Case Law Details
Bharti Airtel Ltd. Vs ITO (Gujarat High Court)
In the case of Bharti Airtel Ltd – Through Its Constituted Attorney Vs ITO (Gujarat High Court), the issue revolved around whether Bharti Airtel Ltd (hereinafter referred to as “the appellant”) was obligated to deduct tax at source (TDS) under Section 194H of the Income Tax Act, 1961, on discounts provided to its distributors. The matter was adjudicated upon by the Gujarat High Court, with the following key points emerging from the judgment:
Background and Arguments
Appellant’s Position: Bharti Airtel Ltd is a cellular mobile telephone service provider operating under the brand name ‘Airtel’. It argued that the discounts offered to its distributors on prepaid SIM cards and recharge coupons did not constitute commission but were part of genuine business transactions. Therefore, TDS under Section 194H was not applicable.
Revenue’s Argument: The Income Tax Department contended that the relationship between Bharti Airtel and its distributors should be viewed as that of principal and agent. Hence, the discounts were akin to commission and subjected to TDS under Section 194H.
Supreme Court Precedent
Supreme Court Decision: The case referred to a judgment by the Supreme Court (Civil Appeal No. 7257 of 2011) dated 28.02.2024, where similar issues were addressed. The Supreme Court ruled that in transactions where the principal (Bharti Airtel) does not directly or indirectly pay or credit any income to the distributors, the provisions of Section 194H do not apply.
Gujarat High Court’s Analysis
Interpretation of Section 194H: The Gujarat High Court interpreted Section 194H in light of the Supreme Court’s guidance. It emphasized that the obligation to deduct TDS arises only when income is paid or credited by the principal to the agent. In this case, Bharti Airtel did not pay income to its distributors; instead, it sold products (SIM cards and recharge coupons) to them.
Nature of Relationship: The court differentiated between an agent and an independent contractor (distributor). It noted that distributors operate independently, buying products and selling them in their territory at a profit margin. This relationship, akin to a franchise agreement, does not impose an obligation on the principal (Airtel) to deduct TDS on the distributor’s income from subsequent sales.
Revenue’s Position: The Revenue argued for a broader application of Section 194H, contending that indirect payments also fell under its purview. However, the court held that such an interpretation would extend beyond the legislative intent of the Income Tax Act.
Conclusion
Court’s Decision: Based on the principles established by the Supreme Court and the specific facts of the case, the Gujarat High Court ruled in favor of Bharti Airtel Ltd. It held that the discounts provided to distributors did not constitute commission liable for TDS under Section 194H. Therefore, the appeal by Bharti Airtel Ltd was allowed, and the judgments of other High Courts challenging similar issues were set aside.
FULL TEXT OF THE JUDGMENT/ORDER OF GUJARAT HIGH COURT
1. Heard learned Senior Advocate shal in Mehta with learned advocate Ms. Aditi S. Raol for the appellant and learned Senior Standing Counsel Ms. Ms. Maithili Mehta for the respondent-Revenue.
2. This Court in (Coram:Hon’ble Justice Akil Kureshi and Hon’ble Ms. Justice Sonia Gokani) by order dated 03.12.2012 admitted the Tax Appeal on the following substantial questions of law:
“(1) Whether on facts and in law Income Tax Appellate Tribunal was correct in holding that the appellant assessee and its distributors enjoy legal relationship of principal and agent and not of principal to principal basis?
(2) Whether in facts and in law Income Tax Appellate Tribunal was right in holding that discount offered by the appellant assessee to its distributors on the payment made by the distributors towards pre-paid sim-cards/ recharge coupons was in the nature of commission and that therefore the assessee had to deduct tax at source as provided under Section 194 of the Income Tax Act,
3. At the outset, learned Senior Advocate Mr. Shalin Mehta appearing with learned advocate Ms. Aditi Raol for the appellant and learned Senior Standing Counsel Ms. Maithil Mehta for the respondent-Revenue submitted that both the questions are answered by the Honorable Supreme Court in the case of appellant in Civil Appeal No.7257 of 2011 by Judgment and Order dated 28.02.2024 and therefore this appeal is required to be allowed in favour of the appellant in terms of the decision of the Honorable Supreme Court.
4. The facts of the case are similar as to that before the Honorable Supreme Court. The appellant is a provider of cellular Mobile Telephone Service under the brand name ‘Airtel’ and it has deviced two schemes prepaid and postpaid for which franchisees are appointed by the appellant.
