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Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, “C” BENCH, CHENNAI
Before: SHRI CHANDRA POOJARI & SHRI V. DURGA RAO
आदेश / O R D E R
PER CHANDRA POOJARI, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER:-
ITA Nos. 2036, 2037, 2039 to 2045/Mds/2013:- P. Murugesan
The ITA Nos.2036 & 2037/Mds/2013 are filed by the Department
and ITA Nos.2039 to 2045/Mds/2013 are filed by the assessee. All
these appeals are directed against the common order of the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), Tiruchirapalli, dated
08.08.2013. Since the issues in these appeals are common in nature,
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 3 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. these appeals are clubbed, heard together, and disposed of by this
common order for the sake of convenience.
Shri. P. Murugesan:- ITA Nos.2039 to 2045/Mds/2013:
(assessee’s appeal):- First, we take up assessee’s appeals. The first
common ground raised in assessee’s appeal is general in nature,
which does not require any adjudication.
The second ground raised in assessee’s appeal is that the order
passed by the Assessing Officer and confirmed by the Commissioner of
Income Tax (Appeals) suffered from violation of principles of nature
justice
The facts of the issue are that the assessee, Shri P .Murugesan is 4.
a Chairman & Managing Trustee of Sri Ponnaiya Ramajayathammal Educational & Charitable Trust (in short SPRECT), Tanjore. In his individual status he has engaged in running Computer Centre, travel business & Proprietor of M/s. P R & Sons which deals with home appliances. There was a search action in the case of Shri R. Natham Viswanathan & his group cases on 23.08.2006. In that process survey u/s 133 A was conducted in the case of Sri Ponnaiya Ramajayathammal Educational & Charitable Trust (in short
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 4 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. SPRECT), Tanjore in order to unearth the link between the said trust and the
Titan Educational Trust [in short TET]. Later, on 05/10/06 there was a search
in the residence of the assessee and survey operation on the educational
institutions run by him on the same day in order to unearth the link between
the assessee and the TET. In meanwhile, Shri R.Natham Viswanathan, Shri
P.Murugesan, Chairman of SPRECT was intercepted at Chennai Airport while carrying ₹1 Crore with him on 25.11.2006. Subsequently, his residence was
also covered u/s.132 of the I.T. Act. During the course of search proceedings,
several documents were found and seized both from his residence and from
the offices of SPRECT. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before
the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) for all the years challenging the
validity of the proceedings initiated u/s.153A of the Act and also the validity
of the best judgement assessment done u/s.144 of the Act. The assessee
assailed various additions and disallowances made by Assessing
Officer. The CIT(A) by way of a consolidated order dated 22.03.2011
allowed some of the claims of the assessee, whereas, confirmed
certain other additions made by the Assessing Officer. Against this,
the assessee preferred an appeal before the Tribunal. On appeal
before the Tribunal the assessee raised a common
grievance that he was not given proper opportunity either by Assessing
Officer or by CIT(A) for presenting his case in support of the returns. The
Tribunal remitted back the entire assessment and issues to the Assessing
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 5 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Officer for consideration de novo. Following the directions of the Tribunal,
the Assessing Officer made de novo assessment separately for all the
assessment years. Against this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
4.1 We have heard both the parties and perused the material
available on record. Now the ld. Authorised Representative for
assessee submitted that the assessee was not given fair opportunity
of hearing by the lower authorities. We have gone through the order
of the lower authorities. The Assessing Officer recorded in the
assessment order the dates of hearing of the case as follows:-
Hearing posted on Appellant appeared on
25.07.2012 Sought adjournment – filed letter dated 30.07.2012 04.10.2012 C.A. appeared and sought adjournment 30.10.2012 None appeared 09.11.2012 Appeared and sought time till 21.11.2012 21.11.2012 Appeared and filed part of the information called for and sought two weeks time to file details. 06.12.2012 Appeared on 14.12.2012, case partly heard and adjourned to 04.01.2013 31.01.2013 Filed a letter seeking 10 days to submit the particulars 05.02.2013, Appeared and heard 11.02.2013 and 06.03.2013
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 6 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. The details of case being posted for hearing before the then
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) is summarized as under:-
Hearing posted on Appellant appeared on
09.03.2010 Sought adjournment 12.08.2010 Filed written submissions 25.08.2010 Sought adjournment 16.09.2010 Filed submissions and sought adjournment 12.10.2010 AR appeared and partly heard 21.12.2010 Partly heard 08.03.2011 AR appeared and case discussed.
Further, the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) while passing
order on 08.08.2013, has also given proper opportunity of hearing.
4.1 Being so, we do not find any merit that the assessee was not
given opportunity of hearing by the lower authorities. The lower
authorities had given ample of opportunity of hearing to the assessee
to present his case. Being so, in our opinion there is no justification in
the plea of the assessee that there is inadequate opportunity of
hearing to the assessee. Hence, this ground of the appeal of the
assessee is rejected.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 7 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 5. The next common ground raised by the assessee is that the
assessment is vitiated on account of lack of jurisdiction.
5.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) erred in not noting that the
impugned assessment had been passed in the absence of proper and
valid authorization. The proceedings were thus wholly invalid and liable
to be quashed as such. The assessments are based only on surmises,
presumptions and assumption and no incriminating document was
found at the time of search, warranting the proceedings in terms of
Sec. 153A of the Act. In the absence of any evidence found in the
course of search, the impugned assessment are wholly devoid of
jurisdiction and liable to be cancelled. The Commissioner of Income
Tax (Appeals) ought to have noted that the search on 05.10.2006 had
not resulted in the seizure of any material, asset or books of account.
The cash that was found at the time of search has been properly
explained by the assessee. The amount of �1 Crore found and seized
by the department from the assessee on 25.10.2006 at the Chennai
Airport has also been properly explained. The impugned assessment
are thus wholly devoid of jurisdiction and merits and liable to be
quashed. The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee relied on the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 8 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. order of Special Bench in the case of All Cargo Global Logistics Ltd.
Vs. DCIT, Central Circle-44, Mumbai 137 ITD 257 wherein it was
observed in assessments that are abated, the Assessing Officer retains
the original jurisdiction as well as jurisdiction conferred on him
u/s.153A for which assessments shall be made for each of the six
assessment years separately. The ld. Authorised Representative for
assessee submitted that for the assessment years 2001-2002, 2002-
2003 assessment was processed u/s.143(1) and further for the
assessment year 2003-2004, assessment was completed u/s.143(3) of
the Act and for the assessment years 2004-05 to 2007-08 assessment
was pending. Thus, he submitted that for the assessment 2003-2004,
the assessment was already completed u/s.143(3) of the Act. Being
so, there is no incrementing material found during the course of
search for this assessment year. The ld. Authorised Representative
also relied on the judgment of Bombay High Court in the case of CIT
vs. (1) Continental Warehousing Corporation (NHAVA SHEVA) Ltd, and
(2) All Cargo Global Logistics Ltd in 374 ITR 645 (Bombay) wherein it
was held if there was no incriminating material found during the
course of search/s.132 of the Act, power u/s.153A being not expected
to be exercised routinely, should be exercised if the search revealed
any incriminating material.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 9 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 5.2 The ld. Departmental Representative submitted that there
is seized material found during the course of search action u/s. 132 of
the Act and the same was used for the purpose of framing assessment
u/s.153A of the Act. There is no illegality in framing the assessment.
He relied on sec.153A(b) of the Act.
5.3 We have heard both the parties and perused the material
on record. As seen from the facts of the case there was search in the
residence of the assessee on 05.10.2006. Further, there was also a
search on 25.11.2006 at Chennai Airport that a sum of �1 Crore was
seized from the assessee. Consequent to this, notice u/s.153A was
issued to the assessee on 16.10.2007. The assessee filed return of
income for the assessment years 2001-2002 to 2005-2006 on
24.10.2008 and on 11.11.2008 for the assessment year 2006-2007.
Being so, we find no merit in the argument of the ld. Authorised
Representative for assessee. This ground of the appeals of the
assessee is rejected.
Coming to merits in ITA No.2039/Mds/2013, in assessment year
2001-2002, the first ground raised by the assessee is with to regard
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 10 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. to addition of �11,97,000/- as unexplained credit for the assessment
year 2001-2002.
6.1 The fact of the case are that during the previous year
relevant to the A.Y.2001-02, the assessee has shown loans from the
following persons on the liability side of the "General Balance Sheet"
filed along with the Return of Income. They are also shown on the
receipts side of the "General Receipts and Payments A/c".
Sl.No Name of alleged creditor Amount in (�) 1 Loan from Swamy Bommu 8,00,000 2 NRI loan 3,97,000
In the return of income filed u/s 139 on 3-8-2001, loan from Shri
Swamy Bommu was shown at �8,00,000/. However in the return of
income filed u/s 153A of the Act on 24-10-2008, this loan does not
appear on the liability side or the Balance Sheet. The assessee was
requested to explain the discrepancy by the Assessing Officer. Vide
reply dated 21-11-2012, the ld. Authorised Representative for
assessee stated that they do not have the copy of the return dated
3.8.2001 and requested to provide the same. A copy of the return
was made available and the assessee was requested to explain the
discrepancy by Assessing Officer. Vide reply dated 31.1.2013 the ld.
Authorised Representative for assessee submitted a statement
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 11 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. prepared for Bank purposes reducing the assets and liabilities was
filed in the return u/s 153A. The loan creditor Shri Swamy Bommu
�8,00,000/- was not found in the statement filed u/s 153A. This is
due to the above reason. The AR further stated that �8,00,000/ was
repaid on 23-10-2001 vide a cheque No.824741 and a copy of the
Bank statement of Shri P.Murugesan was enclosed with the letter
before AO. In this Pass Book, there is no mention as to whom the
cheque is issued. Further, the AR could not produce the original pass
book or a certified copy of the Bank passbook for verification before
Assessing Officer. Even after 'affording further opportunities the
assessee by AO could not produce the certified copy of the Bank a/c.
nor the original pass book for verification. The loan from Shri Swamy
Bommu is stated to be repaid on 23-10-2001. The assessee has not
produced any books of accounts for the "general accounts" other
than the accounts of the concern M/s P.R. Sons before AO. The
assessee has filed receipts & payments account of the general
accounts which incorporates the loans taken and the repayments
made during the year. In the receipts & payments a/c. filed along
with the return for Assessment Year 2002-03, the above mentioned
loan repayment to Shri Swamy Bommu is not shown. Therefore, the
repayment of loan on 23-10-2001 cannot be considered to be
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 12 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. satisfactorily proved. In view of the discrepancies noted above and
the fact that no evidence is furnished to show the loan receipt of
�8,00,000/-from Shri Swamy Bommu, the credit of �8,00,000/-
shown in the original Balance Sheet filed with the Return of Income
dated 3-8-2001 is considered as unexplained credit by Assessing
Officer and was brought to tax 68 of the IT Act. The receipts and
payments alc is credited by loan from NRI of �3,97,OOO/- and is
shown in the Balance Sheet as a liability. The assessee has explained
that it is from Shri G.Dinesh Kumar. The AR filed a photo copy of the
Account with Indian Overseas Bank, Thanjavur before Assessing
Officer purported to be belonging to Shri G.Dinesh Kumar wherein
there are debits of �1,77,OOO/- on 4th August 2000, �70,000/- on
September 2000 and �1,50,000/- on 8th January 2001. In the pass
book, it was not mentioned to whom the cheques are issued. No
further evidence is produced. The copy of the pass book produced is
only a photo copy and the original is not produced for verification.
The assessee was requested to furnish his bank alc copy reflecting
the corresponding entries. The A.R. vide reply dt 14.12.2012 before
the Assessing Officer stated that "a copy of the bank statement has
been requested from the Bank and he shall furnish it in the next
hearing." However no such bank alc statement was furnished. The
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 13 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. assessee has not produced any confirmation from the loan creditor.
On giving opportunity also, the loan creditor was not made available
for verification. The assessee has also not furnished the details as to
the mode of receipt of the loans, the bank account where it was
credited. A letter written to Shri Dinesh Kumar at the address
provided by the assessee to confirm the loan has not elicited any
reply from him. The assessee has availed loan from Shri Dinesh
Kumar in other years also as under:
SI.No A.Y. Amount of Amount Balance . loan taken repaid outstanding 1 2001-02 3,97,000 0 3,97,000 2 2002-03 2,53,000 0 6,50,000
3 2003-04 14,17,000 0 20,67,000
4 2004-05 1,34,0000 0 22,01,000
5 2007-08 6,91,532 0 28,92,532 No repayments of the above loans are shown in any of the years till
31.03.2007. In the Receipts and payments account filed with the
returns no interest payment on this loan is shown. No sane person will
lend such huge amount of money without any interest. The assessee
was also reminded that onus to prove the sources of credit and the
genuinity of the transaction was with the assessee. The assessee was
reminded that the Tribunal vide its order dated had directed the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 14 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. assessee to co-operate with the Department in completing the
assessment. In spite of all this, the assessee has even failed to state
as to how the loans are received, i.e., whether by cash or cheque, if
by cheque, the cheque No. and the details of the Bank where it is
credited. In View of the above, the above two loans of Rs.8,OO,OOO/-
from Shri Swamy Bommu and Rs.3,97,OOO/-from Shri Dinesh Kumar
are treated as unexplained credits and brought to tax. The ld.
Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that according to
the Assessing Officer there was following two loan creditors during this
year
a. Swamy Bommu �8,00,000/- b. NRI Loan �3,97,000/-
Before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), the assessee submitted that
the Assessing Officer went wrong in making the addition without accepting the
copies of bank account statements of the assessee and the creditor. After migrating
to core banking solutions, no banks are in a position to furnish particulars of the
accounts prior to 2006. Hence the question of their certifying the statements is
ruled out and calling for certified copies of the bank accounts and further details
from the assessee is in total violation of the principle of natural justice. According
the ld. Authorised Representative for assessee the Assessing Officer went wrong in
making the addition without accepting the copies of bank account statements of the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 15 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. assessee and the creditor as relating to the loan from Shri Dinesh Kumar of
�3,97,OOO/-. However, the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the
order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
6.3 We have heard both the parties and perused the material available on
record .We have gone through the submissions made by the Authorised
Representative of the assessee as well as the ld. Departmental
Representative. The Assessing Officer has made an addition of �11,
97,000/- on account of unexplained credits shown in the name of Mr.
Swamy Bommu at � 8,00,000/- and another amount of �3,97,000/-
from NRl loan. The Assessing Officer has noticed a discrepancy in the
return filed uls 139(1) on 3/8/2001 where a loan from Shri. Swamy
Bommu is shown at �8,00,000/- where as in the return filed uls 153A
on 24/10/2008, this loan does not appear on the liability side of the
balance sheet. When the assessee was requested to explain the
discrepancy, the Authorised Representative of the assessee has stated
that the amount of �8,00,000/- was repaid on 23/10/2001 vide a
cheque no. 824741. However on verifying the copy of bank statement
of Shri. P. Murugesan there was no mention as to whom the cheque
was issued. The loan repayment has not been shown anywhere in his
books of accounts as stated by the assessee. As the assessee could not
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 16 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. substantiate his claim of receipt of loan as well as repayment the same
is treated as unexplained credit and added to the income uls 68 of the
IT Act. Similarly a loan from NRI of � 3,97,000/- is shown as a liability
in the balance sheet. When this issue was brought to the notice of the
Authorised Representative of the assessee by authorities who produced
a photo copy of IOB account Thanjavur said to belong to Shri. G.
Dinesh Kumar (NRI) where some debits were found, but there is no
mention to whom the cheques were issued. The original bank account
statement has not been furnished by Authorised Representative of the
assessee nor any confirmation letter filed from Shri. G. Dinesh Kumar.
No reply has been received from Shri. G. Dinesh Kumar for confirming
the loan amount. Hence, the addition made by Commissioner of
Income Tax (Appeals) is confirmed. This ground of the appeal of the
assessee is rejected.
6.4 The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
confirming the addition in respect of agricultural income to the tune of
�14,910/-.
6.5 The facts of the issue are that the assessee had claimed
�40,353/- as income from agricultural land. In support of the claim,
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 17 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. the ld. Authorised Representative stated that the assessee has taken
agriculture lands belonging to his brother Shri. Vasudevan on oral
lease. It was stated that cultivation of grams were undertaken during
the relevant previous year. The assessee could not give details of
quantity of the produce obtained, name of the persons to whom it
was sold and bills and vouchers for the sale of agricultural produce
which were called for vide notice u/s.142(1) dated 31.10.2012. Under
similar circumstances for the assessment year 2003-04, the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) vide order dated 01.09.2009 in
IT No.128/06-07 has directed to treat �3,66,000/- out of the
agricultural income declared of �9,75,000/- as income from other
sources. The disallowance works out to 37%. Therefore, 37% of the
income returned as agricultural income i.e �14,910/- was considered
as income from ‘’other sources’’. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an
appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). On appeal,
the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the addition
made by the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal
before us.
6.6 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. Whenever the assessee claim any income as exempt from
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 18 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. tax, it is the duty of the assessee to place necessary evidence to
prove the same. In the present case, the assessee was not able to
substantiate its claim to the extent of �14,910/- though it was
claimed as income from agriculture. Hence, we confirm the order of
the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals).
In the result, the appeal of the assessee in ITA No.2039/Mds/2013 is
dismissed.
Shri. P. Murugesan, ITA No.2040/Mds/2013 for assessment year
2002-2003(assessee’s appeal)
In this appeal, the first ground raised by the assessee is with
regard to confirmation of addition of �10,96,000/- made towards
unexplained cash credit.
7.1 The facts of the issue are that the assessee, during the previous
year relevant to the assessment year 2002-03, had shown loans from
the following persons on the liability side of the ‘’General Balance
Sheet’’ filed alongwith the return of income. They are also shown on
the receipts side of the ‘’General Receipts and payments account’’
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 19 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. SI.No. Name of alleged creditor Amount (in ") 1. PLA 2,00,000 2. KRA 4,00,000 3. Vasudevan 70,000 4. NRI 2,53,000 Total 9,23,000
In addition to the above loans, in the business of M/s.PR & Sons the following loans are shown on the liabilities side of the Balance sheet:
SI.No. Name of alleged creditor Amount (in' ) R.Elangovan 5,00,000 Vasudevan 73,000 Total 5,73,000
Vide Notice u/s 142(1) dated 30-10-2012, the assessee was requested
to give the details of all the above loans along with ledger extracts of
the above persons appearing in assessee's books along with complete
address and income tax assessment details. Further, vide Notice dated
11-01-2013, the assessee was requested to furnish the confirmations
from the loan creditors along with details of the loan i.e., amount of
loans, cheque No., date, name of the bank and confirmation as to
whether any interest on the loan and the repayment of the loan. The
assessee was also requested to furnish details of interest paid on the
above loans for various years till date. The assessee was also
reminded that onus to prove the source of the credits and the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 20 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. genuinity of the transaction was with the assessee. Vide Notice u/s
142(1) dated 22.2.2013, the assessee was requested to produce the
loan creditors for verification. The assessee has only furnished the
address of the loan creditors. Even the PAN number of the loan
creditors is not furnished by the assessee. The assessee has also not
furnished the mode of availing the loan, date of loan and cheque
Number and bank details etc. The assessee has also avoided stating
whether any interest is paid on the loans and whether, these loans
are outstanding or repaid as on date. Letters were addressed to the
loan creditors at the address given by the assessee. In case of Shri
K.R.Annamalai who has been cryptically mentioned as KRA. in the
assessee's Balance Sheet, the confirmation has been received. The
loan is from Smt.A.Mangalam who is the wife of K.R.Annamalai.
Although she has confirmed the loan outstanding of �4,00,000/- as on
31.03.2002, she has also enclosed a copy of another loan of
�7,00,000/ which was outstanding from the previous year but is repaid
by the assessee with interest on 28.06.2001. This repayment of �
7,00,000 is not reflected in the receipts and payments account of the
assessee. In case of PLA, i.e., PL.A.Chidambaram, the loan creditor
has confirmed a loan of �2,OO,OOO/ availed on 14-11-2002 by
Ponnaiah Ramajayam College and no loan is mentioned for the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 21 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. previous year relevant to Assessment Year 2002-03. Shri Vasudevan is
the brother of the assessee. He has stated that he has paid �70,000/-
in cash during 2001-02 and he had money transactions with PR &
Sons from the year it was established. But, he was not having any
details of the same. Since the loan is stated to be given in cash and no
interest payment is made for the past 12 years, the transaction cannot
be considered to be genuine. Thus, except the loan from K.R.
Annamalai of �4,OO,OOO/, none of the above credits can be
considered to be satisfactorily explained by the assessee. Therefore,
the above said loans amounting to �10,96,OOO/ is treated as income
from undisclosed sources and brought to tax. Aggrieved, the assessee
preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals).
7.2 On appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)
the ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that the AO
went wrong in making the addition without accepting the copies of bank
account statements of the assessee and the creditor. After migrating to core
banking solutions, no banks are in a position to furnish particulars to the accounts
prior to 2006. Hence the question of their certifying the statements is ruled out.
Hence calling for certified copies of the bank accounts and further details from the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 22 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. assessee in total violation of the principle of natural justice. The AO went wrong in
making the addition without accepting the copies of bank account statements of
the assessee and the creditor as relating to the loan from Shri Dinesh Kumar of
�2,53,OOO/-. The AO went wrong in making the addition without accepting the
submission of Shri Vasudevan, brother of the assessee. The AO went wrong in
making the addition without accepting the copies of bank account statements of
the assessee and the creditor as relating to the loan from Shri R.Elangovan of
�5,00,000/-. The assessee had filed his regular return of income. All these loans
are reflected in the original returns filed. No new evidence or material had been
found either during the course of Search or survey which would indicate even
prima facie that the loan is not genuine, and hence the AO could not have
considered these credits in this assessment. However, the Commissioner of
Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order of the Assessing Officer. Against this,
the assessee is in appeal before us.
7.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on record. The
lower authorities made an addition of � 10,96,000/-- on account of
unexplained cash credits in the name of various individuals mentioned
above. During the course of assessment proceedings the assessee was
asked to furnish ledger accounts of the said loan creditors and was
also asked to furnish confirmation letters as well as details of amount
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 23 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. of loan, cheque number, date, and mode of transaction along with
charging of interest and the repayment of loan, if any. The Assessee
has not furnished any details, no PAN number of the loan creditors,
details of mode of receipt of loan and rate of interest. During the
course of assessment proceedings, only one person by name Shri. K.
R. Annamalai responded by furnishing a confirmation letter. The
amount of loan of � 4,00,000/- is received from Smt A. Mangalam wife
of Shri K.R. Annamalai apart from �4,00,000/- amount pending as on
31/3/2002. She has also mentioned another loan amount of
�7,00,000/- which was repaid, but not reflected in the receipt and
payment accounts of the assessee. In the case of PLA i.e. P.L.A.
Chidambaram, the loan creditor has confirmed a loan of �2,00,000/-
availed on 14/11/2002 by Ponnaiah Ramajayam College and no loan
is mentioned in the previous year relevant to the assessment year
under consideration. Shri Vasudevan is the brother of the assessee
who has stated that he has paid �70,000/- in cash during financial
year 2001-02 and he had money transactions with PR & Sons since the
beginning. Shri Vasudevan has not furnished any other details and
loan is stated to have been given in cash and no interest has been
made to this person for the last 12 years. Hence the lower authorities
has not considered this transaction to be genuine, except in the case
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 24 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. of K. R.Anamalai for having confirmed an amount of � 4,00,000/-
from his wife's account, none of the above creditors could explain the
details of loan transaction with any evidence. Hence the loan amounts
amounting to �10,96,000/- is treated as income from undisclosed
sources of the assessee and brought to tax. Since the Assessee could
not file any details with concrete evidence the grounds of appeal filed
by the assessee are rejected confirming the addition made by the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). This ground of the appeal of
the assessee is dismissed.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
addition of �7,66,000/- made towards unexplained expenditure
u/s.69C of the Act.
8.1 The facts of the issue are that in order to verify the loan
creditor a letter was written to Shri
K.R. Annamalai. The loan is from Smt. A.Mangalam who is the wife of
Shri. K.R. Annamalai. Although she has confirmed the loan outstanding
of �4,00,000 as on 31.03.2002, she has also enclosed a copy of
another loan of �7,00,000/ which was outstanding from the previous
year but was repaid by the assessee with interest on 28.06.2001. This
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 25 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. repayment of � 7,00,000/- was not reflected in the receipts and
payments account of the assessee. In fact the loan outstanding as on
31.03.2001 is not shown in the balance sheet of the assessee as on
31.03.2001. Further the assessee has paid interest of �66,000 on the
two loans. This interest payment was not shown in the accounts of the
assessee. The copy of the account extract received from Sri. K.R.
Annamalai & Mrs. A. Mangalam were sent to the assessee vide letter
dt.22.02.2003 and assessee was requested to explain, where each of
the loans is reflected in his accounts. The ld. Authorised
representative for assessee vide letter filed on 06.03.2013 merely
stated that outstanding balances for A.Y. 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2003-
04 are confirmed by K.R. Annamalai. Since the assessee has not
offered any explanation regarding the payment made by the assessee
to Mrs. A. Mangalam of Rs.7,OO,000/- on 28.06.2001 and the interest
paid of �66,000/-, the repayment of loan along with interest
amounting to Rs.7,66,OOO/- is considered to be unexplained
expenditure and brought to tax u/s.69C by Assessing Officer.
Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the Commissioner
of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)
confirmed the order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee
is in appeal before us.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 26 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
8.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material
available on record. The assessee has not shown the repayment of
�7,00,000/- to the wife of Shri. K. R. Annamalai who has confirmed
that an amount of another �7,00,000/- given to the assessee which
has been repaid by the assessee with interest on 28/06/2001. This
transaction has no where been reflected anywhere in the receipts and
payments account of the assessee. The transaction itself has not been
shown as outstanding as on 31/03/2001 in the balance sheet of the
assessee. Similarly the assessee has paid interest of �66,000/- on the
above two loan amounts to Shri. K. R. Annamalai family. The interest
amount was also not reflected in the accounts of the assessee. When
the account copy of Shri K. R. Annamalai and Smt A.Mangalam were
sent to the assessee for cross verification, the assessee could not
offer any explanation regarding payment made to Mrs. A. Mangalam
of �7,00,000/- on 28.06.2001 and interest paid of �66,000/-. In view
of this, we confirm the order of the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals). Hence, this ground of the appeal of the assessee is
rejected.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 27 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 9. The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to addition of
�3,49,952/- made towards business income of the assessee.
9.1 The facts of the issue are that in the case of PR & Sons although the
books of accounts were produced, no supporting vouchers i.e. the purchase
invoices, sales bills, expenditure vouchers were produced for verification.
Since none of the expnenes could be verified, expenditure of �3,49,952/- was
disallowed and the income from PR & Sons division was considered as Nil as
against los of �3,49,952/- claimed by the assessee. Against this, the assessee
preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order of the Assessing
Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
9.2. We have heard both the parties and perused the material available on
record. The assessee has not produced any vouchers, purchases, invoices,
sale bills for the expenditure made for verification. In the absences of any
evidence produced in support of the claim of the assessee, we confirm the
order of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). This ground of the
appeal of the assessee is rejected.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 28 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 10. The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to addition of
�38,850/- made towards agricultural income of the assessee.
10.1 The facts of the issue are that the assessee had claimed �1,05,000/-
as income from agricultural lands. In support of the claim, the ld.
Authorised Representative stated that the assessee has taken
agriculture lands belonging to his brother Shri. Vasudevan on oral
lease. It was stated that cultivation of grams were undertaken during
the relevant previous year. The assessee could not give details of
quantity of the produce obtained, name of the persons to whom it
was sold and bills and vouchers for the sale of agricultural produce
which were called for vide notice u/s.142(1) dated 31.10.2012. Under
similar circumstances for the assessment year 2002-03, the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) vide order dated 01.09.2009 in
IT No.128/06-07 has directed to treat �3,66,000/- out of the
agricultural income declared of �9,75,000/- as income from other
sources. The disallowance works out to 37%. Therefore, 37% of the
income returned as agricultural income i.e �38,850/- was considered
as income from ‘’other sources’’. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an
appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). On appeal,
the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the addition
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 29 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. made by the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal
before us.
10.2 We have heard both the parties and perused the material
available on record. As discussed in this order in para 6.6 in
assessment year 2001-2002, this ground of the appeal of the assessee
is dismissed.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to addition of
�10,85,000/- made towards capital account of P.R & Sons as unexplained
cash credit.
11.1 During scrutiny of the accounts of P.R& Sons division of the
assesses, it was found that the Capital account in P.R & Sons as per
the books was �39,88,236/-. But, as per the Balance Sheet in the
rectum, balance in capital account is �15,00,000/-. The current
account as per books of accounts is a debit balance of �13,98,221/-.
