tay of demand - whether AO can grant deposit orders of a lesser...

tay of demand - whether AO can grant deposit orders of a lesser amount than 20% pending appeal without making reference to the administrative Pr.CIT/CIT? - Since the Assessing Officer is exercising quasi-judicial power by virtue of Section 220(6) of the Act, the implication of the clarification of the legal position by the Hon'ble Supreme Court is that the assessing officer can grant deposit orders of a lesser amount than 20% pending appeal without making reference to the administrative Pr.CIT/CIT. Reference of course has to be made if he is of the view that deposit order of a higher amount than 20% pending appeal is warranted. - HC