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M/s Chengmari Tea Co. Ltd, Kolkata v. ACIT, CIR-4(1), Kolkata

Income Tax Appellate Tribunal
Jan 31, 2020
Smart Summary (Beta)

Tribunal Summary — ITA No.812/Kol/2019 (Assessment Year 2014-15)

Factual and Procedural Background

This appeal arises from the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)-2, Kolkata's order dated 29.03.2019 under proceedings M.No.Pr.cit-2Hqrs-2/Kol/u/s.263/Chengmari Tea/2018-19/12488-91 invoking revision jurisdiction under Section 263 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 in respect of the regular assessment order dated 18.10.2016.

The assessee, M/s Chengmari Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd., is engaged in growing and manufacturing tea and also trades in shares. The assessee filed its return on 30.11.2014 declaring a loss of Rs.57,29,768/-. The Assessing Officer completed assessment on 18.10.2016, making additions/disallowances and determining carried forward losses of Rs.49,68,628/-, and computing tax under section 115JB at Rs.1,51,79,827/-.

The Principal Commissioner of Income Tax (PCIT) issued a show cause notice dated 12.12.2018 under Section 263 stating two specific concerns: (i) an alleged short deposit with NABARD relevant to the Section 33AB claim (claimed deduction Rs.1,57,47,599/- but asserted short deposit of Rs.78,73,733/-), and (ii) an alleged excess determination of agricultural income of Rs.11,41,715/- compared to records from the State Agriculture Income Tax authorities. The assessee replied contesting the show cause.

The PCIT ultimately dropped the two initially raised issues but sustained a finding that the Assessing Officer had not verified the utilization of Rs.1,65,36,500/- withdrawn from the Tea Development Account Scheme, 2007 to ensure compliance with the purposes specified under section 33AB. On that basis the PCIT quashed the assessment order dated 18.10.2016 as erroneous and prejudicial and directed reassessment on the limited issue of utilization.

The assessee appealed to the Tribunal against the PCIT's order dated 29.03.2019. The Tribunal heard both parties and pronounced its order on 31.01.2020.

Legal Issues Presented

  1. Whether the Principal Commissioner was justified in invoking revisionary jurisdiction under Section 263 on the ground that the Assessing Officer failed to verify the utilization of amounts withdrawn from the Tea Development Account Scheme, 2007 (Section 33AB) thereby making the assessment order erroneous and prejudicial to the revenue?
  2. Whether the PCIT could expand the scope of inquiry beyond the limited scrutiny selection under the Computer Assisted Scrutiny Selection (CASS) module and thereby direct reassessment on an issue not included in the original limited scrutiny?
  3. On the merits, whether the withdrawals from the Tea Development Account Scheme were used for purposes specified under the Scheme and Section 33AB, and if so, whether any prejudice to revenue resulted from the Assessing Officer's alleged non-verification?

Arguments of the Parties

Appellant's Arguments (M/s Chengmari Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd.)

  • The PCIT erred in exercising revision jurisdiction because he did not afford the assessee an opportunity of being heard on the surviving issue (utilization of Rs.165,36,580/-), as per the assessees certified order-sheet excerpts.
  • The assessment was a case of limited scrutiny selection under CASS for AY 2014-15; the limited scrutiny issues did not include the Section 33AB deduction or the utilization of Tea Development Account withdrawals, so the PCIT could not validly expand the scope under Section 263.
  • On the merits, the assessee produced NABARD ledger entries confirming deposits, an auditor's certificate in Form No.3AC dated 29.11.2014 showing utilization in compliance with Section 33AB, the Tea Development Scheme (2007) provisions regarding withdrawal and utilization, and statements of machinery purchased. These materials show withdrawals were for specified purposes; therefore no error prejudicial to revenue existed.
  • The assessee relied on various judicial precedents in support of its contentions (referenced to the Tribunal in subsequent paragraphs).

Respondent's Arguments (Revenue / CIT-DR)

  • The PCIT properly exercised his revisionary jurisdiction because the Assessing Officer failed to make necessary enquiries or factual verification regarding the withdrawal and utilization of funds amounting to Rs.1,65,36,500/- from the Tea Development Account Scheme, and such failure renders the assessment order erroneous and prejudicial to revenue.
  • The assessee's documentary assertions about utilization were not sufficient to negate the requirement for the AO to have independently inquired into the matter; hence the PCIT's direction to reassess was justified.

