Section 131(1) of the Income Tax Act

Income-tax Act, 2025: s.246

Section 131(1) falls under section 131 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, which corresponds to section 246 (Power regarding discovery, production of evidence, etc) of the Income-tax Act, 2025.

Read section 246 of the 2025 Act

Correspondence checked against the ICAI tabular mapping of the two Acts and the BharatTax.co section commentary.

The decision most relied on for Section 131(1) is 282(Del) 3. Pee Aar Securities Ltd. v. DCIT (97 Taxmann.com 398), cited in 40 of the 149 judgments on BharatTax that turn on this section.

Leading authorities on Section 131(1)

282(Del) 3. Pee Aar Securities Ltd. v. DCIT
97 Taxmann.com 398 · 2018 · Supreme Court
40
citing judgments

The genuineness of transactions, particularly the creditworthiness of creditors for share capital, is a key factor in the addition under section 68. The assessee must provide sufficient evidence to prove the genuineness of such transactions.

CIT v. N. Swamy
241 ITR 363 · 2000 · High Court
38
citing judgments

The revenue bears the burden of proving that an assessee has undisclosed income. A mere assertion by the assessee, especially without evidence or linkage to seized documents, cannot be accepted.

Pavankumar M. Sanghvi v. ITO, Wd. 3(1)(2), Baroda
81 Taxmann.com 308 · 2017 · ITAT
23
citing judgments

Unexplained cash credits, accommodation entries, and share application monies from shell companies can be added to income under Section 68 if the assessee fails to prove the genuineness and bonafides of the transactions. The genuineness of a transaction is a matter of perception based on facts and ground realities.

Banerjee v. CIT, (1963) 49 ITR (SC) 112, 120, 121, D. YasodammaGudur v. CIT
84 ITR 307 · 1972 · High Court
20
citing judgments

The Assessing Officer's addition under section 68 is deleted if the Commissioner (Appeals) has thoroughly examined the facts and material on record and judicial pronouncements.

Lal Mohan Krishna Lal Paul v. CIT
12 ITR 441 · 1944 · High Court
15
citing judgments

The assessing officer cannot arbitrarily reject the explanation and documents furnished by the assessee regarding the identity and creditworthiness of creditors without sufficient material. The onus lies on the revenue to prove that the transaction was not genuine.

Aravali Infrapower Ltd. v. DCIT
390 ITR 456 · 2017 · High Court
14
citing judgments

Reopening of assessment is valid when based on tangible material, such as information from the Directorate of Income Tax (Investigation) or evidence of accommodation entries, especially where the assessee fails to provide satisfactory details regarding share applicants with meagre income investing large sums.

Pavankumar M Sanghvi v. ITO
258 Taxmann 160 · 2018 · Supreme Court
11
citing judgments
CIT v. Odeon Builder Pvt. Ltd.
17 SCC 311 · 2020 · Reported
9
citing judgments
Contel Medicare Systems P. Ltd. v. CIT
349 ITR 649 · 2012 · High Court
5
citing judgments
M Aboobacker v. CIT
81 Taxmann.com 299 · Reported
5
citing judgments

Judgments on Section 131(1)

DCIT 19 1 Mumbai, Mumbai vs. Mafatlal Mangilal Kothari, Mumbai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are allowed and all the appeals filed by the Revenue are dismissed

ITA 7094/MUM/2025[2019-20]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai05 May 2026AY 2019-20

Bench: Shri Pawan Singh & Shri Makarand Vasant Mahadeokar & & & Mafatlal Mangilal The Asst. C.I.T. Kothari Circle 19(1), 904, 9Th Floor, Vs. Room No. 506, 5Th Panchratna, Opera Floor, Piramal House, Mumbai Chamber, Lalbaug, Maharashtra – 400004. Mumbai, Maharashtra- 400012 Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N (Applicant) (Respondent) & Dcit 19 (1), Mafatlal Mangilal 506 Piramal Chambers Kothari Lalbag, Mumbai Vs. 904, 9Th Floor, Maharashtra- 400012 Panchratna, Opera House, Mumbai Maharashtra – 400004. Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N & Dcit 19 (1), Mafatlal Mangilal 506 Piramal Chambers Kothari Lalbag, Mumbai Vs. 904, 9Th Floor, Maharashtra- 400012 Panchratna, Opera House, Mumbai Maharashtra – 400004. Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N Assessee By Mr. Shri Dharan Gandhi Revenue By Shri Umashankar Prasad Cit Dr Date Of Hearing 09.04.2026 Date Of Pronouncement 05.05.2026 आदेश / Order Per Bench These Six Appeals Comprise Four Appeals Filed By The Assessee & Two Appeals Filed By The Revenue, Arising Out Of Separate Orders Passed By The Learned Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals), National Faceless Appeal Centre (Nfac), Delhi [Hereinafter Referred To As "Cit(A)"]Under Section 250 Of The Income Tax Act, 1961[Hereinafter Referred To As "The Act"], For Assessment Years 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20 & 2020–21. Since Common Issues Are Involved In All These Appeals, They Were Heard Together & Are Being Disposed Of By Way Of This Consolidated Order. For The Sake Of Convenience, Assessment Year 2016–17 Is Taken As The Lead Year. Common Facts 2. The Assessee Is An Individual. The Assessments For The Impugned Years Have Been Framed Under Section 147 Of The Actpursuant To Reopening Proceedings Initiated On The Basis Of Information Received From The Investigation Wing.