5. The Revenue raised dispute with regard to the deduction of tax at source under Section 194H of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (for short ‘the Act’), on the basis that the appellant has appointed the distributor as its agent and the amount of discount which is offered by the appellant to such distributor is in the nature of commission and therefore the appellant was asked to deduct the tax at source from the amount received from the distributor.
6. The Honorable Supreme Court in the aforesaid decision decided the same issue by answering in favour of the appellant in the following terms:
“20. The assessees have entered into franchise or distribution agreements with several parties, the terms and conditions of which we would refer to subsequently. It is the case of the assessees that they sell the start-up kits and recharge vouchers of the specified value at a discounted price to the franchisee/distributors. The discounts are given on the printed price of the packs. This discount, as per the assessees, is not a ‘commission or brokerage’ under Explanation (i) to Section 194-H of the Act. The Revenue, on the other hand, submits that the difference between ‘discounted price’ and ‘sale price’ in the hands of the franchisee/ distributors being in the nature of ‘commission or brokerage’ is the income of the franchisee/ distributors, the relationship between the assessees and the franchisee/distributor is in the nature of principal and agent, and therefore, the assesses are liable to deduct tax at source under Section 194-H of the Act.
21. In order to decide the dispute in question, we would like to refer to some of the relevant clauses of the franchisee/distributor agreement between Bharti Airtel Limited and the franchisee/distributors, which read as under:
Bharti Airtel Limited
“WHEREAS THE FRANCHISEE has approached BML and have expressed their keen desire to be one of the FRANCHISEE’s to undertake the job of promoting and marketing of Pre Paid and also other related services all under the brand name of “MAGIC” to the potential subscribers, under the terms of this Agreement. The FRANCHISEE has also represented that they have infrastructure, manpower and experience in the above area and they possess the financial to perform the above functions and such other functions as may be assigned to them by BML from time to time.
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A. It is expressly understood that the Agreement does not confer any exclusive right to the FRANCHISEE to market the Services nor does the Agreement gives any territorial right to the FRANCHISEE. The BML expressly reserves its right to enter into similar arrangements with other party(ies) to market and promote the Services and to market the Services directly to the customers if considered appropriate in terms of business exigency and market
requirements.
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2.1 Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, BML hereby appoints Central Supply Corporation, as its FRANCHISEE to promote and market the Pre Paid Services of BML and more particularly in terms of the policies of BML as shall be informed by BML from time to time and the FRANCHISEE hereby accepts the appointment as the FRANCHISEE of BML.
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2.3 The parties recognize that it is commercially prudent and desirable for the FRANCHISEE in the performance of the obligations under this Agreement to appointment (sic) Retailers/outlets for the retail promotion and marketing of Pre Paid services. In such an event the FRANCHISEE shall obtain the prior approval of BML for appointment(s) of Retailers/outlets, and also to the terms and conditions of such appointment.
2.4 The FRANCHISEE acknowledges that the business of cellular mobile services is extremely competitive and exists in an ever expanding market. The FRANCHISEE agrees and acknowledges that during the term of this Agreement it shall not undertake the activities under this Agreement for any other provider of Cellular Mobile Telephone Services or any similar competitive business.
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3.1 The FRANCHISEE warrants and represents that:
(a) It has all necessary statutory, regulatory and municipal permissions, approvals and permits for the running and operation of its establishment and for the conduct of its business, more particularly for the business as provided for in this Agreement.
(b) It is in compliance of all laws, regulars and rules in the conduct of its business and the running of its business establishment.
3.2 The FRANCHISEE shall indemnify and keep indemnified BML from and against all and any costs, expenses and charges imposed on BML as a result of any action by a statutory, regulatory or municipal authority arising out of non-compliance by the FRANCHISEE of laws, rules or regulations in the running, operation and conduct of its business and business establishment, more particularly with respect to the conduct of its business provided for in this Agreement.
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4.1 The FRANCHISEE shall maintain a suitable establishment for the conduct of its business and the performance of its obligations under this Agreement. The FRANCHISEE shall use its best efforts to actively provide effective ways to market and promote the Pre Paid Services and shall always act in the interest of both BML and the subscribers to the Services of BML.
4.2 As covenanted for in clause 2.4, the FRANCHISEE shall not involve himself in any manner either directly or indirectly in any business or activity which is competitive with the business of activities of BML. The FRANCHISEE acknowledges that the adherence to this provision is a material obligation of the FRANCHISEE under this Agreement.
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4.4 The FRANCHISEE shall, in the conduct of its business and performing its obligations under this Agreement, conform and adhere to the policies of BML communicated to the FRANCHISEE from time to time. The FRANCHISEE shall not charge the customers of BML for the services anything more than the rates specified by the BML from time to time.
