Case Law Details
DECIDED BY: HIGH COURT OF ALLAHABAD, IN THE CASE OF: CIT Vs. Goel Builders APPEAL NO: ITA No. 127 of 2005, DECIDED ON May 24, 2010
______JUDGEMENT_____
1. In these appeals, filed under Section 260-A of the Income Tax Act, in short, Act, common question of law and facts are involved. The appeals were admitted on common substantial question of law, hence are being decided by the present common judgment. Income Tax Appeal No.127 of 2005 is taken up as leading appeal.
2. Assessee is a firm engaged in the business of manufacture and sale of heavy pipes and coolers. It took on lease a plot of land from Lucknow Development Authority (in short L.D.A.), at Nishadganj, Lucknow for construction of a commercial complex with the name and title of “Goel Complex”. The assessee’s registered office is also located there. The assessee let out the open space of its complex in assessment year 1986-1987 and the rental income so earned was offered for taxation under the head, ‘profits and gains of business or profession’.
3. Right from the assessment year 1986-87 to 1992-1993, the department accepted the claim of the asssessee to the effect that the rental income was taxable under the head, ‘profits and gains of business or profession’.
4. However, in the assessment year 1990-91, order for assessment was passed under Section 143(3) of the Income Tax Act ( in short, Act). The order for other years was passed under Section 143(1)(a) of the Act treating the income from house property. In the assessment year 1993- 94 and 1994-95, the assessing officer taxed the income under the head, “income from house property” without looking into the past assessments right from 1986-87. The assessee preferred an appeal and learned CIT (A) accepted the claim of the assessee and directed to assess the income as ‘business income’. The above order of the learned CIT(A) of the year 1993-94 and 1994-95 was not challenged by the revenue before the tribunal. In the assessment year 1995-96, the A.O. himself passed an order under Section 143(3) and assessed the income as ‘business income’.
5. However, for the assessment year 1996-97 to 2000-2001(under appeal), the revenue assessed the income under the head, “income from house property”. The order of the assessing officer was set aside by the CIT(Appeals). The appeal filed by the revenue was dismissed, hence the present appeals.
6. The appeals were admitted on the following substantial question of law:
“Whether, on the facts and circumstances of the case, the appellate tribunal was right in law in holding that the rental income derived out of the property was chargeable under the head, “profits and gains of business or profession” and not under the head, “income from house property?”
7. We have heard learned counsel for the appellant and learned counsel for the respondent on the aforesaid substantial question of law and perused the record.
8. It has not been disputed that for certain years in past (supra), the assessing officer while passing order under Section 143(3) has taxed the income as ‘business income’ and for some years, the CIT(A) has directed to tax the income as “business income” (supra). The finding of CIT(A) was not challenged by revenue. For the assessment years in question, the revenue had challenged the finding of learned CIT(A) which has been affirmed by the tribunal. The tribunal observed that the revenue has not brought any new facts as to why the departure from earlier stand of the department is warranted. The tribunal held that the principle of res judicata does not apply in tax matters but at the same time held that there should be consistency in decision making process and in absence of any substantial material placed on record, the earlier orders should be followed. Another issue before the tribunal was related to deletion of the disallowance of Rs.1,20,000/- on interest free advances given to a sister concern M/s. Goel Construction Company. The CIT had deleted the addition observing that the advance to sister concern was warranted by the business consideration. The tribunal recorded a finding that the advance was given as per agreement dated 17.8.2003 when the land was taken on lease and since then, the advance to the sister concern is continuing and no fresh advance has been made. It has been held by the tribunal that since the advance was given to the sister concern as per agreement for more than 10 years back, it was warranted by the business considerations.
9. Other issue before the tribunal was with regard to deletion of trading addition of Rs.64,573/-. The CIT(A) deleted the addition made by the assessing officer and the tribunal has upheld the order of the CIT (Appeals). The tribunal further upheld depreciation on car with observation that the CIT (A) rightly deleted the allowance made by the assessing officer since the vehicle in question was a truck which cannot be used for personal purpose. However, all these questions do not call for adjudication since the substantial question of law heard and framed relates to rental income derived from letting out of the property.
10. The tribunal held that the rental income earned by the assessee is not an income from house property but is a business income and accordingly, disallowances have rightly been made. The tribunal reiterated the order of the earlier assessment years with the observation that no new fact has been brought on record and there is no justification to depart from earlier finding and observed that the rental income earned from the Goel Complex was taxable under the head ‘profits and gains of business or profession’.
11. It has not been disputed at bar that the entire Goel Complex has been let out on rental basis in open market except the portion occupied by the assessee for its office. It has also been submitted by the assessee’s counsel that the plot itself was purchased for commercial use from the L.D.A. and after constructing the building, it was let out on rent. Accordingly, the amount earned after letting the premises is wholly and exclusively for business purpose and hence, the submission of the respondent’s counsel that the rental income so earned is business income carries weight.
