Annual letting value of self-occupied property must reflect existing occupation and rent-control conditions, not a fresh unsupported estimate.

Annual letting value for a self-occupied property could not be raised on a fresh estimate where the property had remained self-occupied since 1968 and there was no material showing substantial alteration, addition, or repair. The valuation had to reflect the earlier occupation and prevailing rent conditions, especially where rent control restrictions applied. On those facts, the higher estimated income from the property was not sustainable, and the income returned by the assessee was accepted in substitution.

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Issues: Whether the annual letting value and resulting income from a self-occupied property could be taken at a higher estimated figure instead of the income returned by the assessee.

Analysis: The property had remained self-occupied since 1968 and there was no material showing any substantial alteration, addition, or repair that would justify a fresh and higher estimate of letting value. In such circumstances, the annual letting value was required to be determined with reference to the earlier occupation and the prevailing rent conditions, particularly where rental control restrictions operated.

Conclusion: The higher estimate of self-occupied property income was not sustainable, and the income returned by the assessee was directed to be substituted.

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