Section 120 of the Income Tax Act
The decision most relied on for Section 120 is Mrs. Khatiza S. Oomerbhoy v. ITO, Mumbai (101 TTJ 1095), cited in 101 of the 129 judgments on BharatTax that turn on this section.
Leading authorities on Section 120
This case outlines the fundamental tests for invoking Section 263, holding that an assessment order is 'erroneous' if based on incorrect facts or incorrect application of law, or passed without due inquiry. For revision, both the conditions of being erroneous and prejudicial to the interest of the Revenue must be fulfilled.
The non-issuance of a mandatory notice under Section 143(2) of the Income Tax Act divests the Assessing Officer of jurisdiction to complete the assessment. Section 292BB cannot cure this fundamental jurisdictional defect, aligning with the Supreme Court's stance in Hotel Blue Moon.
A question of law concerning the root of jurisdiction can be raised for the first time before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal. A defect of jurisdiction is incurable, and jurisdiction, which cannot be conferred by default or agreement, is determined by its initiation date and operates prospectively, not retrospectively.
An assessee who participates in assessment proceedings without challenging the Assessing Officer's jurisdiction, particularly concerning a Section 148 notice for reassessment, cannot subsequently dispute that jurisdiction.
A District Valuation Officer (DVO) report, by itself, is not sufficient incriminating evidence to make additions for unexplained investments in a block assessment under Section 158BC. The revenue bears the primary burden of proof to establish undisclosed income, and a DVO opinion alone is also insufficient information for reopening an assessment under Section 147.
Procedural errors in administrative orders, such as misquoting a section for transfer of cases, do not vitiate the action if they do not affect the assessee's substantive rights. However, essential jurisdictional facts, like the recording of a proper satisfaction note, must be duly satisfied for valid assessment proceedings.
An assessment notice issued under section 143(2) is invalid if it is not issued by the Income Tax Officer (ITO) as per CBDT Instruction No. 1/2011, even if issued by an Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax (ACIT). Such an invalid notice renders the subsequent assessment void.
An assessee has no fundamental right to be assessed by a particular Assessing Officer or at a specific place. Orders transferring a case are administrative, for better revenue administration, and are not justiciable unless mala fides or clear prejudice is proven, with inconvenience not being a valid ground.
A Departmental Valuation Officer's (DVO) report, by itself, is not sufficient information to conclude understatement of consideration or make additions to income. The Revenue must discharge the burden of proving actual receipt of higher consideration, beyond merely relying on a DVO's opinion, especially in the absence of incriminating evidence.
Judgments on Section 120
Showing 1–20 of 129 · Page 1 of 7