12. The tribunal is the final authority with regard to finding of fact and it has recorded that the entire premises has been constructed and let out on rent to earn profit. However, on the insistence of the appellant’s counsel, we have also perused the lease agreement entered into between Nagarpalika, Lucknow and M/s. Goel Construction Limited, Lucknow. The opening words of the agreement shows that it was entered into for the commercial purpose. Relevant portion of the agreement is reproduced as under :
“WHEREAS under the rules and orders relating to the disposal of building sites, for commercial purposes, in the said area, Administrator on behalf of the lessor has agreed to demise the land hereinafter described to the lessee in manner hereinafter appearing.”
Para 5 of the lease agreement is also relevant. To reproduce as under :
“5. That the lessee shall construct on the plot hereby demised a building for Commercial purposes in complete and workmanlike manner in accordance with a plan or plans to be submitted by then Lessee and duly approved by the Nagar Mahapalika and shall also confirm to all rules and byelaws that may be applicable.”
Thus, the registered lease agreement entered into between the appellant and the Nagar Mahapalika, Lucknow at the face of record shows that the appellant constructed the building in question exclusively for commercial purpose.
13. It has been vehemently argued by the learned counsel for the appellant that the appellant is not a colonizer and virtually he is indulged in manufacture and sale of Spun Pipes and Coolers, hence the rental income earned from the premises in question should be treated as “income from house property.”
14. On the other hand, learned counsel for the respondents stated that right from very beginning, i.e. from the time of execution of agreement as well as registered lease agreement and right from the purchase of land for construction of building, the assessee has taken the project to construct a building for rental purpose as a mode of commercial activity. At no stage of time and also there is no evidence on record which may reveal that the land was purchased for dwelling or non-commercial purpose, hence the income may be assessed under the head, “income from commercial property”.
15. It has been stated by the respondents’ counsel that there is no change of situation right from 1986 till date with regard to the use of premises in question for commercial purpose. The submission is that the income from exclusive commercial activity may not be treated as income from house property, hence the finding of the tribunal does not suffer from any impropriety or illegality. The question framed has already been dealt with by the tribunal lawfully.
16. It has also been stated by the assessee’s counsel that the principle of res judicata does not apply but consistency should be maintained and the taxing authority should not deviate from the earlier decision unless there is justifiable material on record calling to deviate from earlier decision.
17. Learned counsel for the appellant has referred to 207 ITR 1010(Guj) New India Industries Limited versus CIT, 201 ITR 208(Guj.) Commissioner of Income Tax versus New India Industries Limited, 237 ITR 454 Universal Plast Limited and another versus CIT, [1954] 26 ITR 765 Narain Swadeshi Weaving Mills versus CEPT., (2004) 266 ITR 685 (Madras) C.I.T. Versus Chennai Properties and Investments Limited, (1994) 205 ITR 314(Gujrat) Gurjat Ginning and Manufacturing Co. Limited versus CIT and (1985)154 ITR 532 (Delhi) CIT versus Super Fine Cables(P) Limited.
18. On the other hand, Mr. J.N. Mathur, learned Senior Counsel, assisted by Mr. Mudit Agrawal appearing for the respondent relied upon the cases reported in (1971)81 ITR 547 (SC) M/s Karnani Properties Limited versus Commissioner of Income Tax, 1972 CTR (SC)8 S.G. Mercantile Corporation P. Limited versus CIT, (1992)105 CTR (Ori)441, 237 ITR 454 Universal Plast Limited and another versus CIT, 201 ITR 208 CIT versus New India Industries Limited, 225 ITR 471 Balaji Enterprises versus CIT., 2001(10)SCC 231 Union of India versus Kaumudini Narayan Dalal and another, 2002(1) SCC 605 Union of India versus Satish Pannalal Shah, 2005(12)SCC 241 C.C.E. Meerut versus Eureka Forbes Limited, 2005(12)SCC 242 Collector of Central Excise, and Custom versus P.M.T. Components Limited, 2005(12)SCC 419 Commissioner of Central Excise, and Custom versus Alsthom T & D Transformers Limited, 2005 (12)SCC 420 State of A.P. Versus Bhooratnam and Co., 2008(8)SCC 739 C.K. Gangadharan and others versus Commissioner of Income Tax, (2005)195 CTR Reports 528 Commissioner of Wealth Tax versus Allied Finance(P) Limited, 2004 Vol. 266 ITR 265 Director of Income-Tax versus Lovely Bal Shiksha Parishad, 1992 Vol. 193 ITR page 321 Radhasoami Satsang versus Commissioner of Income-Tax and (2007)8 SCC 688 Municipal Corporation of City of Thane versus Vidyut Metallics Limited and another.
