M/S BOMBAY HARDWARE P LTD,CHENNAI vs. ACIT CORPORATE CIRCLE 1 (2), CHENNAI

This appeal of the assessee is directed against the order of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) -3, Chennai, dated 30.11.2017 and pertains to assessment year 2012-13.

The only issue arises for consideration is addition of ₹5,81,835/-.

Shri S. Sridhar, the Ld.counsel for the assessee, submitted that the Assessing Officer found sales to the extent of ₹31,42,30,525/- on verification of unit-wise sales. The Assessing Officer has also found on verification of break-up of the actual sales at ₹31,48,12,360/-. Therefore, according to the Ld. counsel, the Assessing Officer found that the sale was reduced to the extent of ₹5,81,835/-. The assessee filed reconciliation statement before the Assessing Officer as well as the CIT(Appeals). The CIT(Appeals), however, according to the Ld. counsel, has not considered the reconciliation statement filed by the assessee.

We heard Shri V.M. Mahidar, the Ld. Departmental Representative, also. On perusal of the order of the CIT(Appeals), it appears that the CIT(Appeals) has not re-appreciated the material available on record. The CIT(Appeals) has simply recorded a statement that since it is a factual finding of the Assessing Officer, he is not inclined to interfere with the reasoning of the Assessing Officer. This Tribunal is of the considered opinion that the CIT(Appeals) has to re-appreciate the material available on record including the reconciliation statement filed by the assessee. The power of the CIT(Appeals) under the scheme of Income-tax Act is very significant. In other words, the CIT(Appeals) has the power coterminous as that of the Assessing Officer. Moreover, he is conferred with the power of enhancing the assessment. Moreover, the Assessing Officer has decided on factual aspect. This does not empower the CIT(Appeals) to disown his responsibility cast upon him under the scheme of the Income-tax Act.

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