But as per the return there is a credit balance The A.R. vide letter dt.
11.02.2013 has reconciled the difference as under:-
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 30 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Dr. Cr. Capital A/c. as per PR & Sons books. 39,88,236/- Current A/c. as per PR & Sons books 13,98,221 Net Capital balance as per books 25,90,015 Less Amount transferred from purchase 15,85,000 A/c Capital balance as per balance sheet 15,05,015
The A.R. has explained that the purchases which were �1,27,78,485/-
as per the books it was reduced to the extent of �15,85,000/- to
�1,16,93,485/-. The Capital A/c is also reduced to the same extent.
No reasons are given for effecting the above mentioned changes in the
final accounts without passing it through the books of account. Since
no books are produced for the General A/c. i.e. transactions other than
the PR & Sons, the sources for credits to capital A/c in PR & Sons
cannot be verified. For the purchases also no vouchers are produced
and thus cannot be verified. Therefore, the difference in capital a/c as
per books of PR & Sons and that shown in Balance sheet amounting to
�10,85,000 is considered as unexplained cash credit in the books of PR
& Sons. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). On appeal, the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the addition made
by the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal before
us.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 31 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 11.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material. The assessing officer has made an addition of ₹10,85,000/- as unexplained cash credit in the books of the assessee on the ground that capital account in the PR & Sons as per the book a balance amount is shown ₹ 39,88,236/- but whereas as per the balance sheet filed with the return of income balance found in capital account is only ₹15,00,000/--. The current account as per books of accounts is a debit balance of ₹13,98,221/- where as as per the return there is a credit balance. When the Authorised Representative of the assessee was asked to reconcile the difference, he could not file any details to the extent of ₹15,85,000/-- show as amount transferred from purchase account. No books of accounts were produced for the general account i.e., transactions other than PR & Sons hence the sources for credits to capital account in PR & Sons cannot be verifiable. Since the assessee has not produced purchase bills the above transactions cannot be verifiable. Therefore, the lower authorities has taken a correct decision in considering the differential amount of ₹ 10,85,000/-- between the capital account as per books of PR & Sons and that of amount mentioned in balance sheet treating the same as unexplained cash credit in the books of PR & Sons. This ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
In the result, the appeal of the assessee in ITA No.2040/Mds/2013 is
dismissed.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 32 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Shri. P. Murugesan :-ITA No.2041/Mds/2013, assessment year 2003-2004
(assessee’s appeal)
In this appeal, the first ground raised by the assessee is with regard
to addition of �3,66,000/- made towards agricultural income of the
assessee.
13.1 The facts of the case are that the assessee had claimed �9,75,000/-
as income from agricultural land. The Assessing Officer in the assessment
made u/s.143(3) dated 20.03.2006 had treated �7,32,000/- out of the above
as income from other sources. The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)
vide order dated 01.09.2009 in IT No.128/06-07, has directed to treat
�3,66,000/- as income from other sources. Accordingly, �6,09,000/- is
assessed as income from agriculture and rest of �3,66,000/- is assessed
from ‘’income from other sources’’. Against this, the assessee is in appeal
before us.
13.2 We have heard both the parties and perused the material on
record. As discussed in this order in para 6.6 in assessment year
2001-2002, this ground of the appeal of the assessee is dismissed.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 33 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 14. The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to addition of
�35,420/- made u/s.40A(3) of the Act.
14.1 The facts of the issue are that during scrutiny the Assessing Officer
has noticed that the assessee had made expenditure of �1,77,000/- in PR &
Sons in cash above �20,000/- on each occasion. Hence, the Assessing
Officer made an addition of �35,420/- u/s.40A(3) of the Act. Aggrieved, the
assessee preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order
of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
14.2 We have heard both the parties and perused the material available on
record. Since the cash payments above �20,000/- attracts the provisions of
section 40A(3), the same is confirmed. This ground of the appeal of the
assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to addition of
�1,00,000/- made towards drawings.
15.1 The facts of the issue are that the Assessing Officer had made an
addition of �2,00,000/-towards low drawings on account of personal expenses
taking into consideration, the affluent nature of living style of the assessee.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 34 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of
Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed
the order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal
before us.
15.2 We have heard both the parties and perused the material available on
record. The lower authorities had made an addition of �2,00,000/- on account
of low drawings and also keeping in view of the lifestyle of the assessee.
Keeping in view of the low drawings this grounds of appeal of the assessee is
rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to addition of
�51,27,000/- as unexplained cash credits.
16.1 The facts of the case are that during the previous year relevant
to the assessment year 2003-04, the assessee had shown loans from
the following persons on the liability side of the General Balance Sheet
filed along with the return of income. They are also shown on the
receipts side of the ‘’General Receipts and Payments A/c’’.
Sl.No Name of alleged creditor Amount 1 R. Elangovan 5,00,000/- 2 GG 8,00,000/- 3 Stephen 4,00,000/- 4 Dinesh Kumar 14,17,000/-
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 35 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 5 Soundaravalli & lakshmi 10,50,000/- 6 Vasudevan 1,25,000/- 7 KRA 5,00,000/- 8 Y. Mohamed 1,00,000/- 9 Vijayakumar 1,00,000/- 10 Dharmaraj 50,000/- 11 Jayavel Raj 5,00,000/- 12 K. Subramanian 85,000/- Total 56,27,000/-
Vide Notice u/s 142(1) dated 30-01-2012, the assessee was requested
by Assessing Officer to give the details of all the above loans along
with ledger extracts of the above persons appearing in assessee's
books along with complete address and income-tax assessment
details, Further, vide Notice dated 11-01-2013, the assessee was
requested to furnish the confirmations from the loan creditors along
with details of the loan i.e., amount of loans, cheque No., date, name
of the bank and confirmation as to whether any interest on the loan
and the repayment of the loan. The assessee was also furnished
details of interest paid on the above loans for various years till date;
The assessee was also reminded that onus to prove the source of the
credits and the genuineness of the transaction with the assessee. Vide
Notice u/s 142(1) dated 22.2.2013,
the assessee was requested to produce the loan creditors for
verification. The assessee has only furnished the address of the loan
creditors. Even the PAN number of the loan creditors is not furnished
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 36 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. by the assessee. The assessee has also not furnished the mode of
availing the loan, date of loan and cheque Number and bank details
etc. The assessee has also avoided stating whether any interest is paid
on the loans and whether these loans are outstanding or repaid as on
date. Letters were addressed to the loan creditors at the address given
by the assessee. In case of Shri K.R.Annamalai who has been
cryptically mentioned as K.R.A. in the assessee's Balance Sheet, the
confirmation has been received. Shri Vasudevan is the brother of the
assessee. He has stated that he has paid �1,25,OOO/- in cash during
A.Y.2003-04 and he had money transactions with PR & Sons from the
year it was established. But, he was not having any details of the
same. In case of Shri Jeyavalraj, he has stated that he has given an
amount of �.5,00,000/-- in cash during the month of February 2003.
He is not assessed to Income-tax. The amount is not yet received as
on date and does not bear any interest. Shri K. Dharmaraj has stated
that he has given an interest free loan of �50,000/-- in cash in
March'2003 and the amount is not received back as on 4.02.2013.
Since the loan is stated to be given in cash and no interest payment is
made, the transaction cannot be considered to be genuine. In case of
Shri G.Govindaraju, he has stated that he has given a loan of
�8,00,000/- in cash in September 2002 and received back the amount
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 37 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. in June 2003 in cash for the higher education of his children. The
assessee has availed loan from Shri. G. Govindaraju, in other years
also as under:-
Sl.No A.Y Amount loan Amount Balance taken repaid outstanding 1 2003-04 8,00,000 0 8,00,000 2 2004-05 17,50,000 8,00,000 9,50,000 3 2006-07 15,00,000 0 32,50,000
In the Receipts and payments a/c filed with the returns no interest
payment on this loan is shown. No same person would lent such huge
amount of money without any interest. The assessee has not
established the creditworthiness of the loan creditor. Therefore, the
transactions cannot be considered to be genuine. Thus, except for loan
from K.R.Annamalai of �5,OO,OOO/-, none of the above credits can be
considered to be satisfactorily explained by the assessee. Therefore,
the above said loans amounting to �51,27,OOO/- is
added to the income of the assessee as unexplained credits in the
books u/s 68 of the Act by Assessing Officer. Aggrieved, the assessee
preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 38 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal
before us.
16.2 We have heard both the parties and perused the material available
on record. The Assessing Officer had made an addition to �56,27,000/-
on account of unexplained cash credits which the assessee could not
prove with substantial evidence during the course of assessment
proceedings. However the Assessee could not furnish any details
such as confirmation letters from the loan creditors, along with the
details of amount of loan, cheque number, date, name of the bank,
PAN numbers of the loan creditors apart from the above the assessee
could not furnish the mode of availing loan as well as credit worthiness
capacity to lend and genuineness of the transaction. Only in the case
of K. R. Annamalai confirmation letter has been received where as in
the case of Shri. Vasudevan, Shri. Jayavelraj and Shri. Dharmaraj as
well as Shri G. Govindaraju could not produce any details of
much evidence value and hence the Assessing Officer has added an
amount of �1,27,000/- after accepting an amount of �5,00,000/- as
loan received from K. R. Annamalai. In the absence of any evidence
filed before the lower authorities for the balance of �51,27,000/- the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 39 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. loan amounts stated to have been taken from the above individual is
treated as unexplained cash credits in the books of the assessee u/s.68
of the act. Hence, this ground of the appeal of the assessee is
rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to addition of
�10,50,000/- made on account sale of flat at Shonoy Nagar, Chennai.
17.1 The facts of the issue are that the assessee sold Flat bearing
No.5, II Floor situated at Plot No.191/I, Type New No.6, II Main Road,
Shenoi Nagar, Chennai measuring 970 sqft with 588.6 sqft undivided
share of land for �10,50,OOO/-. This property was sold vide document
No.3305/2002 on 21.9.2002. The Assessee vide letter dated 11-2-2013
claimed that the assessee was only a Power agent of Ms. K.A.
Soundaravalli and Ms K.A.Lakshmi and the assessee was not the owner
of the flat. However, the sale deed of the above
property, it is clearly mentioned that this property was earlier
purchased by K.A.Soundaravalli, P.Murugesan and K.A.Lakshmi under
a sale deed dated 12-05-1999 registered as document No.1627 of
1999 in Sub Registered Office, Anna Nagar. It is also mentioned that
the three together constructed a flat on the undivided share of the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 40 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. land through the Builder Srijees constructions and since then the three
persons are said to be in joint position and enjoyment of the said
property. Therefore, the assessee's contention that he is not the owner
of the property cannot be accepted Therefore, the value of the flat
sold of �10,50,000/- is brought to tax as Short Term Capital Gains as
the date of construction the land cost involved are not verifiable from
the records and the assessee has not provided any details of the same.
Incidentally the assessee has shown Ms K.A.Soundaravalli and Ms
K.A.Lakshmi as loan creditors to the tune of �10,50,000/- being the
sale value of the above flat. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an
appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order of the
Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
17.2 We have heard both the parties and perused the material. The Assessing Officer has made an addition of' ₹10,50,000/- being the short term
capital gain and the same has been brought to tax on account of sale value of
the above said flat. The lower authorities has elaborately discussed this issue
in their order and the contention of the assessee that the assessee is having
only 1/3 rd share in the sale transaction is devoid of any truth because the
assessee has shown the other two parties such as Mrs. K. A. Soundaravalli
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 41 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. and Ms K.A.Lakshmi as loan creditors to the tune of ₹10,50,000/-. The version of the assessee cannot be believed. Hence the lower authorities are justified in calculating the short term capital gain and taxing the amount of' ₹10,50,000/- is confirmed. This ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to addition
of income of �7,30,418/- from PR & Sons.
18.1 The facts of the issue are that the assessee has not produced
any sale bills, purchase & invoices or vouchers for businesses. Since
none of the expenses could be verified, the books results of this concern are rejected. The net sales of the concern is ₹76,09,354/. The income is estimated at 5% i.e., as against loss declared of ₹3,49,951/-. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner of Income
Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order of the Assessing Officer. Against
this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
18.2 We have heard both the parties and perused the material. The
lower authorities have made an estimated addition at 5% on the sales turnover of the assessee Concern shown at � 76,09,354/-
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 42 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. against the loss declared at �3,49,951/-. During the course of
Assessment proceedings the assessee has not produced any sale bills,
purchase invoices / vouchers for the business. Since no expenses could
be verifiable the book results of the concern were rejected and the
lower authorities has estimated an income at 5% on the turnover
reported. We do not find any infirmity in the orders of the lower
authorities. This ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to addition
of �13,00,558/- as unexplained capital in PR & Sons.
19.1 The facts of the issue are that during scrutiny of the accounts of
P.R& Sons division of the assessee, it was found that the Current account of the assessee as per the books is � 14,82,719/-. But, as per
the return, the Current account is � 1,82,161/-. The AR was asked to
explain why the difference should not be brought to tax. The assessee
vide letter dated 11-02-2013 explained that the balance of
�14,82,719/- is as per the pre audited book which may be
ignored. No further explanation as to why the entries taken as credits
into the current account of the assessee were later reversed in the
audited accounts was filed even after giving further opportunities
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 43 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Therefore, the difference in current account of the assessee to the
extent of �13,00,558/- is treated as unexplained cash credits u/s 68
and brought to tax. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal
before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner
of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order of the Assessing Officer.
Against this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
19.2 We have both the parties and perused the material available
on record. The lower authorities has made an addition of
�13,00,558/- as unexplained cash credit u/s 68 on noticing current
account balance of the assessee as per the books shown at
�14,82,719/- whereas as per the return of income filed by the
assessee the current account balance is shown at only �1,82,161/-
when the assessee was asked to reconcile the difference the assessee
stated that the difference is due to pre audit book balance which was
wrongly mentioned as �14,82,719/-. No further explanation was filed
by the assessee for the entries reflected in the current account and
later reversed in the audited accounts hence we do not any find any
infirmity in the decision taken by the lower authorities in taxing the
balance amount of �13,00,558/- as unexplained cash credit u/s. 68
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 44 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. and brought to tax. Accordingly, the ground of the appeal of the
assessee is dismissed.
The appeal of the assessee in ITA No.2041/Mds/2013 for the
assessment year 2003-2004 is dismissed.
Shri. P. Murugesan, ITA No.2042/Mds/2013, assessment year 2004- 2005 (assessee’s appeal)
The first ground raised by the assessee in this appeal is with
regard to unexplained cash credits to the tune of �22,34,000/-.
20.1 The facts of the issue are that during the previous year
relevant to the assessment year 2004-05, the assessee had shown
loans from the following person on the liability side of the ‘’General
Balance Sheet’’ filed alongwith the return of income. They are also
shown on the receipts side of the ‘’General Receipts and Payments
A/c’’.
Sl.No Name of alleged creditor Amount in (�) 1 GG 17,50,000/- 2 Stephen 3,50,000/- 3 Dineshkumar 1,34,000/- 4 KRA 6,00,000/-
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 45 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Total 28,34,000/-
Vide notice u/s.142(1) dated 30.01.2012, the assessee was requested
to give the details of the above loans with ledger extracts of the above
persons appearing in assessee's books along with
complete address and income-tax assessment details. Further, vide Notice
dated 11-01-2013, the assessee was requested to furnish the confirmations
from the loan creditors along with details of the loan i.e., amount of loans,
cheque No., date, name of the bank and confirmation as to whether any
interest on the loan and the repayment of the loan. The assessee was also
furnished details of interest paid on the above loans for various years till
date. The assesses was also reminded that onus to prove the source of the
credits and the genuineness of the transaction with the assessee, Vide
Notice u/s 142(1) dated 22.2.2013, the assessee was requested to produce
the loan creditors for verification. The assessee has only furnished address
of the loan creditors. Even the PAN number of the loan creditors is not
furnished by the assessee. The assessee has also not furnished the mode of
availing the loan, date of loan and cheque Number and bank details etc.
The assessee has also avoided stating whether any interest is paid on the
loans and whether these loans are outstanding or repaid as on date. Letters
were addressed to the loan creditors at the address given by the assessee.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 46 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Only in case of Shri K.R.Annamalai Who has been critically mentioned as
K.R.A. in the assessee's Balance Sheet, the confirmation has been
received. In case of Shri G.Govindaraju, he has stated that he has given a loan of ₹.8,00,000/- in cash in September 2002 and received back the
amount in June 2003 in cash for the higher education of his children.
However, the assessee has shown that he has received fresh loan of ₹17,50,000/- The assessee has availed loan from Shri. G. Govindaraju, in
other years also as under:-
Sl.No A.Y Amount loan Amount Balance taken repaid outstanding 1 2003-04 8,00,000 0 8,00,000 2 2004-05 17,50,000 8,00,000 17,50,000 3 2006-07 15,00,000 0 32,50,000
In his letter Shri Govindaraj has stated that he is a retired professor
from Arts College, Thanjavur. It is hard to believe that a retired
pensioner has given a loan of �32,50,000/- without any security and
without expecting any interest. Thus, 'except for loan from
K.R.Annamalai of �6,00,000/-, none of the above credits can be
considered to be satisfactorily explained by the assessee. Therefore,
the above said loans amounting to �22,34,000/- is added to the
income of the assessee as unexplained credits in the books
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 47 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. u/s 68 of the Income tax Act. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an
appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order of the
Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
20.2 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the addition made without accepting the Copies of bank account statements of the
assessee and the Creditor. After migrating to core banking solutions, no banks are
in a position to furnish particulars so the accounts prior to 2006. Hence the
question of their certifying the statements is ruled out. Hence calling for certified
copies of the bank accounts and further details from the assessee in total violation
of the principle of natural justice. The Addition made without accepting the copies of
bank account statements of the assessee and the creditor as relating to the loan
from Shri Dinesh Kumar of �1,34,000/- and confirmation from the creditors about the
Source of the money lent by Shri G.Govindaraju and Shri Stephen.
20.3 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the lower
authorities.
We have both the parties and perused the material available on 20.4
record. The lower authorities made an addition of �28,34,000/- on
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 48 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. account of unexplained credits u/s. 68 of the IT Act. The Assessee
during the year under consideration introduced credits in the name of
four persons amounting to � 28,34,000/--. During the course of
assessment proceedings the Assessee was asked to furnish the
confirmation letters from the loan creditors along with the details of
amount of loans, cheque number, date, name of the bank and whether
any interest on the loans paid and also any repayment of loans. The
Assessee failed to furnish any details proving the genuinity of the
transactions along with the credit worthiness of the creditors as well as
capacity to lend the loans to the Assessee. Since the Assessee has
not proved the genuineness of the transactions of the loan amounts
taken amounting to �22,34,000/-, the lower authorities has added the
same as unexplained cash credits in the books of the Assessee u/s 68
of the IT Act. Only in the case of K. R. Annamalai for �6,00,000/-
confirmation letter has been filed and the same has been accepted.
Whereas in case of the other loan creditors the Assessee could not
prove with a substantial material on record and the addition made by
the lower authorities to the extent of � 22,34,000/- is confirmed.
This ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 49 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 21. The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
addition of income from PR & Sons for �4,13,001/-.
21.1 The facts of the issue are that the assessee has claimed a loss
of �96,454/- from the PR & Sons and the loss was claimed against the
income during the year. The assessee has not produced any sale bills,
purchase & invoices or vouchers for businesses. The net sales of the
concern is �63,30,945/- and the income of the concern is �63,30,945/.
Therefore, the books results of this concern was rejected and the
income is estimated at 5% i.e., �3,16,547/- as against income
declared loss of �96,454/-. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an
appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order of the
Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
21.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. the Assessing Officer has made an addition of �3,16,547/-
against the loss of � 96,454/- declared by the Assessee . The
Assessee has not produced any bills of purchase and sale invoices or
vouchers for business before the lower authorities. The lower authorities has taken net sales of the assessee concerned at �
63,30,945/-: and then estimated income' at 5% and arrived at the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 50 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. income of �3,16,547/-. We do not find any infirmity in the order of the
lower authorities. Hence, this ground of the appeal of the assessee is
rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
treating the agricultural income of �2,77,500/- as income from other
sources.
22.1 The facts of the case are that the the assesses has claimed ₹7,50,000/ as income from agricultural lands. In support of his claim, the AR stated that the assessee has taken agriculture lands belonging to his brother Shri Vasudevan on oral lease. It is stated that cultivation of grams were undertaken during the relevant previous year, The assessee could not give details of quantity of the produce obtained, name of the persons to whom it was sold and bills and vouchers for the sale agricultural produce which were called for vide Notice u/s 1420) dt.3 1-10-2012. Under similar circumstances for A.Y.2003- 04 the CIT (Appeals) vide order dated 01-09-2009 in IT No. 128/06-07 has directed to treat ₹3,66,000/- out of the agricultural income declared of ₹9,75,000/-as income from other sources. The disallowance works out to 37%. Therefore, 37 % of the income returned as agricultural
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 51 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. income i.e. ₹.2,77,500/- is considered as income from "other sources".
Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the Commissioner
of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)
confirmed the order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the
assessee is in appeal before us.
22.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. As discussed in assessment year 2002-2003 in para no.6.6 of
this order, this ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
treating the difference in current account balances of �32,64,525/- as
unexplained cash credit.
23.1 The facts of the case are that discrepancies were noticed in the
current capital account of PR& Sons division for which books were
produced before Assessing Officer. The books for F.Y.2003-04, the
previous year relevant to A.Y.2004-05 were not produced. The opening balance in Current a/c as per the books for F.Y.2004-05, shows credit of ₹45,65,083/-. However the closing balance as per the Balance sheet for F.Y.2003-04 was shown as ₹15,53,300/-. The A.R. was requested to
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 52 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. explain the discrepancies by Assessing Officer. The A.R. vide letter dt.
11.02.2013 has stated that the books of account for the year are not
traceable and hence the difference could not be reconciled. Vide Notice u/s
142(1) dated 22-02-2013 the assessee was once again requested to explain
the differences. The AR Vide letter dated 6.3.2013 stated that "the
difference in the current account balance as on 31-03-2004 and 01-04-2004
could not be explained since the books of accounts relating to the financial
year 2003-04 were not traceable". Therefore, the difference in current capital a/c. as per books of PR & Sons and that shown in Balance sheet amounting to ₹ 32,64,525/- is considered as unexplained cash credit in the
books of PR & Sons and brought to tax u/s 68 of the Income tax Act.
Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the Commissioner
of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)
confirmed the order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the
assessee is in appeal before us.
23.2 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Assessing Officer went wrong in making the addition without accepting the
submission of the assessee that the difference in the capital account of the assessee
in his proprietary business was on account of the drawings taken from the purchase
account.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 53 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
23.3. The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the lower
authorities.
We have heard both the sides and perused the material on record. The 23.4
Assessing Officer has made an addition of �32,64,525/- on account of
difference in current account balances. The opening balance in current
account as per the books for financial year 2004-05 shows a credit of
�45,65,083/-, where as the closing balance as per the balance sheet
for financial year 2003-04 was only at �15,53,300/-. The assessee
failed to reconcile the difference and could not explain by stating that
the relevant period books were not traceable. Hence, we do not have
any hesitation to confirm the differential amount of �32,64,525/- as
unexplained cash credit in the books of the assessee’s Concern i.e., PR
and Sons and brought to tax u/s. 68 of the IT Act. Accordingly, this
ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
treating the deposits made in the bank account of Shri. P. Murugesan
at �26,14,000/- as unexplained investments.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 54 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 24.1 The facts of the case are that Shri P.Murugesan has made several
deposits for the F.Y. 03-04 on various dates. During the Search, the
following credits were explained to be out of SPRECT Corpus Donation.
The A.R was requested to explain the credits into the bank a/c by Assessing
Officer.
Sl.No Date Bank Amount 1 14.06.2003 SBI Thanjavur 3,34,000/- 2 17.06.2003 SBI Thanjavur 10,00,000/- 3 19.06.2003 IOB Chennai 1618 30,000/- 4 23.06.2003 SBI Thanjavur 12,50,000/-
The AR. explained that the credits in the Bank a/c. were from available
cash balances. However, the assessee not maintained books of
accounts for transaction other than the concerns PR & Sons. The
transactions in SBI, Thanjavur and lOB, Chennai are not reflected in
the books of PR & Sons. Therefore, there is no basis for the assessee
to say that these credits are made out of available cash balance. No
cash flow statement is also filed explaining the credits into the Bank
a/c. In view of the conflicting explanation filed during the Search and
that filed in the assessment proceedings and there being no evidence
for existence of cash balances on the days the credits were made, the
whole of the credits in the bank a/c. mentioned above are added to
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 55 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. the total income as unexplained investments by Assessing Officer.
Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the Commissioner
of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)
confirmed the order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the
assessee is in appeal before us.
24.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on record. The Assessing Officer made and addition of ₹26,14,000/-- on
account of deposits made into the bank accounts. The assessee has made several deposits on various dates in the SBI Thanjavur Account as well as lOB Chennai Account. When the Assessing Officer has confronted the assessee for the transactions in SBI Thanjavur and lOB Chennai that they are not reflected in the books of PR and Sons, the ld. Authorised Representative for assessee has not submitted any details nor filed any cash flow statement explaining the credits in the above bank account. As there were no cash balances on the dates of credits made as mentioned above the entire amount of ₹26,14,000/-, we treat the deposits as unexplained investment of the assessee. This ground of the appeal of the assessee is dismissed.
The appeal of the assessee in ITA No.2042/Mds/2013 for the assessment year 2004-2005 is dismissed.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 56 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Shri. P. Murugesan, ITA No2043/Mds/2013, assessment year 2005-
2006 (assessee’s appeal):-
The first ground raised by the assessee in this appeal is with
regard to treating the income from PR & Sons of �5,15,933/- as
unexplained cash credits.
25.1 The facts of the case are that the assessee has not produced
any sale bills, purchase & invoices or vouchers for business. The net
sales of the concern is �1,12,25,426/-. Therefore, the books result of
this concern are rejected and the income is estimated at 5% i.e.
�5,61,271/- as against income declared at �45,338/-. Aggrieved, the
assessee preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the
order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal
before us.
25.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. The income assessed by the Assessing Officer for the year
under consideration at � 5,15,933/- on estimated basis at 5% on the
net sales of the concern reported by the assessee at �1,12,25,426/-.
In the absence of any sale bills, purchase invoices and vouchers is
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 57 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. justified as against the income declared by the assessee at �45,338/-.
There is no defence from the Authorised Representative of the
assessee except stating some vague reasons without furnishing any
evidence before the Assessing Officer for claiming various expenses.
Therefore the addition made by the lower authorities at �5,15,933/- is
confirmed. This ground of the appeal of the assessee is dismissed.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
treating �10,15,000/- as unexplained expenditure (loan repayment
and interest payment).
26.1. The facts of the case are that for verifying the loan creditors, a
letter was issued by Assessing Officer to K.R.Annamalai of Tanjavur. The
assessee has availed loan from K.R.Annamalai and also from his Wife
Smt.A.Mangalam. The creditor furnished copies of all the loans availed by
Sri. Murugesan. As per the extract filed by K. R.Annamalai, the assessee has taken a loan of ₹10,00,000/- on 01.11.2004 and has repaid the same along with interest of ₹15,000 on 11.12.2004. However, this transaction is
not reflected in the assessee's accounts. This receipt of the loan as well as
the repayment is not reflected in the receipts and payments account of the
assessee. The copy of the account extract received from K.R.Annamalai &
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 58 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Mrs. A. Mangalam were sent to the assessee vide letter dt.22.02.2003 by
Assessing Officer and assessee was requested to explain where each of the
loans is reflected in his accounts. The A.R. vide letter filed on 06.03.2013
merely stated that outstanding balances for A.Y.200102, 2002-03 and
2003-04 are confirmed by K.R.Annama1ai. Since the assessee has not
offered any explanation regarding the payment made by the assessee to K.R.Annamalai of ₹10,00,000/-on 11.12.2004 and the interest paid of ₹15,000/- are considered to be unexplained expenditure and brought to tax u/s. 69C by Assessing Officer. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an
appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order of the
Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
26.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material
available on record. The Assessing Officer has made an addition of'
�10,15,000/- on account of repayment of loan said to have taken from
Shri K.R. Annamalai along with interest. When the loan creditor who
furnished copies of the ledger account for the loans given to the
assessee on 01.11.2004 which has been repaid with interest on
11.12.2004. It was noticed by the lower authorities that this
transaction of repayment is not reflected in the assessee 's accounts.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 59 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Even in the receipts and payment account also reflection of this
transaction has not been found place. The assessee was asked to
clarify regarding the above loan transaction but the same has not been
substantiated by the assessee except stating that there are some
outstanding balances for AY 2001 -02 onwards. There was no
explanation from the assessee regarding the repayment of loan to
K.R.Annamalai for �10 lakhs on 11.12.2004 along with interest of' �
15,000/- and lower authorities have rightly added an amount of
�10,15,000/- as unexplained expenditure. We do not find any infirmity
in the order of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). Hence,
this ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
deposits of �63,50,000/- made in the bank account as income of the
assessee.
