AMICUS AI
Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes
Case Number
Attorney(S)
Acts
  • Finance Act, 2000, w.e.f. 1-4-2001 and Finance Act 2003
  • sub-clause (a) of sub-section (14) of Section 80-IB,
  • sub-section (10) of Sec. 80-IB,
  • rule 46A of the Rules. 2.1.
  • FINANCE NO 2 ACT 2004
  • FINANCE NO 2 ACT 2009
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Cites
Cited by
Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes
Case Number
Attorney(S)
Acts
  • Finance Act, 2000, w.e.f. 1-4-2001 and Finance Act 2003
  • sub-clause (a) of sub-section (14) of Section 80-IB,
  • sub-section (10) of Sec. 80-IB,
  • rule 46A of the Rules. 2.1.
  • FINANCE NO 2 ACT 2004
  • FINANCE NO 2 ACT 2009
Smart Summary

Tribunal Opinion Summary — ITA Nos. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 (M/s CHD Developers Ltd.)

Factual and Procedural Background

The Tribunal heard consolidated appeals of M/s CHD Developers Ltd.: ITA No. 2902/Del/2010 (Revenue appeal for Assessment Year 2006-07) and ITA No. 4694/Del/2010 (assessee appeal for Assessment Year 2007-08). The appeals were heard together because the facts and issues were common and both appeals related to the same assessee.

Broadly, the disputes arose from assessment proceedings in which the assessee had claimed deductions under section 80-IB(10) of the Income Tax Act for a housing project ("Krishna Lok"). The Assessing Officer (AO) denied or made additions on several grounds across the two assessment years, including:

  • Alleged contravention of Rule 46A in admitting additional evidence at the first appellate stage;
  • Contention that built-up area of certain flats exceeded the 1,500 sq. ft. threshold, disqualifying them from section 80-IB(10) relief;
  • Apportionment of head-office/administrative and financial expenses to the Krishna Lok unit;
  • Disallowance of extra depreciation claimed on computer peripherals/accessories.

Procedurally, the AO adjudicated the assessments, the CIT(A) issued impugned orders (Revenue aggrieved for AY 2006-07; assessee aggrieved for AY 2007-08), and the Tribunal delivered the consolidated decision on 26-09-2012.

Legal Issues Presented

  1. Whether the first appellate authority (CIT(A)) erred in allowing additional evidence at the appellate stage in contravention of Rule 46A of the Rules.
  2. Whether the assessee's residential units (particularly Type-A flats) exceeded the maximum built-up area limit (1,500 sq. ft.) and were therefore ineligible for deduction under section 80-IB(10).
  3. Whether apportionment/allowance of head-office and other expenses to the Krishna Lok unit was correctly performed — specifically, whether certain expenses should have been disallowed or apportioned.
  4. Whether extra depreciation claimed on computer peripherals/accessories was allowable where the rule purportedly permits depreciation only for computers and computer software.

Arguments of the Parties

Revenue's Arguments

  • The CIT(A) improperly allowed additional evidence at the appellate stage in violation of Rule 46A and did not grant the AO an opportunity to examine that evidence.
  • The built-up area of Type-A flats exceeded 1,500 sq. ft., disqualifying the assessee from section 80-IB(10) deduction.
  • Head-office/management expenses were not debited to the Krishna Lok unit and therefore should be apportioned or disallowed; the AO's assessment on this issue was defended.
  • Depreciation claimed on computer peripherals/accessories was excessive and contrary to the rule permitting depreciation only for computers and computer software.
  • For AY 2007-08, the Assessing Officer also relied on sale transactions (with Rajasthan Global Securities Ltd.) and absence of a completion certificate to deny section 80-IB(10) benefits.

Assessee's Arguments

  • The documents relied upon by the assessee (profit & loss account, balance-sheet, audit report, form 10-CCB, sanctioned plan, room-wise bifurcation, and computations) were filed during assessment proceedings and the CIT(A) did not admit any new evidence contrary to Rule 46A.
  • The common staircase area (8.172 sq. mts.) is a common area and must be excluded from the built-up area of an individual flat; the sanctioned plan shows Type-A flat built-up area as 1,386.03 sq. ft. (and saleable/super area 1,492.43 sq. ft.), both below the 1,500 sq. ft. limit.
  • Expenses were booked and audited in the books; a detailed break-up (Schedule J, K, L) was available and filed before the AO; only a small portion (audit fee and director remuneration) pertained to the whole company and was apportioned to the Krishna project.
  • Depreciation on computer assets (block of computers and peripherals) was claimed in good faith; CIT(A) deleted the addition and that deletion should stand.
  • For AY 2007-08, the assessee contended that the project was approved on 16-03-2005 (prior to 01-04-2005 amendment), the assessee applied for completion certificate on 05-11-2008 (a document on record), the non-issuance of the completion certificate was beyond the assessee's control, and the built-up area per sanctioned plan was within limits; consequently the assessee was entitled to deduction under section 80-IB(10).
  • The assessee relied on multiple judicial decisions supporting (a) the prospective nature of the 2004 amendment defining built-up area and (b) the proposition that non-issuance of completion certificate by local authorities (when application was timely made) should not defeat the statutory benefit.

