2008 (10) TMI 73 - HC - Income Tax

Court dismisses appeal challenging property attachment, upholds Tax Recovery Officer's decision on gift deeds.

The court dismissed the Writ Appeal challenging the property attachment and ownership claims, ruling in favor of the respondents. The appellant's ... Recovery proceedings against assessee and her husband – attachment/sale of property – assessee could not claim to be third party on the ground that she was the ex-wife of the assessee and that the properties in question which were attached, were “orally gifted” to her by her ex-husband - no evidence shown to prove said oral gifts - proceedings relating to period prior to divorce ('Talaq') cannot be held invalid – appeal dismissed Issues:1. Applicability of revision under Section 264 of the Income Tax Act in a case of property attachment of a third party.2. Validity of property attachment and ownership claims based on oral gifts and divorce proceedings.Analysis:1. The appellant challenged the order refusing to decide the case on merits due to the availability of an alternative remedy under Section 264 of the Income Tax Act. The main argument was that the revisional remedy under Section 264 does not apply to cases of property attachment of a third party. The respondents contended that the attachment proceedings were initiated before the divorce pronouncement and were valid.2. The appellant claimed that the attached properties were gifted by her ex-husband and she had no personal liability for his tax arrears. The respondents argued that the properties were rightfully attached as the appellant was found in possession and enjoyment of the properties, and the oral gifts were not valid. The Tax Recovery Officer declared the gift deeds void, leading to a dispute over ownership and liability.3. The court examined the evidence presented, including documents related to the alleged oral gifts and divorce proceedings. Despite the appellant's claims, no concrete evidence of the oral gifts was provided, and the properties were still registered in the ex-husband's name. The court noted that the divorce occurred after the assessment years in question, and the Tax Recovery Officer's decision to reject the representation was upheld.4. Regarding the jurisdiction of the Tax Recovery Officer to declare oral gifts void, the court referenced a Supreme Court case highlighting the limitations of the Officer's powers. The court agreed with the appellant that the Officer had no authority to declare oral gifts void, emphasizing the need for a proper investigation into ownership and possession rights.5. Ultimately, the court dismissed the Writ Appeal due to the lack of evidence supporting the oral gifts claimed by the appellant. The court found no grounds to interfere with the Tax Recovery Officer's decision, given the absence of substantial proof of ownership transfer through oral gifts. No costs were awarded in the case.This detailed analysis of the judgment addresses the issues raised by the parties and the court's reasoning behind the decision to dismiss the appeal.