The dominant issue was whether the AO had jurisdiction under...

The dominant issue was whether the AO had jurisdiction under s.55A (as applicable to AY 2011-12) to refer the property to the Valuation Officer for determining fair market value for capital gains computation. The Tribunal held that s.55A can be invoked only when the AO forms a reasoned opinion that the assessee's claimed fair market value/cost of acquisition requires substitution based on the prescribed statutory parameters; a mere perception that the declared consideration was lower by more than 25% is not a permissible basis. Since the Act does not authorize disturbing sale consideration through s.55A on that ground, the reference was invalid and the assessee's appeal was allowed. - ITAT