19. Section 22 of the Act provides that the annual value of the property consisting of any building or lands appurtenant of which the assessee is the owner, other than such portions of such property as he may occupy for the purposes of any business or profession, generating profit may be chargeable to income tax under the head, “income from house property”. Section 23 provides how the annual value should be determined. It shall be appropriate to reproduce Sections 22 and 23 of the Act. To quote :
“22. Income from house property. The annual value of property consisting of any buildings or lands appurtenant thereto of which the assessee is the owner, other than such portions of such property as he may occupy for the purposes of any business or profession carried on by him the profits of which are chargeable to income-tax, shall be chargeable to income-tax under the head “Income from house property”
“23. Annual value how determined. [(1) For the purposes of section 22, the annual value of any property shall be deemed to be –
(a) the sum for which the property might reasonably be expected to let from year to year; or
(b) where the property or any part of the property is let and the actual rent received or receivable by the owner in respect thereof is in excess of the sum referred to in clause (a), the amount so received or receivable; or
(c) where the property or any part of the property is let and was vacant during the whole or any part of the previous year and owing to such vacancy the actual rent received or receivable by the owner in respect thereof is less than the sum referred to in clause (a), the amount so received or receivable:
Provided that the taxes levied by any local authority in respect of the property shall be deducted (irrespective of the previous year in which the liability to pay such taxes was incurred by the owner according to the method of accounting regularly employed by him) in determining the annual value of the property of that previous year in which such taxes are actually paid by him.
Explanation: For the purposes of clause (b) or clause (c) of this sub-section, the amount of actual rent received or receivable by the owner shall not include, subject to such rules as may be made in this behalf, the amount of rent which the owner cannot realise.
(2) Where the property consists of a house or part of a house which –
(a) is in the occupation of the owner for the purposes of his own residence; or
(b) cannot actually be occupied by the owner by reason of the fact that owing to his employment, business or profession carried on at any other place, he has to reside at that other place in a building not belonging to him, the annual value of such house or part of the house shall be taken to be nil.
(3) The provisions of sub-section (2) shall not apply if –
(a) the house or part of the house is actually let during the whole or any part of the previous year; or
(b) any other benefit therefrom is derived by the owner.
(4) Where the property referred to in sub-section (2) consists of more than one house –
(a) the provisions of that sub-section shall apply only in respect of one of such houses, which the assessee may, at his option, specify in this behalf;
(b) the annual value of the house or houses, other than the house in respect of which the assessee has exercised an option under clause (a), shall be determined under sub-section (1) as if such house or houses had been let.]“
Apart from Sections 22 and 23, Section 24 relates to deductions from income from house property which provides that a sum equivalent to thirty per cent of the annual value and interest paid on borrowed capital shall be deducted from the income of house property. Section 25 further provides that the interest chargeable under the Act may not be deducted on which tax has not been paid or deducted under Chapter XVII-B of the Act with regard to which there is no person in India.
20. While interpreting the provisions contained in Section 22 of the Act with regard to right of revenue to impose tax under the head, “income from house property”, the provisions contained in Sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 25-A, 25-B, 26 and 27 should be seen collectively.
21. Section 27 of the Act further provides that for the purpose of Sections 22 to 26, the word, “owner of house property’” and “annual charge” ought to be construed. It shall be appropriate to reproduce Section 27 of the Act, to quote:
“27. “Owner of house property”, “annual charge”, etc., defined For the purposes of sections 22 to 26 –
(i) an individual who transfers otherwise than for adequate consideration any house property to his or her spouse, not being a transfer in connection with an agreement to live apart, or to a minor child not being a married daughter, shall be deemed to be the owner of the house property so transferred;
(ii) the holder of an impartible estate shall be deemed to be the individual owner of all the properties comprised in the estate;
(iii) a member of a co-operative society, company or other association of persons to whom a building or part thereof is allotted or leased under a house building scheme of the society, company or association, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be the owner of that building or part thereof;
(iiia) a person who is allowed to take or retain possession of any building or part thereof in part performance of a contract of the nature referred to in section 53A of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882 (4 of 1882), shall be deemed to be the owner of that building or part thereof;
(iiib) a person who acquires any rights (excluding any rights by way of a lease from month to month or for a period not exceeding one year) in or with respect to any building or part thereof, by virtue of any such transaction as is referred to in clause (f) of section 269UA, shall be deemed to be the owner of that building or part thereof;
(iv) [***];
(v) 2[***];
(vi) taxes levied by a local authority in respect of any property shall be deemed to include service taxes levied by the local authority in respect of the property.”
22. A plain reading of Section 27 shows that the owner of house property means a house or building owned by an individual or person as impartible estate. It cumulatively shows the initial acquisition of an estate should be for dwelling or habitation or non-commercial purpose, used to generate income.
