SHIBSHANKAR GHOSH,THANE vs. DCIT CIRCLE - 3, THANE

Learned counsel appearing for the assessee submitted that the learned CIT(A), Aurangabad has passed an ex-parte order on the reasoning that the assessee did not comply with the earlier notices. Learned Counsel submitted that all the notices referred to in paragraph 2 of the order passed by the learned CIT(A) have been issued between July, 2015 to December, 2015. He submitted that the assessee had given the premise to which notices were issued, on leave and license basis in the month of February, 2015 to a working person. Hence the tenant of the building was not available during the day time. Hence it was not clear as to whether notices were served or not. Accordingly,

On the contrary, learned Departmental Representative submitted that the assessee has not established that the notices were returned back un- served.

Having heard the rival submissions, we are of the view that the assessee has not properly substantiated his claim that the notices were not served upon him. There should not be any dispute that it is the responsibility of the assessee to intimate about the change of address to the tax authorities, which the assessee has failed to do so. At the same time the assessee has submitted through affidavit that he has given premises on leave and license basis to some working person and hence the explanations of the assessee should also not be rejected altogether. Since the Ld CIT(A) has passed ex-parte order and since the assessee has claimed to have not received the notices, we are of the view that the assessee, in the interest of natural justice, should be given one more opportunity to present his case before Ld CIT(A). Under these set of facts, assessee’s request should be accepted on terms. Accordingly, we impose a cost of ` 5000/- upon the assessee, which shall be paid to the credit of Income Tax Department as ‘other payment’ on or before 31.1.2017. Subject to the payment of cost referred above, we set aside the order passed by the learned CIT(A) and restore the same to his file with the direction to adjudicate all the issues afresh by affording adequate opportunity of being heard to the assessee.

In the result, appeal filed by the assessee is treated as allowed for statistical purposes. Order has been pronounced in the Court on 02.01.2017.