii) CIT –vs.- HCL Comnet Systems & Services Ltd.
(2008) 305 ITR 409 (SC)
(iii) CIT v. Ilpea Paramount (P.) Ltd. [2010] 192
Taxman 65 (Delhi)
(iv) CIT v. National Hydro Electric Power Corpn. Ltd.
[2010] 45 DTR 117 (Punj. & Har.)
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 24 ::
(v) Eastern Power Distribution Co. of AP Ltd Vs ACIT
(139 TTJ 94)
8.2 Per contra, the Ld. DR supported the order of the lower authorities.
8.3 Having heard the rival submissions and after perusal of the material
placed before us, we agree with the first contention of the Ld. AR that,
Section 115JB being a code in itself, the provisions of Section 43B which is
applicable for computing income under the head ‘Profits & Gains of
Business’ cannot be imported into the computation mechanism set out in
Explanation (1) to Section 115JB of the Act. Rather, the AO is required to
ascertain whether the impugned provision can be added back or not,
under any of the specified clauses set out in Explanation (1) to Section
115JB of the Act. We find that the lower authorities have not examined
this aspect at all and on similar facts, this Tribunal had set aside the issue
back to the file of the AO in the earlier year(s) to decide the matters
afresh. Respectfully following the same, we set aside the issue back to the
file of the AO and direct him to decide the allowability of the impugned
provision while computing book profit u/s 115JB de novo, and in light of
Explanation (1) to Section 115JB of the Act alone. Needless to say, the
assessee shall be afforded opportunity to substantiate that, the provision
for leave encashment was in the nature of ascertained liability or not. This
ground is therefore allowed for statistical purposes.
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 25 ::
Ground No.8 raised by the assessee relates to disallowance of
interest paid on belated TDS, while computing book profit u/s 115JB of the
Act. The AO is found to have observed that, since the assessee had added
back the interest on TDS under normal computation, similar addition was
to be made while computing book profit u/s 115JB of the Act. The AO
accordingly added back the interest paid on TDS of Rs.5,42,483/- u/s
115JB of the Act. The action of the AO is found to have been confirmed by
the Ld. CIT(A). Aggrieved, the assessee is now in appeal before us.
9.1 Heard both the parties. The Ld. AR, at the outset, pointed out that,
the impugned issue stands covered in assessee’s favour by the decision
rendered by the coordinate Bench in their own case vide order dated
18.8.2021 (supra), and the relevant Para 23.4 is noted to read as under:
“23.4 We have heard both the parties, perused materials available on record. As per explanation (2), income tax shall include any interest charged under this act, and hence interest on income tax shall alone be added back and explanation 1(a) to section 115 JB of the act. Admittedly TDs is not an income tax of the assessee. It is a tax deducted at source in respect of income of a 3rd party, therefore TDs cannot be considered as income tax payable by the assessee on its income therefore any interest paid on belated remittance of TDs also in the nature of expenditure deductible under the act and hence same cannot be added back to book profits computed under section 115 JB of the Act.”
Following the above, the interest of ₹5,42,483/- paid for belated 9.2
deposit of TDS is allowed as deduction while assessing book profit u/s
115JB of the Act. This ground is accordingly allowed.
