Arguable jurisdictional defects were identified in reassessment...

Arguable jurisdictional defects were identified in reassessment proceedings: the notice under Section 148 was challenged on the ground that only a Faceless Assessing Officer may issue such notices post 29 March 2022, rendering notices issued by the Jurisdictional Assessing Officer prima facie void; this ground was held sufficient to invoke writ jurisdiction. Separately, the notice gave only thirty days to file a return, whereas a statutory minimum three month period was asserted, which likewise raised a substantial jurisdictional objection. On these bases the High Court entertained the writ, issued rule, and granted interim relief restraining reassessment, demand and penalty notices pending final disposal.

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