(before shri d. k. tyagi, jm and shri a. mohan alankamony, am) · 2018. 3. 25. · in the income...
TRANSCRIPT
IN THE INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL ‘A’ BENCH – AHMEDABAD
(BEFORE SHRI D. K. TYAGI, JM AND SHRI A. MOHAN ALANKAMONY, AM)
ITA No.1821/Ahd/2005, 2274/Ahd/2006 and 2042/Ahd/2007
A. Y.:2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05
Mastek Limited, 804/805, President House, Opp. C.N. Vidyalaya, Near Ambawadi Circle, Ahmedabad 380 006 PA No. AAACM 9908 Q
Vs The D. C.I. T., Circle-4, 103, 1st Floor, Navjeevan Trust Building , Ahmedabad 380 006
(Appellant) (Respondent)
ITA No.1883 /Ahd/2005, 2341/Ahd/2006 and 2541/Ahd/2007
A. Y.:2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05
The D. C.I. T., Circle-4, 103, 1st Floor, Navjeevan Trust Building Ahmedabad 380 006
Vs Mastek Limited, 804/805, President House, Opp. C.N. Vidyalaya, Near Ambawadi Circle, Ahmedabad 380 006 PA No. AAACM 9908 Q
(Appellant) (Respondent)
Assessee by Shri S. N. Soparkar, AR
Department by Shri Kartar Singh, Sr. DR
Date of hearing: 28-03-2012 Date of pronouncement: 11-05-2012
O R D E R
PER BENCH: These six appeals instituted – (i) three
appeals by the assessee company and (ii) remaining three appeals
by the Revenue – are directed against the impugned appellate
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orders of the Ld. CIT (A) - VIII, Ahmedabad in (i) Appeal No. CIT (A)-
VIII/DC/CIR/138/04-05, (ii) No. CIT(A)-VIII/DC-4/203/05-06; and (iii)
No. CIT (A)-VIII/DC-4 /300/06-07 dated: 24.05.2005, 24.8.2006 and
28.3.2007 for the assessment years 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05
respectively.
I. ITA No.1821/A/05 – A Y 2002-03 - By the assessee:
2. The assessee company has raised four grounds, out of which,
in ground No.1 that the CIT (A) erred in holding that the assessee
was not entitled to claim deduction u/s 80HHE of the Act on the other
income of Rs.4.71 lakhs; and in ground No.4 that the CIT (A) erred
in not passing a speaking order in relation to ground Nos. 8(k), 8(l)
and 8(m) were not pressed during the course of hearing before this
Bench. Thus, ground Nos.1 and 4 are dismissed as ‘not pressed’.
In the remaining grounds, the cruxes of the issues raised are
reformulated as under:
(1) that the CIT (A) erred in holding that the traveling expenses of Rs.1,32,52,859/- in relation to the seconded employees;
(2) that the CIT (A) erred in upholding that the disallowance of
Rs.5,61,000/- towards legal fees paid to Baker & Mckinsey being non-business expenses of the assessee.
II. ITA No.1883/A/05 – A Y 2002-03 - By the Revenue:
3. The Revenue has raised the following grounds:
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That the CIT (A) has erred in:
(1) granting exemption of income u/s 10A of the Act amounting to Rs.9,99,70,054/- in respect of Unit No.107;
(2) directing to exclude the income of Rs.16,48,000/- being
exchange fluctuation gain and other income of Rs.1000/- for granting exemption u/s 10A in respect of new Unit in SEEPZ and STP in Pune Unit;
(3) directing to recalculate deduction u/s 80HHE of the Act after
considering the exchange fluctuation gain of Rs.35,04,000/-;
(4) allowing loans and advances written off of Rs.1.33 lakhs;
(5) allowing Rs.4,25,72,977/- (sic) Rs.42,57,297/- paid as Belgium tax u/s 37(1) of the Act;
(6) allowing Rs.72,11,557/- out of disallowance of Rs.74,11,557/-
u/s 14A of the Act;
(7) deleting the addition of Rs.2,34,50,000/- being compensation received for rendering human resource support services u/s 92 of the Act; &
(8) & (9) being general in nature and no specific issues involved,
they have become inconsequential.
