AO Quoted Non-Existent Section 147(a) -ITAT Quashes Reassessment

Jaivir Vs ITO (ITAT Delhi)

AO’s Reliance on Repealed Law Costs Revenue Dear – Reopening Without Application of Mind Invalid:

Facts:

• No return originally filed for AY 2012-13.
• AO received information of cash deposits ₹17.40 lakh in Punjab National Bank during FY 2011-12.
• Notice u/s 148 issued (29.03.2019) with prior approval u/s 151.
• Assessee filed return on 29.10.2019, explained deposits as sale proceeds of agricultural land.
• AO rejected explanation, added ₹17.40 lakh u/s 69A as unexplained cash deposits; also added bank interest ₹44,782 & disallowed deduction u/s VIA.
• CIT(A)/NFAC confirmed reassessment.
• Appeal before ITAT: Assessee raised legal ground-reassessment invalid due to wrong reference to non-existent section 147(a).

Tribunal’s Findings

1.Non-Application of Mind in Reopening

• In the “Form for recording reasons” , AO cited section 147(a).
• Tribunal noted: s.147(a)/147(b) were omitted from statute from 01.04.1989.
• Use of repealed provisions shows complete non-application of mind by AO & sanctioning authority u/s 151.

2. Judicial Precedents

• Amit Khatri vs. ITO (ITA 2430/Del/2023, AY 2012-13) – reopening based on s.147(b) reference quashed.
• Sumit Suneja vs. ACIT (ITA 3688/Del/2025, AY 2011-12) – similar reopening quashed.
• Kelvinator of India Ltd. (256 ITR 1, Del FB; affirmed by SC) – mere change of opinion not valid basis for reopening; reopening requires tangible material.

3. Application to Present Case

• Since reopening was initiated citing non-existent provisions, it was legally invalid.
• Thus, reassessment order dated 28.12.2019 u/s 147/143(3) quashed.
• Other grounds became academic.

Decision

• Reassessment quashed as void ab initio.
• Assessee’s appeal allowed in fuel

FULL TEXT OF THE ORDER OF ITAT DELHI