Reassessment in absence of fresh material indicating income escapement is invalid

Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of CIT Kelvinator India Ltd. 320 ITR 561 (SC), has held that for reopening of the assessment, the AO should have in its possession ‘tangible material’. The term ‘tangible material’ has been understood and explained by various courts subsequently. There has been unanimity of the courts on this issue that in absence of fresh material indicating escaped income, the AO cannot assume jurisdiction to reopen already concluded assessment. The Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the case of Pr. CIT vs Tupperware India Pvt. Ltd., in its order dt 10-8-15 (ITA no 415/2015 ) has taken the view that that even in the case of original assessment order having been passed u/s 143(1), it is mandatory for the AO to have in its possession, fresh tangible material before reopening of the case. In the case of CIT vs. Orient Craft Ltd. 354 ITR 536, it was held by Hon’ble Delhi High Court that reasons for reassessment disclosed that AO reached belief that there was escapement of income “on going through the return of income” filed by assessee after he accepted return u/s. 143(1) without scrutiny, and nothing more. In these facts, it was held by the Hon’ble High Court that it was nothing but review of earlier proceedings and abuse of power by AO. It was further held that since there was no whisper in reasons recorded, of any tangible material which came to possession of AO subsequent to issue of intimation, therefore, it was an arbitrary exercise of power conferred u/s 147. Thus, reopening was held to be invalid on this ground itself.