Table of Precedents Cited

Precedent Rule or Principle Cited For Application by the Court
CIT & another v. M/s Anriya Project Management Services Pvt. Ltd. (Karnataka High Court) — judgment dated 29-02-2012 Held that the definition of "built-up area" inserted by Finance (No.2) Act, 2004 (effective 01-04-2005) is prospective and does not apply to projects approved before that date. Tribunal relied on this decision to support that the 2004 amendment was prospective and thus did not disqualify the assessee whose project was approved on 16-03-2005.
M/s Vishnu Builders v. ACIT (Visakhapatnam ITAT) — Order dated 27-07-2011 (ITA nos. 178–180/Vizag/2011) Held that where completion certificate was not filed but municipal tax assessment of flat owners established completion prior to September 2008, deduction under section 80-IB(10) could be allowed; no strict requirement to file completion certificate where issuance practice did not exist. Tribunal cited this decision to support the proposition that non-availability of completion certificate per se should not defeat an assessee's claim if other documentary evidence establishes completion.
CIT v. Tarnetar Corporation (Gujarat High Court) — Tax Appeal No. 1241 of 2011, judgment dated 12-09-2012 Held that substantial compliance with conditions for section 80-IB(10) is sufficient; minor deviations (including procedural delays with municipal authorities) do not vitiate entitlement to deduction. Tribunal invoked this decision to support that substantial compliance and evidence of completion can justify allowing deduction despite irregularities in municipal paperwork.
ACIT v. Surendra Developers etc. (ITAT Delhi Bench G) — Orders dated 01-08-2012 (ITA nos. 2743–2745 & 3056–3058/Del/2010) Held that where the assessee applied for completion certificate in time and local authority failed to issue it, the non-issuance was beyond assessee's control and should not defeat section 80-IB(10) claim. Tribunal relied on this precedent to conclude that the assessee should not be penalized for non-issuance of completion certificate where the application was made and project approval pre-dated the amendment.
ACIT v. Viswas Promoters P. Ltd. (ITAT Chennai) — (2010) 005 ITR (Trib) 0449 Addressed the requirement that built-up area should not exceed 1,500 sq. ft.; if not fulfilled, assessee is not eligible for deduction. Tribunal considered this decision distinguishable on facts because, in the present case, the built-up area (as per sanctioned plan) was found to be below the 1,500 sq. ft. threshold.
Commissioner of Income-Tax v. A.R.J. Security Printers — 264 ITR 276 (Delhi High Court) Authority relied upon for principle relating to consistency/finality in fiscal litigation (cited in support of not reopening earlier favourable decisions absent fresh material). Tribunal cited this and related authorities to support the proposition that revenue should not take a U-turn on identical facts in a subsequent year unless fresh material is produced.
CIT v. Neo Poly Pack (P) Ltd. — 245 ITR 492 (Delhi High Court) Authority supporting the principle of consistency/finality in tax litigation. Tribunal cited this decision as part of a group of authorities fortifying the view that earlier favourable findings on the same facts should not be reopened without new material.
Berger Paints India Ltd. v. CIT — 266 ITR 99 (Supreme Court) Authority on consistency/finality principles referenced by the Tribunal. Used to reinforce the Tribunal's position on consistency in tax assessments across assessment years.
CIT v. Lagan Kala Upvan — 259 ITR 489 (Delhi High Court) Authority cited regarding principles of finality/consistency in tax litigation. Cited to support the Tribunal's approach that earlier favourable outcomes should not be reversed absent new facts.
Union of India & others v. Kaumudini Narayan Dalal & another — 249 ITR 219 (Supreme Court) Authority cited in the context of the rule of consistency/finality (as applied to fiscal statutes). Cited to bolster the Tribunal's reliance on prior favourable decisions for the assessee in earlier assessment year.

Court's Reasoning and Analysis

The Tribunal addressed the issues by examining documentary material (sanctioned plan, room-wise bifurcations, account schedules, audit records, letters to the development authority) and the statutory context (timing of project approval versus timing of legislative amendments). The analysis proceeded issue-by-issue as follows:

1. Admissibility of additional evidence (Rule 46A)

The Tribunal found that the documents relied upon by the assessee (including computation of built-up area) had been furnished during assessment proceedings. The Tribunal observed that the impugned order did not indicate any admission of new evidence by the CIT(A) that was not before the AO. It further noted that the CIT(A) has co-terminus powers with the AO (citing Sub-section (4) permitting inquiry or direction to AO) and is empowered to decide appeals without necessarily referring back to the AO in every instance. Because the Revenue did not point to any specific document that was newly admitted at the appellate stage, the Tribunal concluded that the Revenue's allegation of violation of Rule 46A lacked basis and dismissed that ground.

2. Built-up area and entitlement to deduction under section 80-IB(10)

The Tribunal considered the sanctioned plan and the room-wise area break-up filed by the assessee. It recorded the following factual findings (based on the sanctioned plan and material on record):

  • Type-A flat built-up area as per sanctioned plan: 1,386.03 sq. ft.
  • Total saleable/super area: 1,492.43 sq. ft.
  • The staircase/common area of 8.172 sq. mts. was a shared/common area and therefore not part of the built-up area of an individual flat.

