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Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, LUCKNOW BENCH ‘SMC’, LUCKNOW
Before: SHRI T. S. KAPOOR
These appeals have been filed by the assessee against the separate orders of learned CIT(A), both dated 30/10/2021. In these appeals, a common issue involved is regarding disallowance sustained by CIT(A) representing employees’ share towards contribution to ESI and PF which the assessee had deposited beyond the due date. Since the grounds of appeal, taken in both the appeals are similar, except change in figures a consolidated order is being passed. The grounds taken by the assessee in I.T.A. No.138 are reproduced below:
“1. Because the CIT(A) has erred on facts and in law in dismissing the appeal without appreciating the facts and circumstances of the case merely on the basis of delay caused in filing the appeal.
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Because the CIT(A) has failed to appreciate, that intimation under section 143(1) dated 25.10.2019 was received, against which petition under section 154 of the Act was moved, and which petition in spite of being moved in time was not decided, the appeal filed thereafter, the assessee was prevented by sufficient and reasonable cause, the action of the CIT(A) in dismissing the appeal on account of delay is totally unjustified and unwarranted.
Because the CIT(A) should ought to have considered the facts that the delay in filing the appeal was purely on account of the delay in non disposal of the petition moved under section 154 of the Act, there being no deliberate intention, the delay being beyond the control of the assessee, the CIT(A) was not justified in not condoning the delay, if any.
Because the CIT(A) has failed to consider that the period from March 23, 2020 to October 31, 2021 was covered by COVID-19, during which period the limitation was extended, delay in filing the appeal if any had to be condoned, the appeal being in time, the order of the CIT(A) be quashed.
Because the CIT(A) has erred on facts and in law in not deciding the appeal on merits of the disallowance/addition of Rs. 15,99,983/- in respect of delayed payment of EPF and ESIC which being allowable expenditure, should have been allowed by the CPC itself in view of the decision of the Apex Court.
Because the CIT(A) has erred on facts and in law in not deleting the addition of Rs.15,99,983/- on account of delayed payment of EPF & ESIC which disallowance is itself contrary to the provisions of law.
Because the CIT(A) has failed to appreciate, that the very disallowance of Rs.15,99,983/- being made by CPC overlooking the decision of the Apex Court itself constitutes the mistake apparent on record, the same should have been suomoto rectified by CPC itself, and that having not been done, inspite the assessee having been moved the petition under section 154 of the Act, the order passed dismissing the appeal is against the principle of nature justice, be quashed.”
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Learned counsel for the assessee, at the outset, submitted that the only issue, involved in this appeal, is the addition sustained by CIT(A) of representing employees’ share towards contribution to ESI and PF which the assessee had deposited beyond the due date mentioned in the provisions of the relevant Act. Learned counsel for the assessee submitted that learned CIT(A) has not condoned the delay and has dismissed the appeals of the assessee merely on the basis of delay caused in filing the appeals. It was submitted that before learned CIT(A) a specific ground was taken for condonation of delay which happened to be due to onset of COVID-19 and due to delay in the decision on application filed by assessee u/s. 154 of the Act. It was submitted that in respect of Assessment Year 2018-19, the application for rectification was rejected by CPC on 16.1.2020 and the appeal was to be filed by 15.1.2020 but due to spread of COVID the appeals could not be filed in the prescribed period of time. As regards assessment year 2019-20 the order u/s. 143(1) was received was on 21.2.2020 against which again appeal could not be filed within prescribed time. Learned counsel for the assessee further submitted that the issue involved in the present appeals is duly covered in favour of the assessee by the order of SMC Bench of Lucknow Tribunal in the case of S. K. Shoes and Boots Private Limited, I.T.A. No.110/Lkw/2021, order dated 08/03/2022 and in the case of Sangrila Nutri Food Products, I.T.A. No.99/Lkw/2021, order dated 08/03/2022 and therefore it was prayed that the appeals filed by assessee may be allowed.
Learned D. R. even though relied on the orders of the authorities below but did not disagree that the issue is not covered in favour of the assessee by the order of Lucknow Bench of the Tribunal. However, he submitted that since learned CIT(A) has not decided the issue on merits, the matter should go back to him to decide the issue afresh on merits.
