A non-speaking order passed after de novo adjudication was...

A non-speaking order passed after de novo adjudication was quashed because the authority failed to consider the petitioner's submissions, despite an earlier remand requiring a fresh, reasoned decision after hearing all contentions. The Court applied the principle that an adjudicating authority must deal with the assessee's replies and cannot cure an earlier defect by issuing a bald order. As the same infirmity persisted in the second round, the matter was remanded for fresh consideration and a reasoned order in accordance with law, with all contentions kept open.

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