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 26 ::
Ground No.9 raised by the assessee is against the disallowance of
deduction u/s. 80IA of the Act. The facts concerning this issue are that,
the assessee owns and operates two captive power generating unit(s), a
Windmill located at Kayathar and a Waste Heat Recovery Plant (WHRP)
situated at Vishnupuram and the electricity generated by these units is
consumed entirely by the assessee’s own manufacturing units. These
power generating units qualified as 'eligible unit' engaged in the business
of generation of power under section 80-IA(4)(iv) of the Act. The assessee
accordingly prepared stand-alone accounts of said eligible unit in terms of
Section 80-IA(5)/(7) of the Act. As the power generated by these eligible
units assessee was actively consumed by the manufacturing unit, such
transfer of power qualified as a reportable specified domestic transaction
in terms of Section 80-IA(8) read with Section 92BA of the Act. The
transfer pricing auditor duly reported this intra-unit transfer in Form 3CEB
filed for AY 2020-21 and the said specified domestic transaction was
benchmarked following the Comparable Uncontrolled Price Method
[hereinafter referred to as CUP]. While undertaking the benchmarking
exercise, the non-eligible unit was taken as the 'tested party' and the
transfer price of power supplied by the eligible units to the manufacturing
unit was benchmarked at the annual average of the landed cost at which
power was being supplied by the respective State Electricity Boards to the
manufacturing unit(s). Having regard to the transfer price so determined,
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 27 ::
the assessee computed the profits derived from the generation and supply of electricity from these units at ₹6,79,51,564/- for the Kayathar Windmill and ₹21,77,10,267/- for the Vishnupuram WHRP. During the course of
assessment proceedings, the AO referred the matter of computation of
arm's length price of power units transferred to manufacturing units to the
TPO. The TPO in the assessment framed u/s 92CA(3) of the Act did not
agree with the benchmarking exercise adopted by the Assessee. Instead,
the TPO followed the same approach as followed by his predecessor in AY
2013-14, where the rate prescribed by the respective State Electricity
Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) — namely, Tamil Nadu Electricity
Regulatory Commission (TNERC) and Andhra Pradesh Electricity
Regulatory Commission (APERC) — for the purchase of electricity by the
State Electricity Boards was adopted. Accordingly, the TPO re-calculated the allowable deduction under Section 80-IA by adopting rate of ₹3.53 per unit as per power generating tariff notified by TNERC, and ₹3.44 per unit
as per the Notification of APERC. By adopting these reduced transfer
price(s), the TPO re-computed the profits of the respective undertakings
and concluded that both units — at Vishnupuram and Kayathar — had
actually incurred loss and therefore disallowed the entire deduction
claimed u/s 80-IA of the Act. It is seen that, the Ld. CIT(A) had upheld
the findings of the TPO and confirmed the disallowance of the deduction
claimed under Section 80-IA, by holding as under:-
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 28 ::
“On perusal of the details submitted by the Assessee, it is noted that the Assessee owns as windmill at Kayathar and Waste Heat Recovery Plant at Vishunupuram. The profits derived from these units, being Rs.6,79,51,564/- and Rs.21,77,10,267/- respectively, were claimed to be eligible for deduction u/s.80IA. It is noted that the Assessee adopted free market rate per unit of electricity for arriving at the profits of the undertaking. The issue is elaborately discussed in the earlier assessment year viz Assessment year 2013-14. The TPO, adopted the rate prescribed by TNERC and APERC respectively and reduced the allowable deduction under Section 80IA.
10.1 Aggrieved by the above order, the assessee is now in appeal before
us.
10.2 Before us, the Ld. Counsel for the assessee, contended that the
issue stands squarely covered by the decision of this Tribunal in the
assessee's own case for AY 2018-19 by this Tribunal in IT(TP)A No.
66/Chny/2022, vide order dated 31.05.2023. On perusal of this order of
the Tribunal, which is placed at Pages 17–20 of the paper book, we notice
that, similar type of downward TP adjustment was made for Assessment
Year 2018-19 for the transfer value of power by the CPP to the
manufacturing unit of the assessing. This Tribunal in IT(TP)A No.
66/Chny/2022, vide order dated 31.05.2023, after considering the
arguments of both the sides and following the settled judicial precedents,
decided in favour of assessee observing as follows:-
“7. We have heard both the parties, perused materials available on record and gone through orders of the authorities below. We find that an identical issue has been considered by the Tribunal in assessee’s own case for assessment year 2013-14 in ITA No. 737/Chny/2018, where the Tribunal under identical set of facts and also by following certain judicial precedents, including the decision of Hon’ble High Court of Bombay in
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the case of CIT vs Reliance Industries Ltd (Supra) held that while computing deduction u/s. 80IA of the Act for power generation companies for captive consumption, the rate charged by electricity distribution companies to its consumers should be considered instead of rate at which the power generating companies supply power to the electricity distribution companies. The relevant findings are as under:
“18.5 We have heard both the parties, perused materials available on record and gone through orders of the authorities below. We find that an identical issue has been considered by the Tribunal in assessee's own case for assessment year 2011-12 in ITA No.2412/Chny/2019 dated 12.12.2019, where the Tribunal under identical set of facts by following certain judicial precedents including the decision of Hon'ble Bombay High Court in the case of Reliance Industries Ltd., and the decision of Hon'ble Chhattisgarh High Court in the case of M/s.Godavari Power and Ispat Ltd., supra held that while computing deduction u/s.80IA for generation of power for captive consumption, the rate at which electricity board supply power to its consumers should be considered instead of the rate at which the power generating companies supply its power to the electricity board. The relevant findings of the Tribunal are as under:-
"31. We have considered the rival submission and perused the materials available on record.
