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Facts
The appeals by the Revenue and the cross-objection by the assessee pertained to assessment years 2012-13, 2013-14, and 2014-15. The core dispute revolved around whether the assessee had commenced its business operations, impacting the disallowance of various expenses claimed by the assessee. The Assessing Officer reopened the assessment, disallowing significant business expenses on the grounds that the business had not commenced. This issue had a history in prior assessment years.
Held
The Tribunal upheld the CIT(A)'s deletion of additions related to business expenses, citing consistent findings in favor of the assessee in previous assessment years, including AY 2011-12 and AY 2007-08, where the commencement of business was accepted. Regarding disallowance under Section 14A, the Tribunal restricted the disallowance to the extent of exempt income, following jurisdictional High Court precedents.
Key Issues
Whether the assessee had commenced its business operations, and the subsequent disallowance of business expenses. Additionally, issues regarding the validity of reassessment and disallowance of expenses under Section 14A were considered.
Sections Cited
Section 147, Section 143(3), Section 148, Section 139, Section 14A, Rule 8D
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Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, MUMBAI BENCH “E” MUMBAI
Before: SHRI OM PRAKASH KANT & SHRI RAJ KUMAR CHAUHAN
The captioned appeal The captioned appeals by the Revenue for assessment year by the Revenue for assessment years 2012-12, 2013-14 and 2014 14 and 2014-15 and cross-objection of the assessee objection of the assessee for assessment year 2012 for assessment year 2012-13 are directed against separate orders 13 are directed against separate orders passed by the Ld. Commissioner of Income passed by the Ld. Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) tax (Appeals) – National Faceless Appeal Centre, Faceless Appeal Centre, Delhi [in short ‘the Ld. CIT(A)’]. In these Delhi [in short ‘the Ld. CIT(A)’]. In these appeals and cross-objection, common issue in dispute objection, common issue in dispute is involved, objection, common issue in dispute therefore, same were heard together and disposed off by way of this same were heard together and disposed off by way of this same were heard together and disposed off by way of this consolidated order for convenience. consolidated order for convenience.
First of all, we take up the appeal First of all, we take up the appeal of the Revenue and cross of the Revenue and cross- objection of the assessee for assessment year 2012 objection of the assessee for assessment year 2012-13. The relevant 13. The relevant grounds raised by the Revenue and assessee are reproduced as grounds raised by the Revenue and assessee are reproduced as grounds raised by the Revenue and assessee are reproduced as under:
Revenue’s Grounds of Appeal Revenue’s Grounds of Appeal
1. Whether, on the facts and circumstances of the case and in 1. Whether, on the facts and circumstances of the case and in 1. Whether, on the facts and circumstances of the case and in low, the order of the CIT(A) was correct in deleting the addition the order of the CIT(A) was correct in deleting the addition the order of the CIT(A) was correct in deleting the addition on account of various expenses without appreciating that the on account of various expenses without appreciating that the on account of various expenses without appreciating that the profit of a project can be determined only when entire cost of the profit of a project can be determined only when entire cost of the profit of a project can be determined only when entire cost of the project, direct or indirect including financing cost is added to th project, direct or indirect including financing cost is added to th project, direct or indirect including financing cost is added to the value of work in progress of the project. value of work in progress of the project.
2. Whether, on the facts and circumstances of the case and in 2. Whether, on the facts and circumstances of the case and in 2. Whether, on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the order of the CIT(A) is not bad in law ignoring the fact law, the order of the CIT(A) is not bad in law ignoring the fact law, the order of the CIT(A) is not bad in law ignoring the fact that the business activity of the assessee was not commenced, that the business activity of the assessee was not commenced, that the business activity of the assessee was not commenced, hence it is not eligibl hence it is not eligible for claiming carry forward of the loss.
M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. 3 2837 & 2825/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024
3. The appellant prays that the order of the CIT (A) on the above 3. The appellant prays that the order of the CIT (A) on the above 3. The appellant prays that the order of the CIT (A) on the above grounds be set aside and that of the Assessing Officer be grounds be set aside and that of the Assessing Officer be grounds be set aside and that of the Assessing Officer be restored. Cross-objection of the Assessee: objection of the Assessee:
a. On facts & in circumstances of the case & in On facts & in circumstances of the case & in law, the learned law, the learned CIT(A) erred in upholding reopening of the assessment order CIT(A) erred in upholding reopening of the assessment order CIT(A) erred in upholding reopening of the assessment order passed u/s 250 of the Act, dated 01.02.2024 beyond 04 years passed u/s 250 of the Act, dated 01.02.2024 beyond 04 years passed u/s 250 of the Act, dated 01.02.2024 beyond 04 years from the end of the relevant Assessment Year despite there from the end of the relevant Assessment Year despite there from the end of the relevant Assessment Year despite there being no failure on the part of the assessee as envisaged i being no failure on the part of the assessee as envisaged i being no failure on the part of the assessee as envisaged in proviso to Section 147 of the Act nor there being any allegation proviso to Section 147 of the Act nor there being any allegation proviso to Section 147 of the Act nor there being any allegation to that effect in the reasons recorded for reopening the to that effect in the reasons recorded for reopening the to that effect in the reasons recorded for reopening the assessment; assessment; assessment; the the the order order order passed passed passed u/s u/s u/s 147, 147, 147, dated dated dated 28.12.2019,therefore merits being quashed. 28.12.2019,therefore merits being quashed. b. Further, the re b. Further, the re-opening proceedings, being on the basis of a on the basis of a mere change of opinion on the part of the learned AO are not mere change of opinion on the part of the learned AO are not mere change of opinion on the part of the learned AO are not legally tenable & are bad in law & therefore, for this reason too, legally tenable & are bad in law & therefore, for this reason too, legally tenable & are bad in law & therefore, for this reason too, the order passed u/s 147, dated 28.12.2019, is liable to be the order passed u/s 147, dated 28.12.2019, is liable to be the order passed u/s 147, dated 28.12.2019, is liable to be quashed.