27.1 The facts of the issue are that the assessee made several
deposits for the F.Y. 04-05 on various dates. During the Search, the
following credits were explained to be out of SPRECT Corpus Donation.
The A.R was requested to explain the credits in to the bank account.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 60 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
SINO Date Bank Amount 1 02.05.2004 IOB-CHENNAI-27425 2,00,000 2 03.05.2004 lOB CHENNAI-1618 10,00,000 3 11.06.2004 IOB-CHENNAI-27425 11,00,000 4 29.09.2004 IOB-CHENNAI -27425 38,00,000 5 21.10.2004 IOB-CHENNAI-27425 3,50,000
The A.R. explained that the credits in the Bank alc were from available
cash balances. However, the assessee not maintained books of
accounts for transaction other than the concerns PR & Sons. The
transactions in SBI, Thanjavur and lOB, Chennai are not reflected in
the books of PR & Sons. Therefore, there is no basis for the assessee
to say that these credits are made out of available cash balance. No
cash flow statement is also filed explaining the credits into the Bank
account. In view of the conflicting explanation filed during the Search
and that filed in the assessment proceedings and there being no
evidence for existence of cash balances on the days the credits were
made, the whole of the credits in the bank account amounting
�.63,50,OOO/-- as mentioned above are added to the total income as
unexplained investments. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal
before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner
of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order of the Assessing Officer.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 61 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Against this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
27.2 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Assessing Officer went wrong in making the addition of Rs.63,50,OOO/- on
account of several deposits made in bank accounts of the assessee. The AO failed
to understand that the assessee has cash balances to make the deposits in the
bank accounts.
27.3 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the lower
authorities.
27.4 We have heard both the parties and perused the material on record.
The lower authorities had made several deposits in his bank account on various
dates during the year under consideration in IOB account, Chennai totalling to
�63,50,000/-. These transactions are not reflected in the books of PR & Sons
and explanation filed by the assessee that these credits are made out of
available cash balance. No cash flow statement had been filed explaining the
credits into the bank account. The explanation filed by the assessee regarding
the availability of cash balances is devoid of any merit. Hence, we confirm the
addition made by the lower authorities at �63,50,000/- on account of
unexplained cash credit in the IOB bank. This ground of the appeal of the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 62 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
unexplained investment in property at Nilgiri South, Periarnagar at
�5,80,800/- as Short Term Capital Gains.
28.1 The facts of the issue are that on 11.02.2013, the ld. Authorised
Representative for assessee was provided with a copy of the
document for sale of 4800 sqft of land at Nilgiri south, Perfarnagar,
site no 8, Tanjavur dist. He was requested to explain where the
transaction of sale was reflected in his accounts and returns. The AR
vide his letter dated 6-03- 2013 has stated that the purchase and sale
of above land had not reflected in the books of accounts. Therefore,
the market value of property i.e. �5,80,800/- was considered as Short
Term Capital Gains (as the cost price is not ascertainable from the
record) and brought to tax. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an
appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order of the
Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
28.2 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 63 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. the Assessing Officer erred in not treating 1/4th share of the property in the
hands of the assessee. The assessing officer erred in not considering the cost
price of the property and the share of the assessee in the property while computing
the capital gains.
28.3 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the lower
authorities.
We have heard both the parties and perused the material on record. The 28.4
Assessing Officer has made an addition of �5,80,800/- on account
of unexplained investment of property at Nilgris. When the assessee
was confronted by the Assessing Officer to explain the transaction of
purchase and sale of property at Nilgris, the Authorised Representative
of the assessee vide his letter dated 6.3.2013 has accepted that the
purchase and sale of the above land has not been reflected in the
books of accounts of the assessee. The Assessing Officer has
worked out the short term capital gain at �5,80,800/-- and the same
was brought to tax. Since the Authorised Representative of the
assessee has accepted that the transaction has not been accounted,
the decision of the lower authorities in arriving at a short term capital
gain at �5,80,800/- is hereby confirmed. This ground of the appeal of
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 64 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
unexplained expenditure on stamp duty and registration fees for the
properties to the tune of �11,34,336/-.
29.1 The facts of the issue are that the assessee has bought the
following three properties during the year :-
Sl.No Name of Price Stamp Registration Total property duty fees paid stamp paid duty and Reg. fee 1 Gopalapuram 90,00,000 7,20,000 90,160 8,10,160 2 T. Nagar 17,19,900 1,87,584 4,055 1,91,639 3 TPS Nagar 9,20,370 1,17,812 14,724 1,32,537 Total 11,34,336
Though the purchase price of the properties is reflected in the
balance sheet of the assessee, the amount spent on stamp duty and
registration fees for the properties amounting to �11,34,336/- is not
capitalized and shown in the balance sheet. The assessee was
requested to explain where the expenditure has been reflected. The
assessee vide letter dated 11-02-2013 has stated that only the
purchase cost has been accounted in the books and cost towards
stamp duty and registration fees have been omitted to be accounted.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 65 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Therefore, the expenditure of �11,34,336/- made on the registration
and stamp duty of the above three properties is brought to tax
as unexplained expenditure u/s 69C of the IT Act. Aggrieved, the
assessee preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the
order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal
before us.
29.2 We have heard both the parties and perused the material
available on record. The assessee cannot contest the addition made
by the lower authorities for unexplained expenditure u/s.69C of the
Income Tax Act for the amount spent on stamp duty and registration
fee for the properties purchased as the assessee has not disputed the
purchase of above property. Then it is natural to incur these
expenditure and as such, we do not find any infirmity in the order of
the lower authorities. Hence, this ground of the appeal of the
assessee is rejected.
In the result, the appeal of the assessee in ITA No.2043/Mds/2013
for the assessment year 2005-06 is dismissed.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 66 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Shri. P. Murugesan ITA No.2044/Mds/2013, assessment year 2006-
2007( assessee’s appeal)
The first ground raised by the assessee in this appeal is with
regard to unexplained cash credit to the tune of �15,00,000/- as
income from undisclosed source.
30.1 The facts of the issue are that the during the previous year
relevant to the A.Y.2003-04, the assessee has shown loans from the
following persons on the liabilities side of the "General Balance Sheet"
filed along with the Return of Income. They are also shown on the
receipts side of the "General Receipts and Payments A/c".
Sl.No Name of alleged creditor Amount (in �) 1 M/s. Sri Lakshmi Co 10,00,000/- 2 Loan from Dr. G Govindarajan 15,00,000/- Total 25,00,000/-
The Assessing Officer vide Notice u/s 142(1) dated 30-01-2012, the
assessee was requested to give the details of all the above loans
along with ledger extracts of the above persons appearing in
assessee's books along with complete address and income-tax
assessment details. Further, vide Notice dated 11-01-2013, the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 67 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. assessee was requested to the confirmations from the loan
creditors along with details of the loan i.e., amount of loans,
cheque No., date, name of the bank and confirmation as to
whether any interest on the loan and the repayment of the loan.
The assessee was also furnished details of interest paid on the
above loans for various years till date. The assessee was also
reminded that onus to prove the source of the credits and the
genuinenity of the transaction with the assessee. Vide Notice u/s
142(1) dated 22.2.2013, the assessee was requested to produce
the loan creditors for verification. The assessee has only furnished
the address of the loan creditors. Even the PAN number of the loan
creditors is not furnished by the assessee. The assesses has also
not furnished the mode of availing the loan, date of loan and
cheque Number and bank details etc. The assessee has also not
stated whether any interest is paid on the loans and whether these
loans are outstanding or repaid as on date. Letters were addressed
to the loan creditors at the address given by the assessee. In case
of Shri G.Govindaraju, he has stated that he has given a loan of
�8,00,000/ in cash in September 2002 and received back the
amount in June 2003 in cash for the higher education of his
children. The assessee has
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 68 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. availed loan from Shri G.Govindaraju, in other years also as under:-
Sl. A.Y. Amount of Amount Balance No loan taken repaid outstanding 1 2003-04 8,00,000/- 0 8,00,000/- 2 2004-05 17,50,000/- 8,00,000/ 9,50,000/- 3 2006-07 15,00,000/- 0 32,50,000
In the Receipts and payments a/c filed with the returns no interest
payment on this loan is shown. No sane person will lend such huge
amount of money without any interest. The assessee has not
established the creditworthiness of the loan creditor. Therefore, the
transactions cannot be considered to be, genuine. In case of M/s. Sri
Lakshmi Corporation, in response to this office letter, the loan
creditor has confirmed the loans. Thus, for the loan from
Sri.G.Govindrajan the assessee has not furnished any evidence to
prove the identity of the creditor, capacity of the creditor and the
genuenity of the transaction. The credits in the name
Sri.G.Govindrajan of �15,00,000 cannot be considered to be
satisfactorily explained by assessee. Therefore, the above said loan
amounting to �15,00,000/-is treated as income from undisclosed
sources and brought to tax for A.Y.2006-07. Aggrieved, the assessee
preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 69 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. (Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the
order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal
before us.
30.2 We have heard both the parties and perused the material on
record. The Assessing Officer has made an addition of �15,00,000/-
stated to be received from Shri G.Govindarajan. The assessee has
failed to furnish the details of the said loan creditor and has not
established the creditworthiness capacity to lend and the genuineness
of the transaction. No prudent person will extend a loan without
charging any interest hence the addition made by the Assessing
Officer in the case of Sri G.Govindarajan for the loan advanced to the
assessee treating the same as income from undisclosed sources.
Therefore, we confirm the addition made by the Commissioner of
Income Tax (Appeals). This ground of the appeal of the assessee is
rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
addition of income from PR & Sons to the tune of �9,30,081/-.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 70 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 31.1 The facts of the issue are that the assessee has not produced
any sale bills, purchase & invoices or vouchers for businesses. The net
sales of the concern is �32,54,299/. Therefore, the books results of this concern are rejected and the income is estimated at 5%i.e.,
�1,62,715/- as against loss of �7,67,367/-. Aggrieved, the assessee
preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the
order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal
before us.
31.2 We have heard both the parties and perused the material on record. The assessee had claimed a loss of � 7,67,367/- from PR &
Sons and the loss was claimed against income during the year. After
verifying the submissions made by the Authorised Representative of
the assessee it was observed that the assessee failed to submit the
books of accounts and vouchers for the above mentioned businesses.
Hence the addition made by the lower authorities on estimated basis
on the net sales of the concern that 5% which works out to
�1,62,715/- after ignoring the loss claimed by the assessee at
�7,67,367/- is perfectly justified and hence we confirm the addition
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 71 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. made by the lower authorities at �9,30,081/-. This ground of the
appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
deposits made in the bank account to the tune of �21,96,200/- as
unexplained investments.
32.1 The facts of the issue are that the during the Search, the
following credits were explained to be out of SPRECT Corpus Donation.
The A.R was requested to explain the credits in the bank Account.
Sl.No Date Bank Amount 1 25.04.2005 IOB Chennai-27425 1,00,000/- 2 27.05.2005 IOB Chennai-1618 4,50,000/- 3 30.11.2005 IOB Chennai-27425 5,50,000/- 4 06.12.2005 IOB Chennai-27425 10,00,000/- 5 13.03.2006 SBI- Tanjavur 50,000/- 6 22.02.2006 IOB Chennai-27425 46,000/-
21,96,020/-
The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee explained that the
credits in the Bank a/c. were from available cash balances. However,
the assessee not maintained books of accounts for transaction other
than the concerns PR & Sons. The transactions in SBI, Thanjavur and
lOB, Chennai are not reflected in the books of PR & Sons. Therefore,
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 72 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. there is no basis for the assessee to say that these credits are
made out of available cash balance. No cash flow statement is also
filed explaining the credits into the Bank a/c. In view of the conflicting
explanation filed during the Search and that filed in the assessment
proceedings and there being no evidence for existence of cash
balances on the days the credits were made, the whole of the credits in
the bank a/c amounting to �21,96,200/- as mentioned above are
added to the total income as unexplained investments. Aggrieved, the
assessee preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the
order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal
before us.
32.2 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee objected to the
additions made by the Assessing Officer on account of several deposits made in bank
accounts of the assesses. According to the ld. Authorised Representative for assessee
the Assessing Officer failed to understand that the assessee has cash balances to
make the deposits to the bank accounts. The Assessing Officer failed to understand
that if the assessee had no cash to make the deposits, the balance sheet at the year
end would not tally.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 73 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
32.3. The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the Assessing Officer.
32.4 We have heard both the parties and perused the material on
record. We have gone through the submissions made by the
Authorised Representative of the assessee as well as the detailed
reasoning given by the lower authorities for the addition made on
account of the unexplained credits appearing in the bank account
mentioned supra. Even though the Authorised Representative of the
assessee explained that the credits in the bank account were from
available cash balances, he could not substantiate the same
transactions from his books of accounts. As the transactions in SBI,
Thanjavur branch and IOB, Chennai branch are not reflected in the
books of PR & Sons, the Authorised Representative of the assessee
could not prove that these credits are made out of available cash
balance. In the absence of any cash flow statement, the version of the
Authorised Representative of the assessee cannot be relied upon,
Thus, we confirm the addition made by the lower authorities to the
extent of �21,96,200/- to the total income as unexplained
investments. This ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
In the result, the appeal of the assessee in ITA No.2044/Mds/2013 is
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 74 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. dismissed.
Shri. P. Murugesan ITA No.2045/Mds/2013, assessment year 2007- 2008 (assessee’s appeal):-
The first ground raised by the assessee in this appeal is with
regard to treatment of unexplained cash credits to the tune of
�21,91,532/-.
33.1 The facts of the case are that during the previous year relevant
to the assessment year 2007-08, the assessee has shown loans from
the following persons on the liability side of the ‘’General Balance
Sheet’’ filed alongwith return of income:-
Sl.No Name of alleged creditor Amount (�) 1 Sri Lakshmi Corporation 5,00,000/- 2 Ms. Sujatha 5,00,000/- 3 Shri. Balaji 5,00,000/- 4 Ms. Rajalakshmi 5,00,000/- 5 Shri. Dinesh 6,91,532/- Total 26,91,532/-
Vide Notice u/s 142(1) dated 30-01-2012, the assessee was requested
to give the details of all the above loans along with ledger extracts of
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 75 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. the above persons appearing in assessee's books along with -
complete address and income-tax assessment details. Further, vide
Notice dated 11-01-2013, the assessee was requested to furnish the
confirmations from the loan' creditors along with details of the loan
i.e., amount of loans, cheque No., date, name of the bank and
confirmation as to whether any interest paid on the loan and the
repayment of the loan. The assessee also not furnished details of
interest paid on the above loans for various years till date. The
assesses was also reminded that onus to prove the source of the
credits and the genuineness of the transaction with the assessee. Vide
Notice u/s 142(1) dated 22.2.2013, the assessee was requested to.
produce the loan creditors for verification. The assessee has only
furnished the address of the loan creditors. Even the PAN number of
the loan creditors is not furnished by the assessee. The assessee has
also not furnished the mode of availing the loan, date of loan and
cheque Number and bank details etc. The assessee has also not stated
whether any interest is paid on the loans and whether these loans are
outstanding or repaid as on date. Ms Sujatha, Ms Rajalakshmi and
Shri Balaji are children of Shri G.Govindaraj. In response to this office
letter seeking confirmation of the loans Shri Govindaraj has replied for
and on behalf of all the above three persons that he had given a loan
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 76 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. �8,00,000/- in cash in September 2002 and received back the amount
in June 2003 in cash for higher education of his children. The assessee
has shown that he has availed loan from Shri G.Govindaraju, in other
years also as under:
Sl. A.Y. Amount of Amount Balance
No loan taken repaid outstanding
1 2003-04 8,00,000/- 0 8,00,000/-
2 2004-05 17,50,000/- 8,00,000/ 17,50,000/-
3 2006-07 15,00,000/- 0 32,50,000
In the Receipts and payments a/c filed with the returns no interest
payment on this loan 'is shown. No sane person will lent such huge
amount of money without any interest. In his letter Shri Govindaraj has
stated that he is a retired professor from Arts College, Thanjavur. It is
hard to believe that a retired pensioner has given a loan of
�32,50,000/- without any security and without expecting any interest.
The assessee has not established creditworthiness of loan creditor.
Therefore, the transactions cannot be considered to be genuine. In
case of Sri Lakshmi Corporation, in response to this office letter, the
loan creditor has confirmed the loans. Thus, except for loan from Sri
Lakshmi Corporation, none of the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 77 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. above credits can be considered to be satisfactorily explained by the
assessee. Therefore, the rest of the above said loans amounting to
�21,91,532/- is added to the income of the assessee as unexplained
credits in the books u/s 68 of the Income-tax Act. Aggrieved, the
assessee preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the
order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal
before us.
33.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the
material on record. The assessee in his return filed for the
assessment year under consideration has shown liability for the loans
taken from the persons shown as in para 33.1. During the course of
assessment proceedings the assessee was asked to file the details of
loan creditors along with party ledger, complete address and their
income tax particulars. Similarly, the Assessing Officer has also asked
the confirmation letters from the loan creditors alongwith details of
amount of loan and mode of receipt/repayment. The Authorised
Representative of the assessee has furnished only address of the loan
creditors and has not submitted any details such as PAN No. of the
loan creditors, mode of receipt /repayment of the loan. On behalf of
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 78 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Mrs. Sujatha, Mrs. Rajalakshmi and Shri Balaji, their father G.
Govindaraj replied that they had given a loan of � 8 lakhs in cash/in
September 2002 and received back the amount in June 2003 also in
cash. The assessee has also shown that he has availed loan from Shri.
Govindaraj as shown in para 33.1. In the receipts and payments
account filed along with returns no interest payment on the above
loan amount is paid out of the total amount of loan received from
Govindaraj family during the year under consideration. Out of the total
loans accepted by the assessee during the year that �26,91,532/- only
one confirmation received to the extent of � 5 lakhs from Shri Lakshmi
Corporation confirming the amount of loan. Whereas other loans
received from the family members of Sri G.Govindaraj to the extent of
� 15 lakhs in the name of 3 family members as well as from Shri
Dineshkumar at � 6,91,532/- there is no evidence or confirmation
from the above loan creditors to prove the creditworthiness, capacity
to lend as well as genuineness of the transaction. Since, the
Authorised Representative of the assessee failed to explain or
substantiate the genuineness of the transaction, an amount of
�26,91,532/- is added to the income of the assessee as unexplained
cash credit u/s 68 of the I.T. Act. Since the assessee did not offer any
explanation about the nature and source of such credits and failed to
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 79 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. offer an satisfactory explanation the Assessing Officer had added the
above said amount with the income of the assessee as unexplained
cash credits. The same view is supported by the following
judgments:-
Sunsathi Dayal vs. CIT (SC) 214 ITR 801. 02. Vasanthi Bai vs. CIT(Bom) 213 ITR 805 03. Srilekha Banerii and others vs. CIT (SC) 49 ITR 112.
It is to be noted that any sum was found credited in the books of the
assessee for any previous year, the explanation offered by the
assessee about the nature and source is not satisfactory in the opinion
of the lower authorities, the same can be added as unexplained cash
credits in the books u/s.68 of the I.T. Act. Hence, this ground of the
appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
addition of income from PR & Sons to the tune of �13,02,664/-.
34.1 The facts of the issue are that the assessee has claimed a loss
of �11,70,450/- from the PR & Sons and the loss was claimed against
the income during the year. The assessee has not produced any sale
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 80 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. bills, purchase & invoices or vouchers for businesses. The net sales of
the concern is �26,44,295/-, Therefore, the books results of this
concern are rejected and the income is estimated at 5% i.e.,
1,32,214/- as against loss of � 11,70,449/-. Aggrieved, the assessee
preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the
order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal
before us.
34.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. The assessee in this case could not furnish any bills purchase
invoices / vouchers could not substantiate the loss claimed at �
11,70,449/-. In the absence of a detailed working out for arriving at a
loss of � 11,70,449/- out of the net sales turnover of the concern i.e.,
PR & Sons at �26,44,295/-, the loss arrived at could not be given
credit. In the absence of proper explanation, the lower authorities are
justified in disallowing the claim of loss by rejecting the book results
and also estimating the income at 5% and hence the addition made by
the lower authorities at �13,02,6641- is confirmed. This ground of
the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 81 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 35. The next ground raised by the assessee is regard to
unaccounted cash to the tune of �7,65,600/-
35.1 The facts of the case are that during the course of Search
proceedings on 05/10/2006 at the residence of Shri P.Murugesan,
No.35 & 36, 2nd Street, North Colony, Natarajapuram, Tanjore, cash
of �3,14,320/- was found & inventorised vide Ann/MR/C/F-I. Out of this cash, the assessee said that �1,22,620/- belongs to himself, �1,75,000/- belongs to PR group of institutions and �16,700/- was of
his wife, Smt.Menaka. Further, the assessee has not furnished any
evidence regarding cash balance nor he is maintaining books of
account. In the absence of proper evidence, �3,14,320/ has been
treated as unaccounted cash and has to be included to the total
income of the assessee. Again, on 26/11/06, during the course of
Search proceedings in the residence of Shri P,Murugesan at the above
address, the total cash of �4,51,2S0/ was found & inventorised vide
Ann/ SR/C/F- 1, dt.26/11/06. Shri. Murugesan was not in a position to
explain the sources with proper evidence. The assessee is not
maintaining cash book for the period relevant to A.Y.2007-08. In reply
to this office notice dated 31-10-2012, the assessee replied that the
source from which this cash is seized is reflected in the books of
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 82 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. SPRECT for which an account copy is enclosed. However, no such
account has been furnished. There is contradiction in the explanation
made during the Search and that is being made now. Further, the
seizure of the cash was made from the residence and no proof is
produced to show that the SPRECT funds were carried to the house.
Hence, the cash found of �7,65,600/-(3,14,320 + 4,51,280) has been
held as unexplained money and is added to the total income of the
assessee. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner of Income
Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order of the Assessing Officer. Against
this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
35.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. During the course of search proceedings In the residence of Shri P.Murugesan an amount of ₹4,51,280/- was found and seized on 26.11.2006. Shri P.Murugesan could not explain the source of the cash. Similarly, an amount of ₹3,14,3201/- was also seized from the same residence of Shri P.Murugesan on 05.10.2006 for which also the assessee could not explain except stating that ₹1,26,620/- belongs to himself, and ₹l,75,000/- belong to PR group of institutions and ₹16,700/- belong to his wife Smt.Menaka. None of the sources of cash found in his residential premises was explained with
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 83 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. substantial evidence and hence both the cash amounts totalling to ₹7,65,600/- has been seized and held as unexplained income and added to the income of the assessee. Even though the assessee replied that the cash seized is sourced from the books of SPRECT but no evidence or account copy has been produced either before the Assessing Officer or before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). It is the fact that the assessee failed to link any evidential proof that the funds belonging to SPRECT have been found placed in his residence on two different dates. Hence, we do not find any rational in the argument of the Authorised Representative of the assessee and the addition made by the lower authorities at ₹7,65,600/-- is confirmed. This ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
unexplained payments made for properties to the tune of �82,24,580/-
36.1 The facts of the issue are that there were loose sheets found
during the search action in bundle marked ANN:CRK/LS-4 page
nos.19, 20,21,22, 23,24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29,30,31. These documents
indicate payment of moneys by Shri P.Murugesan for purchase of
properties. The assessee was requested to state where the payments
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 84 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. mentioned therein are reflected in his accounts. A summary of the
transactions are given below:
Page Description Name of the person Property Amount involved No. making the receipt
Letter from U. Buvaneswari to P. Murugesan dated 7.6.2006 regarding the property.
20 Receipt dt.13.6.06 U. Buvaneswari Door No.22, 15,00,000/- Rainbow Arcade, Thiyagaraya Raod, Chennai. 21 Receipt dt.13.6.06 U. Buvaneswari Door No.22, 19,00,000/- Rainbow Arcade, Thiyagaraya Raod, Chennai 22 Receipt dt.09.6.06 U. Buvaneswari Door No.22, 4,00,000/- Rainbow Arcade, T.Nag ar, Chennai 23/24 Copies of DDs 9,05,580/- 667424, 667421, 6,19,000/- 667423, dated 21.4.2006 10,00,000/- 25 Receipt dt.09.6.06 U. Buvaneswari Door No.22, 11,00,000/- Rainbow Arcade, Thiyagaraya Raod, Chennai 26 Receipt dt.07.4.06 Landmark Door No.22, 1,00,000/- constructions, Chennai Rainbow Arcade, Thiyagaraya Raod, Chennai 27 Draft affidavit in favour of K. Balsubramanian 28 Receipt dt 27.7.06 K. Balasubramanian Door No.147, 3,00,000/- Greams Road, Chennai 29 Receipt dt 27.7.06 Door No.147, 4,00,000/- Greams Road, Chennai 30 Description of property at Door No.147, Greams Road, Chennai 31 Letter by P. Murugesan to Shri. K.N. Subramanian, dated 26.04.2006 offer of purchase of property at Door No.147, Greams Road, Chennai. Total �82,24,580/-
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 85 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
The assessee was asked by Assessing Officer to furnish the details of
transaction relating to properties at Door No.22,23 and 23L II floor,
Rainbow Arcade, Thyagaraya road, T.Nagar, Chennai. The AR vide
letter dated 11-02-2013 by Assessing Officer stated that he had not
made any transactions for the above said property. Further, it was
stated that the above mentioned loose sheets do not relate to the
assesses. A letter was written by Assessing Officer to Indian Overseas
Bank, Santhome Branch, Chennai from where the DDs mentioned in page No.22,23 and 24 were stated to be purchased. The Bank has furnished the copies of the applications for DDS made by K.A.Soundaravaili and K.A. Lakshrmi for purchase of DD Nos.667424 for ₹9,05,580/--, 667421 for ₹6,19,OOO/- and 667423 for ₹10,OO,OOO/-. It was seen from the
applications for DDs that the application for the DDS were signed by Shri P.Murugesan on behalf of Smt K.A.Soundaravalli and Smt.K.A.Lakshmi. Thus, it is clear that Shri P. Murugesan has transacted the above properties and is not furnishing the correct information. Since the narration in the above loose sheets clearly indicate that the payment of the sums were made by Shri
P.Murugesan. The whole of the amounts stated to be received from
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 86 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Shri P.Murugesan by U.Buvaneswari and K.B.Subramaniam in the
above mentioned loose sheets is added to the total income as
unexplained investment in the immovable made by Shri
P.Murugesan. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner of Income
Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order of the Assessing Officer. Against
this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
36.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. During the course of search some documents were found and
inventorised as Ann. /CRK/LS-4 wherein documents numbered from 19
to 31 as depicted for the transaction amounting to �82,24,580/-
indicating the payment of money by the assessee for purchase of
property from various parties. None of these properties have been
reflected in the assessee’s books or in his returns of income filed. The
Authorised Representative of the assessee has simply stated that the
above transactions were not related to the assessee which is not
proved. On analysing the material on record as well as the Assessing
Officer's findings that the DDs taken for purchase of the above
mentioned properties from the lOB, Santhom Branch, Chennai were, in
fact, transacted by the assessee and also signed by the assessee on
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 87 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. behalf of Mrs. K.S.Sundaravalli and Smt.K.A.Lakshmi for purchase of
the above properties. The entire amount is stated to have been
received by Mrs.U.Buvaneswari and K.V.Subramaniam from
P.Murugesan and they are not reflected anywhere in his accounts and
accordingly not shown in the return of income. Since the assessee
could not substantiate the evidence found as mentioned above, the
entire amount of �82,24,580/- is treated as unexplained investment in
the immovable properties purchased by the assessee and these are
not deemed documents. Hence, we do not find any infirmity in the
order of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). This ground of
the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to sale of
land & building at VOC Nagar, Thanjavur to the tune of �56,61,673/-.