Analysing the statutory definition (sub-clause (a) of sub-section (14) of section 80-IB) the Tribunal noted that "built-up area" refers to inner measurement of the residential unit at floor level (including projections and balconies and wall thickness) and expressly excludes common area shared with other units. Accordingly the staircase could not be included in an individual flat's built-up area.

On these facts the Tribunal concluded that the Type-A flat fell below the 1,500 sq. ft. threshold and the assessee was entitled to the deduction under section 80-IB(10). The Tribunal also noted that the AO had included the staircase when computing the built-up area for the first year and that Revenue had not produced any positive material to controvert the assessee's data. The Tribunal therefore affirmed the CIT(A)'s deletion of the addition on this issue.

3. Apportionment of expenses

The Tribunal examined the assessee's audited books and the schedules filed (Schedule J — administrative & other expenses; Schedule K — selling expenses; Schedule L — financial expenses). It found that the assessee had provided a break-up and that these break-ups were available before the AO. The Tribunal accepted the assessee's position that most of the expenses were project-specific and debited separately to Krishna Lok and other projects.

However, the Tribunal identified two company-level expenses — audit fee (Rs. 33,660) and director remuneration (Rs. 58,630) — which were general to the assessee as a whole and not specific to Krishna Lok; these were apportioned to Krishna project resulting in a sustained addition of Rs. 2,92,290. The Tribunal deleted the balance addition of Rs. 57,66,129 and therefore allowed this ground partly in favour of the assessee.

4. Extra depreciation on computer peripherals/accessories

The assessee had claimed additions to the block of computers and peripherals and depreciation thereon (claimed as depreciable at 60%). The AO disallowed part of this claim resulting in an addition of Rs. 7,425 which the CIT(A) deleted. The Tribunal found no reason to interfere with the CIT(A)'s deletion, observing nothing contrary was brought to its notice.

5. AY 2007-08 — primary issue (section 80-IB(10))

For AY 2007-08 the assessee's appeal centered on denial of section 80-IB(10) deduction by the AO on two principal grounds: (i) built-up area exceeded 1,500 sq. ft. and (ii) no completion certificate had been issued by the local authority. The Tribunal undertook the following legal and factual analysis:

  • Timing of project approval: The project was approved on 16-03-2005, i.e., before 01-04-2005 when the Finance (No.2) Act, 2004 amendment (defining "built-up area") came into effect.
  • Prospective effect of amendment: The Tribunal accepted the reasoning in the Karnataka High Court decision (Anriya Project Management Services) that the 2004 amendment defining built-up area is prospective and does not apply to projects approved prior to 01-04-2005.
  • Completion-certificate issue: The assessee had applied for completion certificate on 05-11-2008 (that application is on record). The Tribunal concluded that non-issuance of the completion certificate by the competent authority — when the application had been made and the authority had not denied completion — was beyond the assessee's control and the assessee should not be penalized for this administrative non-issuance.
  • Rule of consistency: The Tribunal noted that in AY 2006-07 the CIT(A) and the Tribunal had decided in favour of the assessee on identical facts and that, absent fresh material, Revenue should not be permitted to take a U-turn. The Tribunal relied on several authorities endorsing consistency/finality in tax litigation to support this approach.

On the basis of the above, the Tribunal allowed the assessee's appeal for AY 2007-08 and held the assessee entitled to deduction under section 80-IB(10).

Holding and Implications

Holding:

  • The Tribunal partly allowed the appeal of the Revenue in respect of AY 2006-07 (sustaining an addition of Rs. 2,92,290 on account of apportioned audit fee and director remuneration; deleting the balance additions).
  • The Tribunal allowed the appeal of the assessee for AY 2007-08 and held that the assessee is entitled to deduction under section 80-IB(10) on the facts and material before the Tribunal.

Direct consequences for the parties:

  • The CIT(A)'s conclusions were largely affirmed: deletion of additions relating to built-up area and depreciation were upheld; limited apportionment of company-level expenses to Krishna Lok was sustained.
  • The assessee obtained the section 80-IB(10) deduction for the relevant assessment year (2007-08) on grounds including prospective effect of the 2004 amendment and non-issuance of completion certificate being beyond the assessee's control.

Broader implications:

This opinion applies the established principle that statutory amendments are prospective unless expressly made retrospective, recognizes that non-issuance of completion certificates (when application was timely made) may not defeat substantive eligibility for section 80-IB(10), and emphasizes consistency across assessment years—the Tribunal relied on earlier decisions in favour of the assessee and did not disturb them absent fresh material. The opinion does not purport to create a new legal precedent beyond application of the cited authorities to the facts of this case.

Order Pronounced: 26-09-2012. Members: Shamim Yahya (Accountant Member) and Joginder Singh (Judicial Member).

Disposition / Orders Reflected in the Opinion

  • Revenue appeal (AY 2006-07): Partly allowed (sustained addition of Rs. 2,92,290; remaining deletions upheld).
  • Assessee appeal (AY 2007-08): Allowed (assessee entitled to deduction under section 80-IB(10)).