The facts, as briefly stated, are tha The facts, as briefly stated, are that the assessee filed a return t the assessee filed a return of income for the Assessment Year 2012 of income for the Assessment Year 2012-13 on 28.09.2012, 13 on 28.09.2012, declaring a total income of declaring a total income of ₹69,22,320/- under the normal under the normal provisions of the Income provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as "the Act"). Subsequently, a scrutiny assessment under Section "the Act"). Subsequently, a scrutiny assessment under Section "the Act"). Subsequently, a scrutiny assessment under Section 143(3) of the Act was completed on 14.03.2015, determining the 143(3) of the Act was completed on 14.03.2015, determining the 143(3) of the Act was completed on 14.03.2015, determining the total income at ₹8,60,29,632/ 8,60,29,632/- under the normal provisions of the r the normal provisions of the Act and book profit at Act and book profit at ₹8,63,83,886/-.Thereafter, the Assessing .Thereafter, the Assessing Officer (AO) reopened the assessment by issuing a notice under Officer (AO) reopened the assessment by issuing a notice under Officer (AO) reopened the assessment by issuing a notice under Section 148 of the Act on 27.02.2019. In response, the assessee, by Section 148 of the Act on 27.02.2019. In response, the assessee, by Section 148 of the Act on 27.02.2019. In response, the assessee, by letter dated 20.09.2019, intim letter dated 20.09.2019, intimated that the return of income filed ated that the return of income filed earlier under Section 139 of the Act should be treated as the return earlier under Section 139 of the Act should be treated as the return earlier under Section 139 of the Act should be treated as the return in response to the notice under Section 148. Consequently, in response to the notice under Section 148. Consequently, in response to the notice under Section 148. Consequently,
M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. 4 2837 & 2825/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 statutory notices were issued, and reassessment proceedings were statutory notices were issued, and reassessment proceedings were statutory notices were issued, and reassessment proceedings were initiated. During the reas initiated. During the reassessment proceedings, the AO observed sessment proceedings, the AO observed that while the assessee claimed to be engaged in the business of that while the assessee claimed to be engaged in the business of that while the assessee claimed to be engaged in the business of real estate development, the financial records revealed income real estate development, the financial records revealed income real estate development, the financial records revealed income primarily from project management consultancy, interest on bank primarily from project management consultancy, interest on bank primarily from project management consultancy, interest on bank deposits, inter-corporate corporate dividends, dividends, and and interest interest income. income. Additionally, the AO noted a project work Additionally, the AO noted a project work-in-progress of progress of ₹110.70 crores. Based on these observations, the AO concluded that the crores. Based on these observations, the AO concluded that the crores. Based on these observations, the AO concluded that the company had not yet commenced significant business activities, company had not yet commenced significant business activities, company had not yet commenced significant business activities, apart from the initial payment fo apart from the initial payment for land acquisition and advances r land acquisition and advances made out of surplus funds to a sister concern engaged in similar made out of surplus funds to a sister concern engaged in similar made out of surplus funds to a sister concern engaged in similar financial activities. Accordingly, the AO disallowed the assessee's financial activities. Accordingly, the AO disallowed the assessee's financial activities. Accordingly, the AO disallowed the assessee's claim of business expenses amounting to claim of business expenses amounting to ₹19,43,10,523/ 19,43,10,523/-, which included employee benefit ex included employee benefit expenses of ₹7,69,58,171/ 7,69,58,171/-; finance costs of ₹7,34,45,497/-; depreciation and amortization expenses of ; depreciation and amortization expenses of ; depreciation and amortization expenses of ₹20,36,398/-; and other expenses of ; and other expenses of ₹4,18,70,458/ 4,18,70,458/-. The AO referred to similar disallowances made in prior assessment years, referred to similar disallowances made in prior assessment years, referred to similar disallowances made in prior assessment years, including 2007-08, 2008 08, 2008-09, 2010-11, and 2011-12, wherein the 12, wherein the business expenses were disallowed, and the interest income from business expenses were disallowed, and the interest income from business expenses were disallowed, and the interest income from bank deposits, inter bank deposits, inter-corporate deposits, dividends, and other corporate deposits, dividends, and other interest income was taxed under the head "Income from Other interest income was taxed under the head "Income from Other interest income was taxed under the head "Income from Other Sources."