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Learned counsel for the assessee, in his rejoinder relied on the judgment of Hon'ble Madras High Court in the case of Commissioner of Wealth-Tax vs. M.K.S. Vanavarayar [1980] 122 ITR 184 (Mad) and submitted that where necessary facts for disposal of the appeals on merits are available before the Tribunal, the Tribunal, on the basis of such materials already available, can satisfactorily dispose of the appeals on merits and it cannot be contended that as a matter of law the Tribunal should remand back the appeals to the CIT(A) for his adjudication. It was submitted that this Bench has decided similar issue in a number of cases therefore it was prayed that the issue may be decided here itself.
I have heard the rival parties and have gone through the material placed on record. These appeals have been dismissed by learned CIT(A) merely on the basis of delay caused in filing the appeals. On the argument of Learned D. R. that since learned CIT(A) has not decided the issue, the matter should go back to him to decide the issue afresh on merits, I am of the opinion that on the basis of necessary materials already available on record for disposal of the appeals on merits, these appeals can satisfactorily be disposed of at this level and it is not necessary to remit back the appeals to the file of learned CIT(A). On this issue, the findings of Hon'ble Madras High Court in the case of Commissioner of Wealth-Tax vs. M.K.S. Vanavarayar [1980] 122 ITR 184 (Mad), under para 19 are quite relevant which are reproduced below: “19. The learned counsel then contended that, in any case, the Tribunal ought not to have set aside the order of the WTO levying penalty, on merits. There was a two-fold argument in support of this contention. One was that the AAC having dismissed the appeals only on the ground that they were not maintainable, the Tribunal should have remanded the master to the AAC for disposal on merits. The second was that there was no reasonable cause for not filing the returns in time and, therefore, the Tribunal was in error in setting aside the orders of penalty passed by the WTO. As far as the first point is concerned, it is purely one of discretion on the part of the
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Tribunal—whether it will dispose of the appeal on merits or remand the appeal to the AAC for disposal on merits. That will depend upon the circumstance whether necessary facts for disposal of the appeal on merits were available before the Tribunal or not. If, in a particular case, the Tribunal, on the basis of the materials already available, considers that it could satisfactorily dispose of the appeal on merits, it cannot be contended that as a matter of law the Tribunal ought not to have allowed the appeals and remanded the matter to the AAC for disposal on merits.”
4.1 I noted that the only issue involved in the present appeal is the disallowance of ESI/PF which has been deposited after the due date as prescribed under the relevant acts but admittedly before the due date of filing of returns under the Income Tax Act for AY 2018-19. The CPC had disallowed the claim of ESI/PF against which rectification application u/s. 154 was filed by the assessee which again was dismissed by CPC. On appeal the learned CIT(A) also dismissed the appeal by holding that no mistake is apparent from record. For Assessment Year 2019-20 the assessee had preferred appeal against the order passed by CPC u/s. 143(1) of the Act. I find that the issue involved in these files is duly covered in favour of the assessee by the order of SMC Bench of Lucknow Tribunal in the case of S. K. Shoes and Boots Private Limited, I.T.A. No.110/Lkw/2021, order dated 08/03/2022 and in the case of Sangrila Nutri Food Products, I.T.A. No.99/Lkw/2021, order dated 08/03/2022. While dealing with the similar issue, the Tribunal in I.T.A. No.99/Lkw/2021, vide para 4 to 6 has held as under:
“4. I have heard the rival parties and have gone through the material placed on record. I find that the only issue involved in this appeal is the action of learned CIT(A) by which he has upheld the addition made by CPC regarding employees’ contribution towards ESI and PF. There is no dispute between the parties regarding the dates of deposit of ESI and PF which clearly are beyond the prescribed date of deposit as applicable under the respective acts. However, there is no dispute between the parties that these deposits were made before the filing of return of income for the relevant assessment year.
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Hon'ble Allahabad High Court in the case of Sagun Foundry (P.) Ltd. vs. CIT [2017] 78 taxmann.com 47 (Allahabad) has dealt with similar issue and after taking into account the judgment of Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of CIT vs. Alom Extrusion Ltd. Reported in (2009) 319 ITR 306 and after taking into account views of different High Courts, has decided the similar issue in favour of the assessee by holding as under:
“16. Learned counsel for Assessee argued that the issue in question is covered by Supreme Court judgment in Commissioner of Income Tax Vs Alom Extrusions Ltd., (2009) 319 ITR 306, but both learned counsels appearing for rival parties admitted that even after the aforesaid judgment, various High Courts have taken divergent views on the question, whether Section 43B can be read alongwith Section 36(1)(va) or both have independent, distinct and separate field of operation. In this back drop, we find it appropriate, first, to examine judgments of various High Courts which have been rendered after considering Supreme Court judgment in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Alom Extrusions Ltd. (supra) and thereafter would examine the entire aspect in totality.
