Despite specific queries in scrutiny assessment, AO cannot be said to have formed any opinion if explicit opinion not recorded

Dalmia Pvt. Ltd. Vs CIT (Delhi High Court)- It is well settled that audit objection on the point of fact can be a valid ground for reopening of assessment. In the case of New Light Trading Co. vs. Commissioner of Income Tax, (2002) 256 ITR 391 (Del), a Division Bench of this court after referring to the decision of Supreme Court in CIT vs. P. V.S. Beedies Pvt. Ltd. (1999) 237 ITR 13 (SC), has held as under (at page 393) :“In the case of P. V. S. Beedies Pvt. Ltd. [1999] 237 ITR 13, the apex court held that the audit party can point out a fact, which has been overlooked by the Income-tax Officer in the assessment.

Though there cannot be any interpretation of law by the audit party, it is entitled to point out a factual error or omission in the assessment and reopening of a case on the basis of factual error or omission pointed out by the audit party is permissible under law. As the Tribunal has rightly noticed, this was not a case of the Assessing Officer merely acting at the behest of the audit party or on its report. It has independently examined the materials collected by the audit party in its report and has come to an independent conclusion that there was escapement of income. The answer to the question is, therefore, in the affirmative, in favour of the Revenue and against the assessee”  In the light of the above discussion, the contention of the assessee that the present case is of change of opinion has to be rejected.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI

WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) NO. 6205 OF 2010

Date of Decision: 26^th September, 2011

DALMIA PVT. LTD. VERSUS COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX DELHI

SANJIV KHANNA, J.: