BharatTax.net
SearchITATHigh CourtsSupreme CourtAI ResearchHistory

Filters

BharatTax.net

Free search engine for ITAT (Income Tax Appellate Tribunal) judgments across all 28 benches in India.

Quick Links

  • Search Judgments
  • Browse by Bench
  • Recent Judgments

About

BharatTax provides free access to Income Tax Appellate Tribunal orders for legal research and reference.

© 2026 BharatTax.net. All rights reserved.

23 results for “capital gains”+ Demonetizationclear

Sorted by relevance

Chennai71Jaipur40Panaji29Hyderabad27Delhi23Bangalore17Mumbai17Visakhapatnam13Ahmedabad12Kolkata8Pune8Lucknow7Agra6Rajkot5Cuttack5Surat4Amritsar3Indore3Jodhpur3Raipur3Dehradun2Chandigarh2Cochin1Patna1

Key Topics

Section 6823Addition to Income21Section 143(3)18Section 115B14Cash Deposit13Demonetization12Section 26311Section 1478Section 143(2)8Capital Gains

GUNJAN BHAGERIA,NEW DELHI vs. ACIT, NEW DELHI

ITA 909/DEL/2022[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi06 Sept 2023AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri N. K. Billaiya & Shri Anubhav Sharma

Section 127Section 142(1)Section 143(1)Section 143(2)Section 143(3)Section 263Section 285B

capital gains disclosed of Rs. 38.26 lakhs, a sum of Rs. 35.10 lakhs is in respect of the investment in M/s. Gateway Distributors Limited. The assessee has earned abnormal profits of 1700% in respect of the shares held in this company. M/s. Gateway Distributors Limited does not appear to be a listed company. As per the contract note and Demat

DCIT, CENTRAL CIRCLE-4, NEW DELHI vs. G N INTERNATIONAL P.LTD, NEW DELHI

Showing 1–20 of 23 · Page 1 of 2

8
Section 69A6
Section 10(38)6

In the result, the appeal of the revenue is dismissed

ITA 2851/DEL/2022[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi30 Jul 2025AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri M. Balaganesh & Shri Sudhir Kumarg. N. International Pvt. Ltd, Vs. Acit, 3721/1, First Floor, Netaji Circle-10(2), Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, New Delhi New Delhi (Appellant) (Respondent) Pan:Aabcg4491K Dcit, Vs. G. N. International Pvt. Ltd, Central Circle-4, 3721/1, First Floor, Netaji New Delhi Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, New Delhi (Appellant) (Respondent) Pan:Aabcg4491K Assessee By : Shri Salil Agarwal, Sr. Adv Shri Shailesh Gupta, Ca Shri Dadhur Agarwal, Adv Revenue By: Shri Rajesh Kumar Dhanesta, Sr. Dr Ms. Neeju Gupta, Sr. Dr Date Of Hearing 25/07/2025 Date Of Pronouncement 30/07/2025

For Appellant: Shri Salil Agarwal, Sr. AdvFor Respondent: Shri Rajesh Kumar Dhanesta, Sr. DR
Section 115BSection 144Section 68

demonetization period. 3. We have heard the rival submissions and perused the materials available on record. During the year under consideration, the assessee has shown income from rent, sale of shares, interest, dividend and long-term capital gains

G N INTERNATIONAL P.LTD,NEW DELHI vs. ACIT, CIRCLE-10(2), NEW DELHI

In the result, the appeal of the revenue is dismissed

ITA 2676/DEL/2022[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi30 Jul 2025AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri M. Balaganesh & Shri Sudhir Kumarg. N. International Pvt. Ltd, Vs. Acit, 3721/1, First Floor, Netaji Circle-10(2), Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, New Delhi New Delhi (Appellant) (Respondent) Pan:Aabcg4491K Dcit, Vs. G. N. International Pvt. Ltd, Central Circle-4, 3721/1, First Floor, Netaji New Delhi Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, New Delhi (Appellant) (Respondent) Pan:Aabcg4491K Assessee By : Shri Salil Agarwal, Sr. Adv Shri Shailesh Gupta, Ca Shri Dadhur Agarwal, Adv Revenue By: Shri Rajesh Kumar Dhanesta, Sr. Dr Ms. Neeju Gupta, Sr. Dr Date Of Hearing 25/07/2025 Date Of Pronouncement 30/07/2025

