Facts
The AO made an ex-parte addition of Rs. 12,48,500/- as unexplained cash deposits in a bank account under Section 144 for AY 2012-13, which was sustained by the CIT(A). The assessee appealed, claiming non-receipt of notices led to non-compliance.
Held
The tribunal observed that the assessee had not responded to notices issued by lower authorities. Accepting the assessee's contention about non-receipt of notices, the tribunal remanded the case back to the AO to decide the issues afresh after providing a proper opportunity of being heard.
Key Issues
Validity of reassessment proceedings and addition of unexplained cash deposits, along with the charging of interest, given the assessee's claim of non-receipt of notices.
Sections Cited
144, 147, 151, 234A, 234B, 234C
AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below
Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, DELHI BENCH “SMC”, NEW DELHI
Before: SHRI SHAMIM YAHYA,
The Assessee has filed the instant Appeal against the Order of the Ld. CIT(Appeal)/NFAC, Delhi dated 31.10.2023, relating to assessment year 2012-13 on the following grounds:- 1. That having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case, Ld. CIT(A) has erred in law and on facts in confirming the action of the AO in framing the impugned reassessment order u/s. 144/147 and that too without assuming jurisdiction as per law and without complying with the mandatory conditions u/s. 147 to 151 as envisaged under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
2. That having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case, Ld. CIT(A) has erred in law and on facts in confirming the addition of Rs. 12,48,500/- as unexplained by recording incorrect facts and findings and without observing the principles of natural justice.
3. That having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case, Ld. CIT(A) has erred in law and on facts in confirming the addition of Rs. 12,48,500/- as unexplained when the deposit in bank account is out of genuine sources.
That having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case, Ld. CIT(A) has erred in law and on facts of the case in not reversing the action of AO in charging interest u/s. 234A, 234B and 234C of the Act.
In this case, AO passed an exparte order u/s. 144 of the Act by making the addition of Rs. 12,48,500/- being cash deposits in bank which remained unexplained.
Upon assessee’s appeal, Ld. CIT(A) sustained the addition.
4. Against the Ld. CIT(A)’s order, assessee is in appeal before me.
I have heard both the parties and perused the records. I note that both the lower authorities viz. AO as well as CIT(A) noted that assessee has not responded to the notices. Ld. Counsel for the assessee pleaded that the notices from the revenue authorities did not reach the assessee, which lead to the non- compliance, hence, he prayed that assessee may be given an opportunity before the AO to properly canvass the case. Ld. DR did not object the aforesaid proposition. 5.1 After considering the aforesaid factual matrix, I am of the considered view, that interest of justice will be served, if the issues in dispute are remitted back to the file of the AO with the directions to decide the same afresh, after giving adequate opportunity of being heard to the assessee. I hold and direct accordingly. 2 | P a g e