We find that with respect to employees contribution to Provident Fund, as to whether disallowable or not with reference to Section 36(1)(va) read with Section 43B, a similar question came up for consideration before Gujrat High Court in Commissioner of Income Tax Vs Gujrat State Road Transport Corporation, (2014) 366 ITR 170. Therein Assessee collected Rs. 51,06,02,712/ from its employees towards provident fund contribution but deposited Rs. 21,16,61,582/ with provident fund trust. Thus there was a short fall of Rs. 24,89,41,130/. This amount of short fall was treated by Assessing Officer as income of Assessee vide Section 2(24)(x) read with Section 36(1)(va) of Act 1961. Assessing Officer also added Rs. 1,93,55,580/ being the amount of short fall towards employers contributory provident fund and disallowed the same under Section 43B of Act 1961. He also disallowed the said amount of Rs. 1,93,55,580/ from expenses claimed by Assessee for the A.Y. in question i.e. 200506 as per provisions under Section 43B. Dissatisfied with assessment order, Assessee preferred appeal before CIT(A) who vide order dated 25.06.2009 partly allowed the same and deleted disallowance of Rs. 24,89,41,130/ (short fall in employees contribution to provident fund) and Rs. 1,93,55,580/ (short
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fall in employers contribution to provident fund) observing that employees contribution/employers contribution was deposited before filing Return under Section 139(1) of Act 1961 for the relevant period. Revenue, in its turn, preferred appeal before Tribunal. Relying on judgment in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Alom Extrusions Ltd. (supra), Tribunal dismissed appeal and confirmed order passed by CIT(A). That is how matter came before High Court in appeal. Court considered following question, posed in para 7.01, reads as under: “Short question which is posed for consideration of this court is with respect to the disallowance of the amount being the employees’ contribution to the PF account/ESI contribution which admittedly which the concerned assessee did not deposit with the PF Department/ESI Department within due date under the PF Act and/or the ESI Act.”
Gujrat High Court referred to Section 2(24)(x) and found that any sum received by Assessee (employer) from his employees as contributions to any provident fund or superannuation fund or any fund set up under Act, 1948, or any other fund for welfare of such employees, constitute income. However, Section 36 of Act 1961 provides for deduction in computing income referred to in Section 28. The relevant provision of Section 36 applicable to the case before Gujrat High Court was Section 36(1)(va) with which we are also concerned. It entitles an Assessee for deduction in computing income referred to in Section 28 with respect to any sum received by Assessee (employer) from his employee to which Section 2(24)(x) apply, if such sum is credited by Assessee to employees accounts in the relevant fund before due date i.e. date prescribed in the relevant statute applicable to the concerned fund. Court also noticed that Section 43B is in respect to certain deductions and applies only on actual payment. It held that amendment was made by deletion of Second Proviso of Section 43B only, but no corresponding amendment was made under Section 36(1)(va). It said: “It is required to be noted that as such there is no amendment in Section 36(1)(va) and even the Explanation to Section 36(1) (va) is not deleted and is still on the statute and is required to be complied with. Merely because with respect to the employer’s contribution the second proviso to Section 43B which provided that even with respect to the employer’s contribution (Section 43B(b)), the Assessee was
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required to credit the amount in the relevant fund under the PF Act or any other fund for the welfare of the employees on or before the due date under the relevant Act, is deleted, it cannot be said that Section 36(1)(va) has been deleted and/or amended.”
That is how Gujrat High Court held that Section 43B would not be attracted in a case where dispute relates to employees contribution only. Section 43B would be confined only to employers contribution. It further said: “Therefore, with respect to the employees contribution received by the assessee if the assessee has not credited the said sum to the employees’ account in the relevant fund or funds on or before the due date mentioned in the Explanation to Section 36(1)(va), the assessee shall not be entitled to deductions of such amount in computing the income referred to in Section 28 of the Act.”