4.5 The FRANCHISEE shall employ adequate employees for performing its obligations under this Agreement and in the promoting and marketing of the Pre Paid Services. All contractual and statutory payments, including wages and salaries to the employees of the FRANCHISEE, shall be the sole liability and responsibility of the FRANCHISEE.
4.6 The FRANCHISEE in respect of its business establishment shall, if so desired by BML, in order to effectively project the Franchisee, make alterations, modifications in and install such furniture, fixture and air conditioning equipment, fax, computer, with internet connection as required necessary and mutually agreed upon and the cost of such alterations, renovation shall be borne exclusively by the FRANCHISEE.
4.7 The FRANCHISEE agrees and undertakes to maintain proper and sufficient quantities of the prepaid start up packs and recharge coupons in respect of the Pre Paid service in order to meet the market requirements at all times and in accordance with the guidelines and instructions issued by BML from time to time.
4.8 The FRANCHISEE shall use its best efforts and endeavours to market and promote the Pre Paid Services to meet the growing demands of the Subscribers. At no point of time shall any right, title or interest pass to the FRANCHISEE in respect of the Pre-Paid Cards for the Pre Paid Services given to the subscribers for connection to the Service and all right, title, ownership and property rights in such cards shall at all times vest with BML.
4.9 The FRANCHISEE shall seek prior written approval from BML for its promotional literature campaign (including promotional material which bears the Trademarks, logos and trade names of BML) for the Pre Paid Services. BML will not share the expenditure incurred by the FRANCHISEE for such advertising and publicity of the Services unless agreed to earlier in writing. Any share of the expenditure stated above and the ratio for the same shall be decided by BML from time to time at its sole discretion.
4.10 The FRANCHISEE shall be solely liable and responsible, at its business premises, for the safety and storage of all pre paid start up kits, recharge cards and other material in respect of the Pre Paid Services. BML shall not be liable for any loss, pilferage or damage to the items as stated here above and the FRANCHISEE shall indemnify BML from all loss caused to BML arising out of any loss, pilferage or damage to the items as stated here above.
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4.12 The liability to insure and keep insured the items as stated in Clause 4.10 at the business establishment of the FRANCHISEE shall be of the FRANCHISEE and the liability for any loss or damage due to any fire, burglary, theft, etc. will be that of the FRANCHISEE.
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4.14 The FRANCHISEE shall be responsible for collection of all necessary agreement/contract forms and other related forms, and for obtaining the signature of the customer on these forms. The FRANCHISEE shall forward all such forms, duly completed in all respects and signed by customers to BML for its verification and records.
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5.1 From time to time, BML will review with the FRANCHISEE minimum subscription, targets for the Pre Paid Services, taking into account the market development and market potential and other relevant factors. The achievements of these prescribed targets by the FRANCHISEE is a material obligation of the FRANCHISEE under this Agreement.
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6.2 The FRANCISEE shall employ a fully trained service staff whose training has been completed in accordance with the standards set out by BML.
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8.1 The FRANCHISEE’s price and payment for services will be specified by BML from time to time. The rates are subject to variation during the terms of this Agreement at the sole discretion of BML and shall be intimated to the Distributor from time to time.
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8.3 All other tax liabilities arising in connection with or out of the agreement transactions pertaining to the FRANCHISEE shall be the responsibility of the FRANCHISEE.
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10.1 The FRANCHISEE accepts for all purposes that all trademarks, logos, trade names or identifying marks and slogans used by BML in respect of the Service and the Pre Paid Services, whether registered or not, constitute the exclusive property of BML or their affiliated companies as the case may be, and cannot be used by the FRNCHISEE except in connection with the promotion and marketing of the Services of BML and that too with the express written consent of BML. The FRANCHISEE shall not contest, at any time, the right of the BML or its affiliated companies to any such Trademark or trade name used or claimed by BML or such affiliated companies in respect of the Service or Pre Paid Services.
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11.2 During the term of this Agreement, the FRANCHISEE is authorised to use BML’s trademarks, logos and trade names only in connection with the FRANCHISEE’s use of such trademarks, logos and trade names as set out in this Agreement. The FRANCHISEE’s use of such trademarks, logos and trade names shall be in accordance with the guidelines issued by BML. Nothing herein shall give the FRANCHISEE any right, title or interest in such trademarks, logos or trade names, in the event of termination of this Agreement, however caused, the FRANCHISEE’S right to use such Trademarks, logos or trade names shall cease forthwith. The FRANCHISEE agrees not to attach any additional trademarks, logos or trade designation to the Trademarks of BML.
