Condonation of delay in income-tax return filing allowed on genuine hardship, bona fide reasons and sufficient cause.

Delay in filing an income-tax return may be condoned under Section 119(2)(b) where the assessee shows genuine hardship supported by bona fide and sufficient reasons. The text states that Covid-related disruption, financial distress, and pendency before the NCLT were treated as cogent grounds within the scope of CBDT Circular No. 9/2015. On that basis, the delay was condoned, the rejection order was set aside, and the belated return was accepted for further action in accordance with law.

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Issues: Whether the delay in filing the income-tax return for the assessment year 2021-22 ought to be condoned under Section 119(2)(b) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 on the ground of genuine hardship.

Analysis: The petitioner sought condonation of 458 days, citing the impact of the Covid pandemic, financial distress, and pendency of proceedings before the NCLT. The reasons were treated as cogent and valid, falling within the ambit of genuine hardship, bona fide reasons, and sufficient cause as recognised in CBDT Circular No. 9/2015 dated 09.06.2015.

Conclusion: The delay was condoned, the rejection order was set aside, and the application under Section 119(2)(b) was allowed.

Final Conclusion: The petitioner obtained relief by securing condonation of delay and acceptance of the belated return for further action in accordance with law.

Ratio Decidendi: Delay in filing an income-tax return may be condoned under Section 119(2)(b) where the assessee establishes genuine hardship supported by bona fide and sufficient reasons.

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