2014 (6) TMI 403 - AT - Income Tax

Tribunal Rejects Assessment Reopening for 2007-08 Due to Lack of Valid Reasons

East Point Education Society Versus ADIT (E) Circle II, New Delhi

The Tribunal ruled against the reopening of assessment for the Assessment Year 2007-08, citing insufficient reasons and lack of valid grounds, following a ... Validity of reopening of assessment u/s 147 of the Act – Sufficient reason for reopening of assessment - Denial of exemption u/s 11 of the Act - Held that:- Following East Point Education Society Versus ADIT [2011 (12) TMI 364 - ITAT, New Delhi] - The proceedings u/s 10(23C) were taken up only in AY 2007-08 and the factum of a loan disputed conversion of donation of one of the Governing Body members, Mohinder Singh was effected in the books of account in AY 2005-06 and not in 2006- 07 - mere note about the audit being on the basis of test check voucher and auditor's audit does become the basis of reopening of assessment of 2006-07 as the same is the standard auditing practice - the theory of change of opinion may not be applicable but the nexus of reasons and application of mind are still imperative for upholding the action to reopen the assessment - There is mention of 2nd reason in the assessment order about any member having taken any building loan - In the order only exemption u/s 11 is denied - Following RANBAXY LABORATORIES LIMITED Versus COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX [2011 (6) TMI 4 - DELHI HIGH COURT] - as far as the AY 2006-07 is concerned, the reopening of assessment is invalid – Decided in favour of Assessee. Issues:1. Reopening of assessment for Assessment Year 2007-08.2. Validity of reasons for reopening assessment.3. Applicability of trust fund.4. Consideration of vouchers by the auditor.5. Denial of benefit under section 11 & 12 of the Income Tax Act.6. Violation of section 13(1)(c) of the Act.7. Disallowance of depreciation claim.8. Disallowance of entire expenditure incurred.9. Charging tax at maximum marginal rate.10. Punishment for misconduct of a member.11. Levying interest under section 234B.12. Consideration of evidence and merits of the case.13. Failure to consider submissions and case laws.14. Compliance with principles of natural justice.15. Permission to add, alter, or withdraw grounds of appeal.Reopening of Assessment:The appeal challenged the reopening of assessment for the Assessment Year 2007-08. The reasons for reopening highlighted discrepancies related to the application of trust fund and the verification of vouchers by the auditor. The Tribunal referred to the assessee's previous case for the Assessment Year 2006-07, where it was held that the reopening was bad in law due to lack of sufficient reasons. The Tribunal emphasized the importance of a valid reason for reopening assessments and concluded that the reopening in question was invalid, following previous judgments.Validity of Reasons for Reopening:The Tribunal analyzed the reasons for reopening, focusing on the information provided by the auditor regarding the application of trust fund and the verification of vouchers. It compared the reasons recorded for both the Assessment Years 2006-07 and 2007-08, noting that they were mechanically identical. The Tribunal highlighted the necessity of a nexus between reasons and the application of mind for reopening assessments. It concluded that the reasons lacked sufficient application of mind, leading to the invalidity of the reopening for the Assessment Year 2006-07.Applicability of Trust Fund and Vouchers:The issues raised in the appeal included the denial of benefits under sections 11 & 12 of the Income Tax Act, violation of section 13(1)(c) of the Act, disallowance of depreciation claim, and disallowance of entire expenditure incurred. The Tribunal assessed these issues in light of the overall case, emphasizing the importance of compliance with relevant tax provisions and the proper documentation of financial transactions.Other Grounds Raised:The appeal also addressed charging tax at the maximum marginal rate, punishment for misconduct of a member, levying interest under section 234B, and the consideration of evidence and merits of the case. The Tribunal scrutinized each ground raised by the appellant, ensuring that all aspects were thoroughly evaluated. It highlighted the need for a fair and just decision-making process, considering all relevant factors and legal principles.Compliance with Principles of Natural Justice:The Tribunal reviewed the entire appeal order to ensure compliance with the principles of natural justice. It emphasized the importance of fair treatment and procedural correctness in legal proceedings. The Tribunal allowed the appellant to add, alter, or withdraw grounds of appeal, ensuring procedural fairness and the right to present a comprehensive case.This detailed analysis of the judgment highlights the key issues, legal arguments, and the Tribunal's thorough examination of each aspect raised in the appeal.