Petitioner gets fresh chance to challenge demand orders after failing to raise proper contentions before Principal Commissioner

Delhi HC disposed of writ petition challenging stay of demand orders. The court found petitioner failed to raise proper contentions regarding fair market value computation before Principal Commissioner, depriving that authority of opportunity to examine prima facie case and undue hardship issues. HC granted liberty to petitioner to move Principal Commissioner afresh with appropriate contentions. Principal Commissioner directed to decide any fresh application without being influenced by previous orders dated 26 May 2022 and 12 February 2024. Impugned orders to abide by fresh decision.

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Issues involved:
The judgment involves challenging orders passed by the Assistant and Principal Commissioners of Income Tax under Section 220(6) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, regarding an outstanding demand of Rs. 132.58 crores. The impugned orders were based on the Central Board of Direct Tax's Office Memorandum dated 31 July 2017, which required a deposit of 20% of the total outstanding demand for interim protection.

Details of the Judgment:

*Issue 1: Interpretation of Office Memorandum and Legal Precedents*
The Supreme Court clarified in a previous case that authorities have the discretion to grant deposit orders of a lesser amount than 20% pending appeal. The petitioner argued that the respondents incorrectly assumed the mandatory requirement of a 20% deposit based on the Office Memorandum. The Court noted the need for authorities to consider factors like prima facie case, balance of convenience, and irreparable loss in such cases.

*Issue 2: Fair Market Value Assessment*
The petitioner contended that the Assessing Officer's assessment of fair market value, considering a credit facility obtained upon mortgage, was arbitrary and violated Section 50C of the Act. The petitioner also argued that the respondents incorrectly applied Section 50D despite the fair market value already being determined.

*Issue 3: Compliance with Office Memorandums and Legal Principles*
The Court referred to a Division Bench decision emphasizing that the requirement of a 20% deposit for stay of demand pending appeal is not mandatory in all cases. The impugned orders were found to be non-reasoned, failing to consider the petitioner's submissions and the principles of prima facie case, balance of convenience, and irreparable injury.

*Separate Judgment by the Judges:*
The Court set aside the impugned orders and remanded the matters back to the Commissioner of Income Tax for fresh adjudication on the stay application. It was directed that no coercive action shall be taken until the stay applications are decided. The petitioner was granted the liberty to raise new contentions before the Principal Commissioner, who would decide the matter without influence from the previous orders. All rights and contentions of the parties were kept open for further proceedings.

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