11.3 For as long as this Agreement continues in force but not thereafter, the FRANCHISEE may identify itself as an authorised FRANCHISEE of BML, but shall not use the Trademarks, logos and trade names of BML as part of its proprietorship name/corporate/partnership name or otherwise indicate to the public that it is an affiliate of BML.
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11.5 BML shall allow the FRANCHISEE to use its logo to be displayed on the sign board to be placed at the FRANCHISEE’s outlet(s) and on the each memos and/or official business documents issued by the FRANCHISEE towards the services effected from the outlet(s). However, the intellectual property rights associated with Trademarks, logos and trade names are and shall remain the sole property of BML.
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14.1 BML shall not be liable to the FRANCHISEE or any other party by virtue of the termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever, including but not limited to any claim for loss of profits or compensation or prospective profits or on account of any expenditure, investments, leases, capital improvements or any other commitments made by the FRANCHISEE in connection with the business made in reliance upon or by virtue of FRANCHISEE’s appointment under this Agreement. It is expressly agreed that no compensation whatsoever shall be payable by BML to the FRANCHISEE upon the termination of this Agreement.
14.2 Upon receipt of any notice of termination of this Agreement the FRANCHISEE shall conduct all its operations until the effective date of termination mentioned in such notice in the manner which is consistent with the obligation of the FRANCHISEE hereunder and the FRANCHISEE shall not prejudice the reputation or goodwill of BML and the interests of the subscribers in any manner whatsoever.
14.3 Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, the FRANCHISEE shall cease to represent himself as the authorised FRANCHISEE of BML and shall not act in a manner, which is likely to cause confusion or to deceive the public. The FRANCHISEE shall promptly remove all Trademarks, signs, words, trademarks (sic), logos and any other representations connected with BML. In the event the FRANCHISEE fails to comply with the above, BML shall have the right to enter upon the FRANCHISEE’s premises and remove, without liability, all Trademarks, signs, logos, trademarks (sic), materials written documents and any other representations connected with BML and the FRANCHISEE shall reimburse to BML all costs and expenses incurred thereof.
14.4 In the event of termination of this Agreement, FRANCHISEE shall return to BML by the effective date of termination all advertising and promotional materials, marketing aids and other documents and materials received and all Confidential Information received under this Agreement.
14.5 Both parties agree that goodwill created with respect to Service and Pre Paid Services is the exclusive property of BML. Any expenditure for promotion, advertising and other efforts by FRANCHISEE is made with the knowledge that this Agreement may be terminated pursuant to Article 13 hereof. Under no circumstance shall BML be obliged to pay to the FRANCHISEE upon termination of this Agreement any termination pay or compensation for subscriber acquisition, special indemnification, or any other termination compensation.
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16.1 The FRANCHISEE understands that it is an independently owned business entity and this Agreement does not make the FRANCHISEE, its employees, associates or agents as employees, agents or legal representatives of BML for any purpose whatsoever. The FRANCHISEE has no express or implied right or authority to assume or to undertake any obligation in respect of or on behalf of or in the name of BML, or to bind BML in any manner. In case, the FRANCHISEE, its employees, associates or agents hold out as employees, agents, or legal representatives of BML, the FRANCHISEE shall forthwith upon demand make good any/all loss, cost, damages, including consequential loss, suffered by BML on this account
16.2 It is understood that the relationship between the parties is solely on principal-to-principal. FRANCHISEE shall not acquire, by virtue of any provision of this Agreement or otherwise, any right, power or capacity to act as an agent or commercial representative of BML for any purpose whatsoever. Nothing contained in the contract shall be deemed or construed as creating a joint venture relationship or legal partnership etc. between BML and the FRANCHISEE.
16.3 The FRANCHISEE shall not obtain/offer the pre paid cards and/or recharge coupons for the Pre Paid Service from any other source other than BML unless such permission is granted in writing by BML in order to meet the specific needs of the market and subscribers as determined by BML.
