M/S.MASCOT INDUSTRIES,KANNUR vs. THE DCIT CIRCLE 1, KANNUR

This assessee’s appeal, for the assessment year 2017- 2018, arise against the CIT(A)-National Faceless Appeal Centre [in short the “NFAC”], Delhi, Delhi’s DIN & Order no.ITBA/NFAC/ S/250/2022-23/1050809565(1), dated 15.03.2023, in proceedings u/sec.154 of the Income Tax Act, 1971 (in short the "Act").

Case called twice. None appears at assessee’s behest. It is accordingly proceeded ex-parte.

2 ITA.No.333/COCH./2023 2. It emerges during the course of hearing that the NFAC has noted the assessee’s continuous non-appearance in the lower appellate proceedings before rejecting the assessee’s contentions vide ex-parte order under challenge. Smt. Swarnalatha, Sr. DR could hardly dispute the clinching fact that the NFAC’s order has nowhere decided the assessee’s substantive grounds on merits as contemplated u/sec. 250(6) of the Act requiring it to give points for determination followed by a detailed adjudication thereof. Faced with this situation, we deem it appropriate in the larger interest of justice to restore the assessee’s instant appeal back to the NFAC for it’s afresh adjudication, preferably within three effective opportunities of hearing, subject to the rider that it shall be the taxpayer’s onus and responsibility only to plead and prove all the relevant facts in consequential proceedings. Ordered accordingly.

Order pronounced in the open Court on 23.08.2024.