High Court sets aside assessment order under Income Tax Act due to violation of natural justice principles

The High Court allowed the Writ Appeal, setting aside the assessment order challenged by the appellant under the Income Tax Act, 1961. The Court found that the assessment was conducted in violation of natural justice principles as the appellant's submissions were not considered. The assessment was quashed, and the matter was remanded for a fresh assessment, directing the authority to provide the appellant with a fair opportunity to present all necessary records and consider any additional objections before completing the assessment.

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Issues:
Challenge to assessment order under Income Tax Act, 1961 on grounds of violation of principles of natural justice.

Analysis:
The appellant challenged the assessment order under Section 143(3) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, alleging a violation of natural justice principles. The appellant, an individual-assessee, contended that he was not familiar with the E-Assessment Scheme and was unaware of the e-notice sent by the Assessing Officer. Despite facing time constraints and voluminous document requests, the appellant diligently provided the necessary details within the stipulated period. However, the assessment order was passed without considering the appellant's submissions, prompting the appellant to approach the Writ Court.

The High Court deliberated on the maintainability of the Writ Petition in light of the availability of alternate remedies under the law. Citing the decision in Radha Krishnan Industries case, exceptions to the rule of alternate remedy were highlighted, including instances of non-compliance with legal provisions, violation of natural justice, or lack of jurisdiction. The Court emphasized that if a violation of natural justice is established, despite the existence of an alternate remedy, the appellant is entitled to seek relief through the Writ Court.

Furthermore, referencing the Assistant Commissioner of State Tax case, the Court reiterated that the presence of an alternate remedy does not categorically bar the maintainability of a Writ Petition. Exceptional circumstances, such as breaches of fundamental rights, violations of natural justice, excess of jurisdiction, or challenges to statutory validity, warrant the consideration of a Writ Petition. In this case, the Court found that the appellant's situation fell within the exception related to the violation of natural justice, justifying the maintainability of the Writ Petition.

In conclusion, the Court observed that the assessment order was passed in contravention of natural justice principles, necessitating intervention. The Writ Appeal was allowed, setting aside the previous order and quashing the assessment. The matter was remanded to the appropriate authority for a fresh assessment, with directions to afford the appellant reasonable opportunity and sufficient time to present all necessary records. The authority was instructed to consider any additional objections from the appellant before completing the assessment in accordance with the law.

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