For assessments under s.153C, the block period must be computed...

For assessments under s.153C, the block period must be computed with reference to the date on which the seized books/documents/assets are received by the jurisdictional AO of the non-searched person, and not from the date of initiation of search. This follows the statutory scheme that uses "immediately preceding" for identifying the six assessment years, while Explanation 1 to s.153A requires the extended ten-year period to be reckoned "from the end of the assessment year," i.e., from 31 March of the AY relevant to the year of search; the computation must therefore align with these distinct legislative phrases. - ITAT