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

Mrs. Khatiza S. Oomerbhoy v. ITO, Mumbai
101 TTJ 1095 · 2006 · ITAT
101
citing judgments

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.

Page 10 of 15 of Income Tax v. Mukesh Kumar Agrawal
345 ITR 29 · 2012 · High Court
56
citing judgments

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.

West Bengal State Electricity Board v. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, Special Range
278 ITR 218 · 2005 · High Court
54
citing judgments

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.

DCIT v. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
151 Taxmann.com 434 · 2023 · Supreme Court
51
citing judgments

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.

(4) ClT v. Manoj Jain
287 ITR 285 · 2006 · High Court
48
citing judgments

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.

L. Hazarimal Kuthalia v. ITO
41 ITR 12 · 1961 · Supreme Court
47
citing judgments

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.

Krishnendu Chowdhury v. ITO
78 Taxmann.com 89 · 2017 · ITAT
46
citing judgments

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.

Pannalal Binjraj v. Union of India
31 ITR 565 · 1957 · Supreme Court
46
citing judgments

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.

February 16, 2010, CIT v. Shakuntala Devi
294 ITR 143 · 2007 · High Court
43
citing judgments

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.

Principal Commissioner of Income-tax v. Nopany& Sons.
136 Taxmann.com 414 · 2022 · High Court
41
citing judgments

Judgments on Section 120

JKS ABASAN LLP,KOLKATA vs. ACIT, CIRCLE 1(1), , KOLKATA

In the result, the appeal of the assessee is allowed

ITA 594/KOL/2025[2017-2018]Status: DisposedITAT Kolkata24 Feb 2026AY 2017-2018

Bench: Shri Rajesh Kumar & Shri Pradip Kumar Choubeyassessment Year: 2017-18 Jks Abasan Llp…………….....……..………………….……….……….……Appellant P-4, Black Lanen, Kol-700012. [Pan: Aalfj9634N] Vs. Acit, Circle-1(1), Kolkata..…...……...…………………….....……...…..…..Respondent Appearances By: Shri Miraj D Shah, Ar, Appeared On Behalf Of The Appellant. Shri S. Datta, Dr, Appeared On Behalf Of The Respondent. Date Of Concluding The Hearing : January 29, 2026 Date Of Pronouncing The Order : February 24, 2026 Order Per Pradip Kumar Choubey: This Appeal Filed By The Assessee Is Directed Against The Order Dated 10.03.2025 Of The Nfac, Delhi Passed U/S 250 Of The Income-Tax Act, 1961 (Hereinafter Referred To As “The Act”) For The Assessment Year 2017–18. 2. At The Very Outset, The Assessee Has Challenged By Taking Legal Ground That Notice U/S 143(2) Of The Act Dated 21.08.2018 Is Not In Conformity With The Instruction Issued By Cbdt Instruction No.1/2011 Dated 31.01.2011 & Since The Notice Issued U/S 143(2) Is Defective, The Assessment Order Is Void & Fit To Be Quashed. The Ld. Counsel Further Submits That Since Legal Issue Goes To The Root Of The Matter, Therefore, The Same May Be Admitted For Adjudication. After Considering The Facts Of Jks Abasan Llp The Case & Keeping In View The Decisions Of The Hon’Ble Apex Court In The Case Of National Thermal Power Co. Ltd V. Cit [1998] 229 Itr 383, We Are Inclined To Admit The Legal Ground For Adjudication.

Section 143Section 143(2)Section 143(3)Section 250

HANUMAN AGRO INDUSTRIES LTD.,,KOLKATA vs. DCIT, CIRCLE 4(1), KOLKATA

In the result, appeal of the assessee is allowed

ITA 1306/KOL/2025[2018-2019]Status: DisposedITAT Kolkata13 Jan 2026AY 2018-2019

Bench: Shri George Mathanआयकर अपील सं/Ita No.1306/Kol/2025 (नििाारण वर्ा / Assessment Year :2018-2019) Hanuman Agro Industries, Vs Dcit, Circle-4(1), Kolkata Nicco House 6Th Floor, 2 Hare Street Kolkata, West Bengal-700001 Pan No. :Aaach 6578 B (अपीलार्थी /Appellant) .. (प्रत्यर्थी / Respondent) नििााररती की ओर से /Assessee By : Shri S.M.Surana, Advocate राजस्व की ओर से /Revenue By : Shri Abhijit Adhikary, Sr. Dr सुनवाई की तारीख / Date Of Hearing : 13/01/2026 घोषणा की तारीख/Date Of Pronouncement : 13/01/2026 आदेश / O R D E R This Is An Appeal Filed By The Assessee Against The Order Dated 22.05.2025, Passed By The Ld.Cit(A), National Faceless Appeal Centre (Nfac), Delhi For The Assessment Year 2018-2019. 2. The Ld.Ar Drew My Attention To The Assessment Order Of Page 1 Of First Line Wherein The It Is Mentioned That The Return Of Income For The Impugned Assessment Year Originally Was Filed On 31.10.2018. Subsequently, The Assessee Filed A Revised Return On 19.03.2019, Declaring Total Income Of Rs.16,64,350/-. It Was The Submission That The Assistant Commissioner Of Income Tax, Kolkata-1(2) Has Passed The Assessment Order. It Was The Submission That The Notice U/S.148 Of The Act In The Impugned Assessment Year Was Issued On 25.03.2025 By The Acit, Circle- 4(1), Kolkata. The Ld.Ar Drew My Attention To The Notice Which Is Shown At Page 9 Of The Paper Book Which Reads As Follows :-

For Appellant: Shri S.M.Surana, AdvocateFor Respondent: Shri Abhijit Adhikary, Sr. DR
Section 120Section 148

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