PCIT (Central), Gurgaon lacked subject-matter jurisdiction to...

PCIT (Central), Gurgaon lacked subject-matter jurisdiction to decide renewal of charitable registration under section 12A(1)(ac)(ii) because the competent authority was the Commissioner of Income Tax (Exemptions), Chandigarh under the relevant CBDT notification. The Tribunal also held that renewal proceedings are confined to the genuineness of the activities and compliance with other laws relevant to the objects, and cannot be converted into cancellation proceedings. As the assessees were engaged in education, and the record did not discredit the genuineness of those charitable activities, past or minor irregularities could not justify refusal of renewal. The rejection orders were set aside and renewal directed.

---