SARIKA AGRAWAL,INDORE vs. THE ITO 2(4), INDORE

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ITA 176/IND/2023Status: DisposedITAT Indore26 October 2023AY 2013-14Bench: SHRI VIJAY PAL RAO (Judicial Member), SHRI B.M. BIYANI (Accountant Member)3 pages
AI SummaryRemanded

What did the Tribunal hold?

The ITAT condoned the delay in filing the appeal, citing reasonable cause and the principle of 'sufficient cause'. The tribunal also set aside the order of the CIT(A) and remanded the matter back for fresh adjudication, allowing the assessee an opportunity to be heard.

What were the facts?

The assessee filed an appeal before the ITAT which was delayed by 16 days. The assessee attributed the delay to the illness of their counsel. The assessee also contended that the CIT(A) dismissed their appeal for non-prosecution without following the prescribed procedure.

What were the issues?

Whether the delay in filing the appeal should be condoned and whether the CIT(A) followed the correct procedure while dismissing the appeal for non-prosecution.

Which sections of the Income-tax Act were involved?

Section 250(6)

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Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, INDORE BENCH, INDORE

Before: SHRI VIJAY PAL RAO & SHRI B.M. BIYANI

For Appellant: Shri N.D.Dave and Shri Vijay Bansal, ARs
For Respondent: Shri Ashish Porwal, Sr. DR
Hearing: 26.10.2023Pronounced: 26.10.2023

आदेश / O R D E R

Per B.M. Biyani, A.M.:

1.

Feeling aggrieved by appeal-order dated 21.02.2023 passed by learned Commissioner of Income-Tax (Appeals)-NFAC, Delhi [“CIT(A)”], which in turn arises out of assessment-order dated 29.03.2016 passed by learned ITO- 2(4), Indore [“AO”] u/s 143(3) of Income-tax Act, 1961 [“the Act”] for Assessment-Year [“AY”] 2013-14, the assessee has filed this appeal.

2.

Heard the learned Representatives of both sides and case-records perused.

3.

The registry has informed that the present appeal is delayed by 16 days and therefore time-barred. Ld. AR submits that the assessee has filed Page 1 of 3

Ms.Sarika Agrawal, Indore vs. ITO, 2(4), Indore. an application for condonation of delay supported by an affidavit on stamp. On perusal of the application/affidavit, we observe that the assessee has made an averment that the appeal-papers were ready for filing and even the filing fee of Rs. 10,000/- was also deposited on 11.04.2023 which was well within the prescribed time-limit for filing of appeal. However, due to illness of assessee’s counsel, there occurred a small delay of 16 days in filing appeal. Ld. AR very humbly submits that there is no deliberate lethargy, negligence or mala fide intention of assessee in making delay and the assessee does not stand to derive any benefit because of delay. He further submits that the sole reason of delay is the illness of assessee’s counsel. He prayed for condonation of delay. Ld. DR left the matter to the wisdom of Bench. We have considered the explanation of assessee and in absence of any contrary fact or material on record, the assessee is found to have a reasonable cause for delay in filing the present appeal. Placing reliance on the decision of Hon’ble Supreme Court in Collector, Land Acquisition Vs Mst. Katiji and others 1987 AIR 1353, 1987 2 SCC 387, we take a judicious view; condone delay and proceed with appeal.

4.

Ld. AR carried us to the impugned order and demonstrated that the CIT(A) fixed hearing of appeal on 22.02.2023 but passed the impugned order on 21.02.2023 due to oversight. Then, he submitted that the CIT(A) has dismissed appeal for non-prosecution without following the mandate of section 250(6) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 which provides “The order of the Commissioner (Appeals) disposing of the appeal shall be in writing and shall state the points for determination, the decision thereon and the reason for the decision.”. Therefore, the impugned order of first-appeal passed by CIT(A) deserves to be set aside and the matter is fit for remand to the file of Ld. CIT(A) for a proper adjudication. Ld. DR fairly agrees to this but prays to direct the assessee to represent his case before Ld. CIT(A) and do not seek unnecessary adjournments. In view of this and also having regard to the principle of natural justice and fair play, we deem it fit to give one more opportunity to assessee so that the assessee can represent his case before

Ms.Sarika Agrawal, Indore vs. ITO, 2(4), Indore. CIT(A) for a proper adjudication. Accordingly, we remand this matter back to the file of Ld. CIT(A) for a fresh adjudication after giving opportunity of hearing to assessee. The assessee is also directed to ensure participation in the hearings fixed by Ld. CIT(A) and do not seek unnecessary adjournments.

5.

Resultantly, this appeal is allowed for statistical purpose.

Order pronounced in open court on 26.10.2023 immediately after conclusion of hearing and subsequently reduced in writing on the same day

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