DCIT, CENTRAL CIR-1, TRICHY vs. U. ARUN BALAJI, TRICHY

These appeals of the Revenue are directed against the respective orders of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), Chennai/Salem/Madurai/Coimbatore. In some of the cases, the assessees have also filed cross-objections against the orders of the CIT(Appeals). We heard the appeals of the Revenue and the cross- objections filed by the assessee together and disposing the same by this common order.

On hearing the Ld. Departmental Representative, we find that the tax effect in these cases is less than `50 lakhs. The CBDT in its Circular No.17/2019 dated 08.08.2019 increased the monetary limit for filing appeal before this Tribunal and instructed its officers to withdraw all the appeals pending before the ITAT where the tax effect is less than `50 lakhs. This Tribunal is of the considered opinion that this Circular of CBDT is binding on the officers of the Department. Therefore, the Revenue cannot proceed further in these appeals. Accordingly, these appeals stand dismissed. The cross-objections filed by the assessees also stand dismissed.

In the result, the appeals of the Revenue and the cross- objections of the assessees stand dismissed.