For Appellant: Shri Salil Agarwal, Sr. AdvFor Respondent: Shri Rajesh Kumar Dhanesta, Sr. DR
Section 115BSection 144Section 68

demonetization period. 3. We have heard the rival submissions and perused the materials available on record. During the year under consideration, the assessee has shown income from rent, sale of shares, interest, dividend and long-term capital gains

SUBHASH CHAND GUPTA,NEW DELHI vs. ACIT, CENTRAL CIRCLE-29, NEW DELHI

Accordingly, the grounds raised by the Revenue are dismissed

ITA 2529/DEL/2022[2015-16]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi18 Oct 2024AY 2015-16

Bench: Shri M. Balaganesh & Shri Sudhir Kumarsubhash Chand Gupta Vs. Acit, B-41, Kailash Colony, Central Circle – 29, New Delhi – 110 054 New Delhi Pan: Aaapg 2554 K (Appellant) (Respondent) & Acit, Vs. Subhash Chand Gupta Central Circle – 29, 43/1M Rajpur Road, New Delhi Civil Lines, North Delhi, New Delhi – 110 054 Pan: Aaapg 2554 K (Appellant) (Respondent) Assessee By : Shri Sankalp Malik, Adv. Revenue By: Shri V. K. Dubey, Sr. D.R. Date Of Hearing 14/10/2024 Date Of Pronouncement 18/10/2024 O R D E R Per M. Balaganesh, A. M.: The Appeals In Ita Nos. 2529/Del/2022 & Ita 1. No.1557/Del/2021 For Ays 2015-16 & 2017-18, Arises Out Of The Order Of The Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals)-30, New

For Appellant: Shri Sankalp Malik, AdvFor Respondent: Shri V. K. Dubey, Sr. D.R
Section 10(38)Section 143(1)Section 143(3)Section 147Section 148

Capital Gains from transactions on which securities Transaction Tax is Paid” in Schedule “Details of Exempt Income”. Information from the Insight portal revealed that the company M/s. Sunstar Realty Development Ltd. had issued shares to a few related persons and entities such as M/s. Sarvottam Advisory Pvt. Ltd. and M/s. Massive Massive Management Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. (now known

ACIT, CC-29, NEW DELHI vs. SUBHASH CHNAD GUPTA, DELHI

Accordingly, the grounds raised by the Revenue are dismissed

ITA 1557/DEL/2021[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi18 Oct 2024AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri M. Balaganesh & Shri Sudhir Kumarsubhash Chand Gupta Vs. Acit, B-41, Kailash Colony, Central Circle – 29, New Delhi – 110 054 New Delhi Pan: Aaapg 2554 K (Appellant) (Respondent) & Acit, Vs. Subhash Chand Gupta Central Circle – 29, 43/1M Rajpur Road, New Delhi Civil Lines, North Delhi, New Delhi – 110 054 Pan: Aaapg 2554 K (Appellant) (Respondent) Assessee By : Shri Sankalp Malik, Adv. Revenue By: Shri V. K. Dubey, Sr. D.R. Date Of Hearing 14/10/2024 Date Of Pronouncement 18/10/2024 O R D E R Per M. Balaganesh, A. M.: The Appeals In Ita Nos. 2529/Del/2022 & Ita 1. No.1557/Del/2021 For Ays 2015-16 & 2017-18, Arises Out Of The Order Of The Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals)-30, New

For Appellant: Shri Sankalp Malik, AdvFor Respondent: Shri V. K. Dubey, Sr. D.R
Section 10(38)Section 143(1)Section 143(3)Section 147Section 148