Gujrat High Court distinguished judgment of Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Alom Extrusions Ltd. (supra) on the ground that therein actual dispute relates to employers’ contribution and whether amendment in Section 43B by Finance Act, 2003 would operate retrospective or not, Supreme Court had no occasion to consider deduction with reference to Section 36(1)(va). For the same reason Gujrat High Court dissented with the judgments of Rajasthan High Court in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Udaipur Dugdh Utpadak Sahakari Sangh Ltd., (2014) 366 ITR 163, Punjab & Haryana High Court in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Hemla Embroidery Mills P. Ltd., (2014) 366 ITR 167, Himachal Pradesh High Court in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Nipso Ployfabriks Ltd., (2013) 350 ITR 327 and Karnataka High Court in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Sabri Enterprises, (2008) 298 ITR 141.
Karnataka High Court had an occasion to consider, whether it should dissent with the view taken in the earlier judgments and follow the view taken by Gujrat High Court in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Gujrat State Road Transport Corporation (supra) and this occasion came in Essae Teraoka P. Ltd. Vs Deputy Commissioner of IncomeTax, (2014) 366 ITR 408. Dispute relates to A.Y. 200809. Assessee filed Return on 26.09.2008. Return was processed under Section 143(1) and thereafter on scrutiny, notice under Section 143(2) was issued. Assessing Officer completed assessment by order dated 24.12.2010 under
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Section 143(3) disallowing Rs. 12,51,737/ under Section 36(1)(va) and also disallowing Rs. 1,04,621/ under Section 14A read with Rule 8D. In appeal, CIT (A) reversed findings of Assessing Officer but on appeal preferred by Revenue, Tribunal restored Assessing Officer’s order and that is how matter came to Karnataka High Court. The question up for consideration was, “whether Tribunal was justified in affirming finding of Assessing Officer and denying Assessee’s claim of deduction of employees contribution to PF/ESI alleging that the payment was not made by appellant in accordance with the provisions of Section 36(1)(va) of Act 1961.” The Assessee’s counsel relied on earlier judgment of Karnataka High Court in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Spectrum Consultants P. Ltd., (2014) 2 ITROL 622 while counsel for Revenue attempted to pursue to take a different view following decision of Gujrat High Court. The Division Bench judgment delivered by Hon’ble Dilip B. Bhosale, (as his lordship then was) held, if the contribution of employees fund is deposited within due date the Assessee is straightaway entitled for deduction under Section 36(1)(va). However Section 43B provides for certain deductions allowable only on actual payment. It gives an extension to the employer to make payment of contribution to provident fund or any other fund, till due date applicable for furnishing of Return under Section 139(1) of Act 1961, in respect of previous year in which liability to pay such sum was incurred, and evidence of such payment is furnished by Assessee along with such Return. Court then said:
“In short, this provision states, notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision contained in this Act, a deduction otherwise allowable in this Act in respect of any sum payable by the assessee as an employer by way of contribution to any fund such as provident fund shall be allowed if it is paid on or before the due date as contemplated under Section 139(1) of the IncomeTax Act. This provision has nothing to do with the consequences, provided for under the PF Act/PF Scheme/ESI Act, for not depositing the “contribution” on or before the due dates therein.”
(emphasis added)
It also said that the word “contribution” used in clause (b) of Section 43B of Act 1961 means the contribution of employer and employee, both, and that being so, if
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contribution is deposited on or before due date for furnishing Return of income under subsection (1) of Section 139 of Act 1961, employer is entitled for deduction.
Though in a short judgment, but Punjab & Haryana High Court in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Hemla Embroidery Mills (P.) Ltd., (supra) not only followed Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Alom Extrusions Ltd. (supra) but also its own earlier judgment in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Rai Agro Industries Ltd., (2011) 334 ITR 122, to hold that Section 43B shall apply to both 'contributions' i.e. employers' and employees'.
Kerala High Court in recent judgment in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Merchem Ltd., (2015) 378 ITR 443, has followed the decision of Gujrat High Court in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Gujrat State Road Transport Corporation (supra) and dissented with the otherwise judgments of Rajasthan High Court in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, (2014) 363 ITR 70, Karnataka High Court in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Spectrum Consultants India P. Ltd. (supra) and Bombay High Court in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Ghatge Patil Transports Ltd., (2014) 368 ITR 749.