Documents / Materials Noted by the Tribunal

  • Sanctioned plan and room-wise area break-up (showing Type-A flat built-up area 1,386.03 sq. ft. and saleable/super area 1,492.43 sq. ft.).
  • Assessee's profit & loss account, balance-sheet, audit report, Form No. 10-CCB, and schedules (J, K, L) showing expense break-ups.
  • Letter dated 05-11-2008 from the assessee to the Vice Chairman, Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority requesting completion certificate for Phase I (on record).
  • AO's assessment orders and CIT(A) impugned orders for the respective assessment years.

If any specific material or argument was not detailed in the provided opinion, it has not been included here in accordance with the source text.

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    M/s. CHD Developers Ltd., New Delhi v. Addl. CIT, New Delhi

    PER JOGINDER SINGH, J.M:: The revenue is aggrieved by the impugned order dated 23rd March 2010 by the order of the ld. CIT(A), New Delhi for A.Y. 2006-07, whereas the assessee has challenged the impugned order dated 11-8-2010 passed by the ld. first appellate authority, New Delhi for A.Y. 2007-08. Since the facts and the issues are common, both these appeals were heard together. ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 2 Therefore, these can be disposed off by a common order, more so when both the appeals pertain to the same assessee.

    2. First we shall take up the appeal of the Revenue (A.Y. 2006-07), wherein first ground raised is that the ld. first appellate authority erred on facts and in law in allowing additional evidence filed during first appellate stage contravening rule 46A of the Rules. 2.1. The crux of arguments on behalf of the Revenue is that opportunity was not granted to the Assessing Officer to go through the additional evidence filed before the ld. CIT(A), therefore, it is violation of the Rules. On the other hand, learned counsel for the assessee defended the conclusion drawn in the impugned order, by inviting our attention to pages 37 & 38 of the paper book, evidencing that if common area of staircase is excluded from the total built up area, such area remains to the extent of 1386.03 sq. ft. only. 2.2. We have considered the rival submissions and perused the material available on record. The facts in brief are that the assessee claimed deduction u/s 80-IB(10) amounting to Rs. 1,86,02,270/- on the total sum of Rs. 7,88,82,014/-. The assessee filed profit and loss a/c, balance-sheet and audit report in form no. 10-CCB for claiming such deduction for Krishna Lok project. The assessee was also asked to furnish such information as contained in pages 1 & 2 of the assessment order. The assessee vide reply dated 10-12-2008 furnished the submissions and the documents filed by the assessee were examined. We further find that in the impugned order, there is no mention of the fact that such additional documents were filed by the assessee which were not filed before the Assessing Officer. Therefore, the ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 3 assertion of the ld. Sr. DR that the is violation of Rule 46A is without any basis. Even otherwise, the ld. CIT(A) has co-terminus power that of the Assessing Officer. As per Sub-section (4), the CIT(A) before disposing off any appeal may make any inquiry as he thinks fit or may direct the Assessing Officer to make further inquiry and report the result of the same to him. It is not the case that the ld. CIT(A) is not empowered to decide the appeal without consulting/ confronting the Assessing Officer . It is not the case that any new evidence was admitted by the ld. CIT(A). The evidence in the form of computation of built up area was furnished during assessment proceedings itself and the ld. DR has not specifically pointed out as to which was the additional evidence filed before the ld. first appellate authority. Therefore, we find no justification to interfere with the conclusion drawn by the ld. CIT(A) and further find no justification in the assertion of the Revenue that there is any violation of Rule 46A. Therefore, this ground of the revenue is based on assumption and presumption, consequently dismissed.