Capital Gains from transactions on which securities Transaction Tax is Paid” in Schedule “Details of Exempt Income”. Information from the Insight portal revealed that the company M/s. Sunstar Realty Development Ltd. had issued shares to a few related persons and entities such as M/s. Sarvottam Advisory Pvt. Ltd. and M/s. Massive Massive Management Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. (now known

NAVNEET GARG,DELHI vs. ITO,WARD- 43(7), DELHI

In the result Appeal of the Assessee is partly allowed in the above terms

ITA 1801/DEL/2025[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi19 Nov 2025AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri Mahavir Singh & Shri Krinwant Sahayasstt. Year: 2017-18

For Appellant: Shri Ved Jain, Advocate, CA Uma UpadhyayFor Respondent: Shri Manish Gupta, Sr. DR
Section 115Section 115BSection 133(6)Section 143Section 68

demonetization period. This issue of the Assessee Appeal is partly allowed for statistical purposes. 7. The next issue in this appeal of Assessee is as regards to the order of CIT(A), confirming the disallowance of claim of exemption of indexation cost of construction for an amount of Rs. 1,09,54,020/- while computing the same under the head

DR. PRIYA NARULA,NEW DELHI vs. ITO WARD INT. TAX 2(2)(2), NEW DELHI

In the result, the appeal of the assessee in ITA No

ITA 2324/DEL/2024[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi29 Aug 2024AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri Vikas Awasthy & Shri Naveen Chandra

For Appellant: Shri Vikeram Kakar, AdvFor Respondent: Ms. SabihaRizvi, Sr. Dr
Section 115BSection 133(6)Section 143(3)Section 234BSection 274Section 68

capital gains. 14. We find that the impugned cash was deposited during the demonetization period 10.11.2016 to 05.12.2016, table of which

RAM KISHORE SETH,NEW DELHI vs. INCOME TAX OFFICER, NEW DELHI

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

ITA 1154/DEL/2024[AY 2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi09 Dec 2025

Bench: Shris.Rifaur Rahman & Shri Anubhav Sharmalate Shri Ram Kishore Seth, Vs. Income Tax Officer, (Through Legal Heir, Smt. Rama Seth), New Delhi. Nd-63, Pitampura, New Delhi – 110 034. (Pan : Ejips0799P) (Appellant) (Respondent) Assessee By : Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Advocate Shri Somil Agarwal, Advocate Shri Saksham Agarwal, Ca Ms. Shilpa Gupta, Ca Revenue By : Shri Ajay Kumar Arora, Sr. Dr Date Of Hearing : 11.09.2025 Date Of Order : 09.12.2025 O R D E R Per S. Rifaur Rahman: 1. The Assessee Has Filed Appeal Against The Order Of The Learned Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals)/National Faceless Appeal Centre, Delhi [“Ld. Cit(A)”, For Short] Dated 16.01.2024 For The Assessment Year 2017-18. 2. The Assessee Has Taken The Following Grounds Of Appeal :-

For Appellant: Dr. Rakesh Gupta, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri Ajay Kumar Arora, Sr. DR
Section 115BSection 143(2)Section 24Section 54Section 54FSection 68

Capital Gains- 1) The Ld. CIT(A) has erred in not appreciating either the facts and in the circumstances of the case or the submissions of the applicant. He has further erred in passing an order which is bad in law and on facts. 2). The Ld. CIT(A) has erred in confirming the disallowance of exemption U/S 54/54F

SHUBHAM YADAV L/H OF VIJAY PAL YADAV,MEERUT vs. ITO,WARD-2(4), MEERUT

In the result, both appeals of the assessee is allowed for statistical purposes

ITA 1075/DEL/2025[2012-13]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi29 Aug 2025AY 2012-13