37.1 The facts of the case are that during the assessment year the assessee has sold a property in Patta No.4013, at 6th Ward,
V.O.C.Nagar, Thanjavur to Ponnaiah Ramajayam Public School. The
sale deed was registered for �25,05,300/-. However, the market value
of the land for stamp duty purposes was �.68,89,600/-. The assessee
was requested to state where the sale of the above property was
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 88 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. reflected in his accounts and returns. The ld. Authorised
Representative for assessee vide letter dated 11-02-2013 stated that
due to the survey and search in October & November 2006 and
dislocation of the papers & documents, this transaction remain to be
accounted and it is accounted in the accounting year 2009-10. The
sale transaction has taken place on 1.8.2006 and is assessable to
Capital Gains for the assessment year 2007-08. Further the provisions
of 5OC are applicable as the value for stamp duty purposes is more
than the price for which it is registered. Therefore, Long Term Capital
Gain is calculated as under:
SINO. Description Amount 1 Sale consideration 6889600 2 Cost of purchase 960575 3 Index cost of purchase 1227927 4 Long Term Capital Gains 5661673
Therefore, the Long Term Capital Gains of �56,61,673/- is brought to
tax. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The CIT(A) confirmed the
order of the Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal
before us.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 89 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
37.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. The assessee has not shown the sale of property to Ponnam
Ramajayam Public School which took place on 01.08.2006 relating to
the AY under consideration. However the Authorised Representative
of the assessee in his explanation stated that due to search operations
this transaction could not be accounted and it is accounted in the
financial year 2009-10 instead of the year under consideration. When
the property belongs to the assessee in his individual capacity
which was sold to a charitable institution and also not accounted the
transaction during the relevant financial year, the assessee could not
substantiate the concealment of this sale transaction which is clearly
establishes the default on his part and hence the lower authorities are
justified in calculating the capital gains on account 'of sale of land and
building at VOC Nagar, Thanjavur by applying the provisions of
section 50C working out the LTCG at �56,61,673/-.We do not find any
infirmity in the order of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals).
This ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
notional income on deposit for Rent for �5,00,000/-.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 90 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
38.1 The facts of the issue are that the assessee has received �3
crores from SPRECT as advance towards lending out of the Greams
Road property to it. The amount of deposit paid is around 50% of the
purchase price of that property. The deposit made is interest free and
is abnormally high when viewed from the normal commercial practice.
In view of this, notional interest of 12% on the above deposit is
brought to tax in the hands of the assessee. Since the deposit of �2.5
crores on 27-01-2007, interest is calculated at 12% for two months
which works out to �5 lakhs. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an
appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order of the
Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
38.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. As far as estimation of notional income in the form of interest
on deposit calculated by the Assessing Officer at �5,00,000/- is
concerned, the assessee has received an amount of �3 crores from
SPRECT as advance towards letting out of the Greams Road property.
Thus the Assessing Officer has calculated the notional interest of 12%
on the above deposit keeping in view of the normal business
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 91 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. expediency. Thus the interest calculated on the deposit of �2.5 crores
on 27.01.2007 at 12% for 2 months which works out to � 5 lakhs is
reasonable and hence we reject the ground of the appeal of the
assessee.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
interest levied u/s.234A, 234B and 234C of the Act. Levy of interest
u/s 234A, 234B and 234C are consequential and mandatory and
accordingly, the Assessing Officer has to compute the same.
In the result, the appeal of the assessee in ITA No.2045/Mds/2013 is
dismissed
P. Murugesan, ITA No.2036/Mds/2013, assessment year 2006-2007
(Revenue Appeal) :-
The first ground raised by the department in this appeal is that
the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has erred in deleting the
addition on account of generation of unaccounted money in the trust,
Sri Ponnaiah Ramajayathammal Educational & Charitable Trust
(SPRECT) as the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has confirmed
such additions in hands of the trust (SPRECT) even though the trust
has not accepted the unaccounted capitation fees collected as its
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 92 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. income and the matter has not attained finality in the hands of the
trust to tune of �1,08,59,950/-.
40.1 The facts of the issue are that during the course of survey in
the premises of the Trust at No.33
& 34, Natarajapuram South Colony, Thanjavur on 5.10.2006, two file
folders were impounded with following descriptions:
(I) Annexure KT/IMP/ LS-7 (2) Annexure KT/IMP/LS-13
Impounded material No.7 is a green colour Venkateshwara folder
containing loose sheets serially numbered from 1 to 352. The
impounded sheets are nothing but the "Daily Admission Reports" in
which the detail's of fee collected from the students for the various
courses offered are entered. The Daily Admission Report contains
several columns such as the serial number, name of the student,
Receipt Number, Amount of fee collected, balance amount payable and
finally, the Remarks column. Against the column "Amount/DD", the
amount of fee collected both in the form of DD and cash are written.
However, while writing the amount, the last three digits are omitted.
For example, in Annexure KT/IMP/LS-7, in Loose Sheet No.219 against
SI.No.1, collection of �30,000/ by Way of DD is written as" 30/DD".
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 93 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Similarly, against SI.No.9, fee of �75,000/ received in cash is shown as
"�75/-cash". In all the 'Daily admission report where there was cash
collection, on the reverse page or the front page itself of the Daily
Admission Sheet, "Denominations of cash collection is also mentioned".
The total amount of fee collected from the students in "Cash" during
the financial years 2004-2005; 2005-02006 and 2006-2007 are given
below:
Financial Year Amount (t) 2004-05 (18.2.2005 to 4.3.2005) 3,30,000 (included in corpus donation) 2005-2006 1,08,89,950 2006-2007 (1.6.2006 to 29.9.2006) 1,78,14,200 Total 2,90,34,150
Verification from the Working copy CD containing books of accounts
maintained in the computer of the trust in Tally software and seized
shows that the above receipts for the period Financial year 2004-05
were not reflected/not entered in the books of accounts. Materials in
these annexure KT/IMP/LS-7 and KT/IMP/LS-13 indicate collection of
capitation fees by the trust. During the course of Search & Survey
operations, it was found that the assessee is maintaining his own
system of accounting of receipts. It is found that the course fee is
collected in the form of Demand Drafts and the capitation fees by way
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 94 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. of cash. Daily admission reports prepared by Shri K. Devasenathipathi,
In-charge of New Admission & Collection of Cash & DD and seized
material vide Annexure No. KT/lMP/LS-7 and KT/IMP/LS-13 are
evidence for the collection of capitation fees in cash. Shri Murugesan
himself admitted the same in his statement vide answer to Q.NO.26 &
53 on 25.11.2006 and Q.No.2, 3 on 28.11.2006 and Q.No.5 & 6 on
1.12.2006 that the corpus donations/capitation fees is not entered
into the regular books of Accounts as & when the same is
received. These amounts are kept separately with him for entire year
and out of the said funds, he incurs the expenditure on behalf of the
trust and at the end of the year, a journal entry will be passed to that
effect. The assessee had stated that at the end of the year the
buildings created will occupy the Assets side of the balance sheet and
left out capitation fees is accounted in the liability side of the balance
sheet. It was claimed that he will submit a separate sheet consisting
all the receipt & payments of the capitation fees & other donation to
the Accounts department for making necessary journal entries at the
end of the year. Apex Court in the case of Mohini Jain (Miss) vls.
State of Karnataka and Others (1992) 2 SCC 666 considered the issue
of capitation fee collected by the private educational institutions. It
held that Capitation fee is nothing but a price for selling education.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 95 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. The concept of teaching shops is contrary to the constitutional Scheme
and is wholly abhorrent to the Indian culture and heritage. Some of
the State Legislatures passed legislation prohibiting the collection of
capitation fee and also made the same as a punishable offence. The
Supreme Court in the ease of Islamic Academy of Education and
Another V/s. State of Karnataka and Anr. (2003) 6 SCC 697 directed all
the State Governments to constitute a Committee headed by a Hon'ble
retired High Court judge for prescribing fee structure for professional
colleges. The Apex Court further held that if any amount is
charged other than the fee prescribed by the Committee under any
head or guise the same would amount to capitation fee. Therefore,
collection of money over and above the fee prescribed by the
committee would amount to collection of capitation fee which is
contrary to the Constitutional scheme and prohibited by State
enactments. As the decision of the Supreme Court is Law of the Land,
any act in contravention to the above would be against Public Policy
and no Trust deed can authorize an act which is against
Constitutional Scheme or against Public Policy. The seized materials in
the case of SPRECT read in conjunction with the statements recorded
from the Managing Trustee Shri.P.Murugesan, Shri
K.Devasenathipathy, Incharge of New Admission & Collection of
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 96 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Capitation fees, Shri R.Prabhakaran Samdass, Accounts Officer and
Internal Auditor of " SPRECT " establishes the following:
40.2 The money collected in cash as capitation fee is handed
over regularly to the Managing Trustee, Shri P.Murugesan. The
managing trustee then accumulates the 'money and spends the same
for acquisition of assets. There are no documents regarding transfer of
money from SPRECT to the managing trustee. No receipts are issued
against capitation fee collected in cash. During the course of Search
proceedings, documents have been found & seized which stands as
concrete evidence regarding collection of capitation fee in cash and
subsequently transfer of the same in the form of regular statements
prepared by the college authorities. Thus, at any given point of time,
the managing trustee will have the handful of money of the trust for
expenditure/ investments. The above evidences go to prove that the
managing trustee, P.Murugesan receives regular money collected as
capitation fee. On verification of the documents for the period relevant
to AY 2006-07, �1,08,59,950/, has been collected by the trust as
capitation fee and passed on to Shri P.Murugesan, the managing
trustee of the SPRECT. The assessee was requested by Assessing
Officer to offer his comments as to why such capitation fees collected
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 97 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. by him should not be treated as his income. The assessee vide letter
dt. 21.11.2012 stated that SPRECT is maintaining regular books of
accounts and the Corpus Donation is duly accounted for. As detailed
analysis made in the assessment of SPRECT it is quite clear that no
proper books were maintained for collection of such Capitation fees in
cash. It is seen from the details filed in the returns for Assessment
Years 2001-02 to 2007-08 that the assessee has claimed corpus
donations as detailed below:
Assessment Years Corpus donation (₹) 2001-02 14,62,000 2002-03 81,34,975 2003-04 21,91,000 2004-05 23,21,000 2005-06 21,75,000 2006-07 1,09,00,000 2007-08 2,95,03,750
From the above table it was very clear that the capitation fees
collected in the previous years' relevant to A.Y. 2001-02 to 2005-06
were grossly under reported. For the A.Y.s 2006-07 and 2007-08, the
returns were filed only after the Search and there is no claim of 'corpus
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 98 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. donations' made in the computation of income u/s 11 of the IT Act,
but they were reflected in the Receipts and Payments accounts. But
materials seized at the time of Search on 5.10.2006 Vide Annexure
KT/IMP/LS-7 and Annexure KT/IMP/LS-13(Daily Admission reports)
and other materials collected during post search enquiries indicated
collection of capitation fees in cash to the extent of �1,08,89,950 for
2006-07 and �3,01,86,771/- for A.Y.2007-08. It is also very evident
that the capitation fees were correctly reported only because of the
survey and Search operations. Therefore, if there is no survey and
serach operation, Sri. P. Murugesan would have continued to misuse
his office as Managing Trustee of the Trust SPRECT and not only
colllect illegal Capitation fees but also under report the collection of
capitation fees and use the same for his personal purposes. Therefore,
such illegal capitation fees collected is to be assessed in the hands of
Sri. P. Muruqesan. On verification of the documents for the period
relevant to assessment year 2007-08 �3,19,56,172/-, it is seen that
money has been collected by the trust as capitation fee vide Ann/MR/
B&D/S Page 7-16, dated 11.12.2006. Out of this total fee collected in
cash of �3,01,86,771/- includes �1,76,940/- drawn from bank. Hence,
�3,01,86,771/-has been held as cash received on account of
capitation fee and had been passed on to Shri P.Murugesan, the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 99 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. managing trustee of the SPRECT. Hence, �3,01,86,771/- has to. be
treated as unaccounted capitation fees and added to the total income
of the assessee for the period relevant to A.Y.2007-08, Hence,
�1,08,59,950/- has been treated as. unexplained money and added to
the total income of the assessee for the period relevant to AY 2006-07.
This income is assessed in the hands of the trust SPRECT
substantively. Therefore, it is assessed in the hands of the individual
protectively. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner of Income
Tax (Appeals) deleted this addition as this only protectively made.
Against this, the Revenue is in appeal before us.
40.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. The addition made by the Assessing Officer in the case of the
assessee at �1,08,59,950/- as unexplained money on account of
capitation fees collected by the Managing trustee during the year
under consideration on protective basis is deleted as the same addition
is sustained in the case of the trust assessment. The Assessing· Officer
has also made the addition in the case of SPRECT assessment on
account of capitation fees collected at �1,08,59,950/-which was
unaccounted and added as unexplained income on substantiate basis
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 100 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. and hence the ·same is confirmed in the trust assessment. Therefore
the same cannot be again assessed in the hands of the assessee.
Hence, we confirm the order of the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals). This ground of the appeal of the Department is dismissed.
The second ground raised by the department is that the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) erred in deleting the addition
on account of gift of educational institutions at Natham as he had
confirmed such addition in the hands of the trust, Sri Ponnaiah
Ramajayathammal Educational and Charitable Trust (SPRECT), even
though the trust has not accepted such addition and the matter has
not attained finality in the hands of the trust (SPRECT).
41.1 The facts of the issue are that the SPRECT gifted three
educational institutions at Natham to M/s. Titan Education Trust, This
gift was conveyed through two gift deeds :-
(i) One with Doc. No.2023/2005 dated 28.12.2005. Schedule of
Properties transferred through this Gift deed indicate transfer of 7
acres and 46 cents in Punnakkudi village, Natharn Taluk, another
3.875 hectors 9 acres and 57 cents and another parcel of land totaling
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 101 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 3 acres 34 cents.The two. parcels of lands are situated in Punnakkudi
village, Natham Taluk. Market value �6,45,750/-.
(ii) Another gift deed with Doc.No.78/2006 dated 19.01.2006.Shedule
of properties as per this gill deeds:- Three Educational institutions
functioning at Uluppakkudi village, namely,
a) P.R.Colleges of Arts and Science, b) Natham P.R: College of Education and c) Natham PR. College of Training Institute. Consideration for the transfer is mentioned as ‘’. Nil'. However the
market value of the property mentioned in the deed was �
1,06,00,000/- and the value fixed by stamp authority was
�1,29,32,524/- and the value as per the. Valuation Report by Arul
Murugan Designes, Dindigul dated 12.1.2.006 was �1,82,00,000/-. The
value of the said assets mentioned in' Receipts and Payments A/c.
filed show the entry "By assets transferred to Titan �1,52,52,410.75’’.
Vide notice u/s.142(1) the assessee was requested to explain the
transaction of gift of the above mentioned institutions. The ld. AR vide
letter dated 21.11.2012 stated as under:
We wish to state that, the SPREC Trust gifted three educational institutions . at Natham by way of registered Gift Deeds.
It is admitted fact that the transfer was by a charitable trust to another Charitable Trust. It is also an admitted fact that there is no
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 102 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. consideration for the transfer. A settlement reached between two independent trust, both working for advancement of education. The SPREC Trust had not sold any of the educational institutions but had only, transferred by way of gift. to another charitable institution. The gift deeds have also been duly registered with the Registrar of assurances. The Assessing Officer in the case of SPRECT, in the set aside assessment completed on 31.12.2010 has discussed the issue at. length and has come to the conclusion that the Managing Trustee Shri P.Murugesan was not authorized by the trust deed to make gift of its assets, did not act in a fiduciary capacity and caused loss to the trust because of gifting of property valued at �1.82 crores.
The relevant portion from the assessment order are reproduced here;
12.2.E) The Managing Trustee, even if he happens to be the founder trustee, in his 'fiduciary' capacity of a 'Trustee' cannot fritter away the valuable properties of the trust for nothing - though the recipient trust may have similar objects. The trust SPRECT has not made out a case for any benefit derived in its favour out of the gift. At the point of time of gifting of the trust properties the trust had liabilities i) loans of Rs.12.22 crores, ii) current liabilities of Rs.1.35 crores and iii) Advance Received from Trustees of Rs.2 1 ,87,141/ - as found from the details available in the Balance Sheet as at' 31.3.2006 filed for A.Y. 2006-07. Hence, the gifting away of the three educational Institutions at Natharn is detrimental to the interests of the Trust. Any Trustee of a Public Charitable trust acting prudently would not normally give away trust properties for nothing. No palpable advantage gained for the donor trust has been brought on record. The Managing Trustee who is privy to all the facts surrounding the gift alone
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 103 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. can reveal' the real cause for making such gift. He there by caused loss to the trust which is injurious to the Trust. Any trust, being an inanimate person, cannot function on its own and has to function only through its trustees. When there is some mischief carried on by the Managing Trustee, the value of the property lost has to be made good to the Trust.
12.4 Taking into account the totality of the circumstances namely, a) the Managing Trustee is not authorized by the trust deed to make gift of its assets
b) the reasons as per the resolution passed on 28.12.2005 "due to operational difficulties and administrative reasons" are too vague"
c) the trust SPRECT was having a minor as trustee at the time of gift on 28. 12. 2005.
d) there is no Occasion or human probability for making a gift of �1.82 crores worth three educational institutions to totally a new trust M/s. TET which came into existence only on 1-10-2005; M/s TET has no track record of running educational institutions when it received the gift on 28.12.2005 and M/s TET having been registered u/s 12AA and granted recognition u/s 80G only on 18-07-2006,
I hold that i) SPRECT, by its above act has not applied its funds /properties for the purposes for which it was established and hence not entitled to the exemption u/ s 11 of the Act.
12.5 As pointed out in para 12. 2 E, the Managing
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 104 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Trustee of the assessee trust "SPRECT" has to make good the loss incurred by the trust because of gifting of property valued at � 1.82 crores. The trust may have to recover the same from the Managing Trustee. This amount of � 1.82 crores is deemed as income of the trust because of the impermissible gift to TET. The sum of � 1.82 crores is deemed -as income of the assessee trust (recoverable from the Managing Trustee) and hence the same is added to the total income for the Assessment Year 2006-07 and brought to tax.
In view of the above finding the value of the properties gifted,
�1,82,00,000/- is assessed in the hands of Shri P.Murugesan as
income from other sources. This income is assessed in the hands of
the trust SPRECT (recoverable from the Managing Trustee)
substantively. Therefore, it is assessed in the hands of the individual
protectively. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner of Income
Tax (Appeals) deleted the addition of the Assessing Officer. Against
this, the Revenue is in appeal before us.
41.2 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the order of the Assessing
Officer.
41.3 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the assessee is the chairman of Sri Ponnaiah Ramajayathamml Educational
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 105 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Charitable Trust (SPRECT). The said trust by two deeds of gift duly registered with
the Registrar of assurances gifted the following educational institutions to TITAN
EDUCATIONAL Trust, also a charitable trust.
a)P.R.Colleges of Arts and Science, b) Natham P.R: College of Education and c)Natham PR. College of Training Institute.
The market value of the properties adopted by the Sub-Registrar for quantifying the
stamp duty was �1,82,00,000/-. The lower authorities has treated the said sum as
income of SPRECT on a protective basis; and added it as income in the hands of the
assessee. The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submited that there was
no independent application of mind by the Assessing Officer , quasi judicial
authority. On this ground itself the addition is liable to be deleted. It was an
admitted fact that the transfer was by SPRECT, a charitable trust. It was also an
admitted fact that there is no consideration by the transfer. That being so, there
can be no income in the hands of SPRECT. In any event, we are at a loss to
understand as to how it could be considered in the hand of the assessee. No reason
is given by the Assessing Officer for his action. Even going by the said order of the
assessment of Mr. Viswananthan, the Assessing Officer could not have made the
addition. In the said order of assessment of Mr. Viswananthan, his Assessing Officer
has concluded the transaction.
(i) As a gift made by SPRECT (ii) The gift had been made to Mr.v1swananthan, individual.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 106 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
(iii) In accordance with Sec. 56, the gift having been received from a 'non relative; it is to be treated as income from other sources.
Thus, it was submitted that the findings of the Assessing Officer in respect of Mr.
Viswananthan, are in no way against the claim of SPRECT of the assessee. In fact
the conclusions go to Support and advance the claim of SPRECT. The addition
made by the AO is totally unsustainable in law and is therefore liable to be deleted.
We have heard both the parties and perused the material on record. We 41.4
have considered the reasons given for the additions made in the
assessment order. The Assessing Officer has made an addition of
�1.82 crores in the case of the assessee even though on protective
basis on account of gift of educational institutions at Natham at
�1,82,00,000/-. The Assessing Officer has elaborately discussed in
his assessment order wherein it was held that the value of the
properties gifted at �1,82,00,000/- is assessed in the hands of Shri.
P.Murugesan as income from other sources and also stated that this
income is assessed in the hands of the trust SPRECT substantively
and assessed the same in the hands of the assessee protectively.
Since the addition is only on protective basis and the same addition
is confirmed in the case of the trust no addition of the same amount
again is required to be added in the hands of the assessee. The
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 107 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. reliance was placed by both parties on the judgment of Supreme
Court in the case of Sonia Bhatia vs. State of Uttar Pradesh 2 SCC
585 is not relevant to the facts of the present case. Hence, we
delete �1,82,00,000/- in the hands of the assessee during the year
under consideration. This ground of the appeal of the Revenue is
rejected.
In the result, the appeal of the Revenue in ITA No.2036/Mds/2013 is
dismissed.
P. Murugesan, ITA No.2037/Mds/2013, for the assessment year 2007-
2008 (Revenue :-
The first ground raised by the Department in this appeal is that
the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) erred in deleting the
addition on account of generation of unaccounted money in the trust,
Sri Ponnaiah Ramajayathammal Educational & Charitable Trust
(SPRECT) as he had confirmed such additions in hands of the Trust
(SPRECT) even though the trust has not accepted the unaccounted
capitation fees collected as its income and the matter has not
attained finality in the hands of the Trust SPRECT.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 108 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 42.1 The facts of the case are that during the course of
survey in the premises of the Trust office at
No. 33 & 34, Natarajapuram South Colony, Thanjavur on 5.10.2006, two folders were impounded with following descriptions;
(1) Annexure KT/IMP/ LS-7 (2) Annexure KT/IMP/ LS-13 Impounded material No.7 is a green colour Venkateshwara
folder containing loose sheets serially numbered from 1 to 352. The
impounded sheets are nothing but the "Daily Admission Reports" in
which the details of fee collected from the students for the various
courses offered are entered. The Daily Admission Report contains
several columns such as the Serial Number, Name of the student,
Receipt Number, Amount of fee collected, balance amount payable and
finally, the Remarks column. Against the column "Amount/DD", the
amount of fee collected both in the form of DD and cash are written.
However, while writing the amount, the last three digits are omitted.,
For example, in Annexure KT/IMP/LS-7, in Loose Sheet No.219 against
SI.No.l, collection of �30,000/- by way of DD is written as "30/-DD".
Similarly, against SI.No.9, fee of �75,000/- received in cash is shown
as ‘’�75/- cash". In all the 'Daily admission report where there was
cash collection, on the reverse page or the front page itself of the Daily
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 109 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Admission Sheet, "Denominations of cash collection is also mentioned".
The total amount of fee collected from the students in "Cash" during
the financial years 2004-2005; 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 are given
below:
Financial Year Amount (t) 2004-05 (18.2.2005 to 4.3.2005) 3,30,000 (included in corpus donation) 2005-2006 1,08,89,950 2006-2007 (1.6.2006 to 29.9.2006) 1,78,14,200 Total 2,90,34,150
Verification from the working copy CD containing books of accounts
maintained in the computer of the trust in Tally software and
seized shows that the above receipts for the period Financial year
2004-05 were not reflected/not entered in the books of accounts.
Materials in these annexure KT/IMP/LS-7 and KT/IMP/LS-13 indicate
collection of capitation fees by the trust. . During the course of Search
& survey operations, it was found that the assessee is maintaining· his
own system of accounting of receipts. It is found that the course fee is
collected in the form of Demand Drafts and the capitation fees by way
of cash. Daily admission reports prepared by Shri K. Devasenathipathi,
In-charge of New Admission & Collection of Cash & DD and seized
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 110 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. material vide Annexure No. KT/IMP/LS-7 and KT/IMP/LS-13 are evidence
for the collection of capitation fees in cash. Shri Murugesan himself admitted the same in his statement vide answer to Q.No. 26 & 53 on 25.11.2006 and Q.No. 2 & 3 on 28.11.2006 and Q.No. 5 & 6 on 1.12.2006 stated that the
corpus donations/capitation fees is not entered into the regular 'books of Accounts as & when the same is received. These amounts are kept separately
with him for entire year and out of the said funds, he incurs the expenditure on
behalf of the trust and at the end of the year, a journal entry will be passed to
that effect. The assessee had stated that at the end of the year the buildings
created will occupy the Assets side of the balance sheet and left out capitation
fees is accounted in the liability side of the balance sheet. It was claimed that
he will submit a separate sheet consisting all the receipt & payments of the
capitation fees & other donation to the Accounts department for making
necessary journal entries at the end of the year. The Supreme Court in the
case of Mohini Jain (Miss) vls. State of Karnataka and Others (1992) 2 SCC
666 considered the issue of capitation fee collected by the private educational
institutions. It held that Capitation fee is nothing but a price for selling
education. The concept of teaching shops is contrary to the constitutional
scheme and is wholly abhorrent to the Indian culture and heritage. Some of
the State Legislatures passed legislation prohibiting the collection of
capitation fee and also made the same as a punishable offence. The Supreme
Court in the case of Islamic Academy of Education and Another v/s. State of
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 111 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Karnataka and Anr. (2003) 6 SCC 697 directed all the State
Governments to constitute a Committee headed by a Hon'ble retired
High Court judge for prescribing fee structure for professional colleges.
The Supreme Court further held that if any amount is charged other
than the fee prescribed by the Committee under any head or guise,
the same would amount to capitation fee. Therefore, collection of
money over and above the fee prescribed by the
committee would amount to collection of capitation fee which is
contrary to the Constitutional scheme and prohibited by State
enactments. As the decision of the Supreme Court is Law of the Land,
any act in contravention to the above would be against Public Policy
and no Trust deed can authorize an act which is against Constitutional
Scheme or against Public Policy. The seized materials in the case of
SPRECT read in conjunction with statements recorded from the
Managing Trustee Shri.P.Murugesan, Shri K.Devasenathipathy,
Incharge of New Admission & Collection of Capitation Shri R.
Prabhakaran Samdass, Accounts Officer and Internal Auditor of
"SPRECT" establishes the following:
42.2 The money collected in cash as capitation fee is handed over
regularly to the Managing Trustee, Shri P.Murugesan. The managing
trustee then accumulates the money and spends the same for
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 112 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. acquisition of assets. There are no documents regarding transfer of
money from SPRECT to the managing trustee. No receipts are issued
against capitation fee collected in cash. During the course of Search
proceedings, documents have been found & seized which stands as
concrete evidence regarding collection of capitation fee in cash and
subsequently transfer of the same in the form of regular statements
prepared by the college authorities. Thus, at any given point of time,
the managing trustee will have the handful of money of the trust for
expenditure/investments. The above evidences go to prove that the
managing trustee, P,Murugesan receives regular money collected as
capitation fee. On verification of the documents for the period
relevant to AY 2006-07, �1,08,59,950/-, has been collected by the
trust as capitation fee and passed on to Shri P.Murugesan, the
managing trustee of the SPRECT.
42.3 The assessee was requested to offer his comments as to why
such capitation fees collected by him should not be treated as his
income. The assessee vide letter dt. 21.11.2012 stated that SPRECT is
maintaining regular books of accounts and the Corpus Donation is duly
accounted for. As discussed in the above para and the detailed
analysis made in the assessment of SPRECT it is quite clear that no
proper books were maintained for collection of such Capitation fees in
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 113 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. cash. It was seen from the details filed in the returns for assessment
years 2001-02 to 2007-08 that the assessee has claimed corpus
donations as detailed below:-
Assessment Yea rs Corpus donation (Rs.) 2001-02 14,62,000 2002-03 81,34,975 2003-04 21,91,000 2004-05 23,21,000 2005-06 21,75,000 2006-07 1,09,00,000 2007-08 2,95,03,750
From the above table it is very clear that the capitation fees collected
in the previous years' relevant to A.Y. 2001-02 to 2005-06 were
grossly under reported. For the A.Y.s 2006-07 and 2007-08, the
returns were filed only after the Search and there is no claim of
'corpus donations' made in the computation of income u/s 11 of the IT
Act, but they were reflected in the Receipts and Payments accounts.
But materials seized at the time of search on 5.10.2006 vide Annexure
KT/IMP/LS-.7 and Annexure KT/IMP/LS-13(Daily Admission reports)
and other materials collected during post Search enquiries indicated
collection of capitation fees in cash to the extent of �1,08,89,950/- for
2006-07 and �3,01,86,771/- for A.Y.2007-08. It was also very evident
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 114 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. that the capitation fees were correctly reported only because of the
survey and search operations. Therefore, but for the survey and
search operation, Sri. P. Murugesan would have continued to misuse
his office as Managing Trustee of the Trust SPRECT and not only
collect illegal Capitation fees but also under report the collection of and
use the same for his personal purposes. Therefore, such illegal
capitation fees collected is to be assessed in the hands of Sri. P.