M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. 5 2837 & 2825/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024
4. On further appeal, the L On further appeal, the Ld. CIT(A) following the finding of the d. CIT(A) following the finding of the Tribunal in assessment year 2011 Tribunal in assessment year 2011-12 deleted the addition observing 12 deleted the addition observing as under:
“5. Decision: 5. Decision:
5.1 Brief background facts of the case are that the issue as to whether 5.1 Brief background facts of the case are that the issue as to whether 5.1 Brief background facts of the case are that the issue as to whether the appellant had commenced its business or not was a appellant had commenced its business or not was a subject of appellant had commenced its business or not was a dispute since AY.2006 AY.2006-07 onwards and the matter has travelled to the 07 onwards and the matter has travelled to the CIT(A) and ITAT, whereby CIT(A) and ITAT, whereby the assessments were set aside to the file of the assessments were set aside to the file of AO by Hon’ble ITAT in the earlier years AO by Hon’ble ITAT in the earlier years concerned. In the set aside concerned. In the set aside assessments, the AO has been largely assessments, the AO has been largely disallowing the entire expenses entire expenses on the ground that the appellant has not commenced its business. on the ground that the appellant has not commenced its business. on the ground that the appellant has not commenced its business. 5.2. However, from AY.2007 5.2. However, from AY.2007-08 onwards, as seen from the order of the 08 onwards, as seen from the order of the Hon’ble ITAT, CIT(A) as well as AO, there were other projects in the ITAT, CIT(A) as well as AO, there were other projects in the ITAT, CIT(A) as well as AO, there were other projects in the pipeline and the pipeline and the appellant was found to have entered into MOU etc and appellant was found to have entered into MOU etc and also had carried out further also had carried out further activities demonstrably in evidence of activities demonstrably in evidence of commencement of business. Further, the AO commencement of business. Further, the AO had, after due verification had, after due verification as directed by the Hon’ble ITAT, allowed business as directed by the Hon’ble ITAT, allowed business expenses in expenses in AY.2007-08 on the premise that business had commenced. Based on 08 on the premise that business had commenced. Based on 08 on the premise that business had commenced. Based on these facts on record, the issue has been decided in favour of the these facts on record, the issue has been decided in favour of the these facts on record, the issue has been decided in favour of the appellant by CIT(A) CIT(A) vide vide order order in in appeal appeal no. no. CIT CIT (A) (A) 24, 24, Mumbai/10592/2017 Mumbai/10592/2017-18 dated 12.10.2022 for AY.2009-10 following 10 following rule of consistency. consistency. 5.3. The appellant submits that the Hon’ble ITAT has reaffirmed this 5.3. The appellant submits that the Hon’ble ITAT has reaffirmed this 5.3. The appellant submits that the Hon’ble ITAT has reaffirmed this finding for AY.2011 AY.2011-12 also, vide order in and 12 also, vide order in and ITA No.693/Mum/2016 ITA No.693/Mum/2016 dated 14.06.2018, holding as under: dated 14.06.2018, holding as under: “3. The Assessing Officer in this case observed tha “3. The Assessing Officer in this case observed tha “3. The Assessing Officer in this case observed that the assessee had not assessee had not shown any income from business operation shown any income from business operation based on which he required based on which he required the assessee to justify its claim vide the assessee to justify its claim vide letters dated 25.06.2013 & letters dated 25.06.2013 & 01.01.2014. In response to the 01.01.2014. In response to the same, the same, the assessee company filed its submissions on assessee company filed its submissions on 10.10.2013, 17.1 10.10.2013, 17.10.2013, 20.01.2014 and 17.02.2014 0.2013, 20.01.2014 and 17.02.2014 which were considered by Assessing Officer before framing the were considered by Assessing Officer before framing the were considered by Assessing Officer before framing the assessment. As per the details furnished by the assessee before assessment. As per the details furnished by the assessee before assessment. As per the details furnished by the assessee before the Assessing Officer, it was submitted that the assessee Assessing Officer, it was submitted that the assessee Assessing Officer, it was submitted that the assessee company had company had acquired requisite permission from Government ion from Government and was in the process of and was in the process of consolidating the land holding in consolidating the land holding in respect of which expenses were met respect of which expenses were met including employees including employees remuneration, administrative and other expenses, remuneration, administrative and other expenses, finance cost finance cost etc. However, Assessing Officer was not satisfied with the etc. However, Assessing Officer was not satisfied with the etc. However, Assessing Officer was not satisfied with the explanation furnished and he went on to hold that the explanation furnished and he went on to hold that the explanation furnished and he went on to hold that the M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. 6 2837 & 2825/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 assessee's whole assessee's whole project was in a nascent stage and hence, its project was in a nascent stage and hence, its business could not be said to business could not be said to have commenced during the year. have commenced during the year.