Section 131Section 131(1)Section 132Section 147Section 148Section 148ASection 151Section 250

DCIT 19 1 Mumbai, Mumbai vs. Mafatlal Mangilal Kothari, Mumbai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are allowed and all the appeals filed by the Revenue are dismissed

ITA 7093/MUM/2025[2016-17]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai05 May 2026AY 2016-17

Bench: Shri Pawan Singh & Shri Makarand Vasant Mahadeokar & & & Mafatlal Mangilal The Asst. C.I.T. Kothari Circle 19(1), 904, 9Th Floor, Vs. Room No. 506, 5Th Panchratna, Opera Floor, Piramal House, Mumbai Chamber, Lalbaug, Maharashtra – 400004. Mumbai, Maharashtra- 400012 Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N (Applicant) (Respondent) & Dcit 19 (1), Mafatlal Mangilal 506 Piramal Chambers Kothari Lalbag, Mumbai Vs. 904, 9Th Floor, Maharashtra- 400012 Panchratna, Opera House, Mumbai Maharashtra – 400004. Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N & Dcit 19 (1), Mafatlal Mangilal 506 Piramal Chambers Kothari Lalbag, Mumbai Vs. 904, 9Th Floor, Maharashtra- 400012 Panchratna, Opera House, Mumbai Maharashtra – 400004. Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N Assessee By Mr. Shri Dharan Gandhi Revenue By Shri Umashankar Prasad Cit Dr Date Of Hearing 09.04.2026 Date Of Pronouncement 05.05.2026 आदेश / Order Per Bench These Six Appeals Comprise Four Appeals Filed By The Assessee & Two Appeals Filed By The Revenue, Arising Out Of Separate Orders Passed By The Learned Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals), National Faceless Appeal Centre (Nfac), Delhi [Hereinafter Referred To As "Cit(A)"]Under Section 250 Of The Income Tax Act, 1961[Hereinafter Referred To As "The Act"], For Assessment Years 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20 & 2020–21. Since Common Issues Are Involved In All These Appeals, They Were Heard Together & Are Being Disposed Of By Way Of This Consolidated Order. For The Sake Of Convenience, Assessment Year 2016–17 Is Taken As The Lead Year. Common Facts 2. The Assessee Is An Individual. The Assessments For The Impugned Years Have Been Framed Under Section 147 Of The Actpursuant To Reopening Proceedings Initiated On The Basis Of Information Received From The Investigation Wing.

Section 131Section 131(1)Section 132Section 147Section 148Section 148ASection 151Section 250

M/S Mafatlal Mangilal Kothari, Mumbai vs. The Asstt. CIT Circle 19(1), Mumbai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are allowed and all the appeals filed by the Revenue are dismissed

ITA 5897/MUM/2025[2020-21]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai05 May 2026AY 2020-21