    3. Next ground pertains to deletion of addition of Rs. 77,18,098/- made on account of disallowance of deduction claimed u/s 80-IB(10), allegedly ignoring the plan submitted by the assessee to the Mathura Varindavan authority and the total built up are of type A flat being more than 1500 sq. ft. The assertion of the ld. Sr. DR Shri R.B. Meena is identical to the ground raised by submitting that the built up area of type A flat is more than 1500 sq. ft., therefore, the assessee is not entitled to deduction. 3.1. On the other hand, the learned counsel for the assessee took us to various pages of the paper book, including sanction plan approved by ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 4 Competent Authority by further submitting that the common area to the tune of 8.172 sq. mts. Which pertains to stair case is not part of the built up area of the flat as the same is used by all the residents, being the common area, and if this area is reduced from the total area it comes below the prescribed limit of 1500 sq. ft. 3.2. We have considered the rival submissions and perused the material available on record. We have also perused the sanction plan and area of each unit like bed rooms, toilet, kitchen, drawing room, balcony, power room and store etc. We find that if the total area as per approved plan is examined, it comes to 1386.03 sq. ft. (as per sanction plan), and the total saleable area/ super area is 1492.43 sq. ft., which in all fairness is below the prescribed limit of 1500 sq. ft. So far as the common area or stair case is concerned, it cannot be included in the built up area of an individual unit as the same is to be used by all the residents/ inhabitants. If the definition of built up area as mentioned in sub-clause (a) of sub-section (14) of Section 80-IB, is analyzed, it speaks about the inner measurement of the residential unit at the floor level, including the projections and balconies, as increased by the thickness of the walls but does not include the common area shared with other residential units. The stair case definitely comes under the common pool used by all the inhabitants, therefore, it cannot be included in the built up area. Even otherwise the Assessing Officer noted from the details submitted by the assessee that three types of flats were sold by the assessee and in the type A category the area is 1386.03 sq. ft., whereas in type B the total area is 1122.48 sq. ft., and in type C flat, the total area is 811.84 sq. ft. per flat. These details were submitted by the assessee vide letter dated 12-12-2008 before the ld. CIT(A) and earlier before the Assessing Officer. ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 5 Such details have been reproduced at page 4 of the impugned order. There is a factual recording that stair case is common area between the two adjacent flats measuring 8.172 sq. mts. and if this area is reduced from the total area of the unit then certainly it comes below the prescribed limit of 1500 sq. ft. This being the first year of claiming deduction u/s 80-IB(10) of the Act, wherein the Assessing Officer himself noted that assessees 48 units of Type-A flats; 90 units of Type-B & Type-C units were under construction, the Assessing Officer himself computed the built up area by including the stair case area, therefore, it exceeded the prescribed limit. Such factual finding recorded in the impugned order was not controverted by the Revenue by bringing any positive material on record. In view of these facts we are of the considered opinion that the assessee is clearly entitled for such deduction. Therefore, we find no justification to interfere with the conclusion drawn in the impugned order, which is affirmed.

    4. The next ground pertains to deletion of addition of Rs. 60,58,419/- made on account of apportionment of expenses in the ratio of turn over to different units. The crux of the arguments on behalf of the Revenue is that no part of the head office expenses pertaining to management were debited to Krishna Lok Unit. In nut shell the assessment order was defended on the issue. 4.1. On the other hand, the learned counsel for the assessee took us to various pages of the paper book by submitting that the expenses were booked separately in the books of account, which are audited one. Our attention was also invited to page 36 wherein break up of the expenses has been given. A query was raised by the Bench whether such break up was ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 6 submitted before the Assessing Officer. It was uncontrovertedly explained that this break up was very much available before the Assessing Officer . 4.2. We have perused page 36 which is part of the synopsis as per which (Schedule J), the administrative and other expenses pertains to head office. Krishna Lok a/c and remaining has been duly explained. Whereas in Schedule K the selling expenses, which include advertisement and publicity; sales promotion & booking; and selling expenses have been bifurcated, whereas in Schedule L, financial expenses like bank interest and collection charges, interest and others have been mentioned, Therefore, the contention of the Revenue that these expenses were not bifurcated is without any basis. Even from the assessment order (page 6), there is a categorical finding that the assessee company has not taken any loan secured or unsecured for Krishna Lok and the ledger print out of the current account maintained with Oriental Bank of Commerce and Punjab National Bank were furnished during assessment proceedings which clearly indicates that the total receipt from Krishna Lok project sale is utilized for the purpose of meeting expenses of Krishna Lok and none of the loans from Head Office were transferred to Krishna Lok. There is a further finding that there is no question of transfer any financial expenses to Krishna Lok and further the administrative and other expenses which include salary, bonus other perquisites, employees welfare and the rates and taxes, general expenses, news paper and periodicals, legal and professional expenses, postage & telephone charges, power fuel and water charges, printing & stationery, vehicle repair & maintenance expenses etc. are incurred separately and debited separately to Krishna Lok restaurant and other projects. Such expenses are business specific and not commonly incurred. On careful scrutiny of allocated expenses, we find that the expenses in the nature of ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 7 audit fee and director remuneration are for the assessee as a whole and not specific to the business. Consequently, the expenses of Rs. 33,660/- and Rs. 58,630 respectively are allocated to Krishna Project, therefore, addition to the extent of Rs. 2,92,290/- is sustained. The deletion of addition of balance expenses of Rs. 57,66,129/- is upheld. This ground is, therefore, allowed partly.

    5. The last ground pertains to deletion of addition of Rs. 7,425/- made on account of extra depreciation on computer peripherals/ accessories ignoring that the rule only allows for computer and computer software for such depreciation. 5.1. Ld. Sr. DR defended the conclusion drawn in the assessment order, whereas the learned counsel for the assessee defended the impugned order. 5.2. We have considered the rival submissions and found that the assessee claimed Rs. 16,500/- to fixed assets in the block of computers and computer peripherals which as per the assessee are depreciable @ 60%, which was denied by the Assessing Officer . We find that the ld. CIT(A) considered the issue in a justified manner and deleted the addition of Rs. 7425/-. We find no justification to interfere with the same as nothing contrary was brought to our notice.