Bench: Shri Yogesh Kumar U.S. & Shri Avdhesh Kumar Mishraita No.1075 & 1076/Del/2025, A.Ys. 2012-13 & 2017-18 Shubham Yadav Income Tax Officer, L/H Of Vijay Pal Yadav, Ward-2(4), 145, B.C. Lines, Vs. Aaykar Bhawan, Meerut- 250001 Bhainsali Ground, Meerut, Pan: Aaapy8828J Uttar Pradesh (Appellant) (Respondent) Appellant By Sh. Raj Kumar, Advocate Respondent By Sh. Gouranga Chandra, Sr. Dr Date Of Hearing 27/08/2025 Date Of Pronouncement 29/08/2025 Order Per Avdhesh Kumar Mishra, Am Common Facts & Similar Grounds Arise In The Above Captioned Appeals Of The Assessee; Therefore, These Appeals Were Heard Together & Are Being Disposed Off By This Common Order.

Section 144Section 147Section 148

capital gains and unexplained investments. But the assessee failed to ensure any compliance of statutory notices; therefore, the AO had no option except to complete the assessment ex parte under section 147/144 of the Act. The reopened assessment was completed at income of Rs.1,99,68,489/-. Aggrieved the assessee filed appeal before the CIT(A), who dismissed the appeal

SHUBHAM YADAV L/H VIJAY PAL YADAV,MEERUT vs. ITO,WARD-1(2)(4), MEERUT

In the result, both appeals of the assessee is allowed for statistical purposes

ITA 1076/DEL/2025[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi29 Aug 2025AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri Yogesh Kumar U.S. & Shri Avdhesh Kumar Mishraita No.1075 & 1076/Del/2025, A.Ys. 2012-13 & 2017-18 Shubham Yadav Income Tax Officer, L/H Of Vijay Pal Yadav, Ward-2(4), 145, B.C. Lines, Vs. Aaykar Bhawan, Meerut- 250001 Bhainsali Ground, Meerut, Pan: Aaapy8828J Uttar Pradesh (Appellant) (Respondent) Appellant By Sh. Raj Kumar, Advocate Respondent By Sh. Gouranga Chandra, Sr. Dr Date Of Hearing 27/08/2025 Date Of Pronouncement 29/08/2025 Order Per Avdhesh Kumar Mishra, Am Common Facts & Similar Grounds Arise In The Above Captioned Appeals Of The Assessee; Therefore, These Appeals Were Heard Together & Are Being Disposed Off By This Common Order.

Section 144Section 147Section 148

capital gains and unexplained investments. But the assessee failed to ensure any compliance of statutory notices; therefore, the AO had no option except to complete the assessment ex parte under section 147/144 of the Act. The reopened assessment was completed at income of Rs.1,99,68,489/-. Aggrieved the assessee filed appeal before the CIT(A), who dismissed the appeal

MADHURI ENTERPRISES PVT. LTD. ,DELHI vs. PR. CIT-4, DELHI

In the result, appeal filed by the assessee is allowed

ITA 1266/DEL/2022[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi14 Aug 2024AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri S Rifaur Rahman & Ms Madhumita Royassessment Year: 2017-18 Madhuri Enterprises Vs. Pcit-4 Private Limited New Delhi F-26/124, Sector-7, Rohini, Delhi-110085 Pan :..Aaacm8923F (Appellant) (Respondent) Assessee By Sandeep Goel, Advocate, Kapil Goel, Advocate Department By Shri Subhra Jyoti Chakraborty, Cit, Dr

Section 142Section 143(2)Section 143(3)Section 263

demonetization period. Accordingly notice under Section 143(2) and 142(1) were issued and served on the assessee. The assessment u/s 143(3) was completed on 27.12.2019 accepting the return submitted by the assessee without making any addition. 3. Learned PCIT on examination of case records, observed that assessee has sold an immovable property of Rs. 2.25 crores. He claimed

PREETI BHARDWAJ,K - vs. ITO WARD 29(3), CIVIC CENTRE

Appeal are allowed

ITA 78/DEL/2024[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi22 Mar 2024AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri Kul Bharatassessment Year: 2017-18

