SARIKA SANDEEP WANJALE,PUNE vs. INCOME-TAX OFFICE, WARD 14(4), PUNE

This appeal by the assessee against the order dated 07-03-2018 passed by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)-7, Pune [„CIT(A)‟] for assessment year 2008-09 wherein the CIT(A) dismissed the appeals ex- parte of the assessee.

We note that this appeal was filed with a delay of 33 days. The assessee filed an affidavit explaining the reasons for delay. On perusal of record and hearing the ld. DR, we find that the reasons stated by the assessee are bonafide which really prevented the assessee to file the present appeal in time. Therefore, the delay of 33 days is condoned.

At the time of hearing there was no appearance from the assessee nor through his representative and we observe that the order passed by the CIT(A) is an ex-parte order and liabilities of the assessee were not adjudicated upon. The ld. CIT(A) dismissed the appeal of the assessee on the ground of non-prosecution. We proceed with the case after hearing the submissions of ld. DR wherein it is evident that neither the assessee nor its authorized representative attended and filed the details evidences in support of appeal on merits. Therefore, the ld. DR vehemently opposed the prayer of providing any further opportunity to the assessee for representing his case on merits before the First Appellate Authority.

We have perused the case records and heard the ld. DR. We find that the ld. CIT(A) dismissed the appeal of the assessee on the ground of non prosecution. It is, therefore, clear that rights and liabilities of the parties were not adjudicated upon on merits and we are of the considered view that one final opportunity needs to be given to the assessee to represent his case on merits so that justice can be delivered.

In view of the matter, we set aside the order of ld. CIT(A) and restore the matter back to his file for fresh adjudication after providing sufficient opportunity of hearing to the assessee. At the same time, we direct the assessee to present himself before the ld. CIT(A) with relevant documentary evidences to represent his case on merits. Any service of notice is dispensable.

In the result, appeal of the assessee is allowed for statistical purposes.