SANISH GUPTA,NEW DELHI vs. DCIT, NEW DELHI

At the time of hearing, it was seen that both the appeals have been decided ex-parte by the Ld. CIT(A). due to non appearance by the respective assessees. The Learned counsel for the assessee submitted that the counsel who was appointed to look after the appeal matters did not appear before the CIT(A) nor intimated the assessee about the notice of hearing. He submitted that although assessee has not taken any action against the concerned counsel by referring the matter to the disciplinary committee of the ICAI, however, his payment has been stopped. He submitted that in the interest of justice the respective assessees should be given an opportunity to substantiate their case.

The Ld. DR, on the other hand, strongly opposed the arguments advanced by the Ld. Counsel for the assessee. He submitted that the Ld.CIT(A) has passed detailed orders while sustaining the addition made by the A.O. Therefore, the order of the Ld.CIT(A) should be upheld and the grounds raised by the assessees should be dismissed.

I have considered the rival arguments made by both the sides and perused the material available on record. It is an admitted fact that due to non-appearance by the respective assessees before the CIT(A), he has decided the appeal ex-parte and sustained the addition made by the A.O by passing detailed order. It is the submission of the Ld. Counsel for the assessee that given an opportunity the assessees are in a position to substantiate their cases. Considering the totality of the facts of the case and in the interest of justice I deem it proper to restore both the appeals to the file of the CIT(A) for deciding the issue afresh and in accordance with law after giving due opportunity of being heard to the assessee. The respective assessees are also hereby directed to appear before the Ld.CIT(A) and not seek any adjournment under any pretext. The appeals filed by the respective assessees are accordingly allowed for statistical purpose.