Where the online return-filing utility prevented a claim of...

Where the online return-filing utility prevented a claim of set-off under s.70(2), the Court held that assessees cannot be denied a lawful claim merely because the electronic utility does not permit the prescribed computation, consistent with prior binding precedents. It directed the tax administration to modify the utility to allow the assessee to first set off STCL (STT paid) against STCG (non-STT paid) and only thereafter against STCG (STT paid). Failing timely modification, the authority was ordered to accept and process the revised return for AY 2025-26 in paper form as a valid return under s.139(5), notwithstanding the statutory e-filing mandate. - HC