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22. As per the agreement, the franchisee/distributor is appointed for marketing of prepaid services and for appointing the retailer or outlets for sale promotion. It is pertinent to note that the retailers or outlets for sale promotion are appointed by the franchisee/ distributor and not the assessee. The franchisees/distributors have agreed not to undertake activities mentioned in the agreement for any other competitive cellular mobile telephone service provider in the business. The franchisees/distributors have to comply with statutory, regulatory and municipal permissions while conducting the business. The franchisees/distributors have agreed to indemnify and keep indemnified the assessee against any and all costs, expenses and charges imposed on the assessee because of any action by a statutory, regulatory or municipal authority due to non-compliance by the franchisee/distributor. The franchisee/ distributor has to maintain a suitable establishment for the conduct of business and performance of obligations. While doing so, the franchisee/distributor shall conform and adhere to the policies communicated to it from time to time by the assessee. The franchisee/distributor shall employ adequate employees for performing its obligations, and all contractual and statutory payments, including wages, are to be paid by the franchisee/distributor. The assessee can, if it so desires, call upon the franchisee/distributor to make alterations, modifications in furniture, air conditioning equipment etc., as required and necessary and mutually agreed. Costs of such alternations and distributions are to be borne by the franchisee/distributor.
23. The franchisee/distributor has to maintain proper and sufficient quantities of prepaid start-up packs and recharge coupons to meet the market requirements. The franchisee/distributor shall follow the guidelines and directions issued by the assessee from time to time. At no point of time, the right, title, or interest in the prepaid cards shall pass on to the franchisee/distributor. All rights, title ownership and property rights in the cards shall rest with the assessee. The franchisee/distributor shall be solely responsible and liable for safety and storage of prepaid start-up kits, recharge cards and other material. The assessee will not be liable for any loss, pilferage or damage to the pre- paid coupons/starter-kits. The franchisee / distributor is to indemnify the assessee for any loss caused on this account. The franchisee/distributor is to insure the prepaid start-up kits/ recharge coupons. The liability for any loss or damage due to fire, burglary, theft etc is that of the franchisee/distributor.
24. On termination of the agreement, the franchisee/distributor shall continue its operation till the effective date of termination mentioned in the notice. Upon termination, the franchisee/distributor is required to return all advertising and promotional material, etc. to the assessee by the effective date of termination. Further, the assessee is not liable to the franchisee/distributor or any other party for any loss of profits or compensation or prospective profits or on account of any expenditure, etc. in the event of termination.
25. The assessee is to review the minimum subscriptions/targets for prepaid services taking into account market development and potential and other relevant factors. The franchisee/distributor is to employ a fully trained service staff, who have undergone training in accordance to the standards set out by the assessee. The franchisee/distributor will be responsible to collect all necessary agreement/contract forms and other related forms, after obtaining signatures of the customers on the said forms. These forms, duly completed in all respects and signed by the customers, will be forwarded to the assessee for its verification and record.
26. The franchisee’s/distributor’s price and payment for services will be specified by the assessee from time to time. The rates can be varied during the terms of the agreement at the discretion of the assessee and such variation is to be intimated to the ranchisee/distributor. All tax liabilities in connection with, or arising out of, the transactions pertaining to the agreement shall be the responsibility of the franchisee/distributor.
27. The trademarks, logos, trade names or identifying marks and slogans used by the assessee, whether registered or not, are exclusive property of the assessee or the affiliated companies. The use of such marks, logos etc. will be in accordance with the guidelines issued by the assessee. As long as the agreement is in force, but not thereafter, the franchisee/distributor shall identify itself as an authorised franchisee, but shall not use trademarks, logos, trade names, as part of its proprietorship name/corporate/ partnership name or otherwise. The franchisee/distributor is entitled to use its logo on the side door at its outlets and on its memos and official business documents towards the services effected from the outlet.
28. On the question of actual business financial model adopted and followed, it is an admitted position that the franchisees/distributors were required to pay in advance the price of the welcome kit containing the SIM card, recharge vouchers, top-up cards, e-tops, etc. The abovementioned price was a discounted one. Such discounts were given on the price printed on the pack of the prepaid service products. The franchisee/distributor paid the discounted price regardless of, and even before, the prepaid products being sold and transferred to the retailers or the actual consumer. The franchisee/distributor was free to sell the prepaid products at any price below the price printed on the pack. The franchisee/distributor determined his profits/income.
29. The Revenue has highlighted that the prepaid SIM cards were not the property of franchisee/distribution and no right, title or interest was transferred to them. These were always to remain the property of the assessee. This is correct, but it is equally true that this is a mandate and requirement of the licence issued to the assessee by the DoT. In actual practice, the right to use the SIM card and its possession is handed over and given to the end-user, that is, the customer who installs the SIM card in his phone to avail the telecommunication services. Similarly, the franchisees/distributors are to ensure that the post-paid customers/end-users fill up the form as prescribed along with the documents which are given and submitted to the assessee. These are mandates prescribed by the licence issued by the DoT to the assessees. The contractual obligations of the distributors/franchisees, do not reflect a fiduciary character of the relationship, or the business being done on the principal’s account.