Table of Precedents Cited

Precedent Rule or Principle Cited For Application by the Tribunal in this Opinion
Commissioner of Income Tax, Central-I Kolkata vs. Maithan International (2015) 56 taxmann.com 283 (Calcutta) An Assessing Officer cannot discharge functions by perfunctory or inadequate investigation; failure to undertake relevant enquiries renders an order erroneous and revisable under Section 263. The PCIT relied on this decision to support the proposition that lack of adequate investigation by the AO can make an assessment order erroneous and prejudicial. The Tribunal recorded this reliance when describing PCIT's reasoning.
Rampyari Devi Saraogi vs. CIT (1968) 67 ITR 87 (SC) In absence of proper enquiries, an assessment order would become erroneous and prejudicial to the interests of revenue. Cited by the PCIT as foundational authority for the proposition that lack of enquiry can vitiate an assessment; the Tribunal recorded this as part of the legal background the PCIT relied upon.
Smt. Tara Devi Aggarwal vs. CIT (1973) 8B ITR 323 (SC) Reiterates that absence of proper enquiries renders assessment order erroneous and prejudicial. Recorded by the Tribunal as one of the Supreme Court authorities relied upon by the PCIT in support of invoking Section 263.
Gee Vee Enterprise vs. Addl. CIT (1975) 99 ITR 375 (Delhi HC) Income tax officer is both adjudicator and investigator; failure to make enquiries when circumstances call for them makes an order erroneous within Section 263. Cited by PCIT and noted by the Tribunal as establishing the investigatory duty of the AO; used to explain PCIT's supervisory rationale.
Duggal and Co. (1966) 220 ITR 456 (Delhi) Failure by AO to make required enquiry can render assessment erroneous. One of the authorities listed by the PCIT to show established jurisprudence that lack of enquiry is ground for Section 263 interference; Tribunal recorded it.
Mahavar Traders (1966) 220 ITR 167 (MP) Failure to make enquiry can vitiate assessment. Listed among precedents relied upon by PCIT and noted by the Tribunal as part of the legal matrix supporting revision for lack of enquiry.
Emery Stone Mfg. Co. (1992) 198 ITR 611 (Ker) Failure to examine relevant issue can render assessment erroneous and prejudicial. Listed by PCIT; Tribunal recorded the citation as part of the established authorities on failure of enquiry.
Malabar Industrial Co. Ltd. v. CIT: 243 ITR 83 (SC) Where AO accepts accounts/entries without supporting material and without making enquiries, exercise of Section 263 jurisdiction by Commissioner is justified; also emphasizes requirement that both "erroneous" and "prejudicial" must be satisfied. The Tribunal referred to this landmark Supreme Court decision to emphasize that both conditions (erroneous and prejudicial) must be satisfied before Section 263 can be invoked; ultimately applied to conclude no prejudice was caused here.
Max India Limited (CIT vs. Max India Limited) 268 ITR 128 (P&H) (affirmed in 295 ITR 282) Principles concerning failure of AO to make enquiries and the scope of revisionary jurisdiction. Included in the list of authorities relied upon by PCIT; Tribunal recorded it among relevant decisions.
CIT v Kwality Steel Suppliers Complex: 395 ITR 1 (SC) Affirmation of principles on revisional jurisdiction and enquiries by AO. Cited in the PCIT's compilation of authorities; Tribunal recorded it among the decisions relied upon.
CIT vs. Amitabh Bachchan: 384 ITR 200 (SC) Relevant on principles of assessment and enquiry obligations (as cited by PCIT). Part of the PCIT's list of authorities; Tribunal recorded its mention.
CIT v. Hindustan Lever Ltd: 343 ITR 161 (Bom) Authority on assessment and enquiry obligations (as cited). Listed among precedents by PCIT and noted by Tribunal.
Cit v. M/s Vikas Polymers: 341 ITR 537 (Del) Authority regarding duties of AO and enquiry requirements. Included in the PCIT's cited decisions; Tribunal recorded it.
CIT v. Sunbeam Auto Ltd.: 332 ITR 167 (Del) Authority on revisional jurisdiction and enquiry obligations. Included in the PCIT's compilation of authorities; Tribunal recorded it.
CIT vs. Development Credit Bank Ltd: 323 ITR 206 (Bom) Authority cited on enquiry obligations of AO and Section 263 scope. Recorded by Tribunal as part of the precedential background relied upon by PCIT.
Vimgi Investment (P) Ltd: 290 ITR 505 (Del) Authority on revisional jurisdiction principles (as cited). Listed among the decisions cited by PCIT and noted by Tribunal.
Hari Iron Trading Co. vs. CIT: 263 ITR 437 (P&H) Authority on enquiry and revisional jurisdiction principles. Included by PCIT in support of the proposition that failure to enquire can render order erroneous; Tribunal noted the citation.
CIT vs. Gabriel India Ltd: 203 ITR 108 (Bom) Authority relied upon concerning revisional jurisdiction principles. Recorded among the list of precedents relied upon by PCIT.
K.A. Ramaswamy Chettiar v. CIT (1996) 220 ITR 657 When officer is expected to make an inquiry and does not, Commissioner may interfere under Section 263. PCIT cited this authority; Tribunal recorded its use to support the general principle that failure to inquire can justify revision.
Deniel Merchants Pvt. Ltd. vs. ITO (Appeal No.2396/2017 dated 29.11.2017) Supreme Court dismissed SLPs in cases where AO did not make proper inquiry while making assessment and accepted assessee's explanation without enquiry. PCIT relied on this line of decisions to justify directing AO to carry out thorough enquiry on reassessment; Tribunal recorded the reliance.
Raimandir Estates (P) Ltd vs. PCIT [2017] 77 taxmann.com 285 (SC) / 245 Taxman 127 (SC) Supreme Court upheld exercise of revisionary powers where raising of suspicious transactions and potential money-laundering justified intervention. Listed among authorities relied by PCIT; Tribunal noted the citation as part of the PCIT's legal support.
M/s Vama Sundari Investment (Delhi) (P) Ltd vs. Pr. C.I.T.-9, New Delhi (ITA No.2252/Del/2018) (ITAT Delhi) ITAT upheld a Section 263 order where AO did not carry out proper enquiry; relied on various Supreme Court orders. PCIT relied on the ITAT decision; Tribunal recorded the citation as part of PCIT's supporting authorities.