III. ITA No.2274/A/06 – A Y 2003-04 - By the assessee:
4. The assessee company has, in this AY, raised the following
grounds, namely:
(1) that the CIT (A) has erred in holding that the assessee was not entitled to deduction u/s 80HHE of the Act on the misc. income of Rs.34,73,924/- being expenses recovered from the customers;
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(2) that the CIT (A) erred in upholding the stand of the AO/TPO with regard to the traveling expenses of Rs.1,26,88,612/- in relation to the seconded employees; &
(3) this ground of the assessee – CIT (A) erred in not passing a
speaking order in relation to ground Nos.5.26 and 5.27 – was not pressed during the course hearing and, accordingly, this ground is dismissed as ‘not pressed.’
IV. ITA No.2341/A/06 – A Y 2003-04 - By the Revenue: 5. The Revenue has raised the following grounds: That the CIT (A) has erred in:
(1) directing to allow exemption u/s 10A of the Act amounting to Rs.10,24,63,557/- in respect of Unit No.107 of SEEPZ;
(2) directing to include the income of Rs.1,01,78,964/- being exchange gain and Rs.31,93,255/- respectively for granting exemption/ deduction u/s 10A/80HHE of new Units (SDF VI & VII) & STP in Pune Unit; (3) directing to include the profit on sale of assets worth of
Rs.59,851/- while working out exemption u/s 10A for STP, Pune;
(4) directing to exclude misc. income of Rs.4,72,563/- from
business for calculating exemption u/s 10A of the Act in respect of Unit 107;
(5) directing to treat the lease rental income from the building as
income from ‘house property’ and allow the depreciation claim thereby entertaining a new ground without affording an opportunity to the AO;
(6) directing the AO to re-compute deduction u/s 80HHE and
holding that the balance 10% profit of Unit 107, new units (SDF-VI & VII) and Pune STP Unit were eligible for computation of deduction u/s 80HHE;
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(7) directing to delete Rs.5.05,80,750/- relating to Human
Resource Management function based on the TPO’s order u/s 92CA(3) of the Act;
(8) directing to delete the addition of Rs.9,77,598/- made on
account of adjustment relating to interest on advances paid to the employees based on TPO’s order; &
(9) & (10) these grounds being general in nature, they do not
survive for adjudication.
V. ITA No.2042/A/07 – A Y 2004-05 - By the assessee: 6. The grounds raised by the assessee are listed out as under:
(1) That the CIT (A) has erred in disallowing depreciation on leased assets amounting to Rs.41,41,761/-;
(2) that the CIT (A) erred in upholding the stand of the AO/TPO in
respect of the traveling expenses of Rs.1,67,98,984/- in relation to the seconded employees;
(3) that this ground of the assessee – CIT (A) erred in not passing
a speaking order in relation to ground No.5.5 – was not pressed during the course hearing and, accordingly, this ground is dismissed as ‘not pressed.’
VI. ITA No.2541/A/07 – A Y 2004-05 - By the Revenue: 7. The Revenue has raised the following grounds: That the CIT (A) erred in:
(1) directing to allow exemption u/s 10A of the Act amounting to Rs.1,38,81,683/- in respect of Unit No.107 of SEEPZ;
(2) directing not to exclude the income of Rs.29,61,008/- being exchange fluctuation gain for the granting exemption u/s 10A/80HHE of the Act;
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(3) directing to delete the disallowance of Rs.1.4 lakhs made out
of interest relatable to investments yielding exempted income;
(4) restricting the disallowance of Rs.229.07 lakhs made out of administrative expenses relatable to exempted dividend income to Rs.2 lakhs;
(5) directing to treat the rental income of Rs.186. 51 lakhs under
the head ‘house property’ and allow deduction u/s 24 as permissible;
(6) directing to delete the adjustment made at Rs.5,90,27,278/-
relating to Human Resource Management function services based on the TPO’s order u/s 92CA(3) of the Act;
(7) directing to delete the addition made on account of adjustment
relating to interest on advances paid to the employees of Rs.7,55,888/- based on TPO’s order;
(8) deleting the addition made towards TPO adjustment towards
interest on account of excess credit period granted to AE at Rs.51,79,817/-;
(9) & (10) these grounds being general in nature, they do not survive for adjudication.
