The tribunal held that once penalty is imposed for non-maintenance of books, a second penalty for non-audit cannot be levied. Levy of section 271B was held to be impermissible double penalisation.
The Tribunal ruled that Sections 144C and 153 must be read harmoniously and that DRP proceedings do not extend statutory limitation. Any final order issued beyond the prescribed time is void ab initio and liable to be quashed.
Additions based on third-party statements alleging circular trading were rejected as they did not refer to the assessee or show any cash trail. The ruling underscores that suspicion cannot replace evidence.
The Tribunal held that when sales are undisputed, entire purchases cannot be disallowed and only the embedded profit can be taxed, upholding a 20% addition.
It was held that a proposed object-clause amendment cannot justify outright rejection of 80G renewal. What matters is actual application of funds, not a removable clause in the trust deed.
The Tribunal clarified that approval under section 153D is an administrative safeguard and need not contain elaborate reasoning. Allegations of mechanical approval fail without concrete evidence of non-application of mind.
The ITAT ruled that rectification proceedings cannot substitute for an appellate remedy against an addition under section 69A. Absence of a mistake apparent from the record justified dismissal.
Validity of reopening and quantum of addition for alleged bogus purchases. Reopening upheld; addition restricted to 5% profit element. Key takeaway: Where sales and quantities are accepted, only embedded profits can be added.
The tribunal held that assessment under section 153C cannot be initiated without seized material belonging to or relating to the assessee. Third-party statements and assumptions, without incriminating evidence, were held insufficient to confer jurisdiction
The Tribunal held that reassessment proceedings are invalid where notices are issued by the Jurisdictional AO instead of the Faceless AO. Non-compliance with the faceless scheme renders the entire process void.
