ACIT, NEW DELHI vs. SHRI PAWAN KUMAR GUPTA, NEW DELHI

We have heard both the parties and perused the relevant material on record. It is noticed that the CBDT has issued Circular No. 21 of 2015 dated 10.12.2015 with retrospective effect, revising the monetary limit to Rs.10,00,000/- for not filing appeals before the Tribunal. Learned Sr. DR could not controvert the fact that tax effect involved in the appeal is less than Rs.10,00,000/-.

From para 10 of the above Circular, it is palpable that the Instruction is applicable to the pending appeals also with retrospective effect and there is a clear-cut direction to the Department to withdraw or not press such appeals filed before the ITAT, wherein tax effect is less than Rs.10,00,000/-. Going by the prescription of the afore-noted Circular, we are of the view that the Revenue should have either not filed the instant appeal before the Tribunal or withdrawn the same as the tax effect in this appeal is admittedly less than the prescribed limit i.e. Rs. 10,00,000/- for not filing the appeal. Accordingly, we dismiss the instant appeal without going into merits of the case. However, the Department is at liberty to file the Miscellaneous Application, if the tax effect is found to be more than the prescribed limited of Rs. 10 lacs or otherwise.

In the result, the appeal of the Revenue stands dismissed. The decision is pronounced in the open court on 6th January, 2017.