THE KUMBADAJE SERVICE CO OPERATIVE BANK LIMITED 383 MOVVAR,MOVVAR vs. INCOME TAX OFFICER, WQARD-1, KASARAGOD, KASARAGOD

We note at the outset with the able assistance coming from both the parties that the CIT(A)’s impugned identical lower appellate discussion has upheld the Assessing Officer’s action disallowing the assessee’s sec.80P deduction claim(s), involving varying sums, in all these assessment years for the sole reason that it had derived the corresponding interest income from regular members having voting rights as well as nominal/associate members and therefore, going by case law Citizen Cooperative Society Ltd., vs. ACIT [2017] 397 ITR 1 (SC) that it is only the interest income derived from extending credit facilities for the former category which qualifies for sec.80P relief.

Faced with this situation, learned DR could hardly dispute the clinching legal developments and their lordships’ latter decision in Mavilayi Service Cooperative Bank Ltd., vs. CIT [2021] 431 ITR 1 (SC) has rejected the Revenue’s very stand to conclude that the impugned sec.80P deduction could not be denied to a co-operative society qua interest income derived from nominal/associate members as well as once it is 388, 392 & 574/Coch./2024 along with SA.Nos.137 to 140 /Coch/2024 & Ors. The Kumbadaje SCB Limited. in compliance to the State Co-operative law provisions. The assessee succeeds in its’ sole substantive ground in all these cases. Necessary computation shall follow as per law. Ordered accordingly.

These assessee’s four appeals ITA.Nos.385, 388, 392 & 574/Coch./2024 are allowed in above terms and it’s stay applications S.A.Nos.137, 139, 138 and 140/Coch./2024 are dismissed as rendered infructuous. A copy of this common order be placed in the respective case files.