Appeal allowed: Maintenance charges deductible from rent income, post-2002 law change.

The Tribunal allowed the appeal, holding maintenance charges deductible from gross rent received for rented flats, overturning the disallowance by the Assessing Officer and Commissioner (Appeals). The Tribunal referred to changes in the law post-2002 and various decisions supporting deduction of society charges from rental income, ultimately ruling in favor of the assessee. The order in favor of the assessee was pronounced in June 2014.

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Issues:
Challenge to disallowance of maintenance charges deduction for rented flats.

Analysis:
1. The assessee challenged the disallowance of deduction of maintenance charges paid to society/builder for two rented flats.
2. The Assessing Officer noted the rental income and maintenance charges claimed by the assessee.
3. The Assessing Officer rejected the deduction, stating only specific deductions under section 24 could be claimed.
4. The Commissioner (Appeals) upheld the disallowance, citing changes in law post-2002 and tribunal decisions.
5. The assessee argued that no prohibition exists for maintenance charges deduction from rental income.
6. The Departmental Representative supported the Commissioner's decision.
7. The Tribunal analyzed changes in section 23 post-2002 and held that maintenance charges are deductible from gross rent received.
8. The Tribunal referred to various decisions supporting deduction of society charges from rental income.
9. Citing precedents, the Tribunal allowed the appeal, holding maintenance charges deductible from gross rent.
10. The appeal was allowed, and the order was pronounced in June 2014.

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