CIT vs. Dodsal Ltd (Bombay High Court)
(1) It is not possible to accept the submission of the Revenue that once the AO comes to the conclusion that there is a breach of the mandate of Section 158BFA(1), then the penalty has to be mandatory imposed. The terminology of section 158BFA makes it clear that the AO has a discretion in the matter of levy of penalty.
(2) Whilst considering taxing statute, it is settled law that the expressions used in a taxing statute would ordinarily be understood in the sense in which it is harmonious with the object of the statute to effectuate the legislative intention. It is equally settled law that, if the language is plain and unambiguous, one can look fairly at the language used and interpret it to give effect to the legislative intention. Tax law, nevertheless, have to be interpreted reasonably and in consonance with justice adopting a purposive approach.