Murugesan. On verification of the documents for the period relevant
to assessment years 2001-02 to 2007-2008 has been collected by the
trust as capitation fee (vide Ann/MR/B&D/S page 7-16 dt.11/12/06)
shows that out of this total fee collected in cash of Rs.3,19,56,172/-
includes Rs.1,76,940/- drawn from bank. Hence, �3,01,86,771/- has
been held as cash received on account of capitation fee and has been
passed on to Shri P.Murugesan, the managing trustee of the SPRECT.
Hence, �3,01,86,771/- has been treated as unexplained money and
added to the total income of the assessee for the period relevant to
A.Y.2007-08. This income is assessed in the hands of the trust SPRECT
substantively. Therefore, it is assessed in the hands of the individual
protectively. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner of Income
Tax (Appeals) reversed the the order of the Assessing Officer on this
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 115 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. issue. Against this, the Department is in appeal before us.
42.4 We have heard both the sides and perused the material
available on record. As discussed in para 40.3 of this order in ITA
No.2036/Mds/2013, this ground is dismissed.
The next ground raised by the department is that the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) has erred in deleting the
addition on account of cash seizure of �1 crore at Airport as he had
confirmed such additions in the hands of the trust, Sri Ponnaiah
Ramjayathammal Educational & Chairtble Trust even though the
Trust has not accepted such addition and the matter has not attained
finality in the hands of the Trust.
43.1 The facts of the issue are that based on the information
received from AIU, New Delhi, Shri. P. Murugesan, Chairman, SPRECT
was intercepted at Chennai Airport while alighting lC 540. �1 crore in
cash has been recovered from Shri
P.Murugesan. Shri P.Murugesan in his sworn statement recorded u/s
131 on 5/111/06 could not explain the sources for the same. He gave
contradictory replies in the statement. Finally, he has admitted that
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 116 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. the cash amounting to �1 crore was unaccounted. While answering to
Q.No.77 & 78 says that the entire cash is unaccounted and agrees to
pay tax on �1 crore. In response to Notice u/s 142(1) dated 31-10-
2012 seeking explanations for sources for the cash of �1 crore found
at airport on 5.11.2006, the AR replied that "the source for which
cash seized was reflected in the Books of SPRECT, for which accounts
copy is enclosed". Purchase advance ledger account of SPRECT is
enclosed. In this account, on 1.11.2006, a debit entry has been made
to corpus donation account, corpus donation accounted
�1,12,30,000/-. Then on 28.11.2006, an amount of �1 crore is
credited by Income-tax deposit being the amount seized by the
Income-tax Department at Chennai airport. During the search, it was
noticed that there were no accounts written for corpus donation. The
Assessing Officer in the case of SPRECT, in the set aside assessment
completed on 31.12.2010 has discussed the issue at length and has
come to the conclusion that the money of �1 crore seized from Shri
P.Murugesan is not satisfactorily explained in the hands of the trust
SPRECT. Hence, the amount of � 1 crore, seized from the Airport
has been treated as unaccounted income of Shri P.Murugesan and
has been added to the total income of assessee for the period
relevant to A.Y.2007-08. This income is assessed in the hands of the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 117 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. trust SPRECT substantively. Therefore, it is assessed in the hands of
the individual protectively. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an
appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) allowed the appeal of the
assessee . Against this, the Department is in appeal before us.
43.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material
available on record. As far as addition of �1,00,00,000/- seized
from the assessee at Chennai Airport is concerned, the assessee in
his statement recorded on 5.11.2006 stated that it was his
unaccounted income and he will pay tax thereon. Later on, the
assessee has retracted his earlier statement on 27.11.2006 stating
that the money seized belongs to the trust SPRECT. Since the
same amount has been added in the case of the trust
substantively as the unaccounted income of the trust based on the
statement given by the assessee and the same is confirmed in the
hands of the trust and to that extent relief is given to the assessee.
Hence, this ground of the appeal of the department is rejected.
In the result, the appeal of the Revenue in ITA No.2037/Mds/2013 is
dismissed.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 118 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
43.3 The assessee has filed stay petitions Nos. 368 to 373/Mds/2015
seeking stay of outstanding disputed demand of tax. Since, we
have disposed off all the appeals of the assessee herein,
the stay petitions are dismissed as infructuous.
Sri Ponnaiyah Ramajayathammal Educational and Charitable Trust. ITA Nos.1884 to1890/Mds/2013, assessment years 2001-02 to 2007-08 (Assessee appeals).
These seven appeals are filed by the assessee directed against
the common order of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals),
Tiruchirapalli, dated 08.08.2013. Since the issues in these appeals
are common in nature, these appeals are clubbed, heard together, and
disposed of by this common order for the sake of convenience
The first ground 1(a) and 1(b) raised by the assessee is general
in nature, which does not require any adjudication.
The second common ground raised by the assessee in these
appeals is that the order passed by the Assessing Officer and
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 119 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. confirmed by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) suffered from
violation of principles of nature justice.
46.1. The facts of the issue are that the assessee Trust Sri Ponnaiah
Ramajayathammal Educational & Charitable Trust (hereinafter in short
SPRECT), Thanjavur was created through a Trust deed dated
18.08.1989 (Document No.153/1989 - Registered before the Joint
Registrar-Il, Thanjavur). The founder of the Trust is Shri P. Murugesan,
S/o Ponnaiah, aged 33 years at that time. The founder Trustee
appointed himself as Managing Trustee and also appointed six other
trustees. At the time of inception, the total number of trustees are
seven. The Main objects of the trust are: 1) To spread higher
technical, engineering, medical and business education in the
industrially backward Taluks or Districts of Tamilnadu, 2) To create
necessary and adequate technical and engineering skill in the youths
01 the country and 3) To serve the younger generations of this
country by means of education in general or industrial, technical
vocational, professional, management, medicine either by way of
residential courses or correspondence courses. The trust deed was
amended four times, viz., 230/1994 dt.12.8.1994, 445/1998, dt
9.10.1998, 498/1998 dt.16.11.1998 and 881/2004 dt. 9.11.2004.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 120 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Though the trust was created on 18.08.1989, it filed application for
Registration u/s. 12AA only on 11.9.1998 after a considerable delay of
8 years. The Commissioner of Income-tax, Tiruchirapalli granted
registration u/s 12AA of the I.T.Act in C.No.6162-E(133)/98-99/TRY dt.
02.12.1998 w.e.f 11.09.1998. It was also mentioned in the order that
registration does not automatically mean that its income will be
exempt u/s 11 & 12 of the Act, which will be examined independently
by the Assessing officer. Registration granted u/s. 12AA of the IT Act
was cancelled by the Commissioner of Income-Tax, Central-II, Chennai
vide his Proceedings in C.No.2860/I/08-09/C-II dated 30/03/2009 for
reasons discussed in that order. Aggrieved by the cancellation of
registration, the assessee trust filed an appeal before the Tribunal,
Chennai. The Tribunal in its order in ITA No. 647Mds/09 dt.
10.12.2009 while allowing the assessee's appeal, held vide para 10 at
Pages 10 and 11 as below:
In our considered opinion, the show cause notice issued in this case is not a valid show cause notice and deserves to be quashed. Even if various irregularities were found to have been committed by the Managing trustee, it is the duty of the Id. CIT to give show cause notice of specific proposed grounds to the assessee-trust and only after considering the explanation given by the trust he could have come to any conclusion based on the facts and law in those circumstances. But in this case, the show cause notice itself is vague and the Id. CIT has not even given proper opportunity of hearing to the assessee. Consequently, we quash the impugned show cause notice
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 121 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. as well and restore the certificate granted u/s 12AA of the Act"
It is to be noted that this case the Assessing Officer completed the
assessments for Assessment years 2001-02 to
2007-08 on 31.12.2008. Aggrieved against the assessments made by
the Assessing Officer the assessee filed appeals before the then
Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals), Trichy. The CIT(Appeals) vide
orders in ITA Nos.483/08-09 to 489/08-09 dated 9.11.2009 confirmed
the additions made. The assessee took up the matter before the
Tribunal. The Tribunal vide its orders in ITA Nos.1832 to
1838/Mds/2009 for Assessment Years 2001-02 to 2007-08 dated
11.2.2010 set aside the orders of the Assessing Officer and CIT(A),
and remitted the matter back to the Assessing Officer for all the years
for de novo consideration, after giving opportunity to the assessee to
explain its returns and furnish all details. The Tribunal also observed: "Needless to say that while framing the fresh assessments the Assessing officer will consider all the explanations furnished by the assessee, and proceed in accordance with Law. The legal issue of validity of assessment is kept open".
As per the directions of the Tribunal, Chennai, the Assessing Officer
considered all the materials filed and discussed the same at
appropriate places in the assessment order. After hearing the assessee
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 122 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. trust, the Assessing Officer completed the assessments on 24.12.2010.
For all the assessment years, viz., 2001-02 to 2007-08 the assessee
went in appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)
challenging that proper opportunity of hearing has not been given to
assessee by the Assessing Officer.
46.2 The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) observed that the
cases being posted for hearing before the Assessing Officer as
under:-
Notice issued on Hearing posted on Appellant appeared on 26.03.2010 12.4.2010 AR appeared 05.05.2010 AR appeared 20.05.2010 03.06.2010 Sought adjournment 28.05.2010 07.06.2010 AR appeared 07.06.2010 21.06.2010 AR appeared and adjourned to 05.07.2010 09.05.2010 13.08.2010 Sought adjournment to 20.08.2010 08.10.2010 13.10.2010 Sought adjournment vide letter dated 12.10.2010 13.10.2010 19.10.2010 AR appeared and adjourned to 28.10.2010 26.10.2010 28.10.2010 AR appeared 10.11.2010 15.11.2010 Details filed.
46.3 On verifying the dates of hearing from the assessment orders it
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 123 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. is amply clear that the Assessing Officer has given sufficient number of
opportunities of being heard to the assessee trust and the allegations
made by the Authorised Representative of the assessee are not tenable
and since the issues are commonly dealt, several opportunities of being
heard have ne accorded to the assessee trust as well as to the
Managing Trustee whose cases are taken up simultaneously as a group
concern. There is no truth in the allegations made by the Authorised
Representative of the assessee that the materials seized during the
course of search u/s 132 as well as connected to such proceedings, a
survey was also conducted u/s. 133A in the case of the assessee trust
wherein huge incriminating materials were found and the same has
been analysed by the Assessing Officer and proper assessments have
been formed keeping in view of the materials seized/impounded.
Therefore, this ground of appeal of the assessee is rejected, confirming
the additions made by the Assessing Officer. Against this, the
assessee is in appeal before us.
46.4 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. In the assessment order, the Assessing Officer has clearly
brought out the chronology of events, to conclude that the assessee
has not co-operated in the assessment proceedings. Moreover, during
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 124 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. the appeal proceedings, the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)
had granted enough opportunity to the assessee to put forth his case.
Therefore there is no force in these grounds. Hence, we reject the
ground of the appeal of the assessee.
The third ground raised by the assessee is that the assessment
vitiated on account of lack of jurisdiction u/s.153A of the Act.
47.1 We have heard both the sides and perused the material
available on record. The main contention of the assessee counsel is
that there was no search in the assessee’s case and there was no
material found during the course of search u/s.132 of the Act. The
search took place in the case of Titan Educational Trust. Being so, the
assessment was to be framed u/s.153C of the Act after recording
statement. According to ld. Authorised Representative for assessee
both the conditions to frame assessment either u/s.153A or 153C is
not fulfilled. She relied on the judgment in the case of Smt. Rajkumari
Chandk vs. DCIT in T.C.A. No.2202/06, dated 29.04.2015 and in the
case of Anjuga Chit Funds (P) Ltd vs. DCIT 113 TTJ 869. However,
we find that there was search on 05.10.2006, and on 25.10.2006 at
Chennai Airport wherein �1 crore was seized by the department and
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 125 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. also search was conducted on 26.11.2006. Being so, we are in full
agreement with the findings of the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals) with regarding to initiating proceedings u/s.153A of the Act.
This ground of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
rejection of claim of exemption u/s.11 of the Income Tax Act.
48.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
rejection of exemption claimed u/s 11 of the Act. He ought to have
noted that all conditions set out for the claim of exemption have been
satisfied by the Assessee in full. The Commissioner of Income-tax
(Appeals) erred in concluding that the Assessee Trust has not been
maintaining proper books of accounts. It is reiterated that proper, full
and complete books of accounts are maintained by the Assessee and
all details called for by the lower authorities duly produced. The
Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in stating that voluntary
Corpus donations received have not been accounted for by the
assessee. The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) further erred in
stating that the Assessee has collected capitation fee which is wholly
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 126 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. contrary to fact. The Corpus donations have been voluntarily made by
students and third parties and are applied in full towards the objects of
the Trust. Complete documentation has been maintained by the
Assessee in regard to the same. The Commissioner of Income-tax
(Appeals) erred in confirming the conclusion of the Assessing Officer
that the donations received have not been applied by the Assessee
for the purpose of fulfillment of its objects. The Assessee denies the
statement of the Managing Trustees, Shri R. Prabakaran Samdoss and
Shri K. Devasenapathy to the effect that the donations received are
not accounted for. This is wholly incorrect in so far as complete
documentation is maintained in respect of the receipt of donations as
well as utilization thereof for the purpose of its objects. The
Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) further erred in confirming the
conclusion of the Assessing Officer that there has been diversion, by
the Managing Trustee of funds received in the form of donations, for
personal benefit. In fact substantial material has been produced before
the lower authorities to substantiate the submissions that the
Managing Trustee has independent sources of income and no Trust
funds have been diverted. The submissions made in this regard and
the voluminous documentation produced have been wholly
disregarded by the Commissioner of Income- tax (Appeals) while
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 127 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. confirming the order of assessment. The Commissioner of Income-tax
(Appeals) erred in confirming the rejection of claim of exemption
without passing a speaking order in this regard, but merely reiterating
the conclusions of the Assessing Officer without even discussing the
same in the light of the assessee's submissions and materials
produced.
48.2. The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities and also relied on the orders of Shri Digamar Jain
Naya Mandir vs. ACIT, 70 ITD 121 and Vodithala Education Society vs.
ACIT (Exemptions) 20 SOT 353.
48.3 We have heard both the parties and perused the material on
record. We have gone through the issue regarding denial of
exemption u/s.11 of the I.T. Act, wherein the lower authorities has
elaborately discussed in their orders and given reasons for denial of
exemption u/s 11 of the I.T. Act After considering the submissions of
the Authorised Representative of the assessee, it is a fact that the
assessee trust has not maintained proper books of accounts and has
not accounted all the donations taken over and above the prescribed
fee by the Govt. of Tamilnadu order for collection of fee towards
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 128 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. professional colleges. Simply because a portion of corpus donations
received is applied in the construction of building by the assessee
trust exemption claimed u/s 11(1)(a), denied by the Assessing Officer
is on valid grounds as the assessee has not accounted corpus
donations received against the intent of the legislature. The reliance
placed by the Assessing Officer in the case of Mohini Jain vs State of Kamataka and Others (1992) 2 SCC 666 wherein it was held that
capitation fees is nothing but a price for selling education. The concept
of teaching shops is contrary to the constitutional scheme and is
wholly abhorrent to the Indian culture and heritage. Several State
legislatures passed legislation prohibiting the collection of capitation
fee and also made the same as punishable offence. The Apex court in
the case of Islamic Academy of Education and Another vs State of
Kamataka and another (2003) 6 SCC 697 wherein it was held that if
any amount is charged other than the fee prescribed by a committee
headed by a retired High Court judge, under any head or guise, the
same would amount to capitation fee. Therefore, collection of money
over and above the fee prescribed by the committee would amount to
collection of capitation fee. The case laws mentioned supra are well
founded to deny the exemption claimed by the assessee u/s 11 as the
charging of donation over and above the prescribed fee is in violation
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 129 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. of all trust provisions under the Act. The assessee cannot interpret
the definition of corpus donations to suit his collection of donations
under the guise of imparting education. It is not a charitable activity.
It is purely a business activity and therefore the assessee own
decision of corpus donation for claiming exemption cannot be accepted
u/s 215 of the I.T. Act. No donation accepted by the recipient trust
from the parents of the students can never be a voluntary donation
and the assessee trust cannot collect any donation especially from
the parents of the students in the guise of corpus donation for the
construction of buildings. The assessee trust has not issued
receipts to the parents mentioning the full amount of donation
received over and above the prescribed fee. Any donation received
from donors has to be a purpose oriented and the donor has to specify
the purpose for which donation is given or meant to be expended. In
the absence of any such conditions Assessing Officer can always deny
the exemption claimed u/s. 11. Forms and modes of investing/
depositing money (corpus donations) have to be specified as per the
provision of section 11(5) of the I. T. Act. Apart from the above,
voluntary contributions not received with a specific purpose towards
corpus of the trust is clearly taxable u/s. 12 of the I.T. Act. Similarly,
value of any medical or educational services received by a person
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 130 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. referred to in section 13(3)( a ),(b ),( c) or (d) from a trust running a
medical or educational institution free of cost or at concessional rate
deemed as income of the trust. Similarly, enormous donations received
by an educational institution run by a trust has to be taxed at 30% of
the amount in excess of 5% of donations or �1 lakh as per the
provision of section 115 BBC. It is a well settled law that registration
uls 12AA does not necessarily entitle the assessee to get the income
excluded, it only entitles the assessee to claim such exemption which
otherwise could not be claimed. In the instant case the assessee
trust could not prove that donors were able to give direction before or
at the time of donation to corpus funds nor assessee was maintaining
separate accounts for this purpose, the Assessing Officer is right in
denying the exemption claimed U/S 12. Since the assessee trust is
maintaining its own system of accounting receipts for the sake of its
own convenience without maintaining proper books of accounts as was
found in the form of collection of cash and DD and the seized material
vide Anne No KT/IMP/LS-7 and KT/IMP/LS-13 which are evident for
the collection of capitation fee in cash. The Managing Trustee P.
Murugesan himself admitted the same in his statement recorded on
25.11.2006 and 28.11.2006 and also on 01.12.2006 by stating that
the corpus donations / capitation fees is not entered into the regular
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 131 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. books of accounts as and when the same is received. He kept the
amounts with him and only enters the books of accounts when
required for expenditure such as construction work i.e., building etc,
by passing a journal entry by bringing in unaccounted donations in the
books of accounts only at the end of the year the asset created in the
form of building is brought into balance sheet and left out capitation
fees. if any, is accounted on the liability side of the balance sheet.
Because of accounting system followed by the Managing Trustee there
is no way to deduct how much money collected, unaccounted is spent
towards construction of building by the trustee. The lower authorities
have clearly brought out in his assessment order regarding collection
of donations which are unaccounted from the statements recorded
from the Managing trustee as well as R.Prabakaran Samdoss, Accounts
officer, Internal Auditor of the assessee trust and also from Shri
K.Devasenapathy, In-charge of new admissions who have confirmed
that the donations are received and not accounted in the regular books
of accounts. The Assessing Officer has also noted elaborate reasons
for denying the exemption claimed u/s. 11 of the I.T. Act. Keeping in
view of the substantial material found against the assessee trust for
collecting donations from the students by misusing the provisions of
the trust, the Assessing Officer has clearly established that the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 132 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Managing trustee diverting the cash received in the form of donations
for his personal benefit and therefore justified in denying exemption
U/S 11 of the I. T. Act. Therefore, we reject this ground of the appeal
filed by the assessee in confirming denial of exemption u/s. 11 of I.T.
Act.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to corpus
donation for the assessment years 2001-02 to 2007-2008.
49.1. The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
addition of an arbitrary percentage of 12% of gross receipts estimated
by the Assessing Officer and added as income. The Commissioner of
Income-tax (Appeals) ought to have noted that the Assessee
followed and established a methodical pattern in the accounting of
receipts. This methodology captures all receipts and expenditures and
projects a full and true picture of the income and the expenditure of
the Assessee Trust. The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) thus
erred in stating that the money collected and spent towards
construction cannot be detected. His resultant conclusion therefore,
that the Assessee Trust has diverted funds for the personal use of the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 133 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Managing Trustee is based on assumptions and an incorrect
understanding of the method of accounting followed by the assessee.
The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
estimation by the Assessing Officer of 12% of the gross receipts of
corpus donations and bring to tax the difference between receipts and
application of the corpus donations as income of the Assessee
u/s.2(24) (iia) of the Act. He ought to have noted that the entire
donations are towards corpus and are thus exempt u/s 11(1) (d) of the
Act. The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) ought to have noted
that the rationale of the judgment of the Madras High court in the case
of Padanilam Welfare Trust, Chennai vs. Department of Income Tax
(324 ITR 44) is based on the facts of that particular case and cannot
be applied in a wholly different factual and legal context. The
Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
estimation of corpus donations @ 12% of the gross receipts and the
treatment of the same as income u/s 2 (24) (iia) in respect of
Assessment Years 2001-02 to 2007-08.
49.2 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 134 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 49.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. During the year i.e., 2001-02, corpus donations is shown at
�14,62,000/-. On verifying the details of donation receipts filed by the
assessee trust would show only the name of the donor, date and
amount on printed receipts in the name of the trust. The Authorised
Representative of the assessee stated that the above receipt pertains
to voluntary donation. However, on analysing the above receipt No.
137 that donation is not voluntary as can be seen from the receipt
issued by the trust and also it does not contain full address of the
donor. This is the case with every receipt furnished by the Authorised
Representative of the assessee. There is no specific direction given by
the donors as to how these donations are to be utilized by the trust.
Similarly for AY 2002-03, the trust claimed corpus donation of
�81,34,975/- as for computation of income for the purpose of section
But in the receipts and payments account and balance sheet only a
sum of �31,09,974/- has been shown. There is no list of donors for
receipt books produced. Similarly for
AY s 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, the assessee trust furnished the list
of donors indicating names, course, stream, year and amount of
donation. On verifying the above list shows that every donor is a
student admitted in some courses of the institutions run by the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 135 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. assessee trust. All the donors are only students / parents or
relatives of the students. There is no outside donors who contributed
to the corpus donation. The list clearly establishes close nexus
between collection of donation and admissions of students thereby
establishing a quid pro quo arrangement. These
donations are from students and not voluntary and there is no specific
direction from the donors for the utilization of this above said
donations and hence the Assessing Officer has treated them as
revenue receipts and are not eligible for benefit U/S 11(1)(d) /12(1) of
the I. T. Act. During the course of search and survey operations, the
assessee trust adopted its own system of accounting of receipts. It is
observed that the course fees is collected in the form of Demand
Drafts and the capitation fees by way of cash. This can be seen from
the seized material vide annexure No. KT/IMP/LS-7 and KT/IMP/LS-13
which are evidence for collection of capitation fees in cash.
This aspect has been endorsed by the Managing trustee in his
statement recorded, who stated that the corpus donation / capitation
fees are not entered into the regular books of accounts as and when
they are received. These amounts are kept with him for the entire year
and passes a journal entry at the end of the year for the
amount spent in acquiring / constructing buildings on the asset side of
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 136 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. the balance sheet. And if any capitation fees left also is accounted in
the liability side of the balance sheet. Because of this system of
accounting followed by the assessee trust, nobody can detect how
much money collected and spent towards construction of building by
the assessee trust and how much money is collected in
the form of corpus donation and spent. In the absence of proper
accounting system the details of donation towards corpus fund
submitted by the assessee trust cannot be relied upon since the same
has not been properly accounted. The corpus fund
collection brought into the books through a journal entry at the fag
end of the year is also considerably less compared to the capitation
fees collected as evidenced from the seized / impounded material.
Thus the trust has not disclosed actual rcceipts and such receipts are
diverted for the personal use of the Managing Trustee. Keeping in
view of the observations made, the corpus fees / capitation fees
collected in cash for all the years from 2001-02 to 2007-08 have been
estimated by the lower authorities at 12% of the gross receipts based
on the corpus donations collected in cash admitted for the AY s. 2006-
07 and 2007-08 and accordingly cash component has been worked out
at 12%. Thus the difference in corpus donations has been treated as
income of the trust u/s 2(24)(iia). The lower authorities has worked
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 137 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. out the corpus donation at 12% based on the ratio worked out by the
Madras High Court decision reported in 324 ITR 44 in the case of
Padanilam Welfare Trust Chennai vs Department of Income Tax. Thus,
the corpus donations calculated by the lower authorities on the basis
of the above citation for treating the same as income u/s. 2(24)(iia)
for all the assessment orders i.e, AY 2001-02 to 2007-08 are hereby
confirmed. This ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
estimation of capitation fees for the assessment years 2001-02 to
2006-2007.
50.1 The facts of the issue are that for the AY 01-02 the Assessing
Officer has estimated capitation fees at � 35,24,0961- as well as for
other years upto 2005-06. For collection of capitation fees, the
assessee trust has not kept proper records and the Managing Trustee
has been indulging in diverting the capitation fee collected for his own
benefit. The capitation fees collected has not been accounted and the
amount is kept with the Managing Trustee. The Assessing Officer has
calculated corpus donation estimated at 12% of gross receipt and the
corpus donations admitted by the assessee trustee worked out the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 138 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. difference between col. 3 & 4 for the estimation of capitation fee right
from 2001-02 to 2005-06. Whereas for AY 2006- 07 & 2007-08 the
assessee came out with a disclosure of the corpus donation to the
extent of materials found. For the AY 2006-07 & 07-08 the corpus
donation collected in cash roughly works out to 10 % to 13% of the
gross collection of tuition fees in the form of DD which are accounted
and admitted. Based on the above analysis the Assessing Officer has
worked out similar capitation fee collected in the form of DDs during
the period relevant for the AY 2001-02 to 2005-06. Thus corpus
donation of the trust has been estimated at 12% of the tuition fees
and other fees collected. Thus capitation fees estimated for all these
years by the Assessing Officer following the judgment in Padanilam
Welfare Trust vs Income tax department (Madras High Court) reported
in 324 ITR 44 and treated the same as income u/s 2(24)(iia) and
rejecting the grounds of appeal raised by the assessee. Against this,
the assessee is in appeal before us.
50.2. The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
estimation of the Assessing Officer of alleged capitation fees in respect
of above assessment years. The Commissioner of Income-tax
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 139 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. (Appeals) erred in alleging that the assessee trust has not kept proper
records and that there is a diversion of funds to the Managing Trustee
from the Trust.
50.3 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities.
50.4 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. We do not find any infirmity in the order of the Commissioner
of Income Tax (Appeals). This ground of the appeal of the assessee is
rejected as discussed in para 49.3 of this order.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to capital
expenditure for the assessment year 2001-02 to 2007-2008.
51.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted
that the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming
the disallowance by the Assessing Officer of capital expenditure
relating to AY 2001-02 and 2002-03 of an amount of �1,56,76,948/-.
The disallowance has been effected consequent to the denial of
exemption u/s 11 as claimed. The exemption u/s 11 has itself been
rejected on the basis of assumptions, presumptions and total
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 140 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. misapplication of mind. In fact the assessee has produced voluminous
material to substantiate its averment that there has been no diversion
of funds and that the provisions of Sec. 13 (1) (c) (ii) r.w.s. 13 (2)
(a),13 (2) (g), 13 (2)(h) and 13 (3) (a) of the Act are wholly
inapplicable. The rejection had been confirmed notwithstanding the
specific submissions made by the assessee and evidence produced in
that regard and is liable to be reversed.
51.2 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities.
51.3. We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. The lower authorities have disallowed capital expenditure for
the AY 2001-02 & 2002-03 at �1,56,76,948/- on the ground that the
assessee trust has collected capitation fees for all the years from 2001-
02 to 2007-08 against the provisions of law thereby losing the benefit
u/s. 11. The assessee trust diverted the funds of the trust towards
deposits into personal accounts of the Managing Trustee Shri
P.Murugesan's individual bank accounts and used the trust funds for
proprietary concern of the Managing Trustee i.e., PR & Sons and
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 141 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Travel businesses. The exemption U/S 11 also was denied to the trust
by the reason of diversion of funds U/S 13(l)(c)(ii) r.w.s. 13 (2)(a),
13(2)(g), 13(2) (h) and 13(3)(a) of the l.T. Act. As per the provisions
section 13(2)(h) if any funds of the trust or institution are invested for
any period during the previous year in any concern in which any
person referred to in sub section 3 has a substantial interest including
the Managing Trustee who manages the affairs of the trust. Thus the
lower authorities have validly disallowed capital expenditure in all the
AY s under consideration for violation of trust provisions as well as
diversion of funds and hence we confirm the disallowance and this
ground of the appeal of the assessee is dismissed.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
advertisement expenditure to tune of �2,99,697 for the AY 2001-02
and �2,84,090/- for the AY 2002-03 respectively.