Upon the assessee’s appeal, the ld. Commissioner of Income 4. Upon the assessee’s appeal, the ld. Commissioner of Income 4. Upon the assessee’s appeal, the ld. Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) (Appeals) noted that the issue of commencement of business noted that the issue of commencement of business was already was already settled by the ITAT in assessee’s own case for settled by the ITAT in assessee’s own case for assessment year 2007 assessment year 2007-08 in vide in vide order dated 04.01.2013, it was held as order dated 04.01.2013, it was held as under: "5. After considering the submission and perusin "5. After considering the submission and perusing the material g the material on record, I found thai this issue should go back to the file of the on record, I found thai this issue should go back to the file of the on record, I found thai this issue should go back to the file of the AO to examine the same afresh, I noted that no doubt, one AO to examine the same afresh, I noted that no doubt, one AO to examine the same afresh, I noted that no doubt, one project was going on, however, many projects were in pipeline, project was going on, however, many projects were in pipeline, project was going on, however, many projects were in pipeline, ft is seen that the assesses had entered into vario is seen that the assesses had entered into various agreement us agreement of Urban Development and entered into an agreement with the Urban Development and entered into an agreement with the Urban Development and entered into an agreement with the land owner for redevelopment of a prime property in the suburbs land owner for redevelopment of a prime property in the suburbs land owner for redevelopment of a prime property in the suburbs of Mumbai to conduct table survey, census of the occupants etc. of Mumbai to conduct table survey, census of the occupants etc. of Mumbai to conduct table survey, census of the occupants etc. at Vikhroli. For this, various analysis were conducted at Vikhroli. For this, various analysis were conducted at Vikhroli. For this, various analysis were conducted by ICICI property services. The assessee made an application to property services. The assessee made an application to property services. The assessee made an application to Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai on 17 Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai on 17-6-2006. It was 2006. It was further submitted that out of development expenses of Rs.76 further submitted that out of development expenses of Rs.76 further submitted that out of development expenses of Rs.76 crores, the expenses related to development of industrial park crores, the expenses related to development of industrial park crores, the expenses related to development of industrial park property property were earned forward under work in progress in the were earned forward under work in progress in the balance sheet and which were not directly related to the said balance sheet and which were not directly related to the said balance sheet and which were not directly related to the said development activity were charged to profit and loss account. I development activity were charged to profit and loss account. I development activity were charged to profit and loss account. I further found that business was very much in existing and, further found that business was very much in existing and, further found that business was very much in existing and, therefore, it cannot therefore, it cannot be said that there was no business activity be said that there was no business activity carried out by the assessee. If by any reason in various other carried out by the assessee. If by any reason in various other carried out by the assessee. If by any reason in various other proceedings, where working was in pipe line and working could proceedings, where working was in pipe line and working could proceedings, where working was in pipe line and working could not be started then also the expenses claimed on these not be started then also the expenses claimed on these not be started then also the expenses claimed on these activities are to be allowed in are to be allowed in accordance with the business accordance with the business activities. Hence, I therefore, restore this issue to the file of the Hence, I therefore, restore this issue to the file of the Hence, I therefore, restore this issue to the file of the Assessing Officer to examine aftesh after affording opportunity Officer to examine aftesh after affording opportunity Officer to examine aftesh after affording opportunity of being heard to the assessee.” heard to the assessee.”
5. The ld. Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) further not 5. The ld. Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) further not 5. The ld. Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) further noted that pursuant to the above direction of the ITAT, the Assessing Officer has pursuant to the above direction of the ITAT, the Assessing Officer has pursuant to the above direction of the ITAT, the Assessing Officer has accepted the assessee’s claim of commencement of business and accepted the assessee’s claim of commencement of business and accepted the assessee’s claim of commencement of business and allowed the expenditure in relation thereto. Accordingly, the ld. the expenditure in relation thereto. Accordingly, the ld. the expenditure in relation thereto. Accordingly, the ld. Commissioner of Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) after somehow discussion has w discussion has concluded as under: concluded as under: “Therefore, in view of the specific finding of fact by the Hon'ble “Therefore, in view of the specific finding of fact by the Hon'ble “Therefore, in view of the specific finding of fact by the Hon'ble Tribunal in appellant's own case for A.Y.2007 in appellant's own case for A.Y.2007-08 and which was accepted by Ld. AO in order u/s 143(3) r.w.s 254 as also the Ld. AO in order u/s 143(3) r.w.s 254 as also the decisions of Hon'ble decisions of Hon'ble Mumbai Bench of ITAT in the cases cited Bench of ITAT in the cases cited supra, I have no hesitation in supra, I have no hesitation in holding that the appellant's holding that the appellant's business had commenced and, therefore, business had commenced and, therefore, expenditure claimed expenditure claimed by it on revenue account had to be allowed.” by it on revenue account had to be allowed.”
M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. 7 2837 & 2825/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024
Against the above order, the Revenue has filed the appea 6. Against the above order, the Revenue has filed the appea 6. Against the above order, the Revenue has filed the appeal before the ITAT.