Court's Reasoning and Analysis

The Tribunal reviewed the facts, the PCIT's show cause, the materials on record and the rival submissions.

The PCIT's stance (as recorded) was that although two initial issues were dropped, the AO had not verified the utilization of Rs.1,65,36,500/- withdrawn from the Tea Development Account Scheme, 2007, and that failure amounted to not making necessary inquiries as required by law, rendering the assessment order dated 18.10.2016 erroneous and prejudicial under Section 263. The PCIT relied on an array of judicial decisions and the Explanation to Section 263 (effective from 01.06.2015) clarifying when an order would be deemed erroneous and prejudicial (for instance, where inquiries/verification which should have been made were not made).

The Tribunal first addressed the assessee's threefold challenge:

  1. On the procedural plea that PCIT did not afford opportunity of hearing, the Tribunal found no merit. The Tribunal noted that the Section 263 show cause had raised the Section 33AB/deduction issue from the beginning and the assessee was aware of the comprehensive issue. Accordingly, the Tribunal declined the procedural challenge.
  2. On the contention that the assessment was a limited scrutiny under CASS and therefore Section 263 could not be invoked to expand the scope beyond such limited scrutiny, the Tribunal accepted the assessee's position. The Tribunal relied on coordinate-bench decisions of the Tribunal (ITA No.1361/Kol/2016 — Sanjeev K. Khemka vs. Pr. Commissioner and ITA No.1011/Kol/2017 — Sri Hartaj Sewa Singh vs. DCIT) that where assessment proceedings arose from limited scrutiny under CASS, the revisionary proceedings under Section 263 cannot be used to enlarge the AO's scope to examine issues beyond the specified limited scrutiny. On this ground the Tribunal held that the PCIT erred in assuming revision jurisdiction to enlarge the AO's scope.
  3. On the merits concerning utilization of the withdrawn amounts, the Tribunal examined the Tea Development Accounts Scheme (clause 9) and the evidence on record: NABARD ledger entries, auditor's certificate in Form No.3AC dated 29.11.2014, statement of particulars showing withdrawals and details of machinery purchased. The Tribunal noted that these materials indicated withdrawals of Rs.44,58,300/-, Rs.96,54,000/-, and Rs.24,05,300/-, respectively, for green tea factory material, plant and equipment, and irrigation — purposes consistent with the Scheme and Section 33AB. These facts were unrebutted by the Revenue during hearing.

Applying the legal standard from Malabar Industrial Co. Ltd. (and other authorities) that both the conditions of an assessment being erroneous and prejudicial to revenue must be satisfied for Section 263 to be validly invoked, the Tribunal concluded that even if the AO had not carried out the enquiry, no prejudice was caused to the revenue because the withdrawals pertained to specified purposes under the Scheme and supporting documents were on record and unrebutted. Consequently, the PCIT's exercise of revisionary jurisdiction was held to be unsustainable in law in the given facts.

Holding and Implications

Holding: The Tribunal's operative conclusion is summarized as:

APPEAL ALLOWED; PCIT'S REVISION DIRECTIONS UNDER SECTION 263 SET ASIDE; THE IMPUGNED ASSESSMENT ORDER DATED 18.10.2016 IS RESTORED.

