← All Phrases

“mere change of opinion”

ReassessmentSection 147Section 147952 judgments

The decision most relied on for mere change of opinion is CIT v. Kelvinator of India Ltd. (320 ITR 561), cited in 1,673 judgments on BharatTax.

Leading authorities on mere change of opinion

CIT v. Kelvinator of India Ltd.
320 ITR 561 · 2010 · Supreme Court
1,673
citing judgments

An Assessing Officer cannot initiate reassessment proceedings under Section 147 of the Income Tax Act based on a mere change of opinion. Reassessment is permissible only when there is fresh tangible material leading to the belief of income escapement, not merely a review of existing facts.

Hindustan Lever Ltd. v. R.B. Wadkar
268 ITR 332 · 2004 · High Court
695
citing judgments

The validity of reassessment proceedings initiated under Section 147, by issuing a notice under Section 148, must be judged solely on the reasons originally recorded by the Assessing Officer. These recorded reasons cannot be supplemented, improved upon, or modified at any later stage.

CIT v. Kelvinator of India Ltd.
256 ITR 1 · 2002 · High Court
439
citing judgments

An Assessing Officer cannot reopen an assessment under Section 147 based on a mere change of opinion regarding the same material available during the original assessment. Reopening requires fresh, tangible material or information that leads to a reason to believe income has escaped assessment.

CIT v. Orient Craft Ltd.
354 ITR 536 · 2013 · High Court
366
citing judgments

Reassessment of income, especially after a summary assessment under Section 143(1), requires the Assessing Officer to possess fresh, tangible material to form a reason to believe that income has escaped assessment; a mere reappraisal of existing records or a change of opinion without new material is not permissible.

CIT v. Foramer France
264 ITR 566 · 2003 · Supreme Court
253
citing judgments

Reassessment proceedings initiated under Section 147 beyond four years from the end of the relevant assessment year are invalid unless the assessee failed to disclose fully and truly all material facts necessary for assessment. Without such failure, the notice issued under Section 148 is time-barred and without jurisdiction.

Haryana Acrylic Manufacturing Company v. CIT
308 ITR 38 · 2009 · High Court
248
citing judgments

Reassessment proceedings are invalid if the reasons recorded for initiating action under section 148 are not served on the assessee within the limitation period prescribed by section 149. Furthermore, reassessment cannot be based on a mere change of opinion without tangible material, particularly when the assessee has made a full and true disclosure of material facts.

CIT v. SFIL Stock Broking Ltd.
325 ITR 285 · 2010 · High Court
243
citing judgments

Reassessment proceedings under Section 147 are invalid and void ab initio if initiated based on 'borrowed satisfaction' without the Assessing Officer's independent application of mind, or merely on documents already available on record without fresh tangible material.

CIT v. Usha International Ltd.
348 ITR 485 · 2012 · High Court
231
citing judgments

A reassessment is invalid due to 'mere change of opinion' if an issue was raised during original assessment but no addition was made, implying the issue was examined. However, if a subject matter was not examined and no opinion was formed, the principle of 'change of opinion' does not apply.

Judgments citing mere change of opinion

Madhu Grewal, Chandigarh vs. Principal Commissioner of Income Tax, Chandigarh-1, Chandigarh

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 603/CHANDI/2024[2019-20]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026AY 2019-20

Bench: the Tribunal as pointed out by the Registry. Considering that the issue involved is purely legal in nature, and respectfully following the ratio laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Collector, Land Acquisition v. Mst. Katiji & Others [(1987) 167 ITR 471 (SC)], which emphasizes that substantial justice should prevail over technical considerations, we condone the delay in filing these appeals.3. We shall take appeal of the assessee in ITA No. 167/Chd/2023 for A.Y 2018-19 as a lead case f

For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Parveen Kumar, 229, Village Manakpur-II, Tehsil Jagadhri, Haryana vs. Prabhjot Kaur, PCIT Panchkula, Chandigarh

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 576/CHANDI/2024[2018-2019]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026AY 2018-2019

Bench: the Tribunal as pointed out by the Registry. Considering that the issue involved is purely legal in nature, and respectfully following the ratio laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Collector, Land Acquisition v. Mst. Katiji & Others [(1987) 167 ITR 471 (SC)], which emphasizes that substantial justice should prevail over technical considerations, we condone the delay in filing these appeals.3. We shall take appeal of the assessee in ITA No. 167/Chd/2023 for A.Y 2018-19 as a lead case f

For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Maninder Jeet Singh V.P.O. Udhamgarh, Jagadhri, Haryana vs. Prabhjot Kaur, PCIT, Panchkula

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 575/CHANDI/2024[2018-2019]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026AY 2018-2019
For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Ram Niwas, Fatehabad vs. Income Tax Officer, Income Tax Office, Sirsa Road, Industrial Area, Fatehabad

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 498/CHANDI/2024[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026AY 2018-19