    6. Ground no. 5 is general in nature and requires no deliberation from our side.

    7. Finally, the appeal of the revenue is partly allowed.

    8. Now we shall take up the appeal of the assessee (ITA no. 4694/Del/10 for A.Y. 2007-08). Though the assessee has raised as many as seven grounds of appeal, but if all the grounds are summarized, the only ground remains which pertains to the disallowance of deduction u/s 80-IB(10). Learned ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 8 counsel for the assessee also fairly explained that the issue pertains to only 80-IB (10) and the remaining grounds are only argumentative. 8.1. The crux of argument on behalf of the assessee is that the vide letter dated 5-11-2008 the assessee had applied for completion certificate but the completion certificate was not issued to the assessee which is beyond the control and power of the assessee. Our attention was also invited to page 22 of the paper book containing a certificate signed by the Architect of the assessee i.e. Candid Design Consortium Pvt. Ltd., in which the total area of the Type-A flat has been mentioned at 1492.43 sq. ft. Ld. counsel submitted that for A.Y. 2006-07 deduction was allowed to the assessee and it is the same sanction plan which could not be denied for the next year. It was empathetically argued that the total built up area is below the prescribed limit of 1500 sq. ft. and there is no violation of the Act. It was also pleaded that the project was approved on 16-3-2005 which is well before 1-4-2005 and the assessee was to complete the project on or before 31-3-2009. The ld. counsel also relied on the decisions of Visakhapatnam & Delhi Benches of the ITAT as also the decision of Honble Gujarat High Court, which we will discuss while coming to a particular conclusion. The crux of the argument is that requirement of completion certificate was merely directory and not mandatory. Reliance was placed upon the decision dated 29-2-2012 of Honble Karnataka High Court (ITA no. 138 of 2010) to the effect that it is prospective in nature. 8.2. On the other hand, ld. Sr. DR took us to various pages of the assessment order by submitting that the case laws relied upon by the assessee are not applicable to the facts of the present appeal and even no such certificate was issued to the assessee till date, therefore, deduction was rightly denied to the assessee. ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 9 8.3. In reply, the learned counsel for the assessee contended that for A.Y. 2006-07 on identical facts deduction was granted to the assessee on some of the flats, therefore, for the sake of consistency no U turn is permissible for the next year, specially when the facts are same. 8.4. We have considered the rival submissions and perused the material available on record. The facts in brief are that the assessee declared taxable income of Rs. 5,97,15,620/- in its return filed on 31-10-2007. The case of the assessee was selected for scrutiny. The assessee claimed deduction of Rs. 5,19,92,472/- u/s 80-IB(10). The Assessing Officer asked the assessee to give justification for claiming such deduction. Ld. Assessing Officer denied the claim on two counts- firstly, the built up area of the unit is above prescribed limit of 1500 sq. ft. and secondly for earlier assessment order identical deduction was claimed by the assessee and the assessee violated the conditions stipulated u/s 80-IB(10) in Type A flats. Ultimately, the ld. Assessing Officer denied such deduction to the assessee. The assessee filed various documents before the Assessing Officer and the same were examined by her. Finally the ld. Assessing Officer concluded that the conditions laid down u/s 80-IB(10) were not satisfied, therefore, the claim of deduction could not be allowed to the assessee. 8.5. On appeal before the ld. CIT(A) the claim of the assessee was examined and ultimately the assessment order was upheld. The aggrieved assessee is in appeal before this Tribunal. 8.6. If the totality of facts available on record and the assertion made by the ld. respective counsels are kept in juxtaposition, broadly the ld. CIT(A) is influenced by the sale transactions with Rajasthan Global Securities Ltd., wherein pursuant to summons u/s 131 issued to Rajasthan Global Securities Ltd., it was confirmed that the amount of Rs. 5,36,89,920/- was paid to the ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 10 assessee as advance for purchase of 37 flats in Krishnalok project. However, what it may the moot issue to be adjudicated by us pertains to sec. 80- IB(10). We further find that as contained in para 1.2 (page 5) of the impugned order, the ld. CIT(A) has examined the submissions of the assessee and the reason of denial of deduction to the assessee by the ld. Assessing Officer. The relevant portion from the impugned order is reproduced hereunder: It was further submitted that Addl. CIT wrongly tries to prove that sale with M/s. Rajasthan Global Securities Ltd. (RGSL) are not accounted for properly and undue profit has arisen on account of 80-IB whereas these are normal business transactions undertaken by assessee company with M/s Rajasthan Global Securities Ltd. having no mutual relation whatsoever. The Assessing Officer has objected to the issue of preferential shares and its valuation. The assessee company has issued preferential shares to various persons as per SEBI guidelines and approval of Bombay Stock Exchange. The assessee company is a listed company and does not ah any discretion about the issue price and require to issue shares through preferential allotment only at the rate as per SEBI guidelines and approved by stock exchange. During the year the assessee company has calculated average market price as per general meeting, certification by statutory auditor etc., has submitted to Bombay Stock Exchange and has issued the preferential share after getting approval from Bombay Stock Exchange. These are normal business transactions because these are issued as per SEBI and Stock Exchange guidelines. These shares are issued to a number of companies and individuals and not only to RGSL. Valuation of these shares are done as per SEBI and Stock Exchange guidelines which were as per average market rats and approved by Board of Directors and General Meeting of CHD, statutory auditor and Bombay Stock exchange approval. There is no close or remote nexus between CHD and RGSL. There is no common relation among the directors or major share holders. Since CHD is listed ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 11 company it has no control over market rate or guidelines of SEBI and Stock Exchange. It is immaterial for CHD what its shareholder does with their investments. As regard Assessing Officer s observation that the assessee has booked substantial sales with respect to non 80-IB project and has booked substantial sales with respect to 80-IB project, it was submitted that these are normal business transactions which CHD has undertaken during this year for earning profits in 80-IB project as well as non 80-IB projects. 