Before following a particular view when there is divergence in views of different High Courts, we find it appropriate to examine Supreme Court judgment in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Alom Extrusions Ltd. (supra) to find out whether it can be confined only in respect to employers' contribution or is applicable to both 'contributions', whether by employer or employee.
The question, whether benefit under Section 43B, as a result of amendment of Finance Act, 2003, is retrospective or not, came to be considered in Commissioner of IncomeTax Vs Alom Extrusions Ltd. (supra). Court considered the intent, purpose and object in the historical back drop of insertion of Section 43B and its progress by way of various amendments. Referring Section 2(24)(x) it said, income is defined under Section 2(24) which includes profits and gains. Further in clause (x) of Section 2(24) any sum received by Assessee from employees as 'contributions' to any provident fund/superannuation fund or any fund set up under Act 1948, or any other fund for welfare of such employees constitute 'income'. This is the reason why every Assessee/Employer was entitled to deduction even prior to
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April, 1, 1984, keeping books on mercantile system of accounting, as a business expenditure, by making provision in his books of account in that regard. Assessee was capable of keeping money with him and just by mentioning in accounts, was able to claim deduction as business expenses. Section 43B was inserted to check this practice and it resulted in discontinuing mercantile system of accounting with regard to tax, contributions etc. With induction of Section 43B an Assessee could claim deduction on actual payment basis. By Finance Act, 1988 Parliament inserted first proviso w.e.f. 01.04.1988 which inter alia provides that any sum payable by Assessee by way of tax, duty, cess or fee, if payment is made after closing of accounting year but before date of filing of Return under Section 139(1), Assessee would be entitled to deduction on actual payment basis. This proviso did not include within its ambit, contributions under labour welfare statutes. By Finance Act, 1988, Second Proviso thus Second proviso was further amended by Finance Act, 1989 w.e.f. 01.04.1989.
Court held that Assessee/employer thus would be entitled to deduction only if contribution stands credited on or before due date given in the Act 1952 or Act 1948. Second proviso created difficulties, inasmuch as under Act, 1981, due date was after the date of filing of returns and thus industries made representations to the Ministry of Finance. Court, looking to the history of amendments held, it is evident that Section 43B, when enacted in 1984, commences with a non obstante clause. The underlying object being to disallow deductions claimed merely by making a book entry based on the mercantile system of accounting. At the same time, Section 43B made it mandatory for the Department to grant deduction in computing income under Section 28 in the year in which tax, duty, cess etc. is actually paid. Parliament took cognizance of the fact that accounting year of a company did not always tally with the due dates under Provident Fund Act, Municipal Corporation Act (Octroi) and other Tax laws. Therefore, by way of First Proviso, an incentive/relaxation was sought to be given in respect of tax, duty, cess or fee by explicitly stating that if such tax duty cess or fee is paid before the date of filing of the return under Act 1961, Assessee would than be entitled to deduction. This relaxation/incentive was restricted only to tax, duty, cess and fee. It did not apply to contributions to labour welfare funds. The reason appears to be that the employer should not sit on the collected contributions and deprive workmen of the rightful benefits
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under social welfare legislations by delaying payment of contributions to the welfare funds. But when implementation problems were pointed out for different due dates, uniformity was brought about in first proviso by Finance Act, 2003. Hence, amendment made by Finance Act 2003 in Section 43B is retrospective, being curative in nature and apply from 01.04.1988. In the result when contribution had been paid, prior to filing of return under Section 139(1), Assessee/employer would be entitled for deduction and since deletion of Second Proviso and amendment of First Proviso is curative and apply retrospectively w.e.f. 01.04.1988.
From the aforesaid judgment, we find that irrespective of the fact that deduction in respect of sum payable by employer contribution was involved, but Court did not restrict observations, findings and declaration of law to that context but looking to the objective and purpose of insertion of Section 43B applied it to both the contributions. It also observed clearly that Section 43B is with a nonobstante clause and therefore over ride even if, anything otherwise is contained in Section 36 or any provision of Act 1961.
Therefore, we are clearly of the view that law laid down by High Courts of Karnataka, Rajasthan, Punjab & Haryana, Delhi, Bombay and Himachal Pradesh have rightly applied Section 43B in respect to both contributions i.e. employer and employee. Otherwise view taken by Gujrat High Court and followed by Kerala High Court, with great respect, we find expedient to dissent therewith.
