2024 (8) TMI 1534 - AT - Income Tax

Section 271(1)(c) penalty dismissed due to lack of evidence and denied cross-examination opportunity for the assessee.

Ram Awatar Dhoot Versus ITO, Ward-22 (4), Kolkata

The Tribunal decided that the penalty under Section 271(1)(c) of the Income Tax Act was not justified. It emphasized that penalty proceedings demand a ... Penalty u/s 271(1)(c) - as per report of the investigation wing, there were preponderance of probabilities of the long-term capital gains being claimed as bogus - HELD THAT:- It has been held time and again that matters relating to the assessment and penalty are different proceedings. So far as the matter relating to quantum additions made during the assessment proceedings is concerned, the same can be made on the basis of preponderance of probabilities, however, to attract the penal provisions of levy of penalty u/s 271(1)(c) the stricter yardstick of culpability is required to be established. As assessee had claimed a small amount of long-term capital gains and under the circumstances, the possibility cannot be ruled out that the assessee might be a bona fide beneficiary of the long-term capital gains. Though the additions have been made/confirmed on the basis of preponderance of probabilities in this case, however, to establish the allegation of concealment of income/ furnishing of inaccurate particulars of income to invoke penal provisions of section 271(1)(c) of the Act, stricter proof is required, which, in our view, is missing in this case. Hence, giving the benefit of doubte assessee should not be burdened with penal consequences of provisions of section 271(1)(c) of the Act. Decided in favour of assessee. ISSUES PRESENTED and CONSIDEREDThe core issue in this case was whether the penalty imposed under Section 271(1)(c) of the Income Tax Act for alleged concealment of income and furnishing inaccurate particulars of income was justified. The Tribunal needed to determine if the penalty was applicable given the circumstances surrounding the assessee's claim of long-term capital gains on the sale of shares.ISSUE-WISE DETAILED ANALYSISRelevant Legal Framework and PrecedentsThe legal framework primarily involved Section 271(1)(c) of the Income Tax Act, which pertains to the penalty for concealment of income or furnishing inaccurate particulars of income. The Tribunal also considered the precedents set by the Hon'ble Jurisdictional High Court, particularly the decision in 'PCIT vs. Swati Bajaj And Ors'. This precedent highlighted the reliance on the preponderance of probabilities in confirming additions based on investigation reports.Court's Interpretation and ReasoningThe Tribunal recognized that the assessment and penalty proceedings are distinct, with different standards of proof required. While the assessment can rely on the preponderance of probabilities, penalty imposition demands a stricter standard of culpability. The Tribunal noted that the High Court had confirmed the addition based on probabilities and the investigation report, but this did not automatically justify the penalty under Section 271(1)(c).Key Evidence and FindingsThe key evidence included the assessee's documentation supporting the genuineness of the share transactions and the investigation report alleging price rigging and bogus claims. The Tribunal highlighted that the revenue did not rebut the evidence provided by the assessee, and the assessee was not given the opportunity to cross-examine the brokers involved in the alleged bogus transactions.Application of Law to FactsThe Tribunal applied the legal principle that for penalties under Section 271(1)(c), the revenue must establish a higher degree of proof than mere probabilities. The Tribunal found that the evidence did not conclusively prove the assessee's involvement in bogus transactions. The small amount of long-term capital gains claimed further suggested the possibility of the assessee being a bona fide beneficiary rather than a willful participant in fraudulent activities.Treatment of Competing ArgumentsThe Tribunal considered the arguments from both sides. The assessee contended that the transactions were genuine and supported by evidence, while the revenue relied on the investigation report and the High Court's confirmation of additions. The Tribunal favored the assessee's position, emphasizing the lack of conclusive evidence for penalty imposition.ConclusionsThe Tribunal concluded that the penalty under Section 271(1)(c) was not warranted due to the absence of strict proof of concealment or furnishing of inaccurate particulars. The benefit of doubt was given to the assessee, leading to the deletion of the penalty.SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGSVerbatim Quotes of Crucial Legal Reasoning'...to establish the allegation of concealment of income/ furnishing of inaccurate particulars of income to invoke penal provisions of section 271(1)(c) of the Act, stricter proof is required, which, in our view, is missing in this case.'Core Principles EstablishedThe Tribunal reiterated that penalty proceedings require a higher standard of proof compared to assessment proceedings. The mere confirmation of additions based on probabilities does not suffice for penalty imposition under Section 271(1)(c).Final Determinations on Each IssueThe Tribunal determined that the penalty imposed under Section 271(1)(c) was not justified and ordered its deletion. The appeal of the assessee was allowed, providing relief from the penal consequences.