https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=28965 The court held that the Income Tax Department could not retain seized books of account beyond the 180-day period under section 132(8) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The court emphasized the mandatory nature of the timeline for recording reasons and obtaining approval within the specified period. It rejected arguments that the provision was directory and ruled in favor of the petitioner, Metal Fittings Pvt. Ltd, ordering the return of the books of account and quashing the Commissioner's approval for retention. The court highlighted the legislative intent to protect the assessee and ensure timely action by the authorities. en-us Wed, 05 May 1982 00:00:00 +0530 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:07:33 +0530 TaxTMI RSS Generator https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=28965 The court held that the Income Tax Department could not retain seized books of account beyond the 180-day period under section 132(8) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The court emphasized the mandatory nature of the timeline for recording reasons and obtaining approval within the specified period. It rejected arguments that the provision was directory and ruled in favor of the petitioner, Metal Fittings Pvt. Ltd, ordering the return of the books of account and quashing the Commissioner's approval for retention. The court highlighted the legislative intent to protect the assessee and ensure timely action by the authorities. Case-Laws Income Tax Wed, 05 May 1982 00:00:00 +0530 https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=28965