Tribunal remands arm's length price determination for international transaction.

M/s. Sasken Technologies Ltd. Versus The Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, Circle 6 (1) (1), Bangalore.  

M/s. Sasken Technologies Ltd. Versus The Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, Circle 6 (1) (1), Bangalore.   - TMI Issues Involved:
1. Determination of arm's length price for an international transaction.
2. Consideration of commission rate in an international transaction of providing guarantee.
3. Disallowance under section 14A of the Income Tax Act.
4. Exclusion of royalty income from business income for deduction under section 10A.
5. Treatment of expenses in foreign currency for export turnover deduction under section 10A.
6. Non-adjudication of specific grounds of appeal.

Issue 1: Determination of Arm's Length Price for an International Transaction:
The Tribunal remanded the issue to the AO for fresh consideration regarding the determination of arm's length price for an international transaction involving a loan in US Dollars. The Tribunal observed the lack of material indicating the terms of the loan, security offered, and other relevant details. The assessee contended that all factual details were already on record, but the Tribunal dismissed the Miscellaneous Petition (MP) on this ground.

Issue 2: Consideration of Commission Rate in Providing Guarantee:
The Tribunal remanded the issue of determining the appropriate commission rate for providing a guarantee in an international transaction to the Transfer Pricing Officer (TPO). The assessee argued that corporate guarantee is not an international transaction and highlighted certain judicial pronouncements. The Tribunal found no apparent mistake in its order and dismissed the MP related to this ground.

Issue 3: Disallowance under Section 14A:
The Tribunal dismissed certain grounds related to disallowance under section 14A, citing the assessee's failure to raise specific contentions before the lower authorities. However, upon review, it was found that the assessee did raise relevant points before the Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP). The Tribunal recalled its order to adjudicate the issue of computing the average value of investments for the disallowance under Rule 8D.

Issue 4: Exclusion of Royalty Income from Business Income:
The Tribunal excluded royalty income from business income for deduction under section 10A, stating a lack of direct nexus with the industrial undertaking eligible for deduction. However, the assessee argued that the revenue authorities treated royalty income as business income. The Tribunal was found to have proceeded on an erroneous assumption, and the order was recalled for further adjudication on this ground.

Issue 5: Treatment of Expenses in Foreign Currency:
The Tribunal dismissed a ground related to excluding expenses incurred in foreign currency from export turnover for deduction under section 10A, deeming it infructuous based on the DRP's directions to the AO. However, the assessee contended that the appeal was against the AO's order, not the DRP's direction. The Tribunal's order was recalled for reconsideration of this issue.

Issue 6: Non-Adjudication of Specific Grounds:
Certain grounds of appeal raised by the assessee were not adjudicated by the Tribunal. As a result, the Tribunal's order was recalled for the limited purpose of adjudicating these specific grounds, ensuring a comprehensive review of all relevant issues raised in the appeal.

This comprehensive analysis of the judgment addresses each issue involved, highlighting the key arguments, decisions, and the Tribunal's actions.