Section 120Section 127Section 143(2)Section 143(3)Section 69A

Capital gains and Other sources. Subsequently, the case of the appellant was selected for limited scrutiny for verification of payment of tax in cash and thereafter, an assessment order dated / 12/2019 u/s 143(3) of the Act was passed after making the aggregate 3 addition of Rs. 29, 60000 / (- o) * n the alleged ground of unexplained money

LAXMI AGGARWAL,BALLABGARH vs. ITO WARD 1(4), FARIDABAD

In the result, the appeal of the assessee is allowed

ITA 3341/DEL/2023[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi12 Feb 2024AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri Shamim Yahyalaxmi Aggarwal, Vs. Ito, Ward 1 (4), Hn – 18, Ward 5, Faridabad. Brahmin Wara, Ballabgarh – 121 004 (Haryana). (Pan : Byppa0703G) (Appellant) (Respondent) Assessee By : Shri Vijay Singhal, Ca Revenue By : Shri Om Prakash, Sr. Dr Date Of Hearing : 08.02.2024 Date Of Order : 12.02.2024

For Appellant: Shri Vijay Singhal, CAFor Respondent: Shri Om Prakash, Sr. DR
Section 115BSection 69A

demonetization period. The AO was not convinced with the assessee's explanation. The AO noted that there was huge gap of 8 months between the cash withdrawn and cash deposited. The AO also mentioned in the assessment order that the assessee has not produced any documentary evidence regarding the money kept at for 8 months and the same money

ACIT, CIRCLE - 34(1), DELHI vs. PANKAJ KALRA, DELHI

In the result, the appeal of the revenue is dismissed

ITA 855/DEL/2025[2017]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi31 Dec 2025

Bench: Shri M. Balaganesh & Ms Madhumita Royacit, Vs. Pankaj Kalra, Circle-34(1), A-28, Phase-1, Ashok Vihar, Delhi Delhi (Appellant) (Respondent) Pan: Amqpk6707N

For Appellant: Shri Gaurav Jain, AdvFor Respondent: Shri Om Prakash, Sr. DR
Section 143(3)Section 40A(2)(b)

demonetization that he was in receipt of cash gifts on various auspicious occasions, the Learned CITA considering the status of the Assessee and on the ground of reasonableness had granted 50% relief there on. The relief granted to the Assessee works out to Rs 2,90,290/- which, in our considered opinion, is very reasonable and meets the ends

RAJ KUMAR KAPOOR LEGAL HEIR OF LATE UJWAL KAPOOR,NEW DELHI vs. INCOME TAX OFFICER, WARD 50(1), NEW DELHI, NEW DELHI

In the result, the appeal of the assessee is allowed

ITA 2389/DEL/2024[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi20 Dec 2024AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri Pradip Kumar Kedia & Shri Anubhav Sharma

Section 115BSection 69A

demonetization period. The source of cash deposits is treated as explained. 10. We also notice that the assessee has filed exhaustive papers by way of summary of transactions with Punjab National Bank in the realization of FDR papers, statement of Affairs showing capital gain

RAJ KUMAR KAPOOR LEGAL HEIR OF LATE UJWAL KAPOOR,NEW DELHI vs. INCOME TAX OFFICER, WARD 50(1), NEW DELHI

In the result, the appeal of the assessee is allowed

ITA 2388/DEL/2024[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi20 Dec 2024AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri Pradip Kumar Kedia & Shri Anubhav Sharma

Section 115BSection 69A

demonetization period. The source of cash deposits is treated as explained. 10. We also notice that the assessee has filed exhaustive papers by way of summary of transactions with Punjab National Bank in the realization of FDR papers, statement of Affairs showing capital gain