8. As the issues raised by the rival parties pertain to the same
assessee and for the appreciation of facts, these appeals were heard,
considered together and disposed off by this common order.
9. After taking into account the contentions of either party, diligent
perusal of relevant case records, documentary evidences in the
shape of voluminous paper books running into hundreds of pages
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furnished by the learned A R during the course of hearing and also
the brief submitted by the learned D R, the issues raised by the
parties concerned are adjudicated chronologically, in assessment
year-wise, as under:
I. ITA No.1821/A/05 – A Y 2002-03 - By the assessee:
(1). Traveling expenses of Rs.1.32 crores relating to seconded employees:
10. The assessee had international transactions with Majesco
Software Inc. of USA, Mastek, UK Ltd of UK, Mastek Asias Pacific
Pta of Singapore, Mastek MSC Sdn Bhd of Malasia, Mastek Gmbh of
Germany and Mastek NV of Belgium.
11. During the course of transfer pricing proceedings, it was noticed
by the TPO that the assessee had incurred a total sum of
Rs.1,32,52,859/- on the travel cost of the seconded persons during
the previous year. According to the TPO, the assessee had a regular
practice of seconding various persons to its AEs located at USA, UK,
Belgium, Singapore and Malaysia. In all these cases, the persons
cease to remain on the payrolls of the assessee and were shifted to
the payrolls of the AEs. With regard to the on-site activity, the entire
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activity had been performed by the AEs and all costs have been
borne by them in this regard. Accordingly, the entire revenues were
also billed by the AEs on the customers in their own accounts. The
assessee had a technical support agreement with the AEs at US,
Belgium and UK wherein certain services to support the AEs on-site
activities were rendered by the assessee. For the support services,
the assessee was separately remunerated to the extent of the
services rendered. Accordingly, it follows that any expenditure
incurred for transportation of these seconded persons to the AEs
location should be borne by the AEs respectively. Accordingly, the
assessee was required to explain as to why the amount of
expenditure incurred in this regard had not been recovered by it from
the respective AEs.
12. After due consideration of the assessee’s response, the learned
TPO had observed thus:
“12.3.(on page 15)(Page 145 of PB)
(a) no doubt to support the off shore services, on-site services have also
to be offered by the assessee to its customers. However, when the
activity relating to offshore and on-site have been segregated by the
assessee so that all revenues relating to on-site activity are earned by
the AEs, all costs incurred for the purposes of on-site activity also
have to be borne by the AEs only. There is no doubt that the travel
cost on account of secondment of employees is incurred only for
carrying on the on-site activity. Hence, the same should also be
recovered from the AEs;
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(b) the fact that AEs are being the travel cost at the time the secondees
return to India does not in any way alter the fact that the onward
fare should have also been borne by them. The purpose of travel
from India to the respective AEs location is to render on-site services.
In such an event, when these secondees shift to the payrolls of the
AE, their travel costs both ways should necessarily be borne by the
AEs only as such expenses are incurred for the purp.ose of the
business of the AE; &
(c) the last contention of the assessee that by seconding employees it
receives long term benefits, is no ground for non-recovery of costs
which are directly attributable to the AE, particularly in view of high
attrition rates in the software industry.
13. In view of the above assertion, the traveling cost of
Rs.1,32,52,859 constitute costs recovered by the assessee from its
AEs in accordance with the arm’s length principle as it is AEs
business expenditure. Since the assessee had not shown any
amount recovered/recoverable from the AEs in its account, the ALP
determined at cost was an adjustment to the total income of the
assessee and, thus, its income was increased by Rs.1.32 crores.
