The note records an ITAT ruling on banking and employee-benefit...

The note records an ITAT ruling on banking and employee-benefit tax issues. Actuarially valued pension, leave-travel/home-travel, and other long-term employee benefit provisions were treated as ascertained liabilities and allowed, while privilege leave encashment remained deductible only on actual payment. Interest on NPAs and non-performing investments was taxed only on real income, and securities in AFS/HFT/HTM categories were accepted at lower of cost or market value. The Tribunal also held that MAT does not apply to corresponding new banks, upheld business-expediency deductions for staff welfare and retired employees' medical benefits, and remitted or rejected several claims for lack of verification or supporting material.