Acquittal of charge u/s 276CC - respondent has failed to comply...

Acquittal of charge u/s 276CC - respondent has failed to comply with the provisions contained u/s 139(1) and he has submitted the income tax returns after a delay of 28 months - The High Court concluded that the prosecution failed to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the respondent had the requisite mens rea to evade tax. Considering the explanations provided by the respondent regarding the delay in filing income tax returns, the court found no evidence of deliberate wrongdoing. The court upheld the judgment of the trial court, acquitting the respondent of the charges under Section 276CC of the Income Tax Act, 1961.