Bench: Shri Pawan Singh & Shri Makarand Vasant Mahadeokar & & & Mafatlal Mangilal The Asst. C.I.T. Kothari Circle 19(1), 904, 9Th Floor, Vs. Room No. 506, 5Th Panchratna, Opera Floor, Piramal House, Mumbai Chamber, Lalbaug, Maharashtra – 400004. Mumbai, Maharashtra- 400012 Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N (Applicant) (Respondent) & Dcit 19 (1), Mafatlal Mangilal 506 Piramal Chambers Kothari Lalbag, Mumbai Vs. 904, 9Th Floor, Maharashtra- 400012 Panchratna, Opera House, Mumbai Maharashtra – 400004. Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N & Dcit 19 (1), Mafatlal Mangilal 506 Piramal Chambers Kothari Lalbag, Mumbai Vs. 904, 9Th Floor, Maharashtra- 400012 Panchratna, Opera House, Mumbai Maharashtra – 400004. Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N Assessee By Mr. Shri Dharan Gandhi Revenue By Shri Umashankar Prasad Cit Dr Date Of Hearing 09.04.2026 Date Of Pronouncement 05.05.2026 आदेश / Order Per Bench These Six Appeals Comprise Four Appeals Filed By The Assessee & Two Appeals Filed By The Revenue, Arising Out Of Separate Orders Passed By The Learned Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals), National Faceless Appeal Centre (Nfac), Delhi [Hereinafter Referred To As "Cit(A)"]Under Section 250 Of The Income Tax Act, 1961[Hereinafter Referred To As "The Act"], For Assessment Years 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20 & 2020–21. Since Common Issues Are Involved In All These Appeals, They Were Heard Together & Are Being Disposed Of By Way Of This Consolidated Order. For The Sake Of Convenience, Assessment Year 2016–17 Is Taken As The Lead Year. Common Facts 2. The Assessee Is An Individual. The Assessments For The Impugned Years Have Been Framed Under Section 147 Of The Actpursuant To Reopening Proceedings Initiated On The Basis Of Information Received From The Investigation Wing.

Section 131Section 131(1)Section 132Section 147Section 148Section 148ASection 151Section 250

M/S Mafatlal Mangilal Kothari, Mumbai vs. The ACIT Circle 19 (1), Mumbai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are allowed and all the appeals filed by the Revenue are dismissed

ITA 5896/MUM/2025[2019-20]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai05 May 2026AY 2019-20

Bench: Shri Pawan Singh & Shri Makarand Vasant Mahadeokar & & & Mafatlal Mangilal The Asst. C.I.T. Kothari Circle 19(1), 904, 9Th Floor, Vs. Room No. 506, 5Th Panchratna, Opera Floor, Piramal House, Mumbai Chamber, Lalbaug, Maharashtra – 400004. Mumbai, Maharashtra- 400012 Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N (Applicant) (Respondent) & Dcit 19 (1), Mafatlal Mangilal 506 Piramal Chambers Kothari Lalbag, Mumbai Vs. 904, 9Th Floor, Maharashtra- 400012 Panchratna, Opera House, Mumbai Maharashtra – 400004. Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N & Dcit 19 (1), Mafatlal Mangilal 506 Piramal Chambers Kothari Lalbag, Mumbai Vs. 904, 9Th Floor, Maharashtra- 400012 Panchratna, Opera House, Mumbai Maharashtra – 400004. Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N Assessee By Mr. Shri Dharan Gandhi Revenue By Shri Umashankar Prasad Cit Dr Date Of Hearing 09.04.2026 Date Of Pronouncement 05.05.2026 आदेश / Order Per Bench These Six Appeals Comprise Four Appeals Filed By The Assessee & Two Appeals Filed By The Revenue, Arising Out Of Separate Orders Passed By The Learned Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals), National Faceless Appeal Centre (Nfac), Delhi [Hereinafter Referred To As "Cit(A)"]Under Section 250 Of The Income Tax Act, 1961[Hereinafter Referred To As "The Act"], For Assessment Years 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20 & 2020–21. Since Common Issues Are Involved In All These Appeals, They Were Heard Together & Are Being Disposed Of By Way Of This Consolidated Order. For The Sake Of Convenience, Assessment Year 2016–17 Is Taken As The Lead Year. Common Facts 2. The Assessee Is An Individual. The Assessments For The Impugned Years Have Been Framed Under Section 147 Of The Actpursuant To Reopening Proceedings Initiated On The Basis Of Information Received From The Investigation Wing.

