BHAVESH P. GANDHI,MUMBAI vs. ACIT CEN CIR 38, MUMBAI

These are the appeals filed by the assessee against the order of CIT(A)-54, Mumbai dated 08/07/2016 for A.Y.2008-09, 2011-12 and 2012-13, in the matter of order passed u/s.143(3) of the IT Act.

Rival contentions have been heard and record perused. There is marginal delay in filing appeals. After going through the reasons for delay and the affidavit filed in support of it, we are convinced that there was a reasonable cause for delay. In the substantial interest of justice, we condone the delay and appeals are being heard for adjudicating on merit.

The facts of the case for A.Y.2008-09 are that the assessee had filed original return on 18.09.2008 declaring total income of Rs. 1,37,65,300/-. The same was processed u/s 143(1) of the Act on 27.03.2010 assessing total income at Rs. 1,37,65,300/-. The assessment u/s 143(3) of the Act was completed on 08.12.2010 assessing total income at Rs. 1,37,65,298/-. Subsequently search & seizure action was carried out u/s 132 of the Act on 12.10.2011 on M/s Pipavav Defence.

By the impugned order CIT(A) confirmed the action of the AO against which assessee in further appeal before us.

It was argued by learned AR that AO has not considered judicial pronouncements of the jurisdictional High Court in case of Tip Top Typography 368 ITR 330.

We have considered rival contentions and carefully gone through the orders of the authorities below and found that addition pertains to estimation of rateable value in respect of the joint property at Sagar Villa. The assessee along with his father - Mr. Prataprai Gandhi, sister-in-law Mrs. Neha Nikhil Gandhi & spouse - Mrs. Rupali B. Gandhi, are joint owners in equal proportion in the said property. The property in question was fully occupied by the assessee's father-in-law, as self-occupied property and the assessee was not let out the same.

Learned AR placed on record the order of the Tribunal in case of another family member in and 6578/Mum/2016 for the very same assessment year 2010-11 and 2011-12 order dated Mr. Bhavesh P Gandhi 08/10/2017, wherein under similar facts and circumstances, the Tribunal has restored the matter back to the file of the AO after having the following observation. “We have considered the rival submission of the parties and have noted that the AO while framing the assessment order made the addition under the head 'Income from House Property' on the basis of estimation. The Assessing officer has not made any independent enquiry before making the addition. The order passed by assessing officer is not in accordance with the provisions of section 23 of the Act. Thus, considering the facts of the case and the submission of both the parties, the ground of appeal raised by assessee is restored to the file of AO with the direction to pass the order afresh after considering the decision of jurisdictional High Court in case of CIT vs. Tip Top Typography (supra). Needless to say that before passing the order, the AO shall grant opportunity of hearing to the assessee.”