Tax Penalty Dismissed: Tribunal Rules COVID-19 Restrictions Justify Non-Compliance with Documentary Evidence Requirements.

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....Penalty levied u/s 272A(1)(d) for non-compliance with documentary evidence requirements was challenged by the assessee, citing COVID-19 restrictions as a reasonable cause. The Tribunal held that in the prevailing pandemic situation, it was unreasonable for tax authorities to expect strict compliance from the assessee. The failure to furnish information/documents during the reassessment proceedings was attributable to the subsistence of COVID-19, which prevented effective compliance. Demanding documentary evidence to prove the reasonable cause of COVID-19 restrictions suggested non-application of mind by the authorities. The Tribunal relied on the Supreme Court's recognition of COVID-19 restrictions and held that the pandemic situation, alon.........