52.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
order of assessment making a disallowance of an amount of �
2,99,697 (AY 2001-02) and �2,84,090/- (AY 2002-03). The
disallowance has been effected by the Assessing Officer on the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 142 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. erroneous basis that no books of accounts have been made available
in respect of the relevant assessment years. This is wholly incorrect in
so far as the books had been specifically produced before the
Assessing Officer on 9.4.2010 and this fact had been confirmed before
the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) as well. The Commissioner
of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the disallowance simply
relying on the order of assessment and on the basis that the vouchers
have not been produced for authentication of expenditure incurred. In
fact no vouchers were sought from the assessee and if sought, could
have been produced before the authorities.
52.2 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities.
52.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. The lower authorities has made an addition of � 2,99,697/-
for AY 2001-02 and �2,84,090/- for AY 2002-03 for non production of
books of accounts along with vouchers for advertisement expenditure
even though the Authorised Representative of the assessee has
defended the expenditure by stating that the books of accounts have
been produced before the Assessing Officer. Since the vouchers have
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 143 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. not been produced for authentication of advertisement expenditure the
version of the Authorised Representative of the assessee are rejected
and we confirm the addition made by the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals) for both the assessment years 2001-02 and 2002-03. This
ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
function expenditure to the tune of �1,24,335/- for the assessment
year 2001-2002.
53.1 The facts of the issue are that claim of function expenditure
was disallowed at �1,24,335/- on account of non production of books
of accounts and supportive evidence in the form of vouchers for
verification of function expenditure. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred
an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) confirmed the order of the
Assessing Officer. Against this, the assessee is in appeal before us.
53.2 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in disallowing a sum
of �1,24,335/- incurred in relation to various functions carried on at
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 144 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. the premises of the Trust. The Commissioner of Income-tax
(Appeals) erred in confirming the order of assessment making a
disallowance of an amount of �2,99,697/-(AY 2001-02) and
�2,84,090/- (AY 2002-03). The disallowance had been effected by the
Assessing Officer on the erroneous basis that no books of accounts
have been made available in respect of the relevant assessment years.
This was wholly incorrect in so far as the books had been specifically
produced before the Assessing Officer on 9.4.2010 and this fact had
been averred before the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) as
well. The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming
the disallowance simply relying on the order of assessment and on the
basis that the vouchers have not been produced for authentication of
expenditure incurred. In fact no vouchers were sought from the
assessee.
53.3. The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities.
53.4 We have heard both the parties and perused the material on
record. The assessee failed to produce the books of accounts and
supporting vouchers before the lower authorities. In the absence of
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 145 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. this, we do not find any infirmity in the order of the Commissioner of
Income Tax (Appeals). This ground of the appeal of the assessee is
dismissed.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to loan
creditors to the tune of �50,33,166/- and �19,00,000/- for the
assessment years 2001-02 and 2002-2003 respectively.
54.1. The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted
that the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming
the disallowance by the Assessing Authority of loan creditors of an
amount of �50,33,166/- (AY 2001-02) and �19,00,000/- (AY 2002-03)
treating the same as non-genuine. The Commissioner of Income-tax
(Appeals) ought to have noted that all details have been produced to
establish genuineness of the creditors such as identity, address,
capacity to lend and genuineness of the transactions Confirmation
letters have been submitted before the lower authorities and in the
light of satisfaction of all applicable parameters, the additions made in
this regard are liable to be reversed.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 146 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 54.2 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities.
54.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material
available on record. The Authorised Representative of the assessee
could not substantiate by submitting details of loan creditors and
produce the proof of loan creditors of �.50,33,166/- for AY 2001-02 as
well as an amount of � 19,00,000/-- for AY 2002- 03. The assessee trust
could not furnish the details of identity of the creditor, capacity of the
lenders and genuineness of transactions of loan creditors. The
Authorised Representative of the assessee in her submissions stated
that the confirmation letters were submitted. There is no evidence on
record to show that confirmation letters as well as other details as
mentioned above have been furnished before the Assessing Officer.
The assessee has failed to prove the source
of credit as well as identity of the creditors, capacity of creditors to
advance money and genuineness of the transaction. Since the
assessee trust failed to prove details of the loan creditors, we confirm
the additions made by the lower authorities. This ground of the appeal
of the assessee is rejected.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 147 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 55. The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to special
allowance to the tune of �3,39,819/- for the assessment year 2002-
2003.
55.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
disallowance of a sum of �3,39,819/- relating to special allowance
extended to teaching staff. The vouchers and all supporting documents
in this regard were never sought by the Assessing Officer. In any
event, the authority ought to have noted that the special
allowance is an expenditure directly connected to the running of the
Educational Institutions and is thus allowable.
55.2 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities.
55.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. The assessee trust has not furnished any supporting evidence
claiming an expenditure of �3,39,819/- as special allowance which in
terms of the Authorised Representative of the assessee payments
made to teaching staff which is a routine expenditure in an educational
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 148 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. institution. However he could not produce any voucher for the
expenditure for special allowance over and above the
salary paid to the teaching staff. Since no evidential value can be
attributed to the assessee's version the expenditure claimed is
disallowed and hence the same is confirmed. This ground of the
appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
Singapore trip to the tune of �1,11,200/- for the assessment year
2004-05.
56.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
disallowance of expenditure incurred of an amount of �.1,11,200/-
relating to a trip to Singapore on official work related to the
Educational Institutions. The same is thus liable to be allowed.
56.2 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 149 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 56.3 We have heard both the parties and perused the material on
record. As far as Singapore trip expenses claimed at �1,11,200/- the
assessee has not provided any details and hence the foreign trip
expenses are not related to trust activities and hence the same was
disallowed being the personal expenditure of members of the trust.
Hence, we confirm the addition made by the lower authorities. This
ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground is with regard to College expenses to the tune
of �51,500/- for the assessment year 2004-05.
57.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
expenditure of a sum of �51,500/- relating to the Registration of land.
In so far as the expenditure in revenue in nature being related to
purchase of an asset, closely connected to the activity of the trust,
and the fulfillment of its objects, the same is allowable.
57.2 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of
the lower authorities.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 150 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 57.3. We have heard both the sides and perused the material
on record. As far as college expenses are concerned, the assessee
trust has claimed �51,500/- being land registration expenses which is
capital in nature and cannot be allowed as an expenditure. Hence,
the addition made by lower authorities is confirmed. This ground of
the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to grant
in aid to the tune of �11,70,000/-, �75,000/-, �75,000/- and
�12,00,000/- for the assessment years 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07
and 2007-2008 respectively.
58.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
disallowance of grand in aid by the Government of Tamil Nadu,
Ministry of Human Resources Development for fulfilment of the
objects of the Trust. The disallowance of a sum of �11 ,70,000/- (AY
2004-05), �75,000/- (AY 2005-06), �75,000/- (AY 2006-07) and
�12,00,000/- (AY 2007-08) is thus wholly incorrect in law and on facts.
The ld. AR further submitted that the Commissioner of Income-tax
(Appeals) ought to have seen that the grant had been given with the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 151 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. specific purpose of being utilized for the objects of the Trust and is
thus allowable. The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) ought to
have noted that all details required in connection with the grant-in-aid
have been furnished to the lower authorities. The disallowance has
been effected consequent on the denial of exemption u/s 11 of the Act
which is itself erroneous in law and contested. The disallowance are
thus liable to be reversed and exemption u/s 11 granted.
58.2. The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities.
58.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted
that the grants in aid given by the government for self financing
colleges, stating that this amount received from the Ministry of HRD
for construction of work but the assessee has failed to submit details
regarding the same. Moreover, the receipt of grants in aid becomes
revenue in nature since the trust is not exempt u/s 11 and hence all
the years from 2004-05 to 07-08 the respective amounts mentioned
against each year are disallowed by the lower authorities are
confirmed. This ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 152 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
unexplained cash credit to the tune of �18,00,000/- for the assessment
year 2005-06.
59.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
action of the Assessing Officer bringing to tax a credit aggregating to a
sum of �18,00,000/-. He ought to have noted that the disallowance
was itself based on suspicions and surmises and is wholly erroneous in
law. The amount had been advanced through normal banking channels
and all parameters to establish the genuineness of the credits have
been fulfilled such as name, identity of the creditors, credit worthiness
and genuineness of the transactions. The credits are thus liable to be
accepted as such. The disallowance are thus liable to be reversed.
59.2 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 153 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 59.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. The issue is related to unproved cash credits in the books of
the assessee trust. The assessee could not file any confirmation
letters regarding cash credits for their genuinity. As the assessee
failed to prove creditworthiness and capacity to lend as well as
genuineness of the transaction. the claim of the assessee is rejected
and the addition made by the lower authorities at �18,00,000/- against
unexplained cash credit is confirmed. The Authorised Representative of
the assessee in this regard has stated that these credits have been
received through cheques only. However, without proving the
genuineness of the credit, even mere proof of identity of creditor or
the transaction by cheque is not sufficient. Hence the addition made
by the lower authorities u/s. 68 for unproved credits is
confirmed. This ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to value
of properties gifted to other charitable trust for the assessment year
2006-2007.
60.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 154 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. action of the Assessing Officer in treating the value of the properties
gifted vide two Registered Deeds of Gift, as income. The gift has been
made solely in fulfillment of the objects of the Assessee Trust to
another Charitable Trust that is also engaged in activities of promotion
of education. It is thus allowable as application of income. The
Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) ought to have accepted the
submissions of the Assessee and not merely relied upon the
averments in the order of assessment indicating that there has been
no application of mind in arriving at his conclusion. The Commissioner
of Income-tax (Appeals) ought to have noted that the gifts have been
accepted as bonafide in the hands of the recipient by the Income-tax
Department. A contrary position cannot thus be adopted in the case of
the Assessee and this is wholly contrary to law. The ld. Authorised
Representative for assessee relied in the order of the Tribunal Mumbai
Bench,in the case of DCIT vs. KDA Enterprises Pl. Ltd in ITA No.
2662/M/2013, dated 11.03.2015 and also gift tax Act.
60.2 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities and also submitted that in the absence of material to
show to love and affection between donor and donee, the gift cannot
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 155 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. be considered as valid gift. He relied on the judgement of the Supreme
Court in the case of Sonia Bhatia vs. State of U.P. 2 SCC 585.
60.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. The assessee trust gifted three educational institutions at
Natham to M/s. TET by way of gift deeds. The details of property
transferred vide gift deed document No. 2023/2005 dated 28.12.2005
by transferring land measuring 7.46 acres in Natham Taluk (ii) land
measuring 3.875 hectares i.e. 9.57 acres (iii) land measuring 3.34
acres having market value of �6,45,7501-, (iv) Gift deed vide
document No.78/2006 dated 19.01.2006, 3 educational institutions
functioning at Uluppakudi village namely,
PR college of Arts and Science 2. Natham PR College of education 3. Natham PR college of Training Institute
The market value of the property mentioned in the gift deed around
�1,06,00,000/- and the value fixed by stamp duty authority was �
1,29,32,524/-. All the properties valued by the valuer Mls.
Arulmurugan designs, Dindigul dated 12.01.2006 was at
�1,82,00,0001-. The value of the said assets in receipts and payment
account filed show the entry "By assets transferred to TITAN at �
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 156 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 1,52,52,410.75". In the assessment order the Assessing Officer held
that the assessee trust by act of gift has not applied its funds or
properties for the purpose for which it was established and hence not
entitled to exemption u/s. 11 of the I. T. Act. Since the assessee
trust through its Managing Trustee has gifted 1.82 crores worth of
properties whose assets were created out of the accumulated funds of
the assessee trust, it was observed that the Managing Trustee was
not authorised by the trust deed to make gift of its assets. Simply the
assessee trust on account of operational difficulties and
administrative reasons gifted properties worth 1.82 crores to a new
trust which came into existence from 1.10.2005 onwards, We are of
the opinion that the lower authorities are justified in treating the gift
amount of �1.82 crores as income of the assessee and added to the
total income of the assessee trust for the year under consideration.
Accordingly, this ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to cash
seized at airport to the tune of �1,00,00,000/- for the assessment
year 2007-2008.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 157 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 61.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted
that the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming
the addition of an amount of �.1,00,00,000/- as unaccounted income of
the assessee. The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) ought to
have taken into account the detailed explanation furnished by the
Assessee that the amount of �1,00,00,000/- had been duly recorded in
the books of accounts of the Trust and had been withdrawn from the
Trust account for the specific purpose of purchase of Guest House in
New Delhi. The amount had been declared to the Airport authorities
by the Managing Trustee prior to travel. The detailed explanation by
the Managing Trustee in this regard has been wholly ignored by the
lower authorities. The Assessing Authority had made the disallowance
based on assumptions and wild imagination and this has been
arbitrarily confirmed by the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals)
without application of mind.
61.2. The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities.
61.3 We have hard both the sides and perused the material on
record. An amount of � 1 crore was seized from Shri P.Murugesan,
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 158 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Chairman and Managing Trustee of the assessee trust at Chennai
Airport on 25.11.2006. The assessee in his reply to the statement
recorded u/s. 131 & 132 on 25.11.2006 could not explain the source of
the cash seized from him. The Managing Trustee of the assessee
trust narrated the transaction that the money is withdrawn from the
trust account to purchase a Guest House in New Delhi in East Patel
Nagar, New Delhi. Since the transaction did not take place he was
returning back with the money. The Managing trustee has no reply for
the query that the money has been withdrawn from North Indian
banks, in places like Ajmer and Delhi, he initially told that the money is
taken from the trust, Thanjavur. All the bundles of cash bearing bank
seals from North Indian branches much against the version narrated
by the Managing Trustee that this cash belongs to the assessee trust.
No credence can be attributed to the version of the Managing Trustee
that small denominations have been carried from Thanjavur and got
converted into bigger denominations also not supported by any
evidence. Apart from the above, it was not physically possible to
transfer small denominations of money worth �1 crore from Thanjavur
to Delhi and bring back. It has been amply proved beyond doubt by
the department that the assessee trust is not having
proper accounts maintained such as regular books of accounts under
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 159 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. the head corpus fund account. The cash book does not reflect the
receipt of any cash by way of donations from the corpus account.
Apart from regular books of accounts of the assessee trust the
Managing Trustee maintained his own separate sheet at his disposal
for all the capitation fees and other donations received during the year
and at the fag end of the year some convenient amount is reported to
accounts department and the same is brought into accounts. On the
date of seizure of �1 crore cash from the Managing Trustee, the books
of accounts of the trust do not reflect any bearings in trust cash book.
There are no entries made in the corpus fund account as well as no
sufficient withdrawals from the bank account belonging to SPRECT in
Thanjavur district. Thus the Managing Trustee manipulated the
accounts and subsequently shown after the audit for the year ending
31.03.2007 made an entry as on 1.11.2006 that corpus donation
account is shown at �1,12,30,000/-. On 28.11.2006 amount shown as
credit is � 1 crore being the amount seized by IT department. The
account copy is prepared after audit of SPRECT books in 2007. It is not
backed by any primary evidence for the debiting of �1,12,30,000/- on
a single day. Hence, we are in agreement with the Assessing Officer's
observation that no credence can be given to this journal entry which
is prepared only after the search to suit the needs of the assessee
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 160 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. trust to explain away � 1 crore seized at Chennai Airport. As per the
copy of the CD seized the cash balance available as on 23.11.2006 is
only �16,456.75. Declaration on money at Delhi Airport would not
tantamount to say that the money is accounted for. There was no
proper reply from the Authorised Representative of the assessee that
cash balance of all the institutes put together as on 5.10.2006 and
23.11.2006 are at � 14,09,198.32 and �14,23,434.82 respectively.
When the cash balance as on 23.11.2006 is �14,23,434.82 how could
the managing trustee carry one crore amount of cash seized at Airport
and he has accounted for in the trust subsequently by manipulating
computerized disc figures. However, there was no reply from the
Authorised Representative of the assessee. Since the amount is
unaccounted the managing trustee could not substantiate the carrying
of the cash. It was amply clear that the managing trustee taking the
money of the trust without accounting the same which is a clear
violation of the provisions of the trust and also diversion of the funds
for the benefit of managing trustee thereby violating the provisions u/s
13(1)(c)(ii) leading to the denial of exemption u/s 11 of the Act.
Therefore the addition made by the lower authorities at �1 crore as
unaccounted cash in terms of the assessee trust is confirmed. This
ground of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 161 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
miscellaneous expenses to the tune of �91,71,078/- for the
assessment year 2007-2008.
62.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
disallowance of a sum of �91,71,078/- in respect of various
miscellaneous expenses incurred in the running of the Trust and the
fulfillment of the Trust's objects. The Commissioner of Income-tax
(Appeals) ought to have noted that complete details of expenditure
incurred, including ledger account and vouchers, have been produced
before the lower authorities. A specific confirmation has been
furnished before the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) in this
regard who merely ignores the same in confirming the disallowance.
62.2 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities.
62.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. The Authorised Representative of the assessee who in this
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 162 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. grounds of appeal stated simply that the lower authorities erred in
disallowing a sum of �91,71,078/- out of the miscellaneous expenses
claimed. The assessee has not furnished details of miscellaneous
expenses during the course of assessment proceedings. Ledger
account as well as vouchers furnished by the assessee
trust is only to the extent of � 94,432/-. Hence the lower authorities
has disallowed an amount of �91,71,078/- out of the total claim of
miscellaneous expenditure claimed by the appellant at � 92,55,510/--.
Since the lower authorities has allowed to the extent of vouchers
produced there cannot be any grievance for disallowing the balance
amount on account of non furnishing of vouchers as well as ledger
extract from the expenses said to have incurred by the assessee trust.
Therefore, we reject this ground of the appeal of the assessee and
confirm the addition made by the lower authorities at �91,71,078/-.
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to
travelling expenses to the tune of �16,01,125/- for the assessment
year 2007-2008.
63.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 163 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
disallowance of a sum of �16,01,125/- of expenditure incurred on travel in the course of fulfillment of the objects of the Trust. The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) ought to have noted that complete details of expenditure incurred, including ledger account and vouchers, have been produced before the lower authorities. A specific confirmation has been furnished before the Commissioner of Income- tax (Appeals) in this regard who merely ignores the same in confirming the disallowance.
63.2 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of the
lower authorities.
63.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee who in this
ground of appeal stated simply that the lower authorities erred in
disallowing a sum of �16,01,125/- out of the travelling expenses
claimed. The assessee has not furnished details of travelling expenses
during the course of assessment proceedings. Ledger account as well
as vouchers furnished by the assessee trust is only to the extent of
�11,03,504.50. Hence the lower authorities has disallowed an amount
of �16,01,125/- out of the total claim of travelling expenditure claimed
by the assessee at �27,04,629/- . Since the lower authorities has
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 164 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. allowed to the extent of vouchers produced there cannot be any
grievance for disallowing the balance amount on account of non
furnishing of vouchers as well as ledger extract from the expenses said
to have incurred by the assessee trust. Therefore, we reject this
ground of the appeal of the assessee and confirm the addition made
by the lower authorities Assessing Officer at �16,01,125/-
The next ground raised by the assessee is with regard to interest
on loan to the tune of �44,04,327/- for the assessment year 2007-
2008.
64.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming the
disallowance of an amount of �44,04,327/- being interest paid to
bank. The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) ought to have
noted that full particulars and explanations have been furnished in
this regard, whereas the disallowance has been made and confirmed
merely on assumptions and presumptions. The Commissioner of
Income-tax (Appeals) adopted the erroneous view that the interest
paid relates to an entity by the name and style of PRIST and thus
cannot be claimed by the assessee. This is factually incorrect in so far
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 165 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. as it has been specifically confirmed that the payment of interest
relates to a loan availed of by the assessee. The disallowance is thus
liable to be reversed. The Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals)
erred in concluding the transaction would attract the provisions of
Sec. 13 (1) (c) (ii) r.w.s. 13 (3) (e) of the Act, on the erroneous
understanding that PRIST, an entity falling within the purview of Sec.
13 (3) (e) of the Act has utilized funds belonging to the assessee. All
averments in this regard are factually incorrect and the consequent
conclusion therefore is wholly bad in law.
64.2 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of
the lower authorities.
64.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. As far as interest disallowed by the Assessing Officer at ₹44,04,327/- is concerned, the assessee trust has given ₹ 5 crores deposit in the name of PRIST by raising a loan to make the deposit. The funds were deposited with the SPRECT by the assessee trust sourcing from its own term loan. Wherein the assessee trust has availed term loan of ₹ 5 crores and made a deposit in the name of PRIST. As PRIST is a separate entity, the loan could have been taken
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 166 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. on 25.11.2004 in the name of PRIST itself instead of making the assessee trust as a medium for getting the loan. It was observed from the return filed by the assessee trust for the AY 2007-08 that the assessee trust claimed bank charges of ₹ 1,25,57,885/-. No details for this interest payment were furnished. In its reply the assessee trust has mentioned that the interest arising out of deposit of ₹5 crores in the name of PRIST had been offered in the hands of SPRECT. Thus it can be inferred that the payment of ₹44,04,327/- is included in the bank charges of the schedule-9 to Income and expenditure statement. The interest payment on the loan does not relate to SPRECT but it pertains to PRIST. Hence the lower authorities disallowed the interest paid on behalf of PRIST in the hands of assessee trust and added to the income in the year under consideration i.e, for AY 2007-08 since the Managing Trustee for both trusts being the same and all the trustees except one are the same family members of Shri P .Murugesan. Even though PRIST is a separate entity which falls under section 13(3) (e) of the I.T. Act, as the funds of SPRECT are utilized for PRIST, these transactions is hit by the provisions of sec 13(1)(c)(ii) r.w.s 13(3)(e) of the I.T. Act thereby the assessee trust loosing the exemption u/s. 11 for the assessment year under consideration. Thus interest paid by the assessee trust on the term loan taken out of its own funds and deposited in the name of PRIST at
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 167 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. ₹44,04,327/-, we hereby reject the ground of the appeal of the assessee.
The last ground raised by the assessee in this appeal is with
regard to interest on rent advance to the tune of �4,60,544/- for the
assessment year 2007-2008.
65.1 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted
that the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) erred in confirming
the addition of a sum of �4,60,544/- being interest @ 13.75% on a
sum of �2.5 Crores being the rental advance paid by the assessee for
a property rented to the assessee. The Commissioner of Income-tax
(Appeals) ought to have noted that it was a genuine transaction and
charging of Interest on Rent advance paid is not prevalent anywhere.
65.2 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the orders of
the lower authorities.
65.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on record. The assessee trust has raised a loan of ₹2.5 crores to pay a rent advance of ₹3 crores to the Managing trustee. Hence the lower authorities has disallowed the interest at 13.75% which works out to
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 168 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. ₹4,60,544/- and added to the income of the assessee trust and we do
not find any infirmity in the orders of the lower authorities. This ground
of the appeal of the assessee is rejected.
65.4 In the result, the appeals of the assessee in ITA Nos.1884 to
1890/Mds/2013 are dismissed.
65.5 The assessee has filed stay petitions Nos.361 to 367/Mds/2015
seeking stay of outstanding disputed demand of tax. Since we have
disposed off all the appeals of the assessee herein, the stay
petitions are dismissed as infructuous.
Shri. R. Viswanathan :- ITA No.462/Mds/2011, assessment year 2006-
2007 (Revenue’s appeal)
This appeal by the department is directed against the order of
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), Tiruchirapalli, dated
16.12.2010 for the assessment year 2006-2007.
66.1 The facts of the case are that a search under sec. 132 of the
Act was conducted on 23-08-2006 at his Natham Residence. The
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 169 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Chennai residence of Shri R Viswanathan's son Sri V. Amarnath was
also covered under sec. 132. Pursuant to the above searches, the
Assessing Officer initiated proceedings under sec. 153A and completed
the assessments for AYs 2001.02 to 2006-07 and the scrutiny
assessment for AY 2007-08 (year of search) on 30-12-2008. The
present appeal is relating to assessment year 2006-07.
66.2 In the assessment of the assessee for the year under
consideration, the A.O. had come to a finding that the assessee is the
'beneficial owner' of the income / assets of Titan Educational Trust
(TET, in short). According to the A.O., the assessee had invested his
unaccounted income in the Trust/colleges run by the Trust. The
assessee has utilized the beneficial provisions of the Tax Law on the
Trusts and acquired the educational institutions belong to other trust
for a consideration. Therefore, the trust is a conduit to acquire the
assets. " TET was constituted as a Public Charitable trust as per deed
dated 1-10-2005 registered as Document No. 1609 of 2005 in the
office of the Sub Registrar, Thiagaraya Nagar, Chennai - 17. Sri P.
Janakar was the author of the Trust as also the Managing Trustee. Sri
R. Mohan Kumar, Coimbatore is the other Trustee. As per Deed of
Amendment dated 03-01-2006 registered as Doe. No. 605 of 2006,
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 170 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. certain amendments relating to "Objects" were carried out. The
'objects' of the trust were charitable in nature, mostly in the field of
education, medical services and service to the poor. The Trust made
an application under sec. 12A(a) and was granted registration under
sec. 12AA(l) of the Income tax Act, 1961 by the DIT (Exemptions),
Chennai, as per orders dated 18-07-2006.
66.3 The issue of genuineness of the Titan Educational Trust and its
activities in running the NPR group of educational institutions at
Natham were considered by Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) in
the appeal filed by the Trust. After a detailed discussion, it was held
that the Trust is genuine and the findings of the A.O. in this regard are
not based on evidence on that case, the findings of the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) for AY 2006-07 are extracted
below:-
6.1. Benami ownership of assets of the Trust:-- In the assessment order, the A.O. has given a finding that it is Shri R. Viswanathan, who is the person behind the trust and also enjoying the income of the trust. In this connection, the Assessing Officer had discussed the basis on which he came to such a conclusion. In its written submissions dt. 10-02-2010, the assessee had stated its defense and vehemently argued that the conclusion of the A.O.. is without any basis or rationale and stated its case elaborately as under:-
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 171 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
5.1 In para 6.2.1 of the assessment order, the Assessing Officer observed thus: " .. . in his sworn statement which was recorded from shri Janakar on 05-10-2006 had admitted that he had been associated with Sri R. Viswanathan for a long time and both of them are close friends and hails from near by villages. In other words, both Sri Viswanathan and Sri Janakar are close friends by way of their common place, blood affiliation and community mores" (sic). We wish to state that except for the fact that Sri Janakar and Sri R. Viswanathan belong to the same district and mutually know each other; there is no other personal or business relationship between them. We do not understand what the learned Assessing Officer is trying to infer while saying "common place, blood affiliation and community mores". The dictionary meaning of the word 'mores' is customs, usages, conventions, regarded as essential to a social group. The leaned Assessing Officer is factually incorrect that the two have 'blood affiliation '. As a matter of tact; they belong to different Hindu communities. Even assuming for the sake of argument that they have mutually known each other and that they both belong to the same place / district; is it fair, correct, proper, not illogical and above all legally sustainable to allege that one is the 'benami' of the other? There may be thousands of such persons known to Sri R. Viswanathan and if so, is it correct for the learned Assessing Officer to raise such a unfounded allegation or presumption? Suffice it to say, your assessee submits, that the learned Assessing Officer is certainly not correct; particularly in the context of proceedings under the Income tax Act 1961.
5.2. In the same paragraph, The leaned Assessing Officer had observed as under: "... . …………….. Therefore, the constitution of trust itself is not genuine as one of the trustee is a name lender. Sri Mohan kumar not only not signed the trust deed but also never participated in any of the activities of the trust and therefore, the trust was left with single trustee. Hence, these events indicate enough that there is a
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 172 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. ulterior motive behind initiation of the trust itself': We wish to state that Sri Mohan Kumar did not sign anywhere in the Trust Deed or the Amendment deed, for the simple reason that only the signature of the Author/Managing Trustee was required and not that of the other trustee under the Registration Act Rules. The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) wish to state that the involvement of Sri R. Mohan Kumar in the affairs of our Trust can be easily proved with reference to the records of our Trust like Minutes Book, Loan Papers, Bank Accounts, Forming new institutions, New proposals etc. and, therefore, the learned Assessing Officer 's inference that Sri Mohan Kumar is merely a name lender is not correct In this connection, The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) wish to state, with all the emphasis at our command, that the learned C1T (A) may please summon Sri Mohan Kumar for examination. The postal address of Sri R. Mohan Kumar is s/o Sri Ranganathan,,c/o. Vijaya Prabha Oills, Ganapathy P. O. Coimbatore.