A perusal of the facts in the present case clearly shows that the assessee has been captively consuming the electricity generated from its wind mill as also the Heat Waste Recovery Treatment Plant. Admittedly, the assessee is entitled to the deduction u/s.80IA of the Act in respect of the electricity generated and consumed. This is not in dispute. The dispute has risen for computing the deduction u/s.80IA of the Act. The issue admittedly is covered by the decision of the Co-ordinate Bench of this Tribunal in the case of Sri Velayudhaswamy Spinning Mills Vs Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax referred to supra and as also the decision in the case of Eveready Spinning Mills vs. Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax referred to supra. A similar view has also been taken in the case of M/s. Saranya Textiles vs. The Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax, wherein one of us is a party. This view of ours is also supported by the decision of the Hon'ble Gujarat High Court in the case of Commissioner of Income Tax vs. Gujarat Alkalies Chemicals Limited reported in 395 ITR 247(Guj.), wherein it has been held that the deduction u/s.80IA was allowable to the for generation of power for captive consumption and that the rate of power generation at which the
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electricity board supplied power to its consumers rather than the rate at which the power generating companies supply its power to the electricity board was to be taken as the price. Further, this view has been supported by the decision of the Hon'ble Bombay High Court in the case of Commissioner of Income Tax vs. Reliance Industries Limited and as also the decision of the Hon'ble Chhattisgarh High Court in the case of Godavari power and Ispat Limited reported in [2014] 42 Taxman.com 551 (Chhattisgarh). As it is noticed that the learned CIT(A) has followed judicial discipline by following the decision of this Tribunal in the case of Sri Velayudhaswamy Spinning Mills Vs Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax and Eveready Spinning Mills vs. Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax referred to supra, as it is noticed this view has also been approved by the Hon'ble High Courts referred to supra, we find no error in the order of the learned CIT(A) which calls for any interference. It may be mentioned here that the deduction u/s.80IA is the deduction from the total income of the assessee the profits and gains of an eligible undertakings. The Hon'ble Gujarat High Court has categorically admitted that the deduction u/s.80IA is permissible for captive consumption and even the rate at which the deduction is to be computed. Consequently, the issue is held in favour of the assessee and against the Revenue."
18.6 In the present case, the facts are identical with that of the facts considered by the Tribunal in earlier year. The CIT(A) after considering relevant facts and also by following the decision of the ITAT, Chennai in the case of Eveready Spinning Mills (P) Ltd., vs. ACIT, (2012) 17 taxmann.com 254 and the decision in the case of Shri Velayudhaswamy Spinning Mills (P) Ltd., vs. DCIT, (2012) 19 taxmann.com 28 has deleted additions made by the AO by holding that market value of the power captively consumed should be computed considering the rate of power to a consumer in the open market and it should not be compared with the rate of power at which power could have been sold to SEBs because this is not the rate for which a consumer could have purchased power in the open market. Therefore, we are of the considered view that there is no error in the finding recorded by the ld.CIT(A) to delete additions made by the AO towards TP adjustment on deduction claimed u/s.80IA of the Act. Hence, we reject the ground taken by the Revenue."
In this view of the matter and consistent with view taken by the coordinate bench, we are of the considered view that the DRP has completely erred in sustaining the additions made by the Assessing
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 31 ::
Officer towards downward adjustment to the transactions of inter unit transfer of power from captive power generating unit to the assessee company. Thus, we direct the Assessing Officer to delete additions made towards TP adjustment in respect of deduction claimed u/s. 80IA of the Act.”
10.3 We find that the decision of the Tribunal in the assessee's own case
for the assessment year 2018-19 is squarely applicable to the present
case on hand. We, therefore, respectfully following the decision of the
Tribunal in the assessee's own case for the assessment year 2018-19, set
aside the order of the lower authority, uphold the benchmark analysis
undertaken by the assessee and delete the downward transfer pricing
adjustment and allow this ground raised by the assessee.
