BABUGARI KAREEM BASHA,KURNOOL vs. INCOME TAX OFFICER, WARD-1, NANDYAL

Facts

The assessee, an individual, failed to file a return of income for AY 2014-15. Notices under Section 147 and 142(1) were issued due to reasons to believe income had escaped assessment, but the assessee did not respond. The Assessing Officer treated a large sum credited to the assessee's bank account as unexplained money under Section 69A.

Held

The Tribunal held that the assessee failed to demonstrate 'sufficient cause' for the inordinate delay of 314 days in filing the appeal. The assessee's conduct was deemed casual and negligent, lacking in bona fides, and therefore, the delay could not be condoned.

Key Issues

Whether the delay in filing the appeal before the Tribunal can be condoned without sufficient cause and reasonable explanation, given the assessee's lack of diligence and response.