We have heard both the counsel and perused the records. As rightly 7. We have heard both the counsel and perused the records. As rightly 7. We have heard both the counsel and perused the records. As rightly pointed out by the ld. Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), this is pointed out by the ld. Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), this is pointed out by the ld. Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), this is covered in favour of the assessee in assessee’s own case vide this covered in favour of the assessee in assessee’s own case vide this covered in favour of the assessee in assessee’s own case vide this tribunal order dated 04.01.201 order dated 04.01.2013. It is not the case that the Hon'ble 3. It is not the case that the Hon'ble jurisdictional High Court has reversed the order of the ITAT. Hence, High Court has reversed the order of the ITAT. Hence, High Court has reversed the order of the ITAT. Hence, respectfully following the precedent as above, we do not find any following the precedent as above, we do not find any following the precedent as above, we do not find any infirmity in the order infirmity in the order of the ld. Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). of the ld. Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). Accordingly, the y, the Revenue’s appeal stands dismissed.” 5.5. Thus, the issue as to whether the assessee has commenced its 5.5. Thus, the issue as to whether the assessee has commenced its 5.5. Thus, the issue as to whether the assessee has commenced its business or not stands covered in its favour vide the order of the not stands covered in its favour vide the order of the not stands covered in its favour vide the order of the Hon’ble ITAT for AY.2011 Hon’ble ITAT for AY.2011-12 as above. Therefore, Ground No.3 and 4 above. Therefore, Ground No.3 and 4 on the issue of disallowance of expenditure on of disallowance of expenditure on the sole ground of the sole ground of commencement of business ought to be answered in favour of the commencement of business ought to be answered in favour of the commencement of business ought to be answered in favour of the appellant respectfully following the decision of the Hon’ble ITAT for appellant respectfully following the decision of the Hon’ble ITAT for appellant respectfully following the decision of the Hon’ble ITAT for AY.2011-12.” 4.1 But on the issue of validity of the reassessment, the But on the issue of validity of the reassessment, the But on the issue of validity of the reassessment, the Ld. CIT(A) allowed the issue in favour of the Revenue observing as under: allowed the issue in favour of the Revenue observing as under: allowed the issue in favour of the Revenue observing as under:
“5.7. Ground No.1 and 2 are on the issue of reopening of assessment 5.7. Ground No.1 and 2 are on the issue of reopening of assessment 5.7. Ground No.1 and 2 are on the issue of reopening of assessment after 4 years. The appellant contends that the AO had failed to bring The appellant contends that the AO had failed to bring out any failure on the part of out any failure on the part of the appellant and that in the original t and that in the original assessment u/s.143(3), the AO did not consider assessment u/s.143(3), the AO did not consider it fit to make any such it fit to make any such disallowances after due consideration of facts. Thus, it is disallowances after due consideration of facts. Thus, it is claimed that claimed that the reopening after 4 years on same set of facts tantamount to change the reopening after 4 years on same set of facts tantamount to change the reopening after 4 years on same set of facts tantamount to change of opinion on the part of the AO. he part of the AO. 5.8. The contentions of the appellant are not tenable for the reason that 5.8. The contentions of the appellant are not tenable for the reason that 5.8. The contentions of the appellant are not tenable for the reason that the issue as to whether business had actually commenced or not was as to whether business had actually commenced or not was as to whether business had actually commenced or not was not discussed in the not discussed in the original assessment order passed u/s.143(3) and original assessment order passed u/s.143(3) and hence it cannot be claimed hence it cannot be claimed that the AO had made an informed and AO had made an informed and concious decision thereon. As evident from the past concious decision thereon. As evident from the past assessment history assessment history of the appellant, the dispute as to the commencement of of the appellant, the dispute as to the commencement of business was business was alive and therefore the AO had all the reasons to arrive at the prima alive and therefore the AO had all the reasons to arrive at the prima alive and therefore the AO had all the reasons to arrive at the prima facie belief that the appellant had incorrectly claimed the expenditures ief that the appellant had incorrectly claimed the expenditures ief that the appellant had incorrectly claimed the expenditures without commencement of business leading to escapement of income for commencement of business leading to escapement of income for commencement of business leading to escapement of income for AY.2012-13. What 13. What is required under the law is some reasonable basis is required under the law is some reasonable basis to arrive at such a belief which is to arrive at such a belief which is found to have existed at the relevant ed at the relevant point of time of reopening the assessment for point of time of reopening the assessment for AY.2011-12. The claiming 12. The claiming of expenses by the appellant without there being adequate of expenses by the appellant without there being adequate of expenses by the appellant without there being adequate proof of commencement of business has been rightly perceived as a failure on commencement of business has been rightly perceived as a failure on commencement of business has been rightly perceived as a failure on its part by the AO. Therefore, part by the AO. Therefore, reopening of assessment does not suffer reopening of assessment does not suffer from any infirmities of facts or interpretation of the provisions of Section infirmities of facts or interpretation of the provisions of Section infirmities of facts or interpretation of the provisions of Section 147 in this case. 147 in this case. Ground No.1 and 2, therefore, do not succeed Ground No.1 and 2, therefore, do not succeed.”
M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. 8 2837 & 2825/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024
Aggrieved, both the Revenue and the assessee are in appeal Aggrieved, both the Revenue and the assessee are in appeal Aggrieved, both the Revenue and the assessee are in appeal /cross-objection by way of raising grounds as reproduced above. tion by way of raising grounds as reproduced above. tion by way of raising grounds as reproduced above.