14. On appeal, the learned CIT (A) had, after due consideration of
the assessee’s submission, recorded his findings that –
“(On page 27) I have considered the same and for reason similar in respect of
the transactions relating to Human Resources Function in the preceding
paragraphs it is held that transactions is international transactions within the
meaning of section 92B/92C of the IT Act it is not in dispute that the traveling
expenditure as above has been incurred on behalf of the associated enterprises.
Thus, the expenditure cannot be held to be for the business purposes of the
assessee company during the FY 2001-02 as the income on behalf of the projects
for which these persons were working on-line on behalf of the associated
enterprises are being received by the associated enterprises and not the assessee
company. This amount incurred for traveling of such seconded employees at the
request of the associated enterprise’s was therefore recoverable by the assessee
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company from the respective associated enterprises’ and credited to the P & L a/c
for the previous year. The addition made by the assessing officer by way of
adjustment of Rs.1,32,52,859/- is, therefore, justified and the action of the
assessing officer and TPO is upheld.”
15. On present appeal, it was contended by the learned A R that
the CIT (A) ought to have appreciated the business rationale provided
by the assessee viz., the secondment of the person leads to more
offshore business for the assessee as well as the fact that the
associated enterprises bear the expenses for the seconded persons
returning back to India.
16. On the other hand, the learned D R supported the stand of the
authorities below on the issue.
17. We have duly considered the rival submissions and critically
perused the reasons recorded by the learned TPO as well as the
learned CIT (A) to negate the assessee’s contention.
18. The debatable question is that when the assessee had
segregated the off-shore and on-site activities, naturally all the
revenues relating to on-site activity were earned by the AEs. If it is
so, why all costs incurred for the purposes of on-site activities can’t
be borne by the AEs. The purposes of travel of the secondees from
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India to the respective locations of AEs were to render on-site
services. The arguable question therefore now is - when the AEs
were rather magnanimous in footing the bills/cost of the travels of the
secondees while returning to India, why the assessee had not
insisted the respective AEs to extend the same gesture when the
secondees were being herded from India? The assessee’s reasoning
that when the persons were seconded, they get good field experience
and some of those persons return to the assessee later and work in
its offshore projects thereby the assessee will be able to utilize their
experience for its benefit, in our considered view, doesn’t sound well.
A prudent professional like the assessee would not have ventured to
drain such a considerable sum only on presumption and hypothesis.
19. Taking into account all the facts and circumstances of the issue
as deliberated upon referred above, we are of the considered view
that the authorities below were justified in their endeavour which
requires no intervention of this Bench at this juncture. It is ordered
accordingly.
20. The other issue raised was with regard to disallowance of legal
fees of Rs.5.61,000/- paid to Baker & Mckinsey. On a perusal of the
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details of expenses incurred in foreign currency of Rs.5.88 lakhs on
account of legal fees paid to M/s. Baker & Mckinsey, the learned TPO
noticed that most of the expenses excluding Rs.26,000/- had been
incurred in connection with incorporation of the subsidiary company in
Belgium. She had asserted that the expenses incurred in connection
with incorporation of a company be initially incurred by the promoters,
but, they constitute the incorporation expenses of the new company
and should have been accounted for by the new subsidiary company
formed in Belgium. Being queried as to why the said amount was not
recovered from its Belgium AE, the assessee appears to have
explained that on a bona-fide belief that the fees was considered to
be genuine business expenditure incurred on commercial
consideration and, thus, it was neither treated as an expenditure
relating to AE nor recovered from the AE or disclosed as an
international transaction in Form 3CEB. Considering that the
amounts were in the nature of pre-incorporation expenses of the
subsidiary in Belgium and the same ought to have been recovered
from the AE and the assessee had failed to do so, the TPO treated
Rs.5,61,000/- as costs recoverable from the AE in accordance with
arm’s length principle. Accordingly, adjustment to the total income on
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account of cost allocable to the AE was made to the extent of
Rs.5,61,000/- [courtesy Page 143 of PB I].