5.3 In the assessment order; the learned Assessing Officer has recorded a finding that ''Sri Sivakumar is the Manager of the Trust and not Sri Janakar". In this connection, we wish to place the facts for the consideration of the CIT (A). Sri R. Meganathan is the elder brother of Sri R. Viswanathan and Sri M. Sivskumsr; s/o Sri Meganathan is working as the Administrative Officer of the NPR Group of colleges. We wish to state that when Sri Ponniah Ramajayathammal Education and Charitable Trust (SPRECT; in short) mooted the idea of starting educational institutions at Natham, Sri Meganathan and Sivakumar were in the forefront to request the land owners of that area to come forward to transfer / sell their lands to the Trust; besides, the duo also came forward to sell a major part of their own family lands - the lands acquired by the Trust for college purposes from the duo is approximately 10 acres, which should indicate their involvement in starting a good venture - a group of
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 173 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. educational institutions at a remote place like Natham. Sri Sivakumar who was working in the Police Department, Govt. of Tamil Nadu resigned his job to join the services of the colleges. Sri Sivakumar was working as Adm. Officer of the colleges which were previously run by SPRECT. He was not appointed by our Trust. Sri Sivakumar and other staff of SPRECT continue to work for the colleges run by our Trust after the 'transfer' of assets by SPRECT to our Trust. From the point of view of the Trust, the vital consideration is his involvement and sense of devotion in the management of the colleges than his qualification or experience. Having been assigned duty as an Adm. Officer of the colleges, it is but natural that the related documents like RC books for the college vehicles, bank cheque books etc. were in the personal custody of Sri Sivakumar and found at the time of search. The learned A.O. . is certainly not logical or legally correct to draw an inference that it was Sri Sivakumar - and not Sri Janakar - who was managing the affairs of the Trust. As a matter of fact, Sri Sivakumar was only managing the affairs of the colleges and not that of the Trust.
5.4 In para. 6.2.3 of the assessment order; the learned A. 0. had discussed the relationship between Sri P. Murugesan (Managing Trustee of SPRECT) and Sri P. Janakar - as casual. peripheral and ephemeral When the construction of college buildings for SPRECT was in progress, its Managing Trustee was of the view that it would be rather too difficult to manage and such a decision was on his own volition. Accordingly, Sri Murugesan came forward to donate the land and buildings under construction to our Trust. That was in November; 2005 and accordingly, to give effect to the desire of the donor Trust, a registered deed was executed and registered We also wish to state that during the post- search period and during the course of the assessment proceedings, we had explained to the Officers of the Income tax Department's Investigation Wing and the 1eamed A. 0. the whole back ground of
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 174 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. the events leading to the 'gift' of the assets by SPRECT to our Trust. Men the gift / transfer of the assets of SPRECT to our Trust is by means of a registered deed, we wish to submit that no more proof may be required to say that SPRECT gifted / donated its assets to our Trust. The learned A.O. has observed thus: "Therefore the transfer of the institutions to TET is a make believing affair and the real transfer is to sri R. Viswanathan for a consideration……………….. It appears from the facts of the case that the unaccounted income of Sri R. Viswanathan was paid to Murugesan and acquired the said colleges with the assets". We only wish to state that the A.O.. is certainly not correct to make such conclusions without letting in necessary evidences gathered as a result of the search. Assuming for the sake of argument that it was Sri R Viswanathan who had invested in the Trust; certainly the Income tax Dept. as a result of the search under sec. 132 ought to have come across enough proof / evidences in this behalf. The fact is that there were none. We wish to state that the inferences of the learned A.O. in this regard has no basis or logic or unsustainable inasmuch as they are not evidence based, but merely wishful. 5.5 In para. 6.2.4, the learned A.O. had observed thus: "There was a search conducted in this group on 23-08-2006 and surveys u/s. 133A was conducted on the same date on both NPR college of Institutions at Natham and SPRECT at Tanjore. The value of Canara Bank balance (₹6,05,000) and computers ₹8,31,015/- in the Trial Balance of NPR college at Natham as on 31-10-2008. It is otherwise impossible for this type of convergence / matching of the assets and their value even before the legal existence of the TET except for the secret understanding between P. Murugesan and R. Viswanthan. ……… ……..Thus, it is clear that the investment was made by R. Viswanathan under the cover of P. Murugesan. The front face of Sri R. Viswensthan in this regard are P. Janakar and M Sivekumsr". The simple fact is that the value as appearing in the books of the donor
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 175 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. (SPRECT) are the same as appearing in our books. The leaned A. 0. failed to note that they cannot at all be different. For that reason, the learned A.O. was certainly not correct in raising an incorrect presumption about a non-existent relationship between Sri P. Murugesan and Sri R. Viswanathan, for the A.O. had not let in any evidence for his presumption.
5.6. In para . 6.2.5 of the assessment order; the learned AO. observed that "the transactions are not possible in normal human relations, against normal practices and human behaviour and also defies human logic and is colorable devise to acquire assets. ... The transactions in this case are colorable destined to malign the beneficial provisions of the Income tax act with regard to trusts and an attempt to fall the intention of the Legislature to encourage education for the benefit of the general public at large." (sic) It may be observed that the learned A.O. makes conclusions, without letting in evidences for such In 260ITR the 433, inferences. Hon 'ble Madras High Court held that "in a taxing statue, there cannot be presumption as to the facts. It is rather unfortunate that the learned AO is proceeding on the basis of pure presumptions and nothing more. Your appellant wishes to submit that the accepted position in law IS that in an assessment made pursuant to the search the conducted, conclusions /additions are to be made only with reference to the materials found during search - please see 310 ITR 303 (Mad), 315 ITR 204 (Raj) 256 ITR 76, 298 ITR 98 (Raj) 296ITR 619 (Del), etc. We wish to state that the Trust had been formed with the objective of running educational institutions and to the best of our knowledge and belief; all our actions and activities are aimed at achieving such declared objectives, as per the rules and law concerning our activities. We only pray that the learned A. 0. ought to be more specific and at the same time disclosing the basis or proof or evidences for his inferences.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 176 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 5.7. In para. 6.2.6 of the assessment order; the learned A.O. had observed that "It has been observed that Sri R. Viswanathan was very keen to start educational institutions at Natham. . .. . .. Given the facts of the case, Sri Janakar is not the person who was instrumental in starting the TET but Sri R. Viswanathan who not only made Sri Murugesan of SPRECT to start educational institutions at Natham and also got the gift of same" (sic). Your appellant only wishes to reiterate that without letting in evidences to support his inference, the action of the learned A.O. is legally unsustainable.
5.8. In para. 6.2.7 of the assessment order; the learned A. 0. had referred to the provisions of sec. 56(v) of the IT Act. It is presumed that the learned A.O. is referring to sec. 56(2)(v) which applies to gifts received by an Individual or HUF. We wish to state that the gift of the property was by SPRECT to our Trust i.e. from one trust to another trust and, therefore, the provisions are not applicable to the gift in question. The learned A.O.’s observation that the gift was to Sri R. Viswanathan is merely a presumption raised by the A. O. and not based on any evidence.
5.9. In para. 12 of the assessment order, the learned A.O. has fairly conceded that there is no direct evidence for the presumption that it is Mr. R. Viswanathan who is the 'owner' of the Trust. The learned A. 0. has taken pains to distinguish 'education ‘ vis-à-vis 'charitable purpose', commercialization of education in India, taking over of trusts in benami names by some interested parties etc. etc. Your appellant does not want to say anything on those observations of the 1earneded A.O. as according to us they are not directly connected to the issues involved in these appeals. We consider that it is extremely essential on the part of the A.O. to discuss our case with reference to the facts and materials gathered during the course of the search and there is little or no need to straggle, stray away from the main subject or to scoff at us. In
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 177 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. this connection, we are only reminded of the old adage: "Let the cobbler stick to his lest". However, we are keen to asseverate and declare solemnly as to the genuine nature of our trust and its charitable objects. 5.10. In para. 6.2.8 of the assessment order; the learned A.O had discussed the "sudden increase in assets in a span of about 3-4 months and their values as per books and valuation". He had observed thus: "However; the assets shown in the TET as per its balance sheet as on 31-3-2006 ₹5,35,58,750/- and in other words the reason increase off ₹3,48,59,481/- in the assets within a span of hardly 4 months this is to be seen from the context of heavy payments made by the assessee Trust to the contractors without the actual work done by the contractors. " (sic). In this connection, we wish to state that the value of the assets received by 'gift' from SPRECT is ₹1,02,00,000/- as per the Gift / settlement deed which is also shown in our books. The value of ₹1,82,00,000/ -is as per the valuation report of the engineer. We also wish to state that the learned A.O. had summoned some of the contractors and examined them - recorded statements from them - please see para. 5.3 of the assessment order. Had there been any variation, the A. 0. ought to have discussed the same. We have furnished the returns of income for the assessment years 2006-07 and 2007- 08 and we will be ready to answer any question with reference to the accounts submitted. 5.11. In para. 6.2.9 of the assessment order; the learned A.O had observed that as the administrative office of the Trust is at Chennai and "therefore, the Trust is remote controlled and not controlled by the trustee as per records’’. In this connection, assessee wishes to state that though the adm. Office of the Trust is at Chennai, the charitable objects viz. the running of the educational institutions are carried out at Natham. The tact that the adm. Office is at Chennai may not be a ground for drawing any adverse inference. In the same paragraph, the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 178 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. learned A. O.. had observed that "I do not have any hesitation in concluding that the trust is not running according to its objects and therefore the gift received by the trust is a make believe and the real benefit enjoyed by some body else not the trust. Therefore, the gift received of ₹1,82,00,000/- is taken as taxable income of the appellant trust treating it as an association of persons (AOP). it is taxed protectively for A. Y. 2006-07 in order to protect the interests of revenue': The learned A.O. is incorrect in drawing inferences without revealing the basis or discussing the evidences on the basis of which such inferences are drawn. The Hon 'ble Supreme Court in Suresh Budhermal v. State of Maharashtra AIR 1998 SC 3258 - 3259 held that '' a presumption can be drawn only from facts and not from other presumptions - by a process of probable and logical reasoning': Without mincing words and to speak plainly, candidly and frankly, your appellant has only one prayer to make before the CIT (A). Let the learned A.O. in order to prove that he is on the right side of the divide, let in evidences in his possession or found as a result of the search that support the type of inference he is drawing. Let the learned Assessing Officer without spinning the wheel or indulging in circumlocution reveal the basis that form the basis for his conclusions. Your appellant is just reminded of the words of Martin Luther King: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere':
6.2 In his written submissions dated 20-5-2010, the ld AR made the following supplemental submissions in support of the above arguments.
"We have already pointed out that the Id A.O. tailed to discuss the materials found / evidences gathered as a result of the searches for his presumption that Sri R. Viswansthan, Natham is the 'owner' of the Trust. In this connection we wish to place reliance on the following case laws:--
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 179 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. (a) In CIT v. Kishan Kumar 315 ITR 204 (Raj), the Hon'ble Rajasthan High Court held that "the computation of income is to be made on the basis of evidence found as a result of search or other documents and such other material or information as is available with the Assg. Officer and relatable to such evidence':
(b) In CIT v. Pramod Kumar Gupta 320ITR 408 (Del) the Hon 'ble High Court held that "a block assessment can only be made on the basis of evidence found during search and / or any other material or information relatable to such evidence': It has also worthwhile to state that the Hon 'ble Supreme Court has dismissed the SLP filed by the Dept. against this judgement - please see 312 ITR (st) 6.
(c) In CIT v. R.ML. Mehrotra 320ITR 403 (All), the Hon 'ble Allahabad High Court held that "a block assessment in the case of a search has to be confined to income attributable to the material and evidence found therein or other information available with the Assg. Officer relating to such materials. A best judgement assessment cannot be made':
(d) In Anil Kumar Bhatia vs. ACIT 1 ITR 9Trib) 484 (Delhi), the Hon'ble ITAT, 'B' Bench, Delhi held that as no material was found, no addition could be made.
(e) In CIT v. Kamlesh K Shah, the Hon'ble Gujarat High Court held that additions made merely on presumptions was not sustainable and the Dept's SLP against the judgement was dismissed by the Hon 'ble Supreme Court - please see 312 ITR st. 331
6.3. The appellant has thus made its elaborate submissions in respect of each and every point
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 180 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
raised by the A.O. and pleaded that the A.O 's conclusion that R V is the 'owner' of the Trust is without any evidence whatsoever. The appellant while placing its arguments in its favour had also extracted the observations of the A.O. Therefore, I deem it not necessary to repeat them. After going through the assessment order and the records, I am inclined to accept the arguments of the appellant in this regard. The A.O. had not quoted any evidence which surfaced as a result of the search. As already observed, the tact is that there were no seizure of assets or books or documents etc. in the searches conducted in RV's case. There is considerable force in the appellant's argument that if it true that R V had worked to a plan and had invested his unaccounted income running to crores of rupees there ought to have been enough evidence for the same which the officers who searched the residence of R V ought to have come across. There is not even a single instance of such evidence or proof which emerged as a result of the search which vindicates the appellants stand in this regard. In the circumstances, it is legally not correct on the part of the A.O to harp on the theory of 'benami ownership’ of the assets of he appellant trust. It may not be incorrect to say that the A.O. merely hazards a guess without any basis or evidence in his possession. It is worthwhile to point out that as per the provisions of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act 1988, the onus is on the person who alleges 'benami’. Thus, it is the 'responsibility of the A. 0. to adduce concrete evidence before coming to the conclusion that it is RV who is the 'owner' of the appellant-trust and that Sri Janakar is a 'benami' of RV. A bare reading of the assessment order clearly reveals that the A.O. is only making repeated references to peripheral issues like relationship between RV and Sri P. Janakar, the role of the second trustee Sri R. Mohan Kumar, the role of Sri M. Sivakumar in the administration of the colleges, the relationship between Sri P. Murugesan and Sri P. Janakar and
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 181 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. that of Sri P. Janakar and RV, human behaviour; intention of R V to start educational institutions at Natham, gift of property by SPRET; location of the administrative office of the trust etc. As rightly pointed out by the appellant, the A. 0. is only harping on the presumption of 'benemi ownership’ without disclosing the legal evidences or proof based on which he logically came to such conclusion. I must also observe that the ld AR's reliance on some of the case laws, as reproduced in para. 6.2 above, rendered in the context of 'Block Assessment' under Ch. XIV-B of the Act may not be valid in the context of assessment u/s. 153A / 153C. Nevertheless, the fact remains that the A.O 's presumption regarding the 'benami ownership' of the assets of the appellant trust is bereft of any evidence or proof found during search or materials gathered / in the possession of the A. 0. In the circumstances, I am constrained to observe that the A.O's conclusion in this regard is legally unsustainable. Accordingly, I hold that the appellant- trust is the owner of the properties owned and accounted for by it in its books of accounts. "
66.4 Having made a rather serious 'theory' or 'allegation' that TET
is merely an ostensible owner of its assets and that assessee is the
'real' owner, it becomes the duty of the A.O. to go deep and marshal
evidences in this regard to drive home his theory or view point. The
fact of the matter are that there is not even proximate evidence, not to
speak of concrete evidences, brought in by the A.O. On the contrary,
the A.O. had recorded a finding in the assessment order that 'direct
evidence is not possible' and thus comes close to confessing that his
theory does not reflect the reality. That clinches the issue in favour of
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 182 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. the assessee. The A.O. 's findings that the assessee is the 'owner and
enjoying the fruits of TET' is without any evidence or proof brought in
by the A.O. and is unacceptable for the purpose of proceedings under
the I. T. Act, 1961 which are quasi -judicial in nature. In view of the
findings given in the case of the Trust [TET] that there is no
relationship between the assessee and TET and that TET is the owner
of the properties held and accounted for by it in its books, the A.O. 's
action to consider the same in the assessments of the assesee is
legally not correct and accordingly unsustainable. It was noticed that
the A.O. had assessed the income / investment in the assets etc. of
Titan Educational Trust in the hands of the assessee substantively and
in the hands of the Trust protectively. The additions so made are the
following:-
Para No.of Amount (₹) Details of addition. the asst. order (a) Towards transfer of assets by Sri Para. 6.9 1,82,00,000 Ramajayathammal Educational & Charitable Trust (SPRECT) to Titan Educational Trust. (b) -do- -do- 82,97,676 (c) Investment in NPR Group of colleges. Para 8.0 5,97,00,000 Unaccounted payments to contractors by (d) Para 9.0 67,80,000 TET. (e) Towards disallowance u/s. 40A(3) in the Para. 10.0 9,16,000 Titan Educational Trust. (f) Towards unaccounted fees collected by Para. 11.0 52,90,000 of colleges.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 183 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
In view of the findings given in the case of Titan Educational Trust, it
was held by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) that the
assessment of the income / assets of TET in the hands of the assessee
on a 'substantive basis' is legally unsustainable. While discussing the
addition of assets of Titan Educational Trust, the A.O. had also
discussed the unsecured loan amounts of �2.85 crores and corpus
donations of �2,46,99,161/- relating to Titan Educational Trust. It is to
be mentioned that the above issues have been considered in detail in
the appellate order in the case of Titan Educational Trust. In the light
of the findings arrived at in the case of Titan Educational Trust, the
above additions made in the case of the assessee were deleted by
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). Against this, the Revenue is in
appeal before us.
67 The first ground raised by the Revenue is as under:-
‘’1.a. On the facts and in the circumstances of the case, the learned CIT(A) has erred in holding that "M/s Titan Educational Trust is the owner of the properties held and accounted for it in its books" without considering the ratio of the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme court in the case of M/s McDowell & Co Ltd vs IT0 154 ITR 149(SC) and the judgement of the ITAT 'B' Bench Delhi in I.T.A. Nos. 3088 to 3098 & 3107/Del/2005 for the assessment years 1987-88 to 93-94 and 1995-96 to 1999-
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 184 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 2000 in the case of Hersh W.Chadha vs DDIT, Circle 1(1) International Taxation New Delhi.
1.b The learned CIT(A) has failed to note that order of the CIT(A) in ITA No. 430/08-09 dated 02.12.2010 for the assessment year 2006-07 in the case of Mls Titan Educational Trust has been disputed and that the issue has not become final’’.
67.1 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. This issue was considered by the Tribunal in the case of M/s.
Titan Educational Trust in ITA Nos.471 & 472/Mds/2011 and ITA
No.221/Mds/2011 vide order dated 16.12.2011 wherein it was held
as under:-
We have considered the rival submissions and we have also perused the documents placed before us. At the outset, it is noticed from the assessment order that Ld. Assessing Officer is relying upon the search done in the case of R.Viswanathan and the survey conducted in the case of the assessee and NPR group of colleges for the purpose of completing the assessment u/s.153C.Perusal of the assessment order in the case of Shri R.Viswanthan as also the show cause notice shows that the Assessing Officer is questioning the creation of the assessee trust as also the genuineness of its trustees in the assessment order and show cause notice. The Assessing Officer in the assessment order of Shri R.Viswanathan has basically attempted to hold that the assessee trust is under the control of Shri R.Viswanathan and that it is his money, which has been routed through to assessee trust. No where in the show cause notice or in the assessment order is there any whisper of any evidence having been found in the course of the search against the assessee trust. A copy of the order sheet noting in the case of R.Viswanathan, a copy of which is enclosed with this part of the order, as Annexure- ‘A’ does not show of any
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 185 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. satisfaction having been recorded for the purpose of making an assessment in the case of the assessee trust. Perusal of the provisions of sec.153C shows that it categorically use the words ‘ where the Assessing Officer is satisfied in ….. belong to a person other than the person referred to in Sec.153A’. These wordings are identical to the wordings in Sec.158BD. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Manish Maheswari reported in [2007] 289 ITR 341(SC) has categorically held that it is incumbent to record satisfaction in the hands of the person searched before initiating the proceedings in the hands of the person against whom incriminating evidences have been found. In the circumstances, respectfully following the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Manish Maheswari (supra) as no satisfaction has been found recorded in the case of R.Viswanathan, the initiation of proceedings u/s.153C and the consequential assessment on the assessee would have to be held to be bad in law and the finding of the Ld. C.I.T.(A) on this issue stands confirmed.
Further reading of the assessment order in the case of assessee clearly shows that some additions have been made on the basis of evidences found in the course of survey in the premises of NPR group of colleges at Dindigul. Here a perusal of the provisions of Sec.153C clearly uses the words ‘seized or requisitioned’. Seizure is normally done by invoking Provisions of the Sec.132 and requisition by invoking the provision of Sec.132A. Survey is under section 133A. Where any evidence is found in the course of survey, the same can validly be used for making an assessment under the regular provisions. Where evidences are found in the course of search or requisition, then such provisions of Sec.153A, C etc. come into play. The perusal of the assessment order in the case of the assessee clearly shows that there is no evidence which has been used by the Ld. Assessing Officer for making the assessment that has been found in the course of search. In fact in para 6.1 of the assessment order, assessee has categorically raised this issue before the Assessing Officer and the Ld. Assessing Officer held that assessee appears to be myopic in viewing the provisions of Sec.153C r.w.s. 153A. Ld. AO has also mentioned that incriminating documents have been seized from the office of SPRECT Tanjore, from the residence of the so
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 186 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. called Managing Trustees Shri P.Janakar and signed cheque books and other valuables from the house of Shivakuamr, administrative officer of the assessee. However, none of these incriminating evidences found have been used against the assessee in the assessment. Further perusal of the Ground No.1.b also clearly shows that Ld. Assessing Officer is clearly relying on the search in the case of Managing Trustees Mr.P.Murugesan and survey on the premises of Ponnaiah Ramajeyathammal educational and charitable trust. Again no satisfaction nor any incriminating evidences found against the assessee has been shown to have been recorded or used. Just because search has been conducted on a person, even assuming he has any charge or control of the institution, it would not mean that the institution would also be liable for an assessment u/s.153C as the words used u/s.153C uses the words “belongs or belong to a person other than a person referred to sec.153A”. So unless any incriminating evidence is found and shown to be relating to the person other than the person searched, the provisions of Sec.153C cannot be invoked on such other person, who is not searched and in whose case no incriminating evidence has been found or used. Even on this ground it is found that the assessment order passed u/s.153C in the case of the assessee is liable to be quashed and we do so. 8. The other aspect that has been raised which supports the contention of the Ld. AR that no satisfaction has been recorded is that in the assessment order of the assessee the additions are made protectively. The fact that protective additions have been made shows that the Assessing Officer himself was not satisfied in regard to the hand in which the addition is liable to be made. Much worse the Assessing Officer was satisfied that the substantive addition was liable to be made only in other hands. This by itself quashes any doubt in regard to the possibility of recording of satisfaction. In the circumstances, we are of the view that assessment order passed by Ld. Assessing Officer u/s.153C r.w.s. 153A dt.30.12.08 in the case of the assessee for Assessment Year 2006-07 is without jurisdiction and stands quashed. In the circumstances the finding of the Ld. Commissioner of Income Tax(A) on this issue stands upheld. As we have quashed the assessment order itself on account of the jurisdictional aspect, we have not gone into the issue on merits of the addition.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 187 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
In regard to the appeal filed by the assessee, it was submitted that Ld. Commissioner of Income Tax(A) had sustained the addition to the extent of Rs.33,70,000/- on the basis of document found in the course of survey. It was the submission that the document itself did not relate to the Assessment Year 2006-07 as the date of document itself was ‘as on 08.08.06’. In reply Ld. DR vehemently supported the order of the Ld. Commissioner of Income Tax(A). Perusal of the document, which is the impounded loose sheet found in the course of survey conducted in the premises of NPR group of colleges, Dindigul on 23.08.06 clearly shows that the document mentions the date as 08.08.06. Obviously, this relates to the Assessment Year 2007-08. No addition on this count can be made at all in Assessment Year 2006-07. In any case, in Revenue’s appeal, we have already upheld the action of the Ld. Commissioner of Income Tax (A) and quashed the assessment order. Consequently, this issue would become academic in nature as it is part of the assessment for the Assessment Year 2006-07, which was made by the Assessing Officer and has been quashed by us. In the circumstances, the appeal of the Revenue in ITA No.471/11 is dismissed and appeal of assessee in ITA No.221/11 is allowed.
Being so, the findings of the Tribunal in the above order has not
been disturbed by any process of law by higher forum. As of now,
the findings hold good and applicable in assessee’s case also.
Further, in the present case, there was no iota of evidence to show
unaccounted investment by assessee in Titan Educational Trust and
the conclusion of the Assessing Officer is based only on presumption
to hold that the assessee had invested unaccounted money in Titan
Educational Trust. The Titan Educational Trust is duly registered
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 188 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. u/s.12A of the Act and assessed to Income Tax Act and separate
assessment order was framed for the assessment year 2006-07 by
the same officer i.e. The Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax,
Central Circle-II, Tiruchirappalli, wherein he has considered the
assets and liabilities of the Trust while framing assessment. Being
so, the findings of the Assessing Officer that assessee is a ‘'benami
owner of the Titan educational trust’’ cannot be upheld. The findings
of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) is based on proper
appreciation of records as seen from his order at para 6.3. In such
circumstances, the transaction of the Titan Educational Trust
cannot be doubted and the principle laid down by Supreme Court in
the case of McDowell & Co Ltd (cited supra) cannot be applied to
the fact of the present case. Accordingly, the ground nos.1(a) and
1(b) raised by the Department are rejected.
The next ground raised by the department is with regard to
transfer of assets by Sri Ponnaiyah Ramajayathammal Educational
and Charitable Trust to M/s. Titan Educational Trust amounting to
�1,82,00,000/-.
68.1 The facts of the issue are that the Assessing Officer made an
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 189 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. addition of �1,82,00,000/- in respect of undisclosed income in NPR
college at Natham. In this case the Assessing Officer considered the
transfer of asset vide deed of gift dated 28.12.2005 executed by Sri
Murugesan, Managing trustee of Sri Ponniah Rammajeyathammal
Educational and Charitable Trust, Thanjavur to Titan Educational
Trust wherein the market value of the land and building was
�1,06,00,000/-. Not only the assets and liabilities of the above
mentioned three institutions passed on to the newly formed Titan
Trust. It is to be also noted that hardly within a matter of one month
from the formation of the Titan Trust, it was able to acquire assets
over a crore and also the control and management of a flourishing
institution absolutely for no consideration i.e. without spending even
a single rupee. According to the Assessing Officer this is not a transfer
of Educational Institutions from one trust to another. It is a route devised to establish ownership over the said Educational Institutions with a motive to earn profit. Therefore it is a gift that should be treated in accordance
with the provisions of section 56(v) of the Income tax Act. According
to said section any sum
exceeding Rs. 25,000/- received without any consideration by an
individual or HUF from any person on or after first day of September
2004 other than from the following persons:-
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 190 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
a) from any relative; or b) on the occasion of marriage of the individual; or c) under the will or under the way of inheritance; or d) in contemplation of death of the payer, The said gift has to be taxed under the head income from other
sources. Therefore the value of the Institutions which were
transferred by Sri Ponnal Ramajayathmal Educational and charitable
Trust to Shri. Viswanathan in the guise of Titan Educational Trust is
taxed in his hands as gift to relative within the meaning of Section
56(v) of the Income tax Act. Shri. Viswanathan has purchased the
NPR colleges from Shri.P.Murugesan , Chairman and Managing trustee
of Sri Ponnaiah Ramajathmal Educational and charitable trust for a
consideration. Therefore the so called transfer of assets from a trust to
another trust with similar objective need to be discounted and
disbelieved and accordingly �1,82,00,000/- (being the value of assets
as per valuation report) is assessed in the hands of the assessee as
undisclosed investment in NPR college at Natham. Aggrieved, the
assessee preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals).
68.2 The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) observed that
the A.O. had assessed the income / investment in the assets etc. of
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 191 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Titan Educational Trust in the hands of the assessee substantively and
in the hands of the Trust protectively. The additions so made are as
discussed in para 66.4 of this order. In view of the findings given in
the case of Titan Educational Trust, it is to be held that the assessment
of the income / assets of TET in the hands of the assessee on a
'substantive basis' is legally unsustainable. While discussing the
addition of assets of Titan Educational Trust, the A.O. had also
discussed the unsecured loan amounts of �2.85 crores and corpus
donations of �2,46,99,161/- relating to Titan Educational Trust. It is to
be mentioned that the above issues have been considered in detail in
the order in the case of Titan Educational Trust. In the light of the
findings arrived at in the case of Titan Educational Trust, the above
additions made in the case of the assessee are deleted. Against this,
the Revenue is in appeal before us.
68.3 The ld. Authorised Representative for assessee submitted that
gift given by one trust to another is not unusual. The Assessing
Officer doubted the transfer of property on the reason that the trust is
not running according to its objects and therefore the gift received by
the trust is a make believed and the real benefit enjoyed by somebody
else not the trust. Therefore, the gift of �1,82,00,000/- cannot be
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 192 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. considered as income of the assessee. According to the ld. Authorised
Representative for assessee there is no evidence as the assessee is
benefited by the gift. Both the trust are having separate entity and
assessable separately. She relied on the order of the Mumbai Bench in
the case of DCIT vs. KDA Enterprises Pvt. Ltd in ITA No.2662/M/2013,
dated 11.03.2015, wherein it was held that companies, if authorized by
the MOA and AOA, are competent to make and receive gifts. Natural
love and affection is a not necessary requirement for a gift. The gift is
neither taxable as income sec.56 nor as capital gain nor as income
u/s.2(22) (e) of the Act. Three elements are essential in determining
whether or not a gift has been made a) delivery b) donative intent and
c) acceptance by the donee. The companies are competent to make
and receive gifts and natural love and affection are not necessary
requirement. The only requirement for company to make gifts as per
respective MOA and AOA, is to authorize the company for the same.