Implications:

  • The Tribunal reversed the Principal Commissioner’s invocation of Section 263 and restored the Assessing Officer’s regular assessment dated 18.10.2016.
  • The direct effect is that there is no direction for reassessment on the limited issue of utilization of Tea Development Account withdrawals; the assessment as completed by the AO stands restored.
  • The Tribunal applied existing precedent (including Malabar Industrial Co. Ltd.) emphasizing that both "erroneous" and "prejudicial" conditions must be satisfied for Section 263 to be validly exercised. The Tribunal did not purport to lay down any new legal principle; rather it applied existing authorities to the factual matrix before it.

Order pronounced on 31 January 2020. The appeal was allowed and copy of order forwarded to parties as recorded in the original opinion.

Show all summary ...

PER S.S.Godara, Judicial Member:- This assessees appeal for assessment year 2014-15 arises against the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals)-2, Kolkatas order dated 29.03.2019 passed in M.No.Pr.cit-2Hqrs-2/Kol/u/s.263/Chengmari Tea/2018-19/12488-91, involving proceedings 263 of the Income Tax Act, 1961; in short the Act. Heard both the parties. Case file(s) perused.

2. We advert to the basic relevant facts. This assessee grows and manufacture tea. It also deals in shares. The assessee had filed its return on 30.11.2014 stating loss of ITA No.812/Kol/2019 Assessment Year 2014-15 M/s Chengmari Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd. Vs ACIT,Cir-4(1), Kol. Page 2 57,29,768/-. The Assessing Officer completed the regular assessment in question dated 18.10.2016 making various disallowance(s) / addition(s) thereby assessing the assessees carried forward losses of 49,68,628/- followed by sec. 115JB computation of 1,51,79,827/-.

3. Case file suggests that the PCIT thereafter proposed to invoke his sec. 263 revision jurisdiction by treating the above regular assessment as erroneous causing prejudice to the interest of Revenue. He issued his show cause notice dated 12.12.2018 pin-pointing the following two issues:-

3. In this regard the following discrepancies have been observed: As per schedule 15 of the Balance sheet an amount of Rs.78,73,866/- was deposited with national bank for agricultural and rural development on or before 26.08.2014. A deduction u/s 33AB amounting to Rs.1,57,47,599/- as claimed by you in your computation of income was allowed. An amount of Rs.78,73,733/- [Rs.1,57,47,599/-(-) Rs.78,73,866/-] was not deposited with the NABARD in conformity with the provision as laid down in section -33AB of the I.T. Act, 1961, i.e. before the expiry of six months from the end of previous year ending or before the due date of furnishing the return of his income whichever is earlier. Therefore, Rs.78,73,733/- was required to be added back to your total income in the assessment order passed us.143(3) on 18.10.2016. An agriculture income of Rs.1,53,14,554/- was determined as per the assessment order dated 18.10.2016,but as per information received from Agriculture Income Tax, West Bengal, you had offered an agriculture income of rs.1,41,72,839/- and also paid the agriculture tax of Rs.44,00,000/-. Therefore, Agriculture Income of Rs.11,41,715/-[Rs.1,53,554/-(-) Rs.1,41,72,839/-] was determined in excess as per the assessment order dated 18.10.2016.

4. The assessee appears to have filed its reply strongly contesting the PCITs above twin reasons. We notice that although the PCIT has dropped both the above stated issues, he has held that the Assessing Officer had not verified the utilization of the amount of 165,36,500/- deposited under Tea Development Accounts Scheme, 2007 as to whether the same satisfied the relevant stipulation therein or not as under:-