21. The learned CIT (A) had, after duly analyzing the reasoning of
the TPO and the contentions of the assessee, observed in his
impugned order that it was a clear case of not a business expenditure
of the assessee and, thus, inadmissible u/s 37 of the Act. Since the
expenditure was in the nature of international transaction and a
capital expenditure of the subsidiary company off-shore, he had
justified the TPO’s stand in adjusting the same u/s 92B/92C of the Act
as the said sum was required to be recovered from the Belgium
subsidiary AE.
22. During the course of hearing, the learned AR contended that
the learned CIT (A) had erred by accepting the treatment accorded by
the lower authorities to the legal fees paid to Baker and Mckinsey of
Rs.5.61 lakhs and thereby stating that the said expenditure was not
for the business of the assessee and, thus, inadmissible u/s 37 of the
Act since the expenditure was in the nature of international
transactions and also capital expenditure of the subsidiary company
outside India. It was, further, argued that the learned CIT (A) brushed
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aside the assessee’s submission that those were bona-fide expenses
incurred in relation to evaluating tax, legal and other implications for
the possible investment in creating the Belgium subsidiary. It was,
therefore, pleaded that the legitimate claim of the assessee requires
to be allowed.
23. We have duly considered the contentions of the learned AR
and also heard the version of the learned D R present.
24. It is an undisputed fact as admitted by the assessee before the
TPO that on a bona-fide belief it had considered it as a genuine
business expenditure incurred on commercial consideration and
magnanimously conceded that it had neither treated the same as an
expenditure relating to AE nor recovered the same from the AE. In
view of the above confession, we are of the considered view that the
learned TPO was within her realm to treat Rs.5,61,000/- as costs
recoverable from AE in accordance with the arm’s length principle. It
is also pertinent to mention here that the assessee had not brought
on any documentary clinching proof to repudiate the TPO’s stand.
Accordingly, we decide the issue against the assessee.
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II. ITA No.1883/A/05 – A Y 2002-03 - By the Revenue:
1. Granting exemption u/s 10A of Rs.9.99 crores in respect of Unit No.107;
25. Incidentally, the earlier Bench in ITA Nos.2762/A/2003 &
09/A/2004 dated: 17.6.2008 for the assessment years 2000-01 and
99-00 in the assessee’s own case had dealt with a similar issue.
After analyzing the issue at a greater length, the Hon’ble Bench had
observed thus:
“10. (On page 16) We have gone through the order of the lower authorities and
the aforesaid decision dated 7.8.2007 of the ITAT [in ITA Nos.1530/Ahd/2000,
1867/Ahd/2001 & 368/Ahd/2001 in the assessee’s own case for the AYs 1996-97
to 98-99) wherein the ITAT held as under:
’20…………………………………………………………………………………
20.1………………………………………………………………………………..
20.2………………………………………………………………………………..
20.3. We find merit in the reliance of learned counsel on the Hon’ble
Supreme Court in the cases of Textile Machinery Corporation Ltd and
Indian Aluminum Co. Ltd., and Gujarat High Court (supra) [CIT v.
Satellite Engineering Ltd. 113 ITR 208 (Guj)] inasmuch as these authorities
have laid down settled proposition that it is not necessary that separate
books of accounts should be maintained in respect of new unit, even if, new
unit is formed for the expansion of assessee’s business, the same is eligible
and unit established by the side of old unit is also eligible. In consideration
of these case laws, facts and circumstances, we have no hesitation to hold
that Unit-107 was a new unit, not formed by splitting or reconstruction of
business of Unit-106. The newly established unit, conforms to conditions
laid down by section 10A is eligible for exemption under section 10A.
Merely because, some expenses are overlapping or common management is
there, will not detract from these facts. Therefore, we uphold the order of
CIT (A) on this proposition’.
10.1. In the light of aforesaid decision of the ITAT, we have no alternative but to
uphold the order of the ld. CIT (A), allowing exemption u/s 10A of the Act in
respect of profits and gains derived by the taxpayer from the industrial
undertaking i.e., Unit-107………….”
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