According to the ld. Authorised Representative for assessee as per the
decision of the Tribunal there is no bar or restriction to receive gift
from one trust to another and this is not prohibited transaction.
68.4 The ld. Departmental Representative relied on the order of the
lower authorities.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 193 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
68.5 We have heard both the parties and perused the material
available on record. Since we have already confirmed the addition with
regard to this issue in the hands of Sri Ponnaiyah Ramayathammal
Educational and Charitable Trust, in the assessment year 2006-2007
by observing that the gift is in violation of trust objects and treated it
as its income and any such addition in the hands of this assessee will
lead to double addition. As such, the deletion of addition made by the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) is justified. Accordingly, this
ground of the Revenue is rejected.
The next ground raised by the department is with regard to
transfer of assets other than building in respect of gift from one trust
to another to the tune of � 82,97,656/-.
69.1 The findings of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) is
confirmed as discussed in this order at para No.68.5. This ground of
the Department is rejected.
The next ground raised by the department is with regard to
investment in NPR group of college amounting to �5,97,00,000/-.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 194 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
70.1 The facts of the issue are that the during the course of survey,
profit and loss account, balance sheet as on 31.03.2006 and other
annexure of M/s. Titan Educational Trust were found. The balance
sheet is reproduced as under;-
Liabilities as at 31.03.2006 Assets as at 31.03.2006 Capital account 1,52,46,751 1,52,46,751 Fixed Assets Buildings 6,000 4,29,88,427 Buildingunder construction Land 1,31,76,244 Library books 2,183 Water equipments 4,000 Loans (liability) 2,00,00,000 2,85,00,000 Current Assets 1,00,51,053 unsecured 85,00,000 Closing stock loans Apollo Deposits(Assets) 85,00,000 inst of CHMFT Cash in hand 14,56,000 Bank accounts 94,688
Current 98,00,000 98,12,000 P & L account 5,19,270 liabilities 12,000 Opening balance Sundry Current period 5,19,270 Creditors Expenses payable Total 5,35,58,751 5,35,58,751
A reference has been made to the valuation cell of the department
vide office letter dated 06.09.2006. The valuation officer of valuation
cell, Madurai had inspected the college properties at Natham on
07.09.2006 and made preliminary valuation of the buildings as under;-
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 195 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. (1) College Main Building 2,50,00,000 Power Room 7,50,000 Hostel Building (rear side) 70,00,000 Hostel building polytechnic/sheds 1,18,00,000 Dining /Kitchen –I, 17,00,000 Dining Hall-II 15,00,000 Workshop Building (AC Sheet 12,00,000 Roof-I) Workshop Building (AC Sheet 10,75,000 Roof-II) Polytechnic Building 40,00,000 Polytechnic Building- Phase I 2,35,00,000 Polytechnic Building- Phase II 1,01,00,000 (under construction) Compound wall in front of the 22,00,000 college, Entrance Arch (unfinished) entrance gates and internal roads etc., Canteen (GI SHEET) on the rear 1,00,000 side of College building Horticulture works 1,00,000 Bore, Pump etc 75,000 Total 9,01,00,000/-
The valuation officer of the department has arrived at �9,01,00,000/-
being the cost of construction of the assets as mentioned in the above
table. Whereas as per the balance sheet, value of building submitted is
�3,04,00,000/- (2,98,00,000/- + 6,00,000/-), so the difference in the
cost of construction has shown by the assessee is �5,97,00,000/-
(�9,01,00,000/- - 3,04,00,000/-). The Assessing Officer observed that
the only inference that can be drawn from this facts is that the
unaccounted money, has been used by Shri. R. Viswanathan for the
construction of buildings. Therefore, the difference of �.5,97,00,000/-
is added to the total income of the assessee. Aggrieved, the assessee
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 196 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) deleted the
addition made by the Assessing Officer. Against this, the Department
is in appeal before us.
70.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. In this case, the Assessing Officer had not quoted any evidence
which surfaced as a result of search. There is no material seized
during the course of search action. Had it been the assessee invested
his unaccounted income, there ought to have been found during the
course of search action. There is not even a single instance of such
evidence or proof which emerged as a result of the search to show the
assessee has invested the impugned amount. In the circumstances, it
is legally not correct on the part of the A.O to harp on the theory of
'benami ownership’ of the assets of the assessee trust. It may not be
incorrect to say that the A.O. merely hazards a guess without any
basis or evidence in his possession. It is worthwhile to point out that
as per the provisions of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act
1988, the onus is on the person who alleges 'benami’. Thus, it is the
'responsibility of the A.O. to adduce concrete evidence before coming
to the conclusion that it is RV who is the 'owner' of the assessee-trust
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 197 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. and that Sri Janakar is a 'benami' of RV. A bare reading of the
assessment order clearly reveals that the A.O. is only making repeated
references to peripheral issues like relationship between RV and Sri P.
Janakar, the role of the second trustee Sri R. Mohan Kumar, the role
of Sri M. Sivakumar in the administration of the colleges, the
relationship between Sri P. Murugesan and Sri P. Janakar and that of
Sri P. Janakar and RV, human behaviour; intention of R V to start
educational institutions at Natham, gift of property by SPRET; location
of the administrative office of the trust etc. As rightly pointed out by
the assessee, the A. 0. is only harping on the presumption of 'benemi
ownership’ without disclosing the legal evidences or proof based on
which he logically came to such conclusion. The fact remains that the
A.O 's presumption regarding the 'benami ownership' of the assets of
the assessee trust is bereft of any evidence or proof found during
search or materials gathered / in the possession of the A.O. Hence,
we are of the opinion that the A.O's conclusion in this regard is
legally unsustainable. Accordingly, we hold that the trust is the owner
of the properties owned and accounted for by it in its books of
accounts. Further, the A.O. 's findings that the assessee is the 'owner
and enjoying the fruits of TET' without any evidence or proof brought in by the A.O. are unacceptable for the purpose of proceedings under
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 198 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. the I. T. Act, 1961 which are quasi -judicial in nature. In view of the
findings given in the case of the Trust [TET] that there is no
relationship between the assessee and TET and that TET is the owner
of the properties held and accounted for by it in its books, the A.O. 's
action to consider the same in the assessments of the assessee is
legally not correct and accordingly unsustainable. This ground of the
appeal of the Revenue is rejected.
71 The next ground raised by the Department is with regard to
unaccounted payments to contractor to the tune of �.67,80,000/-
71.2 The facts of the issue are that it was observed during the
course of survey that �55,00,000/- had paid to M/S. Sathya Home,
Chennai, outside the books (loose sheets vide annexure
WVS/S/LS-3 serial number (72). Again it was found as per
loose sheets that � 12,00,000/- had already been paid in the form
of steel advance to them. As stated already payments are made
from the unaccounted income of the assessee and same is not
accounted in the books also. The other corroborative evidence in
this regard is the sudden increase in the assets. The abstract
found in that loose sheet is reproduced below.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 199 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
NPR college : Stagewise payment due as on 15.02.2006.
Sl.No. Building Total value of work done 1 Gents Hostel 19.62 (65.42) 2 Polytechnic Sheet 15.40 (31.50) (17.52-2.12- 15.40)Roof level 3 College Building 15.40 (38.00) 4 Ladies Hostel 2.89 (28.91)
53.31 163.83
Add: Cost of steel cost : 12.00 (will be adjusted in 4 installments one inst. Already adjusted) : 65.31
Amount already received. 10.00 24.80 9.00 12.00 ------- 55.80 -------
9.51 Due as on 20.02.2006.
The same loose sheet copy was also found in the college
premises during the course of survey on 23/08/2006. Payments
to the tune of �55 lakhs had been made outside the books.
These are unaccounted payments made to the contractors
against the construction of the college buildings. When Janakar
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 200 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. was asked: to explain the details found in the slip, he accepted
that it contains the details of expenditure of construction and he
is not aware of any other detail. In the letter filed on
14/12/2006, Janakar claimed that only forty five lakhs eighty
thousand was paid in cash to M/s. Sathya Home before
executing agreement with them. He further .stated based on the
quotations, Sathya Home only, the entries were made. It clearly
represents the amount received by M/s. Sathya Home in cash.
Though Janakar claimed that only �45.80 lakhs was paid in
cash, the payment of Rs.55 lakhs in cash to M/S. Sathya Home
is evidenced by the entries in the loose sheet. Further as
per the entry in the loose sheet, an amount of Rupees twelve
lakhs had already been paid to them as steel advance. Hence, a
sum of rupees 67,80,000/- (55,80,000+12,00,000) has been
paid to Sathya Home outside the books. It was inferred that
from undisclosed funds of Viswanathan the above expenditure
was incurred and this has to be treated as unaccounted Income
of the assessee and is to be brought to tax. On query in this
regard, the assessee in his reply to pre assessment notice has
stated that he was no where connected to the trust and
therefore he is not aware of the contractors and payments made
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 201 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. to them. Under the circumstances, �67,80,000/- is to be
assessed in hands of the assessee as unaccounted income as
the assessee appears to be the real owner of the NPR group of
college. Aggrieved the assessee preferred an appeal before the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner of
Income Tax (Appeals) deleted the addition made by the Assessing
Officer. Against this, the Department is in appeal before us.
71.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) deleted the
addition on the reason that addition was considered in the hands of
the Titan Educational Trust and there is no question treating the same
in the hands of the assessee on substantive basis. Being so, in our
opinion, the deletion made by the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals) in para 4.5 is justified. Further, the addition on merits, the
addition made based on loose sheets without any substantive
evidence cannot be considered. Accordingly, this ground of the
Revenue is rejected.
72 The next ground raised by the department is with regard to
payments made in contravention of section 40A(3) to the tune of
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 202 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. �9,16,000/-
72.1. The facts of the issue are that during the construction of the
buildings for the NPR Group of Colleges the cash payment of
�45,87,000/- has been made to M/s. Sathya Homes and thereby
contravened the provisions of section 40A(3). Therefore, 20% of the
said expenditure which amounts to �9,16,000/- is added to the total
income of the assessee. It is to be noted that since the assessee is a
real owner of the colleges, the section 40A(3) would definitely apply
and the Assessing Officer added a sum of �9,16,000/- as income of the
assessee. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner of Income
Tax (Appeals) deleted the addition made by the Assessing Officer.
Against this, the Department is in appeal before us.
72.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. Since we have already observed in earlier para No.70.2 of this
order that investments in Titan Educational Trust cannot be considered
in the hands of the assessee, the expenditure incurred in NPR Group
of colleges cannot be considered in the hands of the assessee.
Accordingly, provisions of section 40A(3) of the Act cannot be invoked.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 203 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. This ground of the Revenue is rejected.
73 The next ground raised by the department is with regard to
unaccounted fees collected by NPR Group of colleges to the tune of
�52,90,000/-
73.1 The facts of the issue are that during the course of survey in the
premises of NPR Group of colleges at No. 20, Thiruvalluvar Salai,
Dindigul on 23/08/2006, the loose sheets were inventorised and
impounded vide order dated 23/08/2006. It is seen that two types of
fees were collected. One is the regular fees and the other is called
'fixing' as found in the sheet number 120. As per recognition rules of
the Government, only regular fees at the prescribed rates can be
collected from the students. "Fixing" is the amount collected by the
assessee over and above the prescribed fees and this was not
accounted. Fixing is thus nothing but the capitation fees called by
different name. The loose '"sheet number 120 contains the details of
amounts collected from 28 applicants in different streams of B.Ed.,
training courses such as Science, Arts and Vocational. The total course
fees amount collected till 08/08/2006 is �29,36,000/- as against the
"fixing" of �49,90,000/-. To this effect sworn statement from Sri M.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 204 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Sivakumar, the Administrative Officer was recorded on
08/12/2006. In reply to question number 1, when he was asked to
file the details of fee collected from the students for the various
courses, he stated that �40,000/-- is collected as yearly fees from
every student for the B.Ed. Course. As per the loose sheet number
120, the number of students admitted for B.Ed., is 28. Total
number of students admitted for the
B:Ed., Course is 40 and the admitted fee receipts for 40 students
is �11,20,000/-. Since "fixing" (capitation fees) for 28 students
itself is �44,90,000/-, the proportionate fixing for the balance 12
students works out, to �19,20,000/-. Thus the total amount
collected from students as "fixing" works out to �64,10,000/-. The
assessee had understated the fees collected to the tune of
�52,90,000/- and this has not been accounted in the books of the
College. Therefore, the Assessing Officer added a sum of
�52,90,000/- to the total income of the assessee. Aggrieved, the
assessee preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) deleted the
addition made by the Assessing Officer. Against this, the Department
is in appeal before us.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 205 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 73.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
records. The loose sheets found during the course of survey in the
premises of NPR Group of Colleges at No.20, Thiruvalluvar Salai,
Dindigul. As we have already held that Titan Educational Trust is
separate entity loose sheets cannot be considered without any
corroborative material. The deletion of addition made by the
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) is justified. Hence, this ground
of the Revenue is rejected.
74 The next ground raised by the department is with to regard to
unaccounted purchase of movable property to the tune of �3,36,700/-
74.1 The facts of the issue are that during the course of search on
23/08/2006, an inventory of valuables found in the residence at Giri
Road was made. Vide Annexure: MR/ Valuable articles/N.S. The
details are tabulated below:
I- Hall II- Bedroom III Bedroom Kitchen Balcony of of Shri. V. Viswanathan Ararnath Sony LCE Window Ac - Sony TV 29 Godrej IFB washing CTV 51 1 ton pentacool machine fridge Split AC 1.5 Panasonic PC with
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 206 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Ton TV 21 Samsung LCD Monitor Ceiling Fan Ceiling Fan Window AC – 1 ton, Ceiling Fan
During the search a bill dated 07.02.2006 issued by M/S. Sony
World, T. Nagar, Chennai-17 for the purchase of Sony LCD Colour T.V
Vide Serial number 43 of annexure: MR/LS/S for �1,72,700/- was
found and seized. The amount was paid in cash. When Viswanathan
was questioned about the source for the purchase, he replied that only
his son could answer that point. However it is seen that there are no
drawings to this effect in the accounts of Amarnath. Therefore
theamount spent for the purchase of TV should have come out of the
unaccounted income of Shri. Viswanthan. The same may be brought to
tax. It may also be seen that there are no drawings or entries in the
accounts of Amarnath that would show the source of funds for the
investment in other movables listed in Para above. The
approximate value of the same is worked out as under:
Sl.No Name of the item Approximate value 1 1.5 Ton split AC 30,000/- 2 Window AC 1 ton 22,000/- 3 Panasonic TC 21 15,000/- 4 Sony TV 29 25,000/-
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 207 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. 5 Window Ac 1 ton 22,000/- 6 PC with Samsung 25,000/- LCD Monitor 7 Godrej Pentacool 10,000/- Fridge 8 IFB washing machine 15,000/-
Thus the purchase of sony lcd colour TV and these household articles
amounting to �3,36,700/- (�1,72,700/- + 1,64,000/-) should have
come out of the undisclosed earnings of Shri. Viswanathan accordingly
taxed in his hands. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal
before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner
of Income Tax (Appeals) deleted the addition made by the Assessing
Officer. Against this, the Department is in appeal before us.
74.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. In this case, the Assessing Officer listed items found in the
residence of the assessee at Giri Road and made an estimated value of
�.3,36,700/-. There is no material with regard to unaccounted
purchase of all these items made by the assessee. The Commissioner
of Income Tax (Appeals) observed in this issue are under:-
“ I have considered the observations of the Assessing Officer and the explanations of the assessee. It is clear from the observations of the Assessing Officer that the addition has been made purely on the basis of an unsubstantiated presumption that the assessee used his unaccounted income for the purchase of the items.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 208 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. Moreover, the issue of above investment/expenditure is being considered in the appeal relating to his case for A.Y. 2006-07. In the circumstances, the protective assessment of the same in the hands of the appellant is unwarranted and accordingly, the addition is deleted’’.
This findings of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) was not
controverted by the ld. Departmental Representative. Being so we
have no hesitation in confirming the same. This ground of the
Revenue is dismissed.
75 The next ground raised by the department is with regard to
unexplained marriage expenditure to the tune of �9,20,000/-,
75.1. The facts of the issue are that Smt. Ranjitha, the second daughter of Sri. Viswanathan got married on 5th September 2005 at
Chennai. The marriage was conducted at Kalaiyanar Arangam and the
reception was held at Raja Muthaih Hall, Chennai. During the reception
there was light music programme by the eminent Film Music Director
"Deva". In the statement recorded from Smt. V. Selvarani, W/o
Viswanathan on 23/08/2006; she admitted that 50 sovereigns of gold
jewellary were given to her daughter, Sri Viswanathan was asked
about the details of expenditure incurred for the above marriage vide
question number 14,20 & 21. Viswanathan claimed that the expenditure
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 209 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. incurred at Kalaivanar Arangam was shared by two other ministerial
colleagues whose children also got married on the same day. During
the course of assessment proceedings the assessee has submitted the
same reasons above but failed to give any evidences in this regard.
Therefore the Assessing Officer has no other option except to estimate
the marriage expenditure keeping the social status of the assessee and
facts and circumstances of the case. The same is estimated as below:
Sl.No Narration of Amount expenditure 1 50 sovereigns of 3,20,000/- jewellary ( 50 X 6400) 2 Rent to Raja Muthiah 1,50,000/- Hall 3 Dinner for 1000 guest 1,00,000/- estimated @ 100 4 Dresses and sridhan 2,00,000/- items 5 Transport and 50,000/- accommodation 6 Music programme by 1,00,000/- Deva Total 9,20,000/-
The expenses incurred in connection with the marriage of his second
daughter are not reflected in his return of income for the assessment
year 2006-07. The whole amount of expenditure incurred for the
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 210 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. marriage has come out of the unaccounted income of the assessee and
accordingly �9,20,000/- was taxed in his hands of the assessee.
Aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal before the Commissioner
of Income Tax (Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)
deleted the addition made by the Assessing Officer. Against this, the
Department is in appeal before us.
75.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. It is clear that the lower authorities merely proceeded to make
an estimate without considering the explanation of the assessee. This
is not a case where the information was gathered during the course of
search or as if in a survey under' sec. 133A(5) after the marriage
celebrations (event or function) and thereafter, using that material for
the purpose of assessment. The Assessing Officer merely has made
estimates under various heads and the reasonableness of such
estimates is open to question. Further, it was also noticed that there
was nothing to indicate whether the lower authorities considered the
explanation offered by the assessee. According to sec. 69C, "where an
assessee has incurred any expenditure and he offers no explanation
about the source of such expenditure or the explanation, if any,
offered by him is not satisfactory, the amount covered by such
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 211 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. expenditure may be deemed to be the income of the assessee for such
financial year". Thus, the law mandates that the lower authorities
should consider the explanation, if any, offered by the assessee in this
regard. As such a procedure was not observed, the action of the
Assessing Officer in this regard is legally unsustainable. If the
Assessing Officer entertained any doubt about the explanation offered
by the assessee, he ought to have made enquiries with the
bridegroom's parents to know if the version of the assessee is correct
or not. There is nothing to show that the Assessing Officer made any
such attempt or enquiries. In the circumstances, we confirm the order
of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) in deleting the addition
made by the Assessing Officer. Accordingly, this ground of the
Revenue is rejected.
76 The last ground raised by the department in this appeal is with
regard to unaccounted investment in movables to the tune of
�9,00,000/-.
76.1 The facts of the issue are that during the course of search in the
assessee’s residence at Vembarpatti on 23.08.2006, three cars were
found and Sri Kannan, Son-in-law of Sri Viswanathan was asked to
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 212 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. explain the ownership of the cars. In response to question number, 7,
8 and 9 he stated as under:-
Ambassador Car TN-33 AJ-4444 said to be owned by Rajendran, Madurai. 02. Qualis Car TN -33AB 6567 said to be owned by Rajendran, Erode. 03. Maruthi Zen Tn-07 AZ 3434 ownership not known.
Shri. Kannan also said however the cars are being used by
Viswanathan family only and there is no relationship between the
claimed owners and Viswanathan family. He further asserted that no
rent was paid to the claimed owners, for the use of cars. Shri.
Viswanathan was also asked to explain about the availability of these
cars in his residence at Vembaraptti vide question number 12 in sworn
statement recorded from him on 23.08.2006. He stated that there was
no connection between him and the said car owners. The use of the
above vehicles by Viswanathan family, said to be owner by persons
with whom they have neither personal nor official connection, clearly
indicates that the cars owned by Viswanathan but held in benami
names. The value of the cars would be around �9,00,000/-
(Ambassador – 3 lakhs + Qualis – 4 lakhs + Marthi Zen – 2 lakhs) and
this investment should have come from the unaccounted earnings of
Shri. Viswanathan. Therefore, the value of the movable assets is
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 213 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. taxed in the hands of the assessee. Aggrieved, the assessee preferred
an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals). The
Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) deleted the addition made by
the Assessing Officer. Against this, the Department is in appeal before
us.
76.2 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
records. The Assessing Officer had proceeded simply on the presumption
that the cars were found parked before the assessee’s residence on the
date of search and for that reason, the Assessing Officer concluded that
the cars belong to the assessee i.e. they represent unaccounted
investment by the assessee out of his undisclosed incomes. As claimed
by the assessee, the Assessing Officer could have ascertained the
registered owners of the cars from the State Transport Department
and made enquiries with the respective owners. Further, without
ascertaining the previous year in which the cars were purchased, it was
not possible to determine the year of assessment. We are rather
constrained to observe that the Assessing Officer made the addition
without proper verification. According to sec. 69, it is incumbent upon
the Assessing Officer to ascertain that the unexplained investments
relate to the previous year relevant to the assessment year in question
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 214 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. and that the assessee's explanation about the sources for the
investments are not satisfactory. Further, as per Circular dated
10.03.2003 issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the emphasis
should be on evidences / materials gathered during search rather than
mere confessions in the statements recorded during search. In this
case, the assessee has totally denied having made the investment and
it was now the turn of the Assessing Officer to prove that the
explanation of the assessee is incorrect. As this was not done by the
Assessing Officer, the CIT(A) had deleted the addition. We do not find
any infirmity in the order of the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals). This ground of the appeal by the Revenue is rejected.
In the result, the appeal of the department in ITA No.462/Mds/2011 is
dismissed.
Shri. P. Janakar, ITA No. 649/Mds/2011, assessment year 2006-07
(Revenue’s appeal)_
This appeal by the department is directed against the order of
the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), Tiruchirapalli, dated
18.01.2011 for the assessment year 2006-2007.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 215 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.
77.1 The ground raised by the department is that the Commissioner
of Income Tax (Appeals) deleted the addition made towards
unexplained investment in residential house amounting to
�21,61,040/-.
77.2 The facts of the case are that the assessee is a civil engineer
cum builder. He is the Managing Trustee of Titan Educational Trust
which is running the NPR Group of Colleges [an Arts and Science
College, a Polytechnic College and a Teacher training College] at
Natham, Dindigul District. In the case of Sri R. Viswanathan,
Vembarpatti, Natham, Dindigul District, a search under sec. 132 was
conducted by the Income tax Department on 23-08-2006. The
residence of the assessee [at No. 4/52, Spencer Compound, Dindigul
Town] was also searched under sec. 132 on the same day. Pursuant to
the search and seizure action, the Assessing Officer initiated
proceedings under sec. 153A in the assessee's case for the assessment
years 2001-02 to 2007-08 and completed the assessments on 30-12-
2008. The present appeal relates to AY 2006-07. The facts are that
the assessee purchased a residential house at Door No. 50,
Plot No.8, Nehruji Nagar, Dindigul, for a consideration of �19,90,000/-
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 216 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. on 16-03-2006 and that the total cost including stamp duty and
registration charges came to � 22,71,270/-. This was disclosed in the
return filed on 11-08-2006 i.e. before the date of search. While
discussing the issue, the A.O. observed that the assessee had
introduced credits to the tune of �17,12,500 in an attempt to explain
the sources for the investment. The A.O. had also observed that
except the loan from Kulandairaj the assessee has submitted
confirmation letters from the alleged creditors. According to the A.O.
credits of �12,12,500/- (out of �17,12,500/-) will have. to be treated
as unexplained cash credits. The A.O. had also referred to the gifts of
�4,37,500/- from Sri Subbiah (uncle) and �5,00,000/- from Sri S.
Dharmaraj (brother-in-law). The A.O. doubted the genuineness of the
gift transactions. The A.O. held that the value of the property was
shown as land purchase for �22,71,720/- in the balance sheet for the
year ended 31-3-2006. It is seen from the capital account of P.
Janakar that no amount was debited against the purchase of property.
The closing balance of capital account of Sri P. Janakar as on 31-3-
2005 was �8,13,748/-. Even after giving credit of the alleged gifts of
�9,85,000/- the available balance including the profit for the year
ended 31-3-2006 is �21,38,670/- excluding the expenses for the year,
is short of the sale consideration. As the purchase of property and
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 217 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. loans obtained for the same is not reflected in the capital account as
well as in the balance sheet, the entire investment off 21,61,040
(19,90,000 + 1,71,040) should have come out of the unaccounted
earnings of the assessee and to be brought to tax. Aggrieved, the
assessee preferred an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax
(Appeals). The Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) deleted the
addition made by the Assessing Officer. Against this, the Department
is in appeal before us.
77.3 We have heard both the sides and perused the material on
record. We are of the opinion that the A.O. should not have ignored the
fact that purchase of the house as disclosed in the Balance Sheet as
on 31-3-2006 filed along with the return of income filed on 11-08-2006
i.e before the date of search. As explained by the assessee, the
purchase of the house property was duly disclosed in his accounts and
therefore, it would be factually incorrect to come to the conclusion that
the same represents undisclosed investment. If, on the other hand,
the A. O. entertained any doubt about the genuineness of the sources
as disclosed in the Balance Sheet, he ought to have taken steps to
verify the claim of the assessee by making independent enquiries with
the creditors and the donors. As a matter of fact, the assessee had
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 218 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. furnished confirmation letters from the creditors / donors along with
necessary documentary evidence like bank account details, their own
sources of income etc. and this fact is acknowledged by the A.O.
himself in the assessment order. Thus, it became the responsibility of
the A.O. to verify the genuineness of the claims made by the assessee.
Having failed to do, it is incorrect for the A.O. to hold that the property
represented unaccounted investment of the assessee. It needs to be
mentioned that the requirement of sec. 68 is that when the assessee
offers an explanation regarding a credit, it is the responsibility of the
A.O. to disprove the claim by independent enquiries to come to the
conclusion that the explanation offered is unsatisfactory. In the
circumstances, we hold that there is no warrant or justification for the
addition of �21,61,040/- and we uphold the order of the Commissioner
of Income Tax (Appeals). This ground of the appeal of the Department
is rejected.
In the result,
(a) The appeals filed by the assessee Shri. P. Murugesan in ITA
Nos.2039 to 2045/Mds/2013 and Stay Petitions filed by the
assessee in S.P.Nos.368 to 373/Mds/2015 are dismissed.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 219 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011. (b) The appeals filed by the assessee Sri Ponnaiyah
Ramajayathammal Educational and Charitable Trust in ITA
Nos.1884 to 1890 and Stay Petitions filed by the assessee in
S.P.Nos.361 to 367/Mds/2015 are dismissed.
(c) The appeals filed by the Department in the case of Shri. P.
Murugesan, in ITA Nos.2036 & 2037/Mds/2013 are
dismissed.
(d) The appeal filed by the Department in the case of Shri. R.
Viswanathan, in ITA No.462/Mds/2011 is dismissed.
(e) The appeal filed by the Department in the case of Shri.P.
Janakar in ITA No.649/Mds/2011 is dismissed.
Order pronounced on Wednesday, the 14th of October, 2015, at Chennai.
Sd/- Sd/- (वी. दुगा� राव) (चं� पूजार� ) V. DURGA RAO (CHANDRA POOJARI) �या�यक सद�य / JUDICIAL MEMBER लेखा सद�य/ ACCOUNTANT MEMBER
चे�नई/Chennai. �दनांक/Dated:14.10.2015. KV आदेश क� ��त�ल�प अ�े�षत/Copy to: 1. अपीलाथ�/Appellant 2.��यथ�/ Respondent 3. आयकर आयु�त (अपील)/CIT(A) 4. आयकर आयु�त/CIT 5. �वभागीय ��त�न�ध/DR 6. गाड� फाईल/GF.
I.T.A.Nos.2036 & 2037, 2039 :- 220 -: to 2045/Mds/2013, 1884 to 1890/ 2013, 462/2011 & 649/2011.