23. A plain reading of Sections 22 to 27 shows that “the house property means property constructed for dwelling or residential purpose, a portion of which or whole of the property or its appurtenant land is let out on rent to earn profit.” It does not include a property or building constructed or purchased under the planned business activity. That is why, the legislature to their wisdom has included the house property with rental value and possession by way of transfer to spouse etc. Section 27 further provides that the cooperative society, company or association, from whom the property is allotted or leased out to a person shall be deemed to be the owner of the building or part thereof. Accordingly, to assess the income under the head, “income from house property”, it shall be necessary to find out from the record the aim and object and purpose of the building owner while acquiring or constructing or purchasing the same and used for the rental purpose to earn income.
24. Section 28 deals with profits and gains of business or profession. It provides that the profit and gains of any business in possession which was carried on by the assessee at the time during the previous year may be taxed under the said head. At the face of record, Section 28 postulates that the aim and object of acquiring the property should be commercial in nature. Various conditions provided in Section 28 reveals that it deals with exclusive situations where the property acquired and used for business purpose. It shall be appropriate to reproduce Section 28 of the Act, to quote :
“Section 28 – Profits and gains of business or profession The following income shall be chargeable to income-tax under the head “Profits and gains of business or profession”, –
(i) the profits and gains of any business or profession which was carried on by the assessee at any time during the previous year;
(ii) any compensation or other payment due to or received by, –
(a) any person, by whatever name called, managing the whole or substantially the whole of the affairs of an Indian company, at or in connection with the termination of his management or the modification of the terms and conditions relating thereto;
(b) any person, by whatever name called, managing the whole or substantially the whole of the affairs in India of any other company, at or in connection with the termination of his office or the modification of the terms and conditions relating thereto;
(c) any person, by whatever name called, holding an agency in India for any part of the activities relating to the business of any other person, at or in connection with the termination of the agency or the modification of the terms and conditions relating thereto;
(d) any person, for or in connection with the vesting in the Government, or in any corporation owned or controlled by the Government, under any law for the time being in force, of the management of any property or business;
(iii) income derived by a trade, professional or similar association from specific services performed for its members;
(iiia) profits on sale of a licence granted under the Imports (Control) Order, 1955, made under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1947 (18 of 1947);
(iiib) cash assistance (by whatever name called) received or receivable by any person against exports under any scheme of the Government of India;
(iiic) any duty of customs or excise re-paid or repayable as drawback to any person against exports under the Customs and Central Excise Duties Drawback Rules, 1971;
1[(iiid) any profit on the transfer of the Duty Entitlement Pass Book Scheme being Duty Remission Scheme, under the export and import policy formulated and announced under section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 (22 of 1992);]
2[(iiie) any profit on the transfer of the Duty Free Replenishment Certificate, being Duty Remission Scheme, under the export and import policy formulated and announced under section 5 of the
Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 (22 of 1992);]
(iv) the value of any benefit or perquisite, whether convertible into money or not, arising from business or the exercise of a profession;
(v) any interest, salary, bonus, commission or remuneration, by whatever name called, due to, or received by, a partner of a firm from such firm: Provided that where any interest, salary, bonus, commission or remuneration, by whatever name called, or any part thereof has not been allowed to be deducted under clause (b) of section 40, the income under this clause shall be adjusted to the extent of the amount not so allowed to be deducted;
[(va) any sum, whether received or receivable in cash or kind, under an agreement for – (a) not carrying out any activity in relation to any business; or (b) not sharing any know-how, patent, copyright, trade-mark, license, franchise or any other business or commercial right of similar nature or information or technique likely to assist in the manufacture or processing of goods or provision for services.
Provided that sub-clause (a) shall not apply to –
(i) any sum, whether received or receivable, in cash or kind, on account of transfer of the right to manufacture, produce or process any article or thing or right to carry on any business, which is chargeable under the head “Capital gains”;
(ii) any sum received as compensation, from the multilateral fund of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone layer under the United Nations Environment Programme, in accordance with the terms of agreement entered into with the Government of India.
Explanation: For the purposes of this clause,–
(i) “agreement” includes any arrangement or understanding or action in concert, –
(A) whether or not such arrangement, understanding or action is formal or in writing; or
(B) whether or not such arrangement, understanding or action is intended to be enforceable by legal proceedings;
(ii) “service” means service of any description which is made available to potential users and includes the provision of services in connection with business of any industrial or commercial nature such as accounting, banking, communication, conveying of news or information, advertising, entertainment, amusement, education, financing, insurance, chit funds, real estate, construction, transport, storage, processing, supply of electrical or other energy, boarding and lodging.]
(vi) any sum received under a Key man insurance policy including the sum allocated by way of bonus on such policy. Explanation: For the purposes of this clause, the expression “Key man insurance policy” shall have the meaning assigned to it in clause (10D) of section 10.
