SHREE SWAMI SAMARTH SHAIKSHANIK SANSKRUTIK SANSTHA,,NALLASOPARA vs. COMMISSIONER OF INCOME-TAX, (EXEMPTION),, PUNE

At the time of hearing, none appeared on behalf of the assessee. The case was discussed with the Ld. DR and was, accordingly heard on merits.

We have perused the case records. We find that as per the grounds of appeal, the solitary grievance of the assessee is with regard to the rejection of application for granting registration u/s.12AA of the Act by the Ld. CIT(Exemption) vide order dated 30.09.2019.

On perusal of the order of the Ld. CIT(Exemption), it is evident that certain informations were called for from the assessee. It was noticed that in the income expenditure account, the assessee claimed depreciation for the financial years 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 and it was observed by the Ld. CIT(Exemption) that the corresponding assets on which depreciation was claimed are not appearing in the balance sheet for the relevant year. That further, the assessee had also shown building fund in the balance sheet for the financial years 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 respectively. However, the assessee/applicant had not furnished any details regarding the source of the said fund. That because of these deficiencies of not furnishing of requisite information/details by the assessee trust, the Ld. CIT(Exemption) was unable to arrive at satisfaction regarding the genuineness of the charitable activities of the assessee trust/institution.

It is an established principle within the realm of the Income Tax Act that while granting registration u/s.12AA of the Act, the Ld. CIT(Exemption) should be satisfied regarding objects of the assessee trust and the genuineness of the activities. These basic legal requirements are enshrined u/s.12AA of the Act. In this case, as is evident from the order of the Ld. CIT(Exemption), he was unable to arrive at such satisfaction regarding genuineness of the activities in absence of the various details which were not filed by the assessee. Therefore, we are of the considered view, in the interest of justice, one more opportunity should be granted to the assessee so that he may furnish all the necessary details/evidences before the Ld. CIT(Exemption) for representing the case on merits and accordingly, the Ld. CIT(Exemption) should adjudicate the matter as per law. The Ld. DR did not raise any objection. In view thereof, we set aside the order of the Ld. CIT(Exemption) and remand the matter back to his file as indicated hereinabove.

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