6. We have heard rival submission of the parties on the issue in We have heard rival submission of the parties on the issue in We have heard rival submission of the parties on the issue in dispute raised by the Revenue in its appeal. The sole issue in dispute raised by the Revenue in its appeal. The dispute raised by the Revenue in its appeal. The dispute is whether the business of the assessee was commenced in dispute is whether the business of the assessee was commenced in dispute is whether the business of the assessee was commenced in the year under consideration or not. But nder consideration or not. But, we find that the identical we find that the identical issue of whether the business of the assessee was commenced, is issue of whether the business of the assessee was commenced issue of whether the business of the assessee was commenced perpetuating in the case of assessee from assessment year 2007-08 perpetuating in the case of assessee from assessment year 2007 perpetuating in the case of assessee from assessment year 2007 onwards. In the assessment year 2007 onwards. In the assessment year 2007-08, the matter was restored 08, the matter was restored back by the ITAT to file of the Assessing Officer and in the ack by the ITAT to file of the Assessing Officer and in the ack by the ITAT to file of the Assessing Officer and in the consequent assessment consequent assessment order, the Assessing Officer has accepted , the Assessing Officer has accepted the fact of the commencement of the business. Looking to the facts, the fact of the commencement of the business. Looking to the facts, the fact of the commencement of the business. Looking to the facts, the Tribunal(supra) in assessment year 2011 in assessment year 2011-12 held that busines 12 held that business of the assessee was duly commenced and therefore, the business of the assessee was duly commenced and therefore, the business of the assessee was duly commenced and therefore, the business expenses claimed by the assessee cannot be disallowed. The Ld. expenses claimed by the assessee cannot be disallowed. The Ld. expenses claimed by the assessee cannot be disallowed. The Ld. CIT(A) following the finding of the ITAT deleted the addition made by CIT(A) following the finding of the ITAT deleted the addition made by CIT(A) following the finding of the ITAT deleted the addition made by the Assessing Officer. In view of the above, we do not find any the Assessing Officer. In view of the above, we do not fin the Assessing Officer. In view of the above, we do not fin infirmity in the order of the Ld. CIT(A) on the issue in dispute and infirmity in the order of the Ld. CIT(A) on the issue in dispute and infirmity in the order of the Ld. CIT(A) on the issue in dispute and accordingly, we uphold the same. The ground No we uphold the same. The ground Nos. 1 and 2 of the . 1 and 2 of the appeal of the Revenue are accordingly dismissed. As far as cross- appeal of the Revenue are accordingly dismissed. As far as cross appeal of the Revenue are accordingly dismissed. As far as cross objection of the assessee is concerned objection of the assessee is concerned, we find that on merit, the we find that on merit, the issue has already been decided in favour of the assessee by the Ld. issue has already been decided in favour of the assessee by the Ld. issue has already been decided in favour of the assessee by the Ld. CIT(A) and we have also upheld the finding of the Ld. CIT(A), thus CIT(A) and we have also upheld the finding of the Ld. CIT(A) CIT(A) and we have also upheld the finding of the Ld. CIT(A)
M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. 9 2837 & 2825/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 the ground raised by the assessee in the cross the ground raised by the assessee in the cross-objection objection is rendered merely academic, hence, , hence, we are not adjudicating upon at this stage we are not adjudicating upon at this stage and same is left open. left open.
7. Now, we take up the ground of appeal of the Revenue in we take up the ground of appeal of the Revenue in we take up the ground of appeal of the Revenue in assessment year 2013 assessment year 2013-14, which are reproduced as under: are reproduced as under:
1. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, 1. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, 1. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the Ld. CIT(A) was correct in deleting the addition on account of CIT(A) was correct in deleting the addition on account of CIT(A) was correct in deleting the addition on account of Employee Employee Benefit Benefit Expenses Expenses Rs.437,59,000/-, Rs.437,59,000/ , Finance Finance Cost Cost Rs.11,91,00,000/ Rs.11,91,00,000/-, , Depreciation Depreciation & & Amortisation Amortisation Expenses Expenses Rs.44,63,000/- - and Other Expenses R$:.5,19,51,000/- totalling to totalling to Rs:21,92,73,000/ Rs:21,92,73,000/- without appreciating that the profit of a project hout appreciating that the profit of a project can be determined only when entire cost of the project, direct or can be determined only when entire cost of the project, direct or can be determined only when entire cost of the project, direct or indirect including financing cost is added to the value of work in indirect including financing cost is added to the value of work in indirect including financing cost is added to the value of work in progress of the project?. progress of the project?.
2. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the c 2. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, ase and in law, the CIT(A) has erred in deleting the addition of Rs.7,20,70,000/ the CIT(A) has erred in deleting the addition of Rs.7,20,70,000/ the CIT(A) has erred in deleting the addition of Rs.7,20,70,000/- made on account of disallowance of expenses u/s.14A of the Income made on account of disallowance of expenses u/s.14A of the Income made on account of disallowance of expenses u/s.14A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 holding that no disallowance u/s.14A is called for, Tax Act, 1961 holding that no disallowance u/s.14A is called for, Tax Act, 1961 holding that no disallowance u/s.14A is called for, when there is no exempt income received by when there is no exempt income received by the assessee during the the assessee during the year under consideration. year under consideration.
3. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, 3. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, 3. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the CIT(A) erred in law in deleting the addition of Rs.7,20,70,000/ the CIT(A) erred in law in deleting the addition of Rs.7,20,70,000/ the CIT(A) erred in law in deleting the addition of Rs.7,20,70,000/- u/s.14A ignoring the CBDT Circular No. 5/2014 dated 11.02.2014 u/s.14A ignoring the CBDT Circular No. 5/2014 dated 11.02.2014 u/s.14A ignoring the CBDT Circular No. 5/2014 dated 11.02.2014 wherein it is clarified that even if there is no exempt income earned it is clarified that even if there is no exempt income earned it is clarified that even if there is no exempt income earned by the assessee in the year under consideration, disallowance under by the assessee in the year under consideration, disallowance under by the assessee in the year under consideration, disallowance under Rule 8D read with section 14A is required to be made. Rule 8D read with section 14A is required to be made.
4. The Appellant prays that the order of the CIT(A) on the above 4. The Appellant prays that the order of the CIT(A) on the above 4. The Appellant prays that the order of the CIT(A) on the above grounds be set aside and that of the Assessing Officer be restored. s be set aside and that of the Assessing Officer be restored. s be set aside and that of the Assessing Officer be restored.
