DILIP RAMANLAL DOSHI,MUMBAI vs. ITO-19(1)(4), MUMBAI

[hereinafter referred to as the “CIT(A)”] u/s. 250 of the Income–tax Act, 1961 [hereinafter referred to as “Act”] for the Dilip Ramanlal Doshi Assessment year [A.Y.] 2014–15, wherein learned CIT(A) has upheld the addition of Rs. 2,52,57,479/– as unexplained cash credit u/s. 68 of the Act and addition of commission of Rs. 10,10,229/– made vide assessment order dated 19.12.2016.

The brief facts state that the assessee is an individual and doing business of trading in diamonds in his partnership firm i.e M/s suken exports and has income from business, capital gain and income from other sources. Assessee filed his return of income on 24.03.2016 declaring total income at Rs. 4,84,690/-. The case of the assessee was selected for scrutiny. Subsequently, the statutory notice u/s. 143(2) dated 19.09.2016 and notice u/s.142(1) was also issued and served. Assessee's representative Shri Rajendra B Shah, CA attended the proceeding before AO and furnished requisite details. AO completed assessment u/s. 143(3) of the Act on 19.12 2016 and made addition of Rs. 2,52,57,479/- as sale proceeds on sale shares u/s. 68 of the Act. Further, Rs. 10,10,299/- was added u/s. 69C of the Act as an unexplained expenditure. Assessee preferred an appeal against the assessment order before learned CIT(A), who

The appellant assessee has approached this tribunal on the following grounds:

In response to the notice issued by the tribunal, learned DR appeared and participated in the proceedings.

We have perused the records and heard learned representative for both the parties.

At the very outset, learned representative for the assessee has submitted that learned CIT(A) has passed ex-parte order in violation of the principles of natural justice without any application of judicious mind. Prayed to set aside the impugned order.

Learned DR has submitted that assessee was provided sufficient opportunity of hearing by issuance of various notices through e–mail. Learned DR has supported impugned order.

Learned CIT(A) was expected to state the points for determination, the decision there on and the reasons for the decision as provided u/s. 250(6) of the Act. We are conscious of the fact, that assessee has not turned up before the first appellate authority in response to the notices issued on various occasions. However, in the interest of justice and fair play, we deem it appropriate to remit the matter back to the file of learned CIT(A) for denovo adjudication on merit. We further direct the assessee to be diligent and coorperative in attending the hearings and making submissions before the first appellate authority for the expeditious and effective disposal of the appeal. Assessee should refrain from seeking any adjournment but for compelling and unavoidable reasons. Need less to say that learned CIT(A) shall ensure the observance of the principles of natural justice. It is made clear that we have not made any observations on the merit of the case. The appeal is liable to be allowed.