4[(vii) any sum, whether received or receivable, in cash or kind, on account of any capital asset (other than land or goodwill or financial instrument) being demolished, destroyed, discarded or transferred, if the whole of the expenditure on such capital asset has been allowed as a deduction under section 35AD;”. Explanation 1: [Omitted by the Direct Tax Laws (Amendment) Act, 1987, with effect from 1st
April, 1989.] Explanation 2: Where speculative transactions carried on by an assessee are of such a nature as to constitute a business, the business (hereinafter referred to as “speculation business”) shall be deemed to be distinct and separate from any other business.”
Apart from Section 28, the provisions contained in Sections 29, 30, 31 and 32 abundantly makes it clear that for the purpose of assessment under the head “profit and gains of business or profession”, it shall be necessary that the property acquired and used is for commercial purpose under business activity. The owner of the property must have acquired the property with intention to earn profit under commercial activity. The owner of the property must have acquired the property with intention to earn profit under commercial activity.
25. In case submission of the learned counsel for the appellant is accepted, then it shall amount to addition of word in the plain, meaning of Section 27 or 28 of the Act and also to negate the meaning and purpose of the provisions contained in Sections 22 to 27 of the Act.
26. It is no longer res integra that while interpreting statutory provisions, each and every word of the Act, every section and every chapter should be taken into account in reference to context. According to Maxwell any construction which may leave without affecting any part of the language of a statute should ordinarily be rejected. Relevant portion from Maxwell on the Interpretation of Statutes (12th edition page 36) is reproduced as under:-
“A construction which would leave without effect any part of the language of a statute will normally be rejected. Thus, where an Act plainly gave an appeal from one quarter sessions to another, it was observed that such a provision, through extraordinary and perhaps an oversight, could not be eliminated.”
27. In 2006 (2) SCC 670, Vemareddy Kumaraswami Reddy and another Vs. State of Andhra Pradesh, their Lordship of Hon’ble Supreme Court affirmed the principle of construction and held that when the language of the statute is clear and unambiguous court can not make any addition or subtraction of words.
28. In AIR 2007 SC 2742, M.C.D. Vs. Keemat Rai Gupta and AIR 2007 SC 2625, Mohan Vs. State of Maharashtra, their Lordship of Hon’ble Supreme Court ruled that Court should not add or delete the words of a statute. Casus Omisus should not be supplied when the language of the statute is clear and unambiguous.
29. In AIR 2008 SC 1797, Karnataka State Financial Corporation Vs. N. Narasimahaiah and others, Hon’ble Supreme Court held that while construing a statute it can not be extended to a situation not contemplated thereby. Entire statue must be first read as a whole then section by section, phrase by phrase and word by word. While discharging statutory obligation with regard to take action against a person in a particular manner that should be done in the same manner. Interpretation of statute should not depend upon contingency but it should be interpreted from its own word and language used.
30. It is also settled provision of law that the taxing statute should be construed strictly and in case two views are possible, then the one which favour the assessee should be adopted vide 2004 (10) SCC 201, State of West Bengal Vs. Kesoram Industries Ltd, AIR 2000 SC 109 Mathuram Agarwal versus State of M.P., (1999)7 SCC 106 Mysore Minerals Limited M.G. Road, Bangalore versus CIT, Karnataka, Bangalore.
31. In (2000) 3 SC 485 (K.V. Shivakumar Kumar Vs. Appropriate Authority), Hon’ble Supreme Court has held that equity or hardship are not relevant consideration for interpretation for taxing law.
32. In 2004 (10) SCC 201, State of West Bengal Vs. Kesoram Industries Ltd., Hon’ble Supreme Court held that taxing statute should be construed strictly. If a person sought to be taxed comes within the letter of law, he must be taxed. However, in case, he does not fall in taxing category, tax cannot be imposed. There is no room for any intendment. There is no equity about tax. There is no presumption as to tax. Nothing is to be read and nothing is to be implied.
33. In 2006 (7) SCC 714, Sneh Enterprises Vs. Commissioner of Customs, Hon’ble Supreme Court held that in case of dispute or ambiguity, construction has to be made in favor of tax payer against the Revenue.
34. A Division Bench of Allahabad High Court in 2009 (27) LCD 161,Lipton India Ltd. Gaziabad Vs. State of U.P. and others, in which one of us (Hon’ble Devi Prasad Singh, J.) was a member, after considering various pronouncements of Hon’ble Supreme Court, held that while interpreting the statutory provisions, every section, every word, should be looked into in a reference to tax.
35. In AIR 1977 Supreme Court 113 Commissioner of Wealth Tax, A.P. vs. Officer In charge, Paigah, Hon’ble Supreme court held that the correct rule is that the courts have to endeavor to find out the exact sense in which the words have been used in a particular context.