6. The submission of the AR as well as the comments of the Addl. CIT, Range-4. Kolkata have been considered. The same are found to be in order as far as the claim of the assessee for deposit u/s 33AB of the Act' and the quantum of agriculture income are concerned. However, it is seen, the AO did not verify the utilization of the amount of Rs.1,65,36,500/- withdrawn from the Tea Development Account Scheme, 2007 i.e., as to whether it was in accordance with and for the purposes specified in sec. 33AB or not. Failure to conduct such inquiry/verification has rendered the assessment order erroneous and prejudicial to the interest of revenue within the meaning of sec. 263 of the' Act'. It is trite that the AO is duty bound to scrutinize/examine every information which comes to his knowledge. It is .imperative on the part of the Assessing Officer to examine each and every document and conduct necessary inquiry/scrutiny in order to assess correct income of the assessee. In this case, the assessment order was passed without considering the corroborative material, available at the disposal of ITA No.812/Kol/2019 Assessment Year 2014-15 M/s Chengmari Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd. Vs ACIT,Cir-4(1), Kol. Page 3 the AO and accordingly, the AO failed to carry out necessary inquiry on the utilization of the amount withdrawn from the Tea Development Account Scheme as per the provision of sec.33AB of the 'Act' and assess the correct income of the assessee. 6.1 The power of revision by the CIT u/s 263 of the Act is very wide and it is in the nature of supervisory jurisdiction. It is well settled that incorrect assumption of facts or application of law satisfies the requirement of law i.e. order being erroneous and prejudicial to the interest of revenue. The order passed by the AO. without application of mind or order showing apparent error of reasoning or the order where the A.O. simply accepts whatever the assessee Slated in his return of income and fails to make the enquiries which are called for in the facts and circumstances of the case will also call for intervention u/s 263 of the Act by the CIT/Pr. CIT. It is a trite law that the disclosure of facts by the assessee, in the return of income and / or in the course of assessment proceedings cannot give immunity from revisional jurisdiction of the CIT/Pr. CIT u/s 263. In this context, it may be mentioned here that in the case of Commissioner of Income tax, Central-l Kolkata Vs. Maithan International. It was held by Calcutta High Court [2015] 56 taxmann.com 283(Calcutta) that: " ..... it is not the law that the Assessing Officer occupying the position of an investigator and adjudicator can discharge his function by perfunctory or inadequate investigation . Such a course is bound to result in erroneous and prejudicial order. Where the relevant enquiry was not undertaken, as in the case, the order is erroneous and prejudicial too and therefore revisable. Investigation should always be faithful and fruitful. Unless all fruitful areas or enquiry are pursued the enquiry cannot be said to have been faithfully conducted " 6.2 The Hon'ble Supreme Court, further, in the case of Rampyari Devi Saraogi vs CIT(1968)

67 ITR 87(SC) and Smt. Tara Devi Aggarwal vs CIT(l973)8B ITR323(SC) has held that in absence of proper enquiries, the assessment order would become erroneous and prejudicial to the interest of the revenue. 6.3 The Hon'ble Delhi High Court in the case of Gee Vee Enterprise vs Addl. CIT (1975) 99 ITR 375 has also held as under: "The reason is obvious. The position and function of the income tax officer is very different from that of a Civil Court. The statements made in a pleading proved by the minimum amount of evidence may be accepted by a Civil Court in the absence of rebuttal The Civil Court is neutral. It simply gives decision on the basis of pleading and evidence which comes before it. The income tax officer is not only an adjudicator but a/so an investigator. He cannot remain passive in the face of return which is apparently in order but calls for further enquiry. It is his duty to ascertain the truth off acts stated in the return when the circumstances of case are such as to provoke an enquiry. The meaning to be given to the word erroneous " in section 263 emerges our of this context It is because it is incumbent on the income tax officer to further such an enquiry prudent that the word "erroneous" in section 263 includes The failure to make such an enquiry. The order becomes erroneous because such an enquiry has not been and not because there is anything wrong with the order if all the facts stated therein are assumed to be correct. ,. 6.4 In addition, reliance is also placed on the following decisions whereby it was held that the failure on the part of the Assessing Officer to make an enquiry on a relevant issue/point would render the assessment erroneous and prejudicial to the interest of the revenue: (1966) 220 ITR 456 (Delhi) Duggal and Co. (1966) 220 ITR 167 (MP) Mahavar Traders (1995) 213 ITR 843 (Raj) Emery Stone Mfg. Co. (1992) 198 ITR 611 (Ker) Malabar Industrial Co. Ltd. v. CIT: 243 ITR 83 ITA No.812/Kol/2019 Assessment Year 2014-15 M/s Chengmari Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd. Vs ACIT,Cir-4(1), Kol. Page 4 CIT vs. Max India Limited: 268 ITR 128 (P&H) [affirmed in 295 ITR 282 (Sell CIT v Kwality Steel Suppliers Complex: 395 ITR 1 (SC) CIT vs. Amitabh Bachchan: 384 ITR 200 (SC) CIT v. Hindustan Lever Ltd: 343 ITR 161 (Born.) Cit v. M/S. Vikas Polymers: 341 ITR 537 (Del.) CIT v. Sunbeam Auto Ltd.: 332 ITR 167 (Del) CIT vs. Development Credit Bank Ltd: 323 ITR 206 (Born.) Vimgi Investment (P) Limited: 290 ITR 505 (Del) Hari Iron Trading Co. vs. CIT: 263 ITR 437 (P&H) CIT vs. Gabriel India Limited: 203 ITR 108 (Born). 6.5 It may be further noticed that in order to provide clarity on the issue of erroneous in so far as it is prejudicial to the interest of the revenue", a new Explanation has been inserted to clarify that an order passed by the Assessing Officer shall be deemed to be erroneous in so far as it is prejudicial to the interests of the revenue, if in the opinion of the Principal Commissioner or Commissioner "(a) The order is passed without making inquiries or verification which, should have been made; (b) The order is passed allowing any relief without inquiring into the claim; (c) The order has not been made in accordance with any order, direction or instruction issued by the Board under section 119; or (d) The order has not been passed in accordance with any decision which is prejudicial to the assessee, rendered by the jurisdictional High Court or Supreme Court in the case of the assessee or any other person. This amendment takes effect from 1-6-2015. 6.6 The spirit of this ratio is squarely applicable in a recent judgment, wherein the order u/s