30.The franchisees/distributors earn their income when they sell the prepaid products to the retailer or the end-user/customer. Their profit consists of the difference between the sale price received by them from the retailer/end-user/customer and the discounted price at which they have ‘acquired’ the product. Though the discounted price is fixed or negotiated between the assessee and the franchisee/distributor, the sale price received by the franchisee/ distributor is within the sole discretion of the franchisee/distributor. The assessee has no say in this matter.
31. It is not the case of the Revenue that the tax at source under Section 194-H of the Act is to be deducted on the difference between the printed price and the discounted price. This cannot be the case as the Revenue cannot insist that the franchisee/distributor must sell the products at the printed price and not at a figure or price below the printed price. The obligation to deduct tax at source is fixed by the statute itself, that is, on the date of actual payment by any mode, or at the time when income is credited to the account of the franchisee/distributor, whichever is earlier. In the context of the present case, the income of the franchisee/distributor, being the difference between the sale price received by the franchisee/distributor and the discounted price, is paid or credited to the account of the franchisee/distributor when he sells the prepaid product to the retailer/end-user/customer. The sale price and accordingly the income of the franchisee/distributor is determined by the franchisee/distributor and the third parties. Accordingly, the assessee does not, at any stage, either pay or credit the account of the franchisee/distributor with the income by way of commission or brokerage on which tax at source under Section 194H of the Act is to be deducted.
32.Faced with the above situation, the Revenue has relied upon the use of the expression “payment received or receivable directly or indirectly by a person acting on behalf of the other person”, that is, ‘the principal’. It is argued that even if the franchisee/ distributor receives payment in the form of income from the retailer/end-user/customer, it would require deduction of tax at source as payment received or receivable, directly or indirectly, is to be subjected to deduction of tax. In support of the argument, reliance is placed upon decision in the case of Singapore Airlines Limited (supra).
33.1 The decision in Singapore Airlines Limited (supra) is required to be understood in the context of the contract in the said case, which was in terms of the rules/agreement set up by the International Airport Transport Association24. IATA would fix a ceiling price, and the price an airline could charge from its customers with a discretion to the airlines to sell their tickets at a net fare lower than the base fare but not higher. The air carriers were required to furnish a fare list to the Director General of Civil Aviation. The arrangement between the airlines and travel agents was covered by the Passenger Sales Agency Agreement25, which would set out the conditions under which the travel agent carried out sale of tickets along with other ancillary services. The travel agents were entitled to 7% commission on sale of the tickets for its services as the standard commission based on the price bar set by the IATA. The airlines were deducting tax at source under Section 194-H of the Act on the 7% commission. In addition to the 7% commission, the travel agents were also entitled to additional/supplementary commission on the tickets sold by them. The additional/supplementary commission and the amount at which the tickets were sold were computed by the travel agents and transmitted to the billing and settlement plan (BSP). The BSP, functioning under the aegis of the IATA, managed, inter alia, logistics vis-à-vis payments, and acted as a forum for agents and airlines to examine details pertaining to the sale of the flight tickets.
33.1 This Court examined the operation of the BSP where the financial data regarding sale of tickets was stored. The BSP agglomerated the data from multiple transactions. Thereupon, this data was transmitted either bimonthly or twice a month to the airlines. It is on the basis of this data that the airlines/air carriers were required to pay the additional commission to the travel agents. These are the striking distinguishing features in Singapore Airlines Limited (supra) case.
33.2 Having considered the aforesaid mechanism and the nature of relationship between a principal and an agent26, this Court found considerable merit in the argument of the Revenue that the airlines/ air carriers utilised the BSP to discern the amount earned as additional/supplementary commission and accordingly arrive at the income earned by the agent to deduct tax at source, in accordance with the provisions of Section 194-H of the Act. If the aforesaid mechanism is understood, then it is not difficult to appreciate and understand the conclusion arrived at by this Court in the said case.
33.3 Thus, the question whether there was relationship of principal and agent was not in dispute, but nevertheless the assessees in the said case disputed liability to deduct tax at source on the additional/supplementary commission. However, the judgment does refer to the difference between the legal relationship of master and servant, principal and agent, and between principal and principal. In this context, reference is made to the statement of law in Halsbury’s Law of England27, which reads:
“The difference between the relations of master and servant and of principal and agent may be said to be this: a principal has the right to direct what work the agent has to do: but a master has the further right to direct how the work is to be done.”
