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of <h1>Court upholds Tribunal's decision on club's non-taxable income from members. Principle of mutuality applied.</h1> <h3>Commissioner Of Income-Tax Versus Darjeeling Club Limited</h3> The court upheld the Tribunal's decision, applying the principle of mutuality. The club, acting as an agent for its members, was found not to engage in ... Effect Of Incorporation Of Club, Mutual Benefit Fund Issues Involved:1. Taxability of receipts from temporary and honorary members as income derived from business.2. Taxability of income derived from rooms occupied by members as income from property.Summary:Issue 1: Taxability of Receipts from Temporary and Honorary MembersThe Tribunal held that the receipts from temporary and honorary members for messing charges, subscriptions, and games could not be assessed as income derived from a business. The club was considered a mutual concern where the surplus from members' contributions could not be regarded as profit. The supplies made to members were not treated as sales, and the club did not trade with its members. The Tribunal concluded that the club did not carry on any business with its members to earn profit, and thus, the surplus from these transactions was not taxable.Issue 2: Taxability of Income from Rooms Occupied by MembersThe Tribunal also held that the income derived from rooms occupied by permanent, temporary, and honorary members could not be assessed as income from property. The charges for lodging were considered similar to charges for refreshments and meals, and since the dealings were exclusively with members, the receipts could not be treated as income from property or other sources. The Tribunal emphasized that the club provided facilities to its members as an agent, not as a landlord, and the members were not tenants but enjoyed the facilities as part of their membership rights.Court's Analysis and Decision:The court upheld the Tribunal's findings, stating that the principle of mutuality applied. The club, although incorporated, acted as an agent for its members, and any surplus was held for the benefit of the members. The court referenced several precedents, including *New York Life Insurance Co. v. Styles* and *Jones v. South-West Lancashire Coal Owners' Association Ltd.*, to support the view that a club's surplus from transactions with its members is not taxable as business income. The court also rejected the Revenue's argument that the club's incorporation as a company created a separate legal entity capable of making a profit from its members.Regarding the income from providing accommodation, the court held that the facilities provided by the club, including accommodation, were a composite service to members and could not be split into separate taxable components. The court distinguished this case from *CIT v. Wheeler Club Limited* and aligned with the principles laid out in *CIT v. Cawnpore Club Limited* and *Presidency Club Ltd. v. CIT*.Conclusion:Both questions were answered in the affirmative and against the Revenue. The receipts from temporary and honorary members were not taxable as business income, and the income from rooms occupied by members was not taxable as income from property. Each party was ordered to bear its own costs.
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