263 passed by the PCIT was upheld in the case of M/s Vama Sundari Investment (Delhi) (P) Ltd vs. Pr. C.I.T.-9, New Delhi (ITA No: 2252/Del/2018) by the Hon'ble ITAT, Delhi F Bench, New Delhi. While doing so, the Honble IT AT had placed reliance on the following orders:

(i) Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Deniel Merchants Pvt. Ltd. vs. ITO (Appeal No. 2396/20171 dated 29.11.2017. In this group of cases, Hon'ble Supreme Court has dismissed SLPs in cases where AO did not make any proper inquiry while making the assessment and accepting the explanation of the assessee(s) insofar as receipt of share application money is concerned. On that basis the Commissioner of Income Tax had, after setting aside the order of the Assessing Officer, simply directed the Assessing Officer to carry thorough and detailed inquiry.

(ii) Malabar Industrial Co. Ltd. Vs CIT 109 Taxman 66 1 SC 171 [2000] 243 ITR

83 (SC)/20001 159 CTR 1 (SC) wherein the Hon'ble Supreme Court held that where Assessing Officer had accepted entry in statement of account filed by assessee, in absence of aI1) supporting material without making any enquiry, exercise of jurisdiction by Commissioner under section 263(1) was justified.

(iii) Raimandir Estates (P) Ltd Vs PCIT [2017] 77 taxmann.com 285 (SC)/(2017)

245 Taxman 127 (SC) wherein the Hon'ble Supreme Court has dismissed SLP against High Court's ruling that where assessee with a small amount of authorised share capital, raised huge sum on account of premium, exercise of revisionary powers by Commissioner opining that this could be a case of money laundering was justified. 6.7 Thus in the instant case, it can be summarized that the aforesaid twin conditions of rendering an assessment erroneous in so far as it is prejudicial to the interests of the revenue, are met since during the assessment proceedings, the assessing officer did not conduct ITA No.812/Kol/2019 Assessment Year 2014-15 M/s Chengmari Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd. Vs ACIT,Cir-4(1), Kol. Page 5 extensive / necessary enquiries regarding the withdrawal of the amount from Tea Development Account Scheme as per the provision of sec. 33AB of the 'Act'. 6.8 In view of the facts and the legal position stated above, I am of the considered view that the order passed on an incorrect assumption of facts or incorrect application of law and without making requisite inquiries will satisfy the requirement of the order being erroneous and pre-judicial to the interest of the revenue within the meaning and scope of Section 263 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. 6.9 The afore stated decisions postulate that when the officer is expected to make an inquiry of a particular item of income and if he does not make an inquiry as expected, that would be a ground for the Commissioner to interfere with the order passed by the Officer since such an order passed by the Officer is erroneous and prejudicial to the interests of the Revenue (K.A. Ramaswamy Chettiar V. CIT, (1996) 220 ITR 657).

7. Having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case and in the light of the aforesaid decisions of Hon'ble Supreme Court and Hon'ble High Court and in accordance with the amendment made to Section 263 of the' Act' with effect from 01.06.2015. I hold that the impugned assessment order dated 18.10.2016 passed by the A.O. is erroneous in so far as it is prejudicial to the interests of revenue. Therefore, after giving the assessee an 'opportunity of being heard, that the impugned assessment order dated 18.10.2016 is quashed with the directions given in this order separately.

8. Accordingly, in view of the facts and circumstances of the case as stated above, and also respectfully following the judgments cited above, I am of the considered view that the issue of utilisation of withdrawn of the amount from the Tea Development Account Scheme needs to be verified in accordance with the provision of sec. 33AB of the . Act' in the instant case so that a judicious conclusion could be made by the revenue after giving due opportunity of being heard to the assessee. Therefore, it is deemed fit and appropriate in the interest of justice to restore the file back to the A.O for de novo assessment with a direction to him to consider the issue as mentioned above. Accordingly, I direct the AO to re-assess the income of the assessee for the relevant AY -2014-15 on the limited issue as discussed supra.

