ITAT dismissed the Revenue's appeal and held that the assessee...

ITAT dismissed the Revenue's appeal and held that the assessee is entitled to deduction under s. 80IA(4) of the Act. The Tribunal found that the airport operators, being subject to control and monitoring by the Airports Authority of India and performing state functions pursuant to concession/OMDA arrangements, qualify as statutory authorities within the meaning of s. 80IA(4)(b). The Tribunal further held that the assessee's provision of ground-handling services constitutes the development, maintenance and operation of an infrastructure facility essential to airport functioning, bringing it within s. 80IA(4)(b) and (c). Consequently, the disallowance of the deduction was reversed and the appeal of the Revenue dismissed.

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