Bench: SHRI. LALIET KUMAR (Judicial Member), SHRI. KRINWANT SAHAY (Accountant Member)

For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Rakesh Kumar, Jagadhri vs. The Principal Commissioner of Income Tax, Panchkula

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 456/CHANDI/2024[2015-16 ]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026

Bench: SHRI. LALIET KUMAR (Judicial Member), SHRI. KRINWANT SAHAY (Accountant Member)

For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Ashok Kumar Thakral, Jagadhri vs. Principal Commissioner of Income Tax, Panchkula

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 455/CHANDI/2024[2015-16]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026AY 2015-16

Bench: the Tribunal as pointed out by the Registry. Considering that the issue involved is purely legal in nature, and respectfully following the ratio laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Collector, Land Acquisition v. Mst. Katiji & Others [(1987) 167 ITR 471 (SC)], which emphasizes that substantial justice should prevail over technical considerations, we condone the delay in filing these appeals.3. We shall take appeal of the assessee in ITA No. 167/Chd/2023 for A.Y 2018-19 as a lead case f

For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Kartar Singh, Fatehabad vs. Pr. Commissioner of Income Tax, Rohtak

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 335/CHANDI/2023[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026AY 2018-19

Bench: SHRI. LALIET KUMAR (Judicial Member), SHRI. KRINWANT SAHAY (Accountant Member)

For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Sh. Ram Lal, Fatehabad vs. Pr.CIT, Rohtak

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 332/CHANDI/2023[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026AY 2018-19

Bench: SHRI. LALIET KUMAR (Judicial Member), SHRI. KRINWANT SAHAY (Accountant Member)

For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Bimla Devi, Jagadhri vs. Pr.CIT, Rohtak

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 328/CHANDI/2023[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026AY 2018-19

Bench: SHRI. LALIET KUMAR (Judicial Member), SHRI. KRINWANT SAHAY (Accountant Member)

For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Paramjit Singh, Sirsa vs. Pr.CIT, Rohtak

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 327/CHANDI/2023[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026AY 2018-19

Bench: SHRI. LALIET KUMAR (Judicial Member), SHRI. KRINWANT SAHAY (Accountant Member)

For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Inder Kaur, Sirsa vs. Pr.CIT, Rohtak

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 326/CHANDI/2023[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026AY 2018-19

Bench: SHRI. LALIET KUMAR (Judicial Member), SHRI. KRINWANT SAHAY (Accountant Member)

For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Sh. Amarjeet Singh, Sirsa vs. Pr.CIT, Rohtak

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 325/CHANDI/2023[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026AY 2018-19

Bench: SHRI. LALIET KUMAR (Judicial Member), SHRI. KRINWANT SAHAY (Accountant Member)

For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Sh. Gurdeep Singh Mahal, Sirsa vs. Pr.CIT, Rohtak

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 233/CHANDI/2023[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026AY 2018-19

Bench: SHRI. LALIET KUMAR (Judicial Member), SHRI. KRINWANT SAHAY (Accountant Member)

For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Sh. Devender Kumar, Yamuna Nagar vs. ITO, Ward -1, Yamuna Nagar

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 192/CHANDI/2023[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026AY 2018-19

Bench: SHRI. LALIET KUMAR (Judicial Member), SHRI. KRINWANT SAHAY (Accountant Member)

For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Sh. Baljinder Singh, Chandigarh vs. Pr.CIT, Chandigarh -1, Chandigarh

In the result, all the above appeals filed by the respective assessee’s are dismissed

ITA 167/CHANDI/2023[2018-19]Status: DisposedITAT Chandigarh11 Feb 2026AY 2018-19

Bench: SHRI. LALIET KUMAR (Judicial Member), SHRI. KRINWANT SAHAY (Accountant Member)

For Appellant: Shri Parikshit Aggarwal, C.A (Virtual)For Respondent: Shri Manav Bansal, CIT, DR

used to indirectly reopen an issue which could not be sustained in reassessment proceedings.  The impugned revision proceedings are thus based on a mere change of opinion and constitute an impermissible exercise of revisional power. The order passed under section 263, therefore, deserves to be quashed as being void

Kuldip Singh, Ranchi vs. DCIT/ACIT, Circle-1, Ranchi

In the result, the appeal of the assessee is allowed

ITA 180/RAN/2025[14-15]Status: DisposedITAT Ranchi10 Feb 2026

Bench: Shri Sonjoy Sarma & Shri Ratnesh Nandan Sahayi.T.A. No.180/Ran/2025 Assessment Year: 2014-15 Kuldip Singh…………………….……….……...................……….……Appellant The Avenue Vishnupuri Marg, Upper Burdwan Compound, Lalpur, Ranchi- 834001. [Pan: Agjps6921P] Vs. Dcit/Acit, Circle-1, Ranchi…...…..….........……........……...…..…..Respondent Appearances By: Shri Devesh Poddar, Adv., Appeared On Behalf Of The Appellant. Shri Kailash Gautam, Dr, Appeared On Behalf Of The Respondent. Date Of Concluding The Hearing : February 05, 2026 Date Of Pronouncing The Order : February 10, 2026 Order Per Sonjoy Sarma: This Appeal Filed By The Assessee Is Directed Against The Order Of The Nfac, Delhi (Hereinafter Referred To As “Cit(A)”) Dated 06.03.2025 Passed Under Section 250 Of The Income-Tax Act, 1961 (Hereinafter Referred To As The “Act”).