8.7. If the aforesaid is analyzed, we find that the grievance of the revenue is that the sales made to M/s Rajasthan Global Securities Ltd. are not properly accounted for and undue profit has arisen on account of sec. 80-IB, whereas the claim of the assessee is that it is a normal business transaction and the assessee has no mutual relation what-so-ever with M/s Rajasthan Global Securities Ltd. So far as the built up area is concerned, as has been alleged by the revenue that it is beyond the prescribed limit of 1500 sq. ft., we have perused the sanction plan, submissions before the Assessing Officer as well as before the ld. CIT(A) and the break up dimensions adduced by the assessee. Such break up even has been reproduced at pages 7 & 8 of the impugned order, as per which the total area has been claimed by the assessee at 1492.43 sq. ft. 8.8. Another point mentioned in the assessment order for denying deduction by the Assessing Officer is that the assessee did not file the bifurcation. However, we find that such bifurcation was duly filed by the assessee that too room-wise of all the units. Still the deduction was denied on the presumption that the basis of arriving at such figure was not adduced by the assessee. We are not in agreement with the finding of the Assessing Officer on two counts- firstly, the approval was granted by the Competent Authority; and secondly such bifurcation is as per sanctioned plan which ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 12 was filed before the Assessing Officer. Uncontrovertedly such bifurcation was filed during assessment stage, first appellate stage and even before us. It is also not in dispute that the approval was granted by the Competent Authority to the assessee on 16-3-2005 meaning thereby the project was approved before the amendment inserted/ substituted by Finance (No.2) Act of 2004, w.e.f. 1-4-2005. Prior to its substitution, sub-section (10), as amended by the Finance Act, 2000, w.e.f. 1-4-2001 and Finance Act 2003 with retrospective effect from 1-4-2002, read as under: (10) the amount of profits in case of an undertaking developing and building housing projects approved before the 31st day of March, 2005 by a local authority, shall be hundred per cent of the profits derived in any previous year relevant to any assessment year from such housing project if, - (a) such undertaking has commenced or commences development and construction of the housing project on or after the 1st day of October, 1998; (b) the project is on the size of a plot of land which has a minimum area of one acre; and (c) the residential unit has a maximum built-up area of one thousand square feet where such residential unit is situated within the cities of Delhi or Mumbai or within twenty-five kilometers from the municipal limits of these cities and one thousand and five hundred square feet at any other place. 8.9. If the aforesaid position of law existing at the time when the plan was sanctioned/ approval was granted to the assessee is analyzed , there was no condition like production of complete certificate. This is a settled legal proposition of law that the law existing at the particular point of time will be applicable unless and until it is specifically made retrospective by the ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 13 legislature. The substitution so made, is therefore, applicable prospectively and not retrospectively. There is an uncontroverted fact that approval was granted to the assessee on 16-3-2005, consequently the assessee was expected to complete the project on or before 31-3-2009. Now the question arises whether the project was completed by the assessee within time. As is evident from the letter of the assessee dated 5-11-2008 addressed to the Vice Chairman Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority, on which the seal and signature of the concerned authority is affixed (page 28 of the paper book), it has been specifically requested that the construction has been completed and further request has been made for grant of completion certificate of Phase-I, meaning thereby, if not earlier, the project was presumed to be complete as on 5-11-2008 because the concerned development authority has neither said that the project was not complete nor completion certificate was issued to the assessee. In the absence of any variation or allegation if such certificate is not issued to the assessee, whether the assessee can be penalized for the act of an authority on which it has no control, the obvious reply is that for the fault of others anybody should not be penalized, more specifically when the project was approved on 16-3-2005. Therefore, the law applicable as on date will be applicable to the assessee. It is not expected that the assessee will demolish the construction work which is already in progress and again comply with the direction of the law which was inserted on a later date which is prospective in nature. If the intention of the legislature would have been to make it effective from retrospective effect, nothing prevents the legislature to do so. 8.10. If the issue is analyzed in the light of case laws cited before us, we find that the Honble Karnataka High Court vide judgment dated 29th ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 14 February 2012 in the case of CIT & another Vs. M/s Anriya Project Management Services Pvt. Ltd. (ITA no. 138 of 2010), considered the decision like CIT & ors. Vs. G.R. Developers (ITA no. 355/2009) and held that definition of built up area was inserted by Finance (No.2) Act of 2004, which came into effect from 1-4-2005, is prospective in nature and has no application to the housing projects which were approved by local authority prior to that date, strongly supports the case of the assessee. It was held by the Honble High Court that the assessee was entitled to hundred per cent benefit of sec. 80-IB(10). 