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“An agent is to be distinguished on the one hand from a servant, and on the other from an independent contractor. A servant acts under the direct control and supervision of his master, and is bound to conform to all reasonable orders given him in the course of his work; an independent contractor, on the other hand, is entirely independent of any control or interference and merely undertakes to produce a specified result, employing his own means to produce that result. An agent, though bound to exercise his authority in accordance with all lawful instructions which may be given to him from time to time by his principal, is not subject in its exercise to the direct control or supervision of the principal. An agent, as such is not a servant, but a servant is generally for some purposes his master’s implied agent, the extent of the agency depending upon the duties or position of the servant.”
34. We have already expounded on the main provision of Section 194-H of the Act, which fixes the liability to deduct tax at source on the ‘person responsible to pay’ – an expression which is a term of art – as defined in Section 204 of the Act and the liability to deduct tax at source arises when the income is credited or paid by the person responsible for paying.28 The expression “direct or indirect” used in Explanation (i) to Section 194-H of the Act is no doubt meant to ensure that “the person responsible for paying” does not dodge the obligation to deduct tax at source, even when the payment is indirectly made by the principal-payer to the agent- payee. However, deduction of tax at source in terms of Section 194-H of the Act is not to be extended and widened in ambit to apply to true/genuine business transactions, where the assessee is not the person responsible for paying or crediting income. In the present case, the assessees neither pay nor credit any income to the person with whom he has contracted. Explanation (i) to Section 194-H of the Act, by using the word “indirectly”, does not regulate or curtail the manner in which the assessee can conduct business and enter into commercial relationships. Neither does the word “indirectly” create an obligation where the main provision does not apply. The tax legislation recognises diverse relationships and modes in which commerce and trade are conducted, albeit obligation to tax at source arises only if the conditions as mentioned in Section 194-H of the Act are met and not otherwise. This principle does not negate the compliance required by law.
35. Deduction of tax at source is a substantial source of the direct tax revenue. The ease of collection and recovery is obvious. Deduction and deposit of tax at source checks evasion and non-payment of tax. It expands the tax base. However, the assessee as a deductor is not paying tax on his/her income, and collects and pays tax otherwise payable by the third party. Liability of the third party to pay tax when not deducted remains unaffected. Failure to deduct tax at source has serious and quasi-penal consequences for an assessee. The deduction of tax provisions should be programmatically and realistically construed, and not as enmeshes or by adopting catch-as-catch-can approach. In case of a legal or factual doubt in a given case, the assessee can rely on the doctrine of presumption against doubtful penalisation.29 Whether or not the said doctrine should be applied30, will depend on facts and circumstances of the case, including the past practice followed by the assessee and accepted by the department. When there is apparent divergence of opinion, to avoid litigation and pitfalls associated, it may be advisable for the Central Board of Direct Taxes to clarify doubts by issuing appropriate instruction/circular after ascertaining view of the assesses and stakeholders.31 In addition to enhancing revenue and ensuring tax compliance, an equally important aim/objective of the Revenue is to reduce litigation. The instructions/circular, if and when issued, should be clear, and when justified – require the obligation to be made prospective.
36.Notably, the Delhi High Court in Commissioner of Income Tax v. Singapore Airlines Ltd. had held that tax under Section 194-H of the Act is not required to be deducted on the discounted tickets sold by the airlines/air carriers through travel agents. Revenue did not challenge the decision of the Delhi High Court to this extent and therefore, this dictum attained finality. As noted, it is not the case of the Revenue that tax is to be deducted when payment is made by the distributors/franchisees to the mobile service providers. It is also not the case of the revenue that tax is to be deducted under Section 194-H of the Act on the difference between the maximum retail price income of the distributors/ franchisees and the price paid by the distributors/franchisees to the assessees. The assessees are not privy to the transactions between distributors/franchisees and third parties. It is, therefore, impossible for the assessees to deduct tax at source and comply with Section 194-H of the Act, on the difference between the total/sum consideration received by the istributors/ franchisees from third parties and the amount paid by the distributors/ franchisees to them.
37. The argument of the Revenue that assessees should periodically ask for this information/data and thereupon deduct tax at source should be rejected as far-fetched, imposing unfair obligation and inconveniencing the assesses, beyond the statutory mandate. Further, it will be willy-nilly impossible to deduct, as well as make payment of the tax deducted, within the timelines prescribed by law, as these begin when the amount is credited in the account of the payee by the payer or when payment is received by the payee, whichever is earlier. The payee receives payment when the third party makes the payment. This payment is not the payment received or payable by the assessee as the principal. The distributor/franchisee is not the trustee who is to account for this payment to the assessee as the principal. The payment received is the gross income or profit earned by the distributor/franchisee. It is the income earned by distributor/ franchisee as a result of its efforts and work, and not a remuneration paid by the assessee as a cellular mobile telephone service provider.