In view of above all the questions formulated above are answered against Revenue and in favour of Assessee.”
I find that in this judgment, delivered by Hon'ble Jurisdictional High Court, the Hon'ble court has dealt with the case laws, as relied on by learned CIT(A) and after taking into account these judgments, which are in favour of the Revenue, has again decided the issue in favour of the assessee. The Lucknow Bench of the Tribunal, in the case of Tirubala International Pvt. Ltd. vs. DCIT in I.T.A. No.726/Lkw/2016, vide order dated 17/05/2018, has followed the judgment in the case of Sagun Foundry (supra) and again vide order dated 31/07/2019, the Lucknow Bench of the Tribunal in the case of Axis Motors Pvt. Ltd. vs. DCIT in I.T.A. No.289/Lkw/2019 has again followed the same judgment of Hon'ble High Court. The Allahabad Bench of the Tribunal, in the case of JCIT, Circle-2, Allahabad vs. Bharat Pumps and Compressors Ltd. in I.T.A. No.147 &
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148/Alld/2016, after taking into account the amendment brought out by Finance Act, 2021, has again decided the issue in favour of the assessee by holding the amendment to be applicable from April 2021 only. The findings of the Tribunal are reproduced below:
“There is a recent amendment to Section 36(1)(va) by Finance Act, 2021, wherein Explanation 2 was inserted, which reads as under:
“36(1)(va) ………….. ……………………………
Explanation 2- For the removal of doubts , it is hereby clarified that the provisions of section 43B shall not apply and shall be deemed never to have been applied for the purposes of determining the 'due date' under this clause;"
Correspondingly, there was an amendment to Section 43B of the 1961 Act by Finance Act, 2021, wherein Explanation 5 was inserted , which reads as under:
"43B……………….. ……………………….
Explanations- For the removal of doubts, it is hereby clarified that the provisions of this section shall not apply and shall be deemed never to have been applied to a sum received by the assessee from any of his employees to which the provisions of sub-clause (x) of clause (24) of section 2 applied."
Although, on perusal of the above amendment by Finance Act, 2021 , it transpires that the said explanation was inserted by way of removal of doubt to clarify the law as existed on the statute so far as employee contribution received by employer from employee which is to be deposited to the credit of employee with PF fund on or before the due date as provided in statute governing PF, to enable the employer to claim deduction u/s 36(l)(va) of the 1961 Act read with Section 2(24)(x) of the Act, and no deduction shall be allowed by virtue of Section 43B in case of delayed deposit beyond the time stipulated for deposit under relevant statute governing PF by virtue of being hit by Section u/s 36(l)(va) of the Act as it is
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stated in the explanation that provisions of section 43B shall not apply and shall be deemed never to have been applied for the purposes of determining the 'due date' under this clause , although the said amounts were deposited before the due date as prescribed for filing of return of income u/s 139(1) of the 1961 Act. The above amendment from the plain reading of the Section indicates that it ought to have retrospective effect , but on perusal of Memorandum to Finance Bill 2021, it transpires that the lawmakers have consciously made it applicable from ay: 2021-22 and subsequent assessment years. It is also recognised in the said Memorandum that some courts have applied the provision of section 43B on employee contribution as well and have decided this issue in favour of taxpayer. The said explanation was inserted to rationalise the provisions of Section 36(l)(va) and 43B of the 1961 Act and it is stated in Memorandum to Finance Bill, 2021 that the said explanation is inserted to provide certainty. It is specifically stated in Memorandum to Finance Bill, 2021 that these amendments to Section 36(1)(va) and 43B shall take effect from 01st April, 2021 and will accordingly apply to assessment year 2021-22 and subsequent assessment years. It is also to be noted that several of the tax-payers (except in the State of Gujarat and Kerala , and such other States where Hon'ble jurisdictional High Court has decided this issue in favour of Revenue) situated in the States where Hon'ble Jurisdictional High Court has decided this issue in favour of tax-payers, have already been allowed the deduction towards employee contribution received by employer which was deposited late by employer beyond the time stipulated u/s 36(1)(va) , but before the due date as prescribed for filing of return of income u/s 139(1) of the 1961 Act, and there cannot be a class different now at this stage where the deduction is to be denied on the ground of strict interpretation of the provisions of Section 36(1)(va) , unless the amendment made by Finance Act, 2021 is made specifically applicable retrospectively from the date of insertion of the provision or any other specified earlier date in the Finance Act, rather on the other hand , the Memorandum to Finance Bill, 2021 has specifically made this amendment applicable from 01.04.2021 and specified that the same shall be made applicable from assessment year 2021-22 and subsequent assessment years. We are presently concerned with ay: 2005- 06. The relevant clause to Memorandum to Finance Bill, 2021 is reproduced hereunder:
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"Rationalisation of various Provisions
Payment by employer of employee contribution to a fund on or before due date
Clause (24) of section 2 of the Act provides an inclusive definition of the income. Sub-clause (x) to the said clause provide that income to include any sum received by the assessee from his employees as contribution to any provident fund or superannuation fund or any fund set up under the provisions of ESI Act or any other fund for the welfare of such employees.