5. Learned counsels first and foremost arguments before us is that PCITs has erred in law and on facts in exercising his revision jurisdiction qua the impugned sole surviving issue of factual verification, regarding utilization of the amount of 165,36,580/- withdrawn from the Tea Development Accounts Scheme, 2007 as to whether it was in accordance with and for the specified purposes u/s 33AB or not (supra), is not sustainable since he had nowhere afforded any opportunity of hearing to the assessee as per certified copy(ies) of the corresponding order-sheets from 12.12.2018 to 29.03.2019 forming part of the paper book pages 51-51. Learned counsels next argument is that the assessees scrutiny assessment was an instance of limited scrutiny selection under CASS for assessment year 2014-15 (as per pages 24-

26 of the paper book) wherein the only issues to be examined were large other ITA No.812/Kol/2019 Assessment Year 2014-15 M/s Chengmari Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd. Vs ACIT,Cir-4(1), Kol. Page 6 expenditure claim of profit and loss account, large any other deduction claim in schedule-B E creating the loss without any income in profit and loss account, depreciation claim at higher rates / higher depreciation, mis-match in sales turnover returned in audited report and ITR and mis-match in amounts paid to relevant parties u/s 40A(2)(b) reported in audited report and ITR and therefore, the PCITs main reason for assuming sec. 263 revision jurisdiction holding the Assessing Officer to have not carried out any factual verification / enquiry as sec. 33AB claim goes against the record of the case. The assessees third argument sought to invite our attention to the paper book pages No. 34 to 48 comprising of NABARD is ledgers confirming the deposits in the Tea Development Accounts, its auditors certificate in Form No.3AC dated 29.11.2014 showing utilization of funds withdrawn from NABARD to be in compliance u/s 33AB of the Act, copy of Tea Development Scheme, 2007 indicating provision of withdrawal and utilization of the amount deposited as well as copy of statement showing details of machinery purchased; respectively. Its case therefore is that once the corresponding withdrawals satisfied the relevant purposes envisaged in the Tea Development Accounts Scheme,2007, there is neither any error nor prejudicial caused to the interest of the Revenue as canvassed in the PCITs revision directions under challenge. Learned counsel has also taken pains to refer to various judicial precedents which shall be taken note of in succeeding paragraphs.

6. Learned CIT-DR has vehemently supported the PCITs impugned revision directions under challenge holding the Assessing Officer to have failed in carrying out the necessary enquiry / factual verification regarding the assessees withdrawal of funds amounting to 165,36,500/- as to whether the same was for the specified purposes u/s 33A or not. Mr. Radhey Shyam strongly argued that the non-examination of the above stated clinching issue by the Assessing Officer during the course of assessment renders the same as erroneous causing prejudice interest of the Revenue. Coming to the assessees foregoing third argument (supra), he stated that the same is not liable to be accepted since the PCIT has rightly exercised his revision jurisdiction in the given facts and circumstances of the case. ITA No.812/Kol/2019 Assessment Year 2014-15 M/s Chengmari Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd. Vs ACIT,Cir-4(1), Kol. Page 7

7. We have given our thoughtful consideration to foregoing rival pleadings. Coming to the assessees three folded arguments, we find no merit in its first plea that the PCITs nowhere granted it opportunity of hearing as the sole surviving issue of utilization of the amount involving figure in question of 165,36,500/- under the Tea Development Accounts Scheme, 2007. It is come on record that PCITs sec. 263 show cause had raised the issue of sec. 33AB deduction only from beginning till the end. It was very well within his jurisdiction therefore to examine all aspects of the same during the course of revision proceedings. We observe in these facts and circumstances that the assessees technical plea that the PCIT had not specified the above stated sole surviving issue in revision proceedings carries no substance since it itself was very well aware of the entire comprehensive issue touching upon sec. 33AB deduction claim. We therefore decline the assessees first plea.