38. We must, therefore, reject the argument of the Revenue relying upon the decision of this Court in Singapore Airlines Limited (supra) that assessees would be liable to deduct tax at source even if the assessees are not making payment or crediting the income to the account of the franchisee/distributor. When the obligation, and the time and manner in which the tax is mandated by law to be deducted at source, is fixed by the statute, the same cannot be shifted/altered/modified or postponed on a concession in the court by the Revenue. The concession may be granted, when permissible, by way of a circular issued in accordance with Section 119 of the Act. We do not think that the decision in Singapore Airlines Limited (supra) can be read in the manner as suggested by the Revenue.
39. Coming back to the legal position of a distributor, it is to be generally regarded as different form that of an agent. The distributor buys goods on his account and sells them in his territory. The profit made is the margin of difference between the purchase price and the sale price. The reason is, that the distributor in such cases is an independent contractor. Unlike an agent, he does not act as a communicator or creator of a relationship between the principal and a third party. The distributor has rights of distribution and is akin to a franchisee. Franchise agreements are normally considered as sui generis, though they have been in existence for some time. Franchise agreements provide a mechanism whereby goods and services may be distributed. In franchise agreements, the supplier or the manufacture, i.e. a franchisor, appoints an independent enterprise as a franchisee through whom the franchisor supplies certain goods or services. There is a close relationship between a franchisor and a franchisee because a franchisee’s operations are closely regulated, and this possibly is a distinction between a franchise agreement and a distributorship agreement. Franchise agreements are extremely detailed and complex. They may relate to distribution franchises, service franchises and production franchises. Notwithstanding the strict restrictions placed on the franchisees – which may require the franchisee to sell only the franchised goods, operate in a specific location, maintain premises which are required to comply with certain requirements, and even sell according to specified prices – the relationship may in a given case be that of an independent contractor. Facts of each case and the authority given by ‘principal’ to the franchisees matter and are determinative.
40. An independent contractor is free from control on the part of his employer, and is only subject to the terms of his contract. But an agent is not completely free from control, and the relationship to the extent of tasks entrusted by the principal to the agent are fiduciary. As contract with an independent agent depends upon the terms of the contract, sometimes an independent contractor looks like an agent from the point of view of the control exercisable over him, but on an overview of the entire relationship the tests specified in clauses (a) to (d) in paragraph 8 may not be satisfied. The distinction is that independent contractors work for themselves, even when they are employed for the purpose of creating contractual relations with the third persons. An independent contractor is not required to render accounts of the business, as it belongs to him and not his employer.
41. Thus, the term ‘agent’ denotes a relationship that is very different from that existing between a master and his servant, or between a principal and principal, or between an employer and his independent contractor. Although servants and independent contractors are parties to relationships in which one person acts for another, and thereby possesses the capacity to involve them in liability, yet the nature of the relationship and the kind of acts in question are sufficiently different to justify the exclusion of servants and independent contractors from the law relating to agency. In other words, the term ‘agent’ should be restricted to one who has the power of affecting the legal position of his principal by the making of contracts, or the disposition of the principal’s property; viz. an independent contractor who may, incidentally, also affect the legal position of his principal in other ways. This can be ascertained by referring to and examining the indicia mentioned in clauses (a) to (d) in paragraph 8 of this judgment. It is in the restricted sense in which the term agent is used in Explanation (i) to Section 194-H of the Act.
42. In view of the aforesaid discussion, we hold that the assessees would not be under a legal obligation to deduct tax at source on the income/ profit component in the payments received by the distributors/franchisees from the third parties/customers, or while selling/transferring the pre-paid coupons or starter-kits to the distributors. Section 194-H of the Act is not applicable to the facts and circumstances of this mcase. Accordingly, the appeals filed by the assessee – cellular mobile service providers, challenging the judgments of the High Courts of Delhi and Calcutta are allowed and these judgments are set aside. The appeals filed by the Revenue challenging the judgments of High Courts of Rajasthan, Karnataka and Bombay are dismissed. There would be no orders as to cost. Pending applications, if any, shall stand disposed of.”
7. In view of the above the appeal stands allowed. Both the questions are answered in affirmative in favour of the appellant and against the Revenue. The Civil Application stands disposed of accordingly in view of the order passed in the Appeal.
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