Validity of reopening of assessment - Since the presumption as...

Validity of reopening of assessment - Since the presumption as to the service of notice when the notice was issued to proper address by registered mail with postage prepaid is in favour of the Department, it is for the assessee to rebut the same with cogent evidence. It is always open for the assessee to verify with the postal authorities with reference to the speed post number and submit the evidence of non-service to him, which the assessee did not do. In the circumstances, mere statement of the assessee that there is no service of notice under section 148 of the Act cannot rebut the presumption. - AT