Section 143(2)Section 143(3)Section 147Section 148Section 250Section 56(2)(vii)

first proviso to section 147 of the Act and is void ab initio. Moreover, the reopening is also based on a mere change of opinion, which is impermissible in law. The Ld. AR reliance was placed on the following judicial precedents: I.T.A. No.180/Ran/2025 i. CIT Vs Foramer France ... there was no failure on part of assessee to disclose all material facts at time of assessment, initiation of reassessment proceedings based on mere change of opinion was not justified - Held, yes [Paras 36 and 37] [In favour of assessee] iii. Madras High Court in the case

Amiben Rajeshkumar Punatar, Rajkot vs. ITO, Ward-1(2)(1), Rajkot

In the result, the appeal filed by the assessee is allowed

ITA 24/RJT/2026[2015-16]Status: DisposedITAT Rajkot06 Feb 2026AY 2015-16

Bench: Dr. Arjun Lal Sainiआयकरअपील सं. /Ita No.24/Rjt/2026 िनधा"रण वष"/Assessment Year : 2015-16 Amiben Rajeshkumar Punatar, बनाम/ Ito, Ashish, 41-New Jagnath Plot, Vs Ward – 1(2)(1), Rajkot – 360001(Gujarat) Rajkot "ायीलेखासं./जीआइआरसं./Pan/Gir No.: Ahrpp4181F (अपीलाथ"/Assessee) (""थ"/Respondent)

For Appellant: Shri Mehul Ranpura, ARFor Respondent: Shri Dheeraj Kumar Gupta, Sr. DR
Section 10(38)Section 143Section 143(2)Section 143(3)Section 147Section 148Section 250

basis to form opinion regarding escapement of income. Hence, I note that the initiation of reassessment proceedings was based on a mere change of opinion and for that reliance is placed on the decision of the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the case of CIT vs. Kelvinator of India

Kuldip Kumar Goel, Delhi vs. ACIT(1)(1), Delhi

In the result, the appeal of the assessee is partly allowed in above

ITA 3285/DEL/2025[2012-13]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi06 Feb 2026AY 2012-13

Bench: Shri Raj Kumar Chauhanand

Section 143(3)Section 144Section 147Section 148Section 149(1)Section 250

which upholds the reassessment proceedings, is untenable in law and plainly wrong, as the reassessment proceedings initiated by the Ld. AO are a mere change of opinion, since the very same transaction of sale of immovable property and expenses incurred towards cost of construction/improvement were examined during the original assessment ... have been formed earlier, by the assessing authority; he can with justification change it, but that would not be a case of a "mere change of opinion" unguided by new facts or change in the legal position. It will be a case of the assessing authority having "reason to believe

Ba Continuum India Private Limited, Hyderabad vs. DCIT., Circle-1(1), Hyderabad

ITA 368/HYD/2024[2005-06]Status: DisposedITAT Hyderabad04 Feb 2026AY 2005-06

Bench: SHRI RAVISH SOOD, HON'BLE (Judicial Member), SHRI MADHUSUDAN SAWDIA HON'BLE (Accountant Member)

Section 10ASection 142(1)Section 143(2)Section 147Section 40

tangible material has been referred to by the Ld. AO in the reasons for re-opening the assessment and hence, it is a mere change of opinion, and the Ld. AO does not have any reason to believe that income has escaped assessment. c) There was no income which ... fact that reference to the Ld. TPO by the Ld. AO under section 92CA(1) of the Act during re-assessment proceedings is mere change of opinion and is bad in law which is liable to be quashed. 9. Has inter alia erred in accepting the order passed

Southern Enterprises, Chennai vs. ACIT Non Corporate Ward 22, Chennai

In the result, appeal filed by the assessee is allowed

ITA 2941/CHNY/2017[2009-10]Status: DisposedITAT Chennai04 Feb 2026AY 2009-10

Bench: Shri Aby T. Varkey & Ms. Padmavathy. S

For Appellant: Ms. S. Sanchitha for Mr. R. SivaramanFor Respondent: Mr. Praveen. S, JCIT
Section 10BSection 142(1)Section 143(2)Section 143(3)Section 147Section 148

held that section 147 of the Act does not postulate conferment of power upon the Assessing Officer to initiate reassessment proceedings upon a mere change of opinion. It is incumbent on the Assessing Officer to prove that there was a failure to disclose material facts necessary for the assessment