HC determined that a company engaged in manufacturing, incurring...

HC determined that a company engaged in manufacturing, incurring expenditure on scientific research and in-house R&D facility approved by the competent authority, is eligible for a 200% deduction under Section 35(2AB)(1). The court rejected the argument of "work-in-progress" as a disqualifying factor, noting the statutory provision only speaks of "expenditure" without distinguishing between completed and ongoing research. The petitioner was entitled to claim benefits for the actual year of expenditure incurrence, particularly given the reliance on prior advisory guidance. The court found in favor of the petitioner, allowing the deduction claim for scientific research expenditure.