8.11. Another case cited was from Visakhapatname Bench of the ITAT in the case of M/s Vishnu Builders Vs. ACIT (ITA nos. 178, 179 & 180/Vizag/2011), order dated 27th July 2011. In that case also, completion certificate was not filed before the Assessing Officer and the proof of municipal tax assessment of various flat owners establishing that the housing project was completed before September 2008 was filed. Since there was no practice of issuing the project completion certificate, therefore, it was held that it was not a condition precedent of filing the completion certificate for allowing deduction u/s 80-IB(10) of the Act. 8.12. In the case of CIT Vs. Tarnetar Corporation (Tax appeal no. 1241 of 2011), the Honble Gujarat High Court vide judgment dated 12-9-2012, observed that the confirmation issued by municipal authorities was filed on 15-2-2006 and was rejected on 1-7-2006. The assessee also paid penalty for regularization of the units. Since construction was completed well before 31st March 2008, the outer limit for such construction and the permission was not granted by they municipal authority, it was held that fulfilling of ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 15 every condition is not mandatory and if there is a substantial compliance, the minor deviation thereof would not vitiate the very purpose of deduction. 8.13. The ITAT Delhi Bench G in the case of ACIT Vs. Surendra Developers etc. (ITA nos. 2743 to 2745 & ITA nos. 3056 to 3058/Del/2010) vide order dated 1-8-2012, held that wherein the assessee applied for completion certificate before the lower authorities in time and such certificate was not issued by the local authority, such non-issuance was beyond the control of the assessee. While coming to this conclusion the Bench also considered another case of M/s Girija Colonizers (ITA nos. 2417 to 2422/Del/11 order dated 9-12-2011). 8.14. The ld. Sr. D.R. also placed reliance upon the decision of the Tribunal of Chennai Bench in ACIT Vs. Viswas Promoters P. Ltd. (2010) 005 ITR (Trib) 0449 on the issue of built up area not exceeding 1500 sq. ft. It was held that if this condition is not fulfilled, the assessee is not eligible for deduction. However, we find that in the present appeal, the built up area is below the prescribed limit of 1500 sq. ft. Therefore, this decision may not help the revenue being distinguishable on facts. 8.15. If this issue is analyzed with the view point of rule of consistency, we are of the considered opinion that though the principle of res-judicata is not applicable to the income-tax proceedings, yet for the sake of consistency and for the purposes of finality in all litigations, including litigation arising out of fiscal statutes, earlier decisions on the same question should not be reopened unless some fresh facts are brought on record in subsequent assessment year. For A.Y. 2006-07, even the ld. CIT(A) decided the issue in ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 16 favour of the assessee, which was confirmed by the Tribunal (supra), therefore, unless and until any new material facts are brought on record, the revenue is not permitted to take a U turn, while denying the claimed deduction to the assessee, that too on same facts and circumstances. Our view is fortified by the decision of Honble Jurisdictional High Court in the case of Commissioner Of Income-Tax v. A.R.J Security Printers 264 ITR 276 (Del.); and the ratio laid down in CIT Vs. Neo Poly Pack (P) Ltd. 245 ITR 492 (Del.); Berger Paints India Ltd. Vs. CIT 266 ITR 99 (SC); CIT Vs. Lagan Kala Upvan 259 ITR 489 (Del.); and Union of India & others Vs. Kaumudini Narayan Dalal & another 249 ITR 219 (SC). From this angle also, the assessee is having a strong case in its favour. 8.16. Leave apart, we are of the considered opinion that the assessee is expected to complete the project as per the approved plan at a particular point of time and the assessee is not expected to do or to fulfill the conditions which are not in existence at the relevant point of time or made compulsory after making some amendment in the Act from the future date. Since the assessee was to complete the project on or before 31-3-2009 and request was duly made with the Competent Authority on 5-11-2008 mentioning that the project has been completed and completion certificate may be issued and if the same is not issued by the Competent Authority the assessee should not be penalized for the same unless and until some contrary facts are brought on record evidencing that the assessee contravened the conditions contained in the approval granted by such Competent Authority. As per sub-section (10) of Sec. 80-IB, the housing project which were approved before 31st day of March, 2008, the benefit will be hundred per cent subject to fulfillment of certain conditions. However, this condition was ITA no. 2902 & 4694/Del/2010 M/s CHD Developers Ltd. 17 substituted by the Finance (No.2) Act of 2009 with effect from 1-4-2009, which has been further explained by sub-clause (ii) to the Explanation regarding completion certificate. However, since the approval was granted to the assessee on 1-4-2005, therefore, the assessee is not expected to fulfill the conditions which were not on the statute when such approval was granted to the assessee. Therefore, the appeal of the assessee deserves to be allowed.

    9. Finally, the appeal of the revenue is allowed in part and that of the assessee is allowed. Order pronounced in open court on 26-09-2012. Sd/- Sd/- ( SHAMIM YAHYA ) ( JOGINDER SINGH ) ACCOUNTANT MEMBER JUDICIAL MEMBER Dated: 26-09-2012. Copy to :

    1. Assessee

    2. AO

    3. CIT

    4. CIT(A)

    5. DR

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    M/s. CHD Developers Ltd., New Delhi v. Addl. CIT, New Delhi
    (Sep 26, 2012)