DCIT, DELHI vs. JMK JEWELS PRIVATE LIMITED, DELHI

ITA 4282/DEL/2025[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi07 Jan 2026AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri Satbeer Singh Godara & Shri Manish Agarwalassessment Year: 2017-18 M/S. Jmk Jewels Pvt. Ltd., Vs. Acit, Shop No. 302, Building New Delhi No.2678/1, Diamond Mall, Main Gurudwara Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi Pan: Aabch6018F (Appellant) (Respondent) With Assessment Year: 2017-18 Dcit, Vs. M/S. Jmk Jewels Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi Shop No. 302, Building No.2678/1, Diamond Mall, Main Gurudwara Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi Pan: Aabch6018F (Appellant) (Respondent) Assessee By Sh. Pranshu Singhal, Ca Sh. Rahul Bhardwaj, Adv. Department By Sh. Mahesh Kumar, Cit(Dr), Sh. Rajesh Tiwari, Sr. Dr

Section 115BSection 143(3)Section 44ASection 68

capital gains and income from other sources. If an item of income falls under one head, it cannot be shifted to another head merely because of the AO's approach in taxing the same at a higher rate. Where the nature and source of the transactions are spelt out, the source of income would stand explained. In such situations

JMK JEWELS PRIVATE LIMITED,DELHI vs. ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, DELHI

ITA 3609/DEL/2025[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi07 Jan 2026AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri Satbeer Singh Godara & Shri Manish Agarwalassessment Year: 2017-18 M/S. Jmk Jewels Pvt. Ltd., Vs. Acit, Shop No. 302, Building New Delhi No.2678/1, Diamond Mall, Main Gurudwara Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi Pan: Aabch6018F (Appellant) (Respondent) With Assessment Year: 2017-18 Dcit, Vs. M/S. Jmk Jewels Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi Shop No. 302, Building No.2678/1, Diamond Mall, Main Gurudwara Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi Pan: Aabch6018F (Appellant) (Respondent) Assessee By Sh. Pranshu Singhal, Ca Sh. Rahul Bhardwaj, Adv. Department By Sh. Mahesh Kumar, Cit(Dr), Sh. Rajesh Tiwari, Sr. Dr

Section 115BSection 143(3)Section 44ASection 68

capital gains and income from other sources. If an item of income falls under one head, it cannot be shifted to another head merely because of the AO's approach in taxing the same at a higher rate. Where the nature and source of the transactions are spelt out, the source of income would stand explained. In such situations

JAGDISH PRASHAD GUPTA,MUZAFFARNAGAR vs. JCIT RANGE 1(1), MUZAFFARNAGAR

In the result, the appeal of the assessee is allowed

ITA 3822/DEL/2024[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi23 Dec 2025AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri S. Rifaur Rahman & Shri Vimal Kumarassessment Year : 2017-18 Shri Jagdish Prashad Gupta, Vs. Jcit, 580/227, Bhartiya Colony, Range 1(1), New Mandi, Muzaffarnagar. Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh – 251 001. Pan: Ahbpg9897R (Appellant) (Respondent) Assessee By : Ms Shweta Bansal, Ca Revenue By : Shri Om Parkash, Sr. Dr Date Of Hearing : 29.10.2025 Date Of Pronouncement : 23.12.2025

For Appellant: Ms Shweta Bansal, CAFor Respondent: Shri Om Parkash, Sr. DR
Section 143(3)Section 250Section 269SSection 271DSection 68

demonetization period. As per the assessee, cash deposit of Rs.9,80,000/- belonged to the amount of sale consideration of immovable property as on 06.11.2016 in old currency. As the assessee accepted cash above Rs.20,000/- in violation of section 269SS of the Act, the case was referred to Jt. Commissioner of Income-tax for appropriate action. On the basis

SANT LAL AGGARWAL,HARYANA vs. ACIT, CENTRAL CIRCLE-18, NEW DELHI

ITA 2243/DEL/2022[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Delhi30 Sept 2025AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri Anubhav Sharma & Shri Krinwant Sahayassessmentyear:2017-18

Section 143(3)Section 69A

capital gain, income from house property and income from other sources, and accordingly, the appellant filed his return of income on 31.12.2017 declaring an income of Rs. 16,58,720/-. Copy of the acknowledgement of return of income alongwith computation of income has been placed at pages 1-49 of PB. 3 It is submitted that the assessee maintains books