DCIT 3(3)(1), MUMBAI vs. RICOH INDIA LTD, MUMBAI

We heard the parties and perused the record. This is second round of proceedings. In the first round the Tribunal, vide its order dated 13.9.2013 passed in had restored the matter relating to the depreciation claimed on goodwill to the file of the Assessing Officer. The assessee had generated goodwill when a company named M/s Gesterner (India) Ltd was merged with the assessee as per the orders passed by 2 Minosha India Ltd. (formerly known as Ricoh India Ltd.)

In the set aside proceedings, the Assessing Officer held that the goodwill is not a depreciable asset and accordingly disallowed the claim of Rs.3,58,16,000/- claimed as amortization/depreciation on the amount of goodwill.

In the appellate proceedings, the learned CIT(A) noticed that the depreciation claimed by the assessee was allowed in A.Y. 2008-09 by his predecessor by following the decision rendered by Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Smifs Securities Ltd. (2012) 348 ITR 302. Accordingly he directed the Assessing Officer to allow depreciation on goodwill. Aggrieved, the Revenue has filed this appeal.

We noticed from the paper book filed by the assessee that it is a recurring issue before the Tribunal. We noticed that in A.Y. 2005-06 (ITA No. 4150/Mum/2016), A.Y. 2006-07 (ITA No. 4474/Mum/2016) and in A.Y. 2009-10 (ITA No. 4700/Mum/2015), the Tribunal has consistently held that the depreciation claimed on goodwill is allowable as deduction. In the absence of any material to contradict decisions rendered by the Coordinate Benches on an identical issue in various other years, we do not find it necessary to interfere with the decision rendered by the learned CIT(A) on this issue.

In the result, the appeal filed by the Revenue is dismissed.