Ground No.10 raised by the assessee is against the addition made
by the AO u/s 68 of the Act, in respect of deposit of Specified Bank Notes [in short ‘SBNs’] to the extent of ₹41,06,000/- during the period of
November-December 2016. The facts relating to this issue are that, the
during the Demonetization period, the assessee had deposited an amount of ₹76,21,000/- by way of SBNs and the assessee claimed that an amount of ₹41,06,000/- was collected as non-permitted cash receipts. The AO
treated the impugned sum as unexplained cash credit and added it to the
income of the assessee u/s 68 of the Act. On appeal, the CIT (A) confirmed the addition of ₹41,06,000/-holding as under:
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 32 ::
“Hence, I am constrained to conclude that the above cash deposits were held by the Assessee as on 08.11.2016 outside the books of account. After demonetisation announcement, the Assessee brought in the same in the books of account claiming as cash received from the borrower cash collection. Accordingly the cash deposits of Rs.41,06,000/- which was collected as non- permitted receipts is treated as unexplained cash credit and added as income of the Assessee under Section 68. It is tobe noted that the unexplained cash credit of Rs.41,06,000/- is taxed @ 60% without set off of any loss or deduction as per provisions of Section 115BBE of the Act. The assessment of Rs.41,06,000/- is confirmed.
11.1 Heard both the parties. The assessee is found to have explained
before the lower authorities, that the impugned amount represented
repayment of loans (advances) by employees who were travelling across
various locations on the date of notification of demonetization, who had
returned the advances inter alia comprising of SBNs later on. The Ld. AR
submitted that, for a company of the size of the assessee, with a turnover
of ₹5794 Crores and sales spread all across India, the amount of
advances returned by the employees cannot be considered as
unreasonably high. The Ld. AR argued that, if the employees chose to
return the advances, wherein some SBN notes are involved, the Company
cannot be considered as responsible or trying to spin off SBNs obtained
illegally. The assessee explained that, the owners of such advances were
employees but not the assessee and as the source has been explained,
which is in the course of normal business, the same cannot be added u/s
68 r/w Sec. 115BBE of the Act. .
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 33 ::
11.2 We have heard both the parties and perused the material placed
before us. We find that the assessee is not disputing the fact that, they
were in receipt of non-permitted cash receipts subsequent to
demonetization. Rather, it is the assessee’s plea that, since the source of
such receipt has been explained, the same cannot be added back u/s 68
of the Act. Before adjudicating the issue as to whether deposit of non-
permitted cash receipts can be viewed adversely for income-tax purposes
or not, according to us, the assessee is first required to establish the
source of such receipts and whether the same is sufficiently explained or
not, in terms of Section 68 of the Act. The assessee has claimed that, the
impugned amount represented advances which were returned by
travelling employees. We however find that no details/evidence has been
furnished to substantiate the same. In order to justify their claim, the
assessee ought to provide the names, details of the employees, the dates
on which advances were given to them, evidence that they were travelling
on the date of demonetization, confirmation of accounts from them etc.
We however find that, no such details were either furnished before the
lower authorities or before us. Hence, in fitness of the matters, we
consider it fit to remit the matter back to the AO with direction to the
assessee to submit necessary details/evidences to substantiate the source
of these non-permitted cash receipts. The details/evidences mentioned in
the foregoing are only illustrative and the assessee is free to produce any
ITA No.2174/Chny/2024 (AY 2017-18) M/s. The India Cements Ltd. :: 34 :: other details, as it considers fit. The AO may also make independent enquiries from the employee(s), if so desired. This ground is accordingly allowed for statistical purposes.
In the result, appeal filed by the assessee is partly allowed.
Order pronounced on the 02nd day of January, 2026, in Chennai. Sd/- Sd/- (जगदीश) (एबी टी. वक�) (JAGADISH) (ABY T. VARKEY) �ाियक सद�/JUDICIAL MEMBER लेखा सद�/ACCOUNTANT MEMBER चे�ई/Chennai, िदनांक/Dated: 02nd January, 2026. TLN आदेश की �ितिलिप अ�ेिषत/Copy to: 1. अपीलाथ�/Appellant 2. ��थ�/Respondent 3. आयकरआयु"/CIT, Chennai / Madurai / Salem / Coimbatore. 4. िवभागीय�ितिनिध/DR 5. गाड'फाईल/GF