The ground No. 1 of the appeal of the Revenue is identical to The ground No. 1 of the appeal of the Revenue is identical to The ground No. 1 of the appeal of the Revenue is identical to the ground No. 1 adjudicated by us in assessment year 2012-13 the ground No. 1 adjudicated by us in assessment year 2012 the ground No. 1 adjudicated by us in assessment year 2012 and therefore, to have consistency and therefore, to have consistency, following our finding following our finding in assessment year 2012 ment year 2012-13, the deletion of business expenses by the business expenses by the M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. 10 2837 & 2825/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 Ld. CIT(A) is upheld. Ld. CIT(A) is upheld. The ground No. 1 of the appeal of the Revenue The ground No. 1 of the appeal of the Revenue is accordingly dismissed. is accordingly dismissed.
8.1 The ground No. 2 The ground No. 2 and 3 of the appeal of the Revenue relate he appeal of the Revenue relate to disallowance u/s 14A r.w.r. 8D disallowance u/s 14A r.w.r. 8D of the Income-tax Rules, 1962. T tax Rules, 1962. The Assessing Officer observed that assessee had shown exempted Assessing Officer observed that assessee had shown exempted Assessing Officer observed that assessee had shown exempted dividend income of Rs.26,63,115/ dividend income of Rs.26,63,115/-. The Assessing Officer rejected . The Assessing Officer rejected the contention of the assessee of incurring no expenses and after the contention of the assessee of incurring no expenses and after the contention of the assessee of incurring no expenses and after invoking Rule 8D made d invoking Rule 8D made disallowance of Rs.964.85 lakhs, but e of Rs.964.85 lakhs, but, the Ld. CIT(A) restricted the disallowance to the extent of the exempted Ld. CIT(A) restricted the disallowance to the extent of the exempted Ld. CIT(A) restricted the disallowance to the extent of the exempted income following the decision of the jurisdictional High Court in the income following the decision of the jurisdictional High Court in the income following the decision of the jurisdictional High Court in the case of Pr. CIT v. HSBC Invest Direct India Ltd. (supra). The case of Pr. CIT v. HSBC Invest Direct India Ltd. (supra). The case of Pr. CIT v. HSBC Invest Direct India Ltd. (supra). The relevant finding of the relevant finding of the Ld. CIT(A) is reproduced as under: Ld. CIT(A) is reproduced as under:
5.7. Perusal of the assessment order shows that the AO had in fact 5.7. Perusal of the assessment order shows that the AO had in fact 5.7. Perusal of the assessment order shows that the AO had in fact given a detailed finding in para 7.2 and 7.3 of the assessment order detailed finding in para 7.2 and 7.3 of the assessment order detailed finding in para 7.2 and 7.3 of the assessment order itself as to why the itself as to why the computation of such expenditure filed by the computation of such expenditure filed by the appellant was not appellant was not found to be satisfactory. The AO has pointed out satisfactory. The AO has pointed out that the investment requires much more than that the investment requires much more than mere salary expenses mere salary expenses and had also pointed out that the diversion of interest and had also pointed out that the diversion of interest-bearing funds bearing funds to make such investments could not be denied by the appellant. to make such investments could not be denied by the appellant. to make such investments could not be denied by the appellant. Considering these finding by the AO, objections on the invoking of ng these finding by the AO, objections on the invoking of ng these finding by the AO, objections on the invoking of Rule 8D raised Rule 8D raised by the appellant do not find any merit. 5.8. However, since the disallowance under Section 14A cannot 5.8. However, since the disallowance under Section 14A cannot 5.8. However, since the disallowance under Section 14A cannot exceed the exempt income as held by the jurisdictional High Court in exempt income as held by the jurisdictional High Court in exempt income as held by the jurisdictional High Court in the case of PCIT Vs PCIT Vs HSBC Invest Direct (India) Ltd, respectfully HSBC Invest Direct (India) Ltd, respectfully following the binding decision, the following the binding decision, the disallowance is directed to be disallowance is directed to be restricted to Rs.26,63,115/ restricted to Rs.26,63,115/-, being the amount of exempt income exempt income earned during the year. Appellant’s Grounds are partly allowed on earned during the year. Appellant’s Grounds are partly allowed on earned during the year. Appellant’s Grounds are partly allowed on this issue.
