GODWIN CONSTRUCTION PVT. LTD.,MEERUT vs. DCIT, CENTRAL CIRCLE, MEERUT
In favour of the assessee: the assessee's appeal was allowed. From the AI summary of this appeal.
What did the Tribunal hold?
The Tribunal held that since the additions forming the basis of the penalty were deleted, the penalty itself had no foundation. Therefore, the penalty levied under Section 271(1)(c) was directed to be deleted.
What were the facts?
The assessee's returned income was significantly enhanced by the AO, leading to a penalty under Section 271(1)(c). However, the quantum additions were subsequently deleted by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal.
What were the issues?
Whether a penalty under Section 271(1)(c) can be sustained when the underlying additions have been deleted by a higher appellate authority.
Which sections of the Income-tax Act were involved?
AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below
Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, DELHI BENCH ‘H’, NEW DELHI
Before: SH. N. K. BILLAIYA & SH. C.N. PRASAD
PER N. K. BILLAIYA, AM:
This appeal by the assessee is preferred against the order of the CIT(A)-4, Kanpur dated 16.01.2019 pertaining to A.Y. 2011- 12.
The sum and substance of the grievance of the assessee is that the CIT(A) erred in confirming the penalty of Rs. 39,66,000/- levied by the AO u/s. 271 (1)(c) of the Act.
The roots for the levy of penalty lie in the assessment order dated 31.03.2013 framed u/s. 143 (3) of the Act wherein the returned income of Rs.2427270/- was assessed at Rs.27274270/-. The quantum additions travelled up to the Tribunal and the Tribunal in deleted the quantum additions. The relevant findings of the coordinate Bench read as under :-
“11. We have heard the rival submissions and perused the material on record. The issue in the present appeal is the addition of Rs.51,39,000/- and Rs.66,31,000/- made by AO and upheld by CIT(A). It is an undisputed fact that during the course of search, certain documents were found and the assessee was called upon by the AO to explain the contents of the documents. Assessee furnished the explanations which were not found acceptable and, therefore, AO made the additions of the amounts reflected in those documents. Before us, Ld AR has placed on record the explanations that were submitted by the assessee before the authorities explaining the contents. The perusal of the same would reveal that assessee has inter alia given the details of the amount, received, the receipt number and the details of the amount which were refunded including the cheque number and date. The explanation and the details given by the assessee has not been shown to be untrue or contrary to the facts stated before the authorities. In such a situation, we are of the view that assessee has discharged the onus cast upon it. As far as the presumption u/s 292C is concerned, we are of the view that the provision of section 292C of the Act is only a deeming provision.. The presumption under section 292C of the Act is rebuttable presumption and the document has to be considered considering the totality of the facts of the case. The deeming provision cannot be applied mechanically ignoring the facts of the case and the surrounding circumstances. Considering the totality of the aforesaid facts, we are of the view that in the present case, no addition of the impugned amounts is called for. We, therefore, direct the deletion of the additions made by AO and upheld by CIT(A). Thus the grounds of the assessee is allowed.”
Since the foundation has been removed the super structure must fall meaning thereby since the additions have been deleted there is no basis for the levy of penalty u/s. 271 (1) (c) of the Act. The AO is accordingly directed to delete the penalty so levied. The appeal of the assessee is allowed.
Decision announced in the open court on 22.06.2023.
More judgments on Section 271(1)(c)
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- Neo Structo Construction P. Ltd., Ahmedabad vs The Pr. CIT- 3, AhmedabadITA 1216/AHD/2026[2015-2016]Status: Disposed16 Oct 2026AY 2015-2016
- Hetal Vinodchandra Sheth, Ahmedabad vs The ITO, Ward-5(3)(1), AhmedabadITA 2370/AHD/2025[2014-15]Status: Disposed16 Oct 2026AY 2014-15
- Hetal Vinodchandra Sheth, Ahmedabad vs The ITO, Ward-5(3)(1), AhmedabadITA 2369/AHD/2025[2014-15]Status: Disposed16 Oct 2026AY 2014-15
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