36. In 1994 ITR (2006) 688 Sc, H.H. Lakshmi Bai Vs. Commissioner of Wealth-Tax, Hon’ble Supreme Court held that taxing statute in particular, have to be strictly construed and there is no equity in taxing provision.
37. In 1972 V 1972 Vol. 86 ITR SC, Commissioner of Income Tax Vs. Sakar Lal Balabhai, Hon’ble Supreme Court held that in interpreting the taxing provision, one has merely to look to the words of provision. It is not permissible to construe any provision of a statute, much less a taxing provision, by reading into it more word than it contains. If a section of a statute is considered as ambiguous it would not be in appropriate to find out the reason which persuaded the select committee to recommend the inclusion of that section.
38. In AIR 1997 SC 1165 Mohd. Ali KhanVs. CWT, Hon’ble Supreme Court held that taxing statute should be construed in their natural, popular and ordinary senses.
39. In 2007 (3) SCC 668: Mahim Patram (P) Ltd Vs. Union of India, Hon’ble Supreme Court held that taxing statute should be strictly interpreted.
40. In AIR 2000 SC 109: Mathuram Agarwal. Vs. State of U.P., Hon’ble Supreme Court held that taxing statute should be interpreted in the spirit of the statute. In view of above, submission of the learned counsel for the appellant does not seem to be sustainable on combined reading of Sections 22 to 27 of the Income Tax Act. It shall be appropriate to consider the cases relied upon by the parties’ counsel.
41. In the case of New India Industries Limited (supra), the Gujarat High Court held that where the manufacturer of silk cloth as a part of its business installed a plant for dyeing silk yarn and plant could not be used and idle for some time and later on let out to a person on a monthly rent, the question as to whether the rent for five years realised by the assessee was chargeable to excess profits tax as profits of business or was income from other sources. It was held that no general principle could be laid down which may apply to cases and each case should be decided on its own merit and related facts and circumstances. It was further held that in case the assessee derives income from commercial asset which is capable of being used as a commercial asset, then it is income from his business – no matter whether the commercial asset is used by himself or somebody else. The asset would not cease to be a commercial asset simply because it was let out to others. The businessman has got right to exploit it as commercial asset to its best of advantage. It was noticed that if commercial asset is not capable of being used as such or as commercial asset, then its being let out to others does not result in accrual of business income. While holding so, the Gujarat High Court has relied upon 207 ITR 1010 (Guj.) New India Industries Limited versus CIT.
42. The aforesaid proposition of law has been followed in Narain Swadeshi Weaving Mills versus CEPT (supra) relied upon by the appellant. However, the case does not seem to be applicable under the facts and circumstances of the present case. In the present case, from the very beginning, the plot purchased and building constructed by the assessee was for commercial use. That is why continuously since almost a decade, the rental income was assessed of his “business income” and not for “house property”. Nothing has been brought on record to show that the assessee constructed the building as house property for own use.
43. In (1970) 78 ITR 474(SC) CIT versus Indian Molasses Company Private Limited, the Hon’ble Supreme Court observed that in case the expenditure laid out or expanded wholly or exclusively for the purpose of business, then it shall be business expenditure. It has been further held that the question of law means the question arising on the basis of the finding recorded by the tribunal.
44. In (1998) 233 ITR 468 (SC) CIT versus Madras Auto Service while considering the issue with regard to capital or revenue expenditure, the Hon’ble Supreme Court observed the expenditure as revenue expenditure where the assessee has taken a premises on lease for 39 years and demolished the premises constructed on new one on own expenses though lying in possession of lessee but on very low rent held to be business expenditure.
45. In 1972(86) ITR 11 (SC) Aluminium Corporation of India versus CIT while interpreting the business expenditure, the Hon’ble Supreme Court held that the business expenditure means expenditure incurred must be for commercial expediency.
In the present case, the investment made by the assessee while constructing the commercial complex seems to be a business investment, hence the rental income earned from the building as a natural consequence shall be business income.
46. In the case of Chennai Properties and Investments Limited (supra), relied upon by the appellant’s counsel, the Madras High Court though held that every building even if not constructed for dwelling house may be taxed under the head, “income from house property”. However, it has also been held that the commercial building is not regarded as house and may be taxed as house property.
47. In Gujrat Ginning and Manufacturing Company Limited (supra), the Gujrat High Court held that whether a property should be taxed under the head, “profit and gain of business or profession” or income from house property, it depends upon the intention of the parties while acquiring the property. It is pre dominantly a matter of intention which may be drawn from the relevant facts. The judgment of Gujrat High Court fortifies the views taken by us.
48. The Delhi High Court in the case of Super Fine Cables (supra) also ruled that it is the nature of arrangement and the reason for that is to be looked into to decide under which head income tax be imposed. The purpose of determining whether one has let out the property for business purpose or merely for enjoying the rent are relevant factor. The test applied by the Delhi High Court also shows that the building constructed exclusively for commercial use may be taxed under the head, “profit and gains of business or profession” and not under the head, “income from house property”.
