2016 (6) TMI 335 - HC - Income Tax

Court rules notices barred by limitation under Income Tax Act; cites Tata Teleservices case precedent.

Maharashtra Border Check Post Network Ltd Versus Deputy Commissioner Of Income-Tax

Maharashtra Border Check Post Network Ltd Versus Deputy Commissioner Of Income-Tax - TMI Issues:Challenge against notices dated 10th January, 2013 and 18th March, 2015 under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, alleging they are barred by limitation and without jurisdiction.Analysis:1. The petitioner, engaged in infrastructure development, contested notices under section 201 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for alleged failure to deduct tax at source. The petitioner argued that the limitation period prescribed in section 201(3) had expired, making the proceedings void.2. The petitioner cited a Division Bench decision in Tata Teleservices v. Union of India, where it was held that if the limitation under section 201(3)(i) had lapsed before subsequent amendments, the proceedings would be time-barred. The petitioner contended that the present case, relating to the financial year 2008-2009, fell under this scenario.3. The court, referring to the Tata Teleservices case, noted that the limitation for initiating action under section 201(1) had expired on 31st March, 2012, whereas the relevant amendment came into effect later. Therefore, the impugned notices were deemed barred by limitation and unsustainable.4. Considering the legal principles established in Tata Teleservices, the court ruled in favor of the petitioner, allowing the petition and quashing the notices dated 10th January, 2013 and 18th March, 2015, along with all proceedings based on them. The court made the rule absolute with no order as to costs, concluding the judgment.This detailed analysis of the judgment provides a comprehensive understanding of the issues raised, the legal arguments presented, and the court's decision based on the applicable legal principles and precedents cited during the proceedings.