Case Law Details
ITO Vs. Shreedham Construction Pvt Ltd (ITAT Mumbai)
Section 68 casts the initial burden of proof on the assesse to show prima facie and to explain the nature and source of credit found in its When the statute places the burden of proof in income tax cases on the tax payer, it is understood to be only the initial burden. When the tax payer explains the credit by providing evidence of identity, confirmation and credit worthiness, the burden shifts on the revenue to show that the explanation is not satisfactory or incorrect. In the case of credit as share capital by corporate entity, whose existence is shown by its registration with Registrar of companies and its filing of tax returns, adverse conclusion is not justified merely because its directors are not produced personally before the assessing officer by the tax payer.
In the remand proceedings only the legal requirement was indicated that if any statements of third parties are to be relied upon, opportunity for cross examination must be provided. Further, instead of and other than generalities, the assessing officer was given an opportunity to put together appellant specific evidence justifying the addition.
It can be seen from the observation of the Assessing Officer that he has only referred to the information related to the outcome of search in the case of Shri Pravin Kumar Jain Group who were allegedly providing accommodation entries but the Ld. Assessing Officer has failed to demonstrate any such specific evidence that the appellant has in reality obtained any accommodation entries. There is no direct specific mention of the appellant by the director or key persons of the investor companies. There is no evidence of cash deposits linked to the investors. The assessing officer did not bring specific incriminating evidence linking the investor to the appellant. The only link is that the investors have invested in appellant company. That the appellant has given cash to the investors in lieu of entry is merely alleged but not demonstrated. Layering of transactions is alleged but not demonstrated. Opportunity for cross examination is not provided to the appellant. Papers/ evidence found in the search action raises presumption but the same is available in the case of person searched but not in the case of third parties unless proved and corroborated. Similarly, retraction may be rejected as motivated, but the same can be considered only against the person who has retracted in his assessment. Such statement in the case of another person loses its sanctity unless opportunity of cross examination is granted and / or is corroborated with other evidences. When the investor company is filing regular return of income and there is a transaction through banking channel, no addition can be made without having any contrary or cogent evidences in possession.
Full Text of the ITAT Order is as follows:-
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