49. In the case of Karnani Properties Limited (supra), Hon’ble Supreme Court has treated the income as income from business where the assessee had let out the building constructing flats and shops. Hon’ble Supreme Court held that the activities carried on in an organized and systematic manner to let out property, flats or shops to the tenants is asses sable as business income.
50. In the case of S.G. Mercantile Corporation P. Limited (supra), Hon’ble Supreme Court held that letting out of premises as business activity authorized by memorandum of association shall be taxable as business income.
51. Orissa High Court in C.I.T. Versus M.P. Bazaz and others (supra) held that a building constructed and let out on rent to carry out business for profit should be assessed as business income.
52. In Universal Plast Limited and another (supra), Hon’ble Supreme Court has held that grant of lease of factory to exploit a commercial asset is assessable as business income though the lease was for temporary period with no intention to revive it.
53. Gujrat High Court in CIT versus New India Industries (supra) held that where the income from letting out an asset is business income or income from property, no general principle can be laid down. It shall be decided on the facts and circumstances of each case. The governing principle should be as to whether the asset is being accepted commercially by letting out or it is being let out for the purpose of enjoying rent.
54. In Balaji Enterprises (supra) where the firm was constituted for carrying on business of real estate, taking property on lease, building structure thereon and lease them out to tenants, Karnataka High Court held that the leasing out of commercial complex amounted to business activity.
55. In Union of India versus Kaumudini Narayan Dalal and another (supra), Hon’ble Supreme Court held that the decision adverse to government in tax matter left unchallenged may operate as res judicata against the government which has been followed in other cases. However, Hon’ble Supreme Court clarified that there may be variation on just cause.
56. In Union of India versus Satish Pannalal Shah (supra), Hon’ble supreme Court held that there the judgment of earlier year has not been challenged, it is not open for the revenue to challenge the correctness of other assessee without just cause. The same view has been reiterated in C.C.E. Meerut versus Eureka Forbes Limited (supra), Collector of Central Excise, and Custom versus P.M.P. Components Limited and State of Andhra Pradesh versus Bhooratnam and Company (supra).
57. In C.K. Gangadharan and others (supra), their Lordships of Hon’ble supreme Court held that where the revenue has not assailed the correctness of the order in one case, it would normally not be permissible to do so in other case on the logic that the revenue cannot pick and choose. It is necessary to maintain certainty in law.
However, their Lordships of Hon’ble Supreme Court dealt with the exception also and held that where the revenue does not prefer an appeal for just cause or where the revenue involved is quite small amount may make out a case of departure. It shall be appropriate to reproduce relevant portion from the judgment, to quote :
“12. If the assessee takes the stand that the revenue acted mala fide in not preferring appeal in one case and filing the appeal in other case, it has to establish mala fides. As a matter of fact, as rightly contended by the learned Counsel for the revenue, there may be certain cases where because of the small amount of revenue involved, no appeal is filed. Policy decisions have been taken not to prefer appeal where the revenue involved is below a certain amount. Similarly, where the effect of decision is revenue neutral there may not be any need for preferring the appeal. All these certainly provide the foundation for making a departure.”
“13. In answering the reference, we hold that merely because in some cases the revenue has not preferred appeal that does not operate as a bar for the revenue to prefer an appeal in another case where there is just cause for doing so or it is in public interest to do so or for a pronouncement by the higher Court when divergent views are expressed by the Tribunals or the High Courts.”
58. In the case of Commissioner of Wealth Tax versus Allied Finance Pvt. Limited (supra), the lack of consistency by revenue put their action to acid test. Hon’ble Supreme Court held that the principle of res judicata does not apply to the income tax proceedings since each assessment year is a unit by itself. But there is a fundamental aspect permeating through different years and the authorities have allowed that position to be sustained, it would not be appropriate to allow the position to be changed in subsequent year. For the sake of consistency, the same view should be continued to prevail in subsequent years unless there is some material change in the facts. In Director of Income Tax versus Lovely Bal Shiksha Parishad(supra), the same view has been reiterated.
