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“audi alteram partem”

Natural JusticeAudi Alteram PartemAudi Alteram Partem490 judgments

The decision most relied on for audi alteram partem is 372 92.(2019) 13 SCC 185: MEDICAL COUNCIL OF INDIA v. STATE OF KERALA AND OTHERS 93 (1 SCC 248), cited in 176 judgments on BharatTax.

Leading authorities on audi alteram partem

372 92.(2019) 13 SCC 185: MEDICAL COUNCIL OF INDIA v. STATE OF KERALA AND OTHERS 93
1 SCC 248 · 1978 · Reported
176
citing judgments

Audi alteram partem, or the right to be heard, is a fundamental principle of natural justice that applies to all quasi-judicial proceedings, including those before tax authorities.

Rajesh Kumar v. DCIT
287 ITR 91 · 2006 · Supreme Court
121
citing judgments

When a statutory authority takes action that can lead to civil or adverse consequences for an individual, the principles of natural justice, particularly the right to be heard (audi alteram partem), must be implicitly followed, even if the relevant statute does not expressly provide for it.

GTC Industries Ltd. v. ACIT
65 ITD 380 · 1998 · ITAT
119
citing judgments

Formal cross-examination of witnesses who make adverse reports is not an invariable requirement of natural justice (audi alteram partem) in income tax proceedings. Assessees must have a fair opportunity to meet adverse evidence, but this does not mandate formal cross-examination.

Sahara India (Firm,) Lucknow v. Commissioner of Income Tax
14 SCC 151 · 2008 · Reported
106
citing judgments

This case establishes principles for determining the validity of a special audit direction issued under Section 142(2A) and its impact on the extended period of limitation under Section 153(3) Explanation 1(iii), often considered in the context of natural justice.

Director, ECIL v. B. Karunakar (1993) 4 SCC 727; Haryana Financial Corporation v. Kailash Chandra Ahuja
3 SCC 364 · 1996 · Reported
93
citing judgments

Procedural irregularities, especially where initiation was valid but completion was flawed, are often curable and may not automatically invalidate an entire order. This principle, tied to natural justice, means minor defects in procedure can be remedied without voiding the proceedings.

Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
4 SCC 379 · 1980 · Reported
62
citing judgments

Even a purely administrative order that entails civil consequences must adhere to the principles of natural justice, particularly the rule of audi alteram partem, ensuring a fair hearing. The concept of 'civil consequences' broadly encompasses any impact on a citizen's civil life, beyond just property or personal rights.

International Forest Co. v. CIT
101 ITR 721 · 1975 · High Court
54
citing judgments

In a best judgment assessment, tax authorities cannot act arbitrarily or base conclusions solely on guesswork; additions must be supported by evidence or material on record, and principles of natural justice require communicating adverse material to the assessee.

Lalchand Bhagat Ambikaram v. CIT
83 ITR 508 · 1972 · High Court
53
citing judgments

The principle of natural justice, specifically the right to be heard (audi alteram partem), must be strictly followed in quasi-judicial proceedings. An assessment order is invalid if the assessee is denied the opportunity to cross-examine third parties whose statements or evidence form the basis for additions.

Judgments citing audi alteram partem

Accuscan Daignostic Service Pvt Ltd, Pune vs. ITO Ward 1(1), Pune

ITA 526/PUN/2024[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Pune11 Jun 2024AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri S.S.Godara & Dr. Dipak P. Ripoteआयकर अपील सं. / Ita No.526/Pun/2024 िनधा"रण वष" / Assessment Year : 2017-18 Accuscan Daignostic Service V The Income Tax Officer, Private Limited, S Ward-1(1), Pune. 304, Rajat Apartmens, North Main Road, Lane-06, Koregaon Park, Pune – 411001. Pan: Aabca4647D Appellant / Assessee Respondent / Revenue Assessee By None Revenue By Shri Arvind Desai – Dr Date Of Hearing 10/06/2024 Date Of Pronouncement 11/06/2024 आदेश/ Order Per Dr. Dipak P. Ripote, Am: This Appeal Filed By The Assessee Against The Order Of Ld.Commissioner Of Income Tax(Appeals)[Nfac], Passed Under Section 250 Of The Income Tax Act, 1961 Dated 19.01.2024. The Assessee Has Raised The Following Grounds Of Appeal : “1. That, On Facts & In The Circumstances Of The Case, The Order Of Cit(A), Nfac Dated 19.01.2024 In Dismissing The Appeal Filed By The Appellant Is Arbitrary, Erroneous, Contrary To Law & Is Opposed To The Principles Of Natural Justice, Equity & Fair Play. 2. That, On Facts & In The Circumstances Of The Case, The Ld. Accuscan Daignostic Service Pvt. Ltd., [A]

Section 250Section 250(4)Section 250(6)Section 251(1)(a)Section 69A

passed the order u/s 250 without giving sufficient opportunity of being heard and thus violating the principles of ‘audi alteram partem’. 3. That, on facts and in the circumstances of the case, the Ld. CIT(A) has passed the order u/s 250 in a mechanical way, without application of mind