Section 131Section 131(1)Section 132Section 147Section 148Section 148ASection 151Section 250

M/S Mafatlal Mangilal Kothari, Mumbai vs. The ACIT Circle 19(1), Mumbai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are allowed and all the appeals filed by the Revenue are dismissed

ITA 5895/MUM/2025[2016-17]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai05 May 2026AY 2016-17

Bench: Shri Pawan Singh & Shri Makarand Vasant Mahadeokar & & & Mafatlal Mangilal The Asst. C.I.T. Kothari Circle 19(1), 904, 9Th Floor, Vs. Room No. 506, 5Th Panchratna, Opera Floor, Piramal House, Mumbai Chamber, Lalbaug, Maharashtra – 400004. Mumbai, Maharashtra- 400012 Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N (Applicant) (Respondent) & Dcit 19 (1), Mafatlal Mangilal 506 Piramal Chambers Kothari Lalbag, Mumbai Vs. 904, 9Th Floor, Maharashtra- 400012 Panchratna, Opera House, Mumbai Maharashtra – 400004. Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N & Dcit 19 (1), Mafatlal Mangilal 506 Piramal Chambers Kothari Lalbag, Mumbai Vs. 904, 9Th Floor, Maharashtra- 400012 Panchratna, Opera House, Mumbai Maharashtra – 400004. Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N Assessee By Mr. Shri Dharan Gandhi Revenue By Shri Umashankar Prasad Cit Dr Date Of Hearing 09.04.2026 Date Of Pronouncement 05.05.2026 आदेश / Order Per Bench These Six Appeals Comprise Four Appeals Filed By The Assessee & Two Appeals Filed By The Revenue, Arising Out Of Separate Orders Passed By The Learned Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals), National Faceless Appeal Centre (Nfac), Delhi [Hereinafter Referred To As "Cit(A)"]Under Section 250 Of The Income Tax Act, 1961[Hereinafter Referred To As "The Act"], For Assessment Years 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20 & 2020–21. Since Common Issues Are Involved In All These Appeals, They Were Heard Together & Are Being Disposed Of By Way Of This Consolidated Order. For The Sake Of Convenience, Assessment Year 2016–17 Is Taken As The Lead Year. Common Facts 2. The Assessee Is An Individual. The Assessments For The Impugned Years Have Been Framed Under Section 147 Of The Actpursuant To Reopening Proceedings Initiated On The Basis Of Information Received From The Investigation Wing.

Section 131Section 131(1)Section 132Section 147Section 148Section 148ASection 151Section 250

M/S Mafatlal Mangilal Kothari, Mumbai vs. The ACIT Circle 19(1), Mumbai

In the result, all the appeals filed by the assessee are allowed and all the appeals filed by the Revenue are dismissed

ITA 5894/MUM/2025[2017-18]Status: DisposedITAT Mumbai05 May 2026AY 2017-18

Bench: Shri Pawan Singh & Shri Makarand Vasant Mahadeokar & & & Mafatlal Mangilal The Asst. C.I.T. Kothari Circle 19(1), 904, 9Th Floor, Vs. Room No. 506, 5Th Panchratna, Opera Floor, Piramal House, Mumbai Chamber, Lalbaug, Maharashtra – 400004. Mumbai, Maharashtra- 400012 Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N (Applicant) (Respondent) & Dcit 19 (1), Mafatlal Mangilal 506 Piramal Chambers Kothari Lalbag, Mumbai Vs. 904, 9Th Floor, Maharashtra- 400012 Panchratna, Opera House, Mumbai Maharashtra – 400004. Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N & Dcit 19 (1), Mafatlal Mangilal 506 Piramal Chambers Kothari Lalbag, Mumbai Vs. 904, 9Th Floor, Maharashtra- 400012 Panchratna, Opera House, Mumbai Maharashtra – 400004. Pan/Gir No. Agypk9896N Assessee By Mr. Shri Dharan Gandhi Revenue By Shri Umashankar Prasad Cit Dr Date Of Hearing 09.04.2026 Date Of Pronouncement 05.05.2026 आदेश / Order Per Bench These Six Appeals Comprise Four Appeals Filed By The Assessee & Two Appeals Filed By The Revenue, Arising Out Of Separate Orders Passed By The Learned Commissioner Of Income Tax (Appeals), National Faceless Appeal Centre (Nfac), Delhi [Hereinafter Referred To As "Cit(A)"]Under Section 250 Of The Income Tax Act, 1961[Hereinafter Referred To As "The Act"], For Assessment Years 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20 & 2020–21. Since Common Issues Are Involved In All These Appeals, They Were Heard Together & Are Being Disposed Of By Way Of This Consolidated Order. For The Sake Of Convenience, Assessment Year 2016–17 Is Taken As The Lead Year. Common Facts 2. The Assessee Is An Individual. The Assessments For The Impugned Years Have Been Framed Under Section 147 Of The Actpursuant To Reopening Proceedings Initiated On The Basis Of Information Received From The Investigation Wing.

Section 131Section 131(1)Section 132Section 147Section 148Section 148ASection 151Section 250