59. In the case of Radha Swami Satsang versus Commissioner of Income Tax (supra), their Lordships of Hon’ble Supreme Court while dealing with the principle of consistency and principle of res judicata observed that unless there is a material change justifying the revenue to take different view of the matter, it shall not be proper for the revenue to reopen and take contrary view. To reproduce relevant portion from the judgment of Radha Swami Satsang (supra), to quote: “We are aware of the fact that strictly speaking res judicata does not apply to income-tax proceedings. Again, each assessment year being a unit, what is decided in one year may not apply in the following year but where a fundamental aspect permeating through the different assessment years has been found as a fact one way or the other and parties have allowed that position to be sustained by not challenging the order, it would not be at all appropriate to allow the position to be changed in a subsequent year. On these reasoning in the absence of any material change justifying the Revenue to take a different view of the matter-and if there was not change it was in support of the assesses-we do not think the question should have been reopened and contrary to what had been decided by the Commissioner of Income-Tax in the earlier proceedings, a different and contradictory stand should have been taken. We are, therefore, of the view that these appeals should be allowed and the question should be answered in the affirmative, namely, that the Tribunal was justified in holding that the income derived by the Radhasoami Satsang was entitled to exemption under Sections 11 and 12 of the Income Tax Act of 1961. Their Lordships of Hon’ble Supreme Court held that the proposition of law and observation made therein is confined to the said case and may not be treated as authority on the aspects for general application.
60. However, in the case of Municipal Corporation of City of Thane (supra), Hon’ble Supreme Court while holding that the strict rule of res judicata as envisaged by Section 11 C.P.C. has no application, their Lordships further held that as a general rule, each year’s assessment is final for that year and does not govern later years because it determines the tax for a particular year. To reproduce relevant portion, to quote :
14. So far as the proposition of law is concerned, it is well-settled and needs no further discussion. In taxation-matters, the strict rule of res judicata as envisaged by Section 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 has no application. As a general rule, each year’s assessment is final only for that year and does not govern later years, because it determines the tax for a particular period. It is, therefore, open to the Revenue/Taxing Authority to consider the position of the assessee every year for the purpose of determining and computing the liability to pay tax or octroi on that basis in subsequent years. A decision taken by the authorities in the previous year would not estop or operate as res judicata for subsequent year. [vide Maharana Mills (P) Ltd. v. ITO, 1959 Supp (2) SCR 547 : AIR 1959 SC 881; Visheshwar Singh v. CIT, (1961) 3 SCR 287; Instalment Supp (P) Ltd. v. Union of India, (1962) 2 SCR 644; New Jehangir Vakil Mills v. CIT, (1964) 2 SCR 971; Amalgamated Coalfields Ltd. v. Janapada Sabha, 1963 Supp (1) SCR 172; Devilal v. STO, (1965) 1 SCR 686; Udayan Chinubhai v. CIT, (1967) 1 SCR 913; M.M. Ipoh v. CIT, (1968) 1 SCR 65; Kapur Chand v. Tax Recovery Officer, (1969) 1 SCR 691; CIT, W.B. v. Durga Prasad, AIR 1971 SC 2439; Radhasoami Satsang v. CIT, (1992) 1 SCC 659 : AIR 1992 SC 377; Society of Medical Officers v. Hope, 1960 AC 55; Broken Hill Proprietary Co. Ltd. v. Municipal Council, 1925 All ER 675 : 1926 AC 94 : 95 LJPC 33; Turner on Res Judicata, 2nd Edn., para 219, p. 193]. In the same judgment(supra), Hon’ble Supreme Court further proceeded to observe that, to quote; “A decision reached in one year would be a cogent factor in the determination of a similar question in a following year, but ordinarily there is no bar against the investigation by the Income Tax Officer of the same facts on which a decision in respect of an earlier year was arrived at.” Hon’ble Supreme Court further showed its agreement with the principle of law enunciated by Radha Swami Satsang(supra) (para 24).
61. Law emerges after considering various pronouncements of Hon’ble Supreme Court and other High Courts is that the principle of consistency is a rule in general but for cogent reasons or on justifiable ground, the revenue has got right to depart from its earlier practice and take a different view which shall be determined upon the facts and circumstances of each case. While departing from earlier practice, the revenue cannot act mechanically without applying its mind to earlier facts and circumstances under which a view was taken by the taxman and the facts and circumstances of the assessment year in question calling to depart from earlier view. Where there is a fundamental aspect permeating through different assessment years allowed by the authorities to sustain, it would not be appropriate to change the view in subsequent year except on justifiable ground like change of circumstances or non-consideration of relevant material or statutory provisions, or failure on the part of assessing or appellate authority to exercise jurisdiction for extraneous reason or small amount of revenue involved or other justifiable ground depending on facts of each case.
62. In view of above, apart from consistency factor, from the material on record, it may be safely inferred that the assessee constructed the ‘Goel Complex’ exclusively as the part of its commercial activity to earn income by letting it on rent. Accordingly, the income so drawn shall be business income.
In view of above, we answer the question as under:
“The income drawn from the rent received from Goel Complex is asses sable under the head, “profit and gains of business or profession”.
The tribunal’s judgment is affirmed. The appeals are dismissed.”
(Justice S. C. Chaurasia) (Justice Devi Prasad Singh)
24-5-2010
if in this case Rent is treated as business income.
can service tax is applicable ?