Renewal of charitable registration under section 12A(1)(ac)(ii)...

Renewal of charitable registration under section 12A(1)(ac)(ii) had to be decided by the Commissioner of Income-tax (Exemptions), and transfer of PAN or assessment jurisdiction did not confer subject-matter jurisdiction on the Principal Commissioner (Central); the impugned rejection was therefore without jurisdiction. On merits, the renewal enquiry was confined to genuineness of activities and compliance with allied laws, and could not be expanded into cancellation-style allegations under section 12AB(4). Search-period material, minor irregularities, and Settlement Commission observations did not justify denial where education activity was otherwise accepted. The Tribunal directed renewal of registration and issue of the certificate.

---