2012 (3) TMI 263

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....sed in these connected appeals filed by the Revenue against the very same assessee is whether the Tribunal was justified in holding that a "Seminary" teaching students for priesthood is an educational institution entitled to exemption from tax u/s 10(23C)(iiiad) of the Income Tax Act. One additional question raised is whether the Tribunal was justified in holding that the respondent was entitled t....

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....aining given to the young in preparation for the work of life. On the facts, there can be no controversy because training for priesthood involves extensive coaching in religious studies making a person fit to perform the duties of the priest which is a profession. Seminary, in this case is run by Malankara Catholic Church at Thiruvananthapuram where several students undergo coaching and training f....

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....I.T. Act. 3. It is well known that 'theology' is a subject taught in western universities and degrees and even Ph.Ds. are awarded in 'theology' by several Universities in Europe. There is nothing to indicate that S.10(23C)(iiiad), requires the educational institutions referred to therein to impart education in any particular subject or in any manner whatsoever. So much so, the term 'education' ....

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....ondent forfeited their claim for exemption u/s 11 of the Act. When this happened at the assessment stage, respondent raised an alternate claim for exemption u/s 10(23C)(iiiad) before the first appellate authority who though allowed the claim first, recalled it later. However, in second appeal the Tribunal allowed the claim on merits which is contested by the Revenue in this appeal. 5. The Hon'b....