SAJAN RAJ,CHENNAI vs. ITO, NON CORPORATE WARD-22(6), CHENNAI

Aforesaid appeal by assessee for Assessment Year (AY) 2017-18 arises out of the order of learned Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), National Faceless Appeal Centre (NFAC), Delhi [CIT(A)] dated 26-12-2023 in the matter of an assessment framed by Ld. Assessing Officer [AO] u/s. 143(3) of the Act on 14-11-2019. In the assessment order, the assessee was saddled with addition of Rs.12.61 Lacs on account of cash deposit. Though the assessee preferred further appeal, it did not attend appellate proceeding and accordingly, the assessment was confirmed. Aggrieved, the assessee is in further appeal before us. The Ld. AR has pleaded for another opportunity of hearing which has been opposed by Ld. Sr. DR.

Though the assessee has remained negligent, however, keeping in mind the principle of natural justice, we deem it fit to grant another opportunity to the assessee to substantiate its case. Accordingly, the impugned order is set aside and the appeal is restored back to the file of Ld. CIT(A) for de novo adjudication with a direction to the assessee to substantiate its case forthwith without any fail. A reasonable opportunity of hearing shall be granted to the assessee. 3. The appeal stand allowed for statistical purposes. Order pronounced in open court on 17th April, 2024.