8. Next comes the assessees second substantive argument that since the Assessing Officer had framed his regular assessment involving limited scrutiny on the above stated issues not including sec. 33AB deduction to the purpose of the impugned withdrawals. We find that the same is duly covered in its favor as per this tribunals co-ordinate benchs decision in ITA No.1361/Kol/2016 in Sanjeev K.Khemka vs. Pr. Commissioner of Income-Tax-15, Kolkata decided on 02.06.2017 as under:-

4. We have heard the rival contentions of the parties and perused the materials on record. The primary issue in the case on hand revolves whether it is a case selected under CASS for limited scrutiny or regular scrutiny. It can be seen from the grounds of appeal that the assessee wants to contend that the very initiation of proceedings u/s 143(3) of the Act on the basis of regular scrutiny under the Act was bad in law. The proceedings under section 143(3) of the Act should have been limited to the extent of the information gathered through AIR. Accordingly the proceedings u/s 263 of the Act cannot be expanded beyond the issue raised in AIR. Thus the order u/s 143(3) of the Act beyond the points of AIR is invalid in law and so the same is with the order passed u/s 263 of the Act. It is the further contention of the assessee that in the items which are not subject matter of AIR cannot subject matter of scrutiny. Such matters include salary of the assessee, loans & interest on loans, payment of LIC, Commission & brokerage income etc. It is the case of the assessee that in the assessment order passed u/s 143(3) of the Act, the AO has travelled beyond the points of the AIR on the basis of which the case of scrutiny was selected under CASS module. It is the plea of the assessee that when no addition/disallowance can be made beyond the points mentioned in AIR in the assessment proceedings then same is the case with proceedings initiated u/s 263 of the Act.

9. This tribunals yet another decision in ITA No.1011/Kol/2017 in Sri Hartaj Sewa Singh vs. DCIT,(IT),Circle1(1), Kolkata decided on 27.04.2018 also decides the ITA No.812/Kol/2019 Assessment Year 2014-15 M/s Chengmari Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd. Vs ACIT,Cir-4(1), Kol. Page 8 instant issue in assessees favour on identical reasoning. We conclude in these facts and circumstances that the PCIT has erred in law and on facts in holding the impugned assessment as erroneous causing prejudice to the interest of Revenue on the ground which nowhere formed subject-matter of the CASS scrutiny as it is evident from the case records. We reiterate the learned co-ordinate benchs detained reasoning hereinabove that the sec. 263 revision proceedings ought not to have been set into motion for expanding the jurisdiction of the Assessing Officer to examine the issues beyond the scope of limited scrutiny. We therefore reverse the PCITs action assuming sec. 263 revision jurisdiction in these facts and circumstances.

10. Coming to the assessees third argument on merits. We find that the relevant clause in Tea Development Accounts, Scheme, 2007 (pages 1 to 45 of the paper book) contain clause No.9 regarding withdrawal or utilization of the amounts deposited thereunder. The assessees statement of necessary particulars in part-ii alongwithi Form No.3AC {Auditor report sec. 33AB(2)} indicates that it had withdrawn 44,58,300/-, 96,54,000/- as on 26.04.2013, 24.05.2013 and 05.05.2013 for green tea factory material alongwith plant and equipment of former two and irrigation; respectively. These crucial facts as well as the corresponding purpose in the Tea Development Accounts Scheme, 2007 have gone unrebutted from the Revenue side during the course of hearing. We conclude in this factual backdrop of that even if we agree with the PCITs stand that the Assessing Officer had not carried out necessary enquiries about the purpose of the assessee withdrawals amounting of 165,36,500/- from the Tea Development Accounts Scheme, 2007, no prejudice has been caused to interest of the Revenue since the amounts pertain to the specified purpose under the scheme only. We make it clear that hon'ble apex courts landmark judgment in Malabar Industrial Co. Ltd. vs. Commissioner of Income Tax (2000) 243 ITR 83 (SC) has settled the law long back that twin conditions of an assessment being erroneous as well as causing prejudice to the interest of the Revenue have to be simultaneously satisfied before the Commissioner of Income tax or Principal Commissioner of Income Tax; as the case may be, seeks to invoke sec. 263 Revenue proceedings. We therefore hold that the PCITs revision directions under challenge ITA No.812/Kol/2019 Assessment Year 2014-15 M/s Chengmari Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd. Vs ACIT,Cir-4(1), Kol. Page 9 are not sustainable in law. The impugned regular assessment dated 18.10.2016 is restored as a necessary corollary. Ordered accordingly.

11. This assessees appeal is allowed. Order pronounced in the court on Friday, 31st January, 2020 Sd/- Sd/- ( ') () ') (J.Sudhakar Reddy) (S.S.Godara) Accountant Member Judicial Member *Dkp-Sr.PS *- 31/01/2020 / Kolkata    / Copy of Order Forwarded to:-

1. /Appellant-M/s Chengmari Tea Co. Ltd., S.B. Towers, 37, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkat-17

2. /Respondent-ACIT, Circle-4(1), P-7, Chowringhee Sq. Kolkata-700069

3. - . / Concerned CIT

4. .- / CIT (A)

5.  ))-, - /DR, ITAT, Kolkata

6. 2 / Guard file. By order/ , /True Copy/