Section 36 of the Act pertains to the other deductions. Sub- section (1) of the said section provides for various deductions allowed while computing the income under the head "Profits and gains of business or profession'.
Clause (va) of the said sub-section provides for deduction of any sum received by the assessee from any of his employees to which the provisions of sub-clause (x) of clause (24) of section 2 apply, if such sum is credited by the assessee to the employee's account in the relevant fund or funds on or before the due date. Explanation to the said clause provides that, for the purposes of this clause, "due date" to mean the date by which the assessee is required as an employer to credit an employee's contribution to the employee's account in the relevant fund under any Act, rule, order or notification issued there-under or under any standing order, award, contract of service or otherwise.
Section 43B specifies the list of deductions that are admissible under the Act only upon their actual payment. Employer's contribution is covered in clause (b) of section 43B. According to it, if any sum towards employer's contribution to any provident fund or superannuation fund or gratuity fund or any other fund for the welfare of the employees is actually paid by the assessee on or before the due date for furnishing the return of the income under sub-section (1) of section 139, assessee would be entitled to deduction under section 43B and such deduction would be admissible for the accounting year. This provision does not cover employee contribution referred to in clause (va) of sub-section (1) of section 36 of the Act.
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Though section 43B of the Act covers only employer's contribution and does not cover employee contribution, some courts have applied the provision of section 43B on employee contribution as well. There is a distinction between contribution and employee's contribution towards welfare fund. It may be noted that employee's contribution towards welfare funds is a mechanism to ensure the compliance by the employers of the labour welfare laws. Hence, it needs to be stressed that the employer's contribution towards welfare funds such as ESI and PF needs to be clearly distinguished from the employee's contribution towards welfare funds. Employee's contribution is employee own money and the employer deposits this contribution on behalf of the employee in fiduciary capacity. By late deposit of employee contribution, the employers get unjustly enriched by keeping the money belonging to the employees. Clause (va) of sub-section (1) of Section 36 of the Act was inserted to the Act vide Finance Act 1987 as a measures of penalizing employers who mis-utilize employee's contributions.
Accordingly, in order to provide certainty, it is proposed to -
(1) amend clause (va) of sub-section (1) of section 36 of the Act by inserting another explanation to the said clause to clarify that the provision of section 43B does not apply and deemed to never have been applied for the purposes of determining the —due date]/ under this clause; and
(ii) amend section 43B of the Act by inserting Explanation 5 to the said section to clarify that the provisions of the said section do not apply and deemed to never have been applied to a sum received by the assesses from arty of his employees to which provisions of sub-clause (x) of clause (24) of section 2 applies.
These amendments will take effect from 1st April, 2021 and will accordingly apply to the assessment year 2021-22 and subsequent assessment years. [Clauses 8 and 9]"
Therefore, keeping in view the above facts and circumstances and judicial precedents, the appeal of the assessee is allowed.
I.T.A. No.138 & 139/Lkw/2021 Assessment year:2018-19 & 19-20 17
In view of the above facts and circumstances and judicial precedents and respectfully following the aforesaid order of the Tribunal, both the appeals of the assessee stand allowed.
In the result, both the appeals of the assessee are allowed.
(Order pronounced in the open court on 30/05/2022)
Sd/. ( T. S. KAPOOR ) Accountant Member Dated:30/05/2022 *Singh
Copy of the order forwarded to : 1. The Appellant 2. The Respondent. 3. Concerned CIT 4. The CIT(A) 5. D.R., I.T.A.T., Lucknow Assistant Registrar