Struck-off company's appeal maintained despite Registrar's action under Companies Act

The appeal filed by the struck-off company was deemed maintainable by the Tribunal despite being struck off by the Registrar of Companies under Section 248 of the Companies Act, 2013. The Tribunal confirmed that the company's liabilities and obligations, including tax dues, persist even after being struck off. The counsel representing the struck-off company was recognized to have locus standi in the appeal. The Tribunal emphasized the continuing liability of directors for tax dues under the Income Tax Act and directed the Revenue Department to circulate the order widely for justice.

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Issues Involved:
1. Maintainability of the appeal filed by a company that has been struck off by the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
2. Locus standi of the counsel representing the struck-off company.
3. Legal implications of a company being struck off under Section 248 of the Companies Act, 2013.
4. Recovery of tax dues from a struck-off company under the Income Tax Act.

Detailed Analysis:

Issue 1: Maintainability of the Appeal Filed by a Struck-Off Company
The primary issue was whether the appeal filed by the company, which had been struck off by the ROC, was maintainable. The Tribunal noted that the company had been struck off under Section 248(1) of the Companies Act, 2013. The Tribunal discussed the provisions under Section 248, which allow for the striking off of a company either by the ROC (Section 248(1)) or by the company itself (Section 248(2)) after extinguishing all its liabilities. The Tribunal emphasized that even after a company is struck off, the liabilities and obligations of the company, including tax liabilities, continue to exist. The Tribunal referenced Section 250 of the Companies Act, which states that a company ceases to operate as a company from the date of the notice of dissolution, except for the purpose of realizing dues and discharging liabilities.

Issue 2: Locus Standi of the Counsel Representing the Struck-Off Company
The Tribunal held that the counsel representing the struck-off company has the locus standi to represent the company in the appeal. This is because, despite the company being struck off, the appeal is maintainable for determining the tax liabilities and obligations of the company.

Issue 3: Legal Implications of a Company Being Struck Off Under Section 248 of the Companies Act, 2013
The Tribunal discussed the legal implications of a company being struck off under Section 248 of the Companies Act. It stated that the striking off of a company does not extinguish its liabilities. The Tribunal referred to Sections 248(6) and 248(7) of the Companies Act, which ensure that the liabilities of the company and its directors continue even after the company is struck off. The Tribunal also cited the case of Commissioner of Income Tax Vs. Gopal Shri Scrips Pvt. Ltd., where the Supreme Court held that the appeal against a struck-off company is maintainable.

Issue 4: Recovery of Tax Dues from a Struck-Off Company Under the Income Tax Act
The Tribunal highlighted the provisions under the Income Tax Act for recovering tax dues from a struck-off company. It referred to Section 226(3) of the Income Tax Act, which allows the Assessing Officer to recover tax dues by issuing a notice to any person holding money on behalf of the assessee. Additionally, Section 179 of the Income Tax Act holds the directors of a private company jointly and severally liable for tax dues if the company fails to pay. The Tribunal emphasized that the Revenue Department has the power to recover tax dues from the directors of the struck-off company.

Conclusion:
1. The appeal filed by the struck-off company is maintainable. The Tribunal rejected the Revenue's contention that the appeal should be dismissed as not maintainable due to the company being struck off.
2. The counsel representing the struck-off company has the locus standi to represent the company in the appeal.
3. The striking off of a company under Section 248 of the Companies Act does not extinguish its liabilities, and the appeal can proceed to determine the tax liabilities.
4. The Revenue Department can recover tax dues from the struck-off company or its directors under the provisions of the Income Tax Act.

The Tribunal directed that the appeals be listed before the regular bench for hearing on the merits and instructed the Department of Revenue to circulate the order widely in the interest of justice. The order was pronounced in open court on May 27, 2022.

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