ITAT ruled that additions based solely on third-party statements...

ITAT ruled that additions based solely on third-party statements without providing cross-examination opportunity to the assessee are invalid. The Tribunal held that genuineness of purchases cannot be doubted merely on transport bill irregularities when proper documentation and banking channel payments exist. Following Vaman International (P.) Ltd., ITAT emphasized that independent inquiry is necessary to establish bogus purchases beyond third-party statements. Regarding bonus payments to directors under Section 36(1)(ii), the Tribunal determined that since directors paid tax at maximum marginal rate on performance bonus received, the transaction was tax-neutral with no revenue loss. As the bonus constituted remuneration for services rendered per contractual obligation, Section 36(1)(ii) disallowance was inapplicable. Appeal dismissed in favor of assessee.

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