We have heard rival submissions of the parties and perused We have heard rival submissions of the parties and perused We have heard rival submissions of the parties and perused the relevant material on record. Before us, the Ld. counsel for the the relevant material on record. Before us, the Ld. counsel for the the relevant material on record. Before us, the Ld. counsel for the M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. 11 2837 & 2825/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 assessee has also filed a copy of the Co assessee has also filed a copy of the Co-ordinate Bench decision in ordinate Bench decision in the case of Uniliver Industries (P.) Ltd. v. DCIT [2024] 158 the case of Uniliver Industries (P.) Ltd. v. DCIT [ the case of Uniliver Industries (P.) Ltd. v. DCIT [ taxmann.com 599 (Mumbai taxmann.com 599 (Mumbai-Trib.) wherein the Tribunal following Trib.) wherein the Tribunal following the decision of the Hon’ble Bombay High Court in the case of PCIT the decision of the Hon’ble Bombay High Court in the case of PCIT the decision of the Hon’ble Bombay High Court in the case of PCIT v. HSBC Invest Direct India Ltd. (supra) has held that disallowance v. HSBC Invest Direct India Ltd. (supra) has held that disallowance v. HSBC Invest Direct India Ltd. (supra) has held that disallowance u/s 14A of the Act r.w.r. 8D of the Rules cannot exceed the u/s 14A of the Act r.w.r. 8D of the Rules cannot e u/s 14A of the Act r.w.r. 8D of the Rules cannot e exempted income. Since the Ld. CIT(A) has followed finding of a exempted income. Since the Ld. CIT(A) has followed finding exempted income. Since the Ld. CIT(A) has followed finding precedent of the Hon’ble jurisdictional High Court precedent of the Hon’ble jurisdictional High Court, therefore we do not find any infirmity in the order of the Ld. CIT(A) and accordingly not find any infirmity in the order of the Ld. CIT(A) and accordingly not find any infirmity in the order of the Ld. CIT(A) and accordingly we uphold the same. The ground No we uphold the same. The ground Nos. 2 and 3 of the appeal of the of the appeal of the Revenue are accordingly dismissed. The ground No Revenue are accordingly dismissed. The ground Nos s. 4 and 5 being general in nature same are dismissed as infructuous. general in nature same are dismissed as infructuous. general in nature same are dismissed as infructuous.
Now, we take up the appeal of the Revenue for assessment we take up the appeal of the Revenue for assessment we take up the appeal of the Revenue for assessment year 2014-15. The grounds raised . The grounds raised are reproduced as unde are reproduced as under:
Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the 1. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the 1. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the Ld. CIT(A) was correct in deleting the addition on account of Employee Ld. CIT(A) was correct in deleting the addition on account of Employee Ld. CIT(A) was correct in deleting the addition on account of Employee Benefit Expenses Rs. 4,84,01,000/ Benefit Expenses Rs. 4,84,01,000/-, Finance Cost Rs. 15,26, , Finance Cost Rs. 15,26, 12,00,000/-, Depreciation & Amortisation Expenses Rs , Depreciation & Amortisation Expenses Rs. 44,14,000/ . 44,14,000/- and Other Expenses Rs. 5,48,39,000/ and Other Expenses Rs. 5,48,39,000/- totalling to Rs. 26,36,03,000/ totalling to Rs. 26,36,03,000/- without appreciating that the profit of a project can be determined only without appreciating that the profit of a project can be determined only without appreciating that the profit of a project can be determined only when entire cost of the project, direct or indirect including financing cost when entire cost of the project, direct or indirect including financing cost when entire cost of the project, direct or indirect including financing cost is added to the value o is added to the value of work in progress of the project? 2. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the 2. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the 2. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the CIT(A) has erred in deleting the addition of Rs.9,57,33,351/ CIT(A) has erred in deleting the addition of Rs.9,57,33,351/ CIT(A) has erred in deleting the addition of Rs.9,57,33,351/- made on account of disallowance of expenses u/s.14A of the Income Tax Act, account of disallowance of expenses u/s.14A of the Income Tax Act, account of disallowance of expenses u/s.14A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 holding that no disallowance u/s. 14A is called for, when there is hat no disallowance u/s. 14A is called for, when there is hat no disallowance u/s. 14A is called for, when there is no exempt income received by the assessee during the year under no exempt income received by the assessee during the year under no exempt income received by the assessee during the year under consideration. 3. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the 3. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the 3. Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the CIT(A) erred in law in deleting the addition of R CIT(A) erred in law in deleting the addition of Rs.9,57,33,351/ s.9,57,33,351/- u/s. M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. M/s HREL Real Estate Ltd. 12 2837 & 2825/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 CO No. 106/MUM/2024 14A ignoring the CBDT Circular No. 5/2014 dated 11.02.2014 wherein 14A ignoring the CBDT Circular No. 5/2014 dated 11.02.2014 wherein 14A ignoring the CBDT Circular No. 5/2014 dated 11.02.2014 wherein it is clarified that even if there is no exempt income earned by the it is clarified that even if there is no exempt income earned by the it is clarified that even if there is no exempt income earned by the assessee in the year under consideration, disallowance under Rule 8D assessee in the year under consideration, disallowance under Rule 8D assessee in the year under consideration, disallowance under Rule 8D read with section 14A is requi read with section 14A is required to be made.
4. The appellant prays that the order of the CIT(A) on the above grounds 4. The appellant prays that the order of the CIT(A) on the above grounds 4. The appellant prays that the order of the CIT(A) on the above grounds be set aside and that of the Assessing Officer be restored. be set aside and that of the Assessing Officer be restored. 10.1 Since the grounds raised in the year under consideration are Since the grounds raised in the year under consideration are Since the grounds raised in the year under consideration are identical to the grounds raised in assessment year 2013-14 except identical to the grounds raised in assessment year 2013 identical to the grounds raised in assessment year 2013 change of the amount amount, therefore, following our find therefore, following our finding in assessment year 2013 assessment year 2013-14, the grounds of appeal of the Revenue are he grounds of appeal of the Revenue are accordingly dismissed. dingly dismissed.
In the result, all the three appeals of the Revenue as well as In the result, all the three appeals of the Revenue as well as In the result, all the three appeals of the Revenue as well as cross-objection of the assessee are dismissed. objection of the assessee are dismissed.
Order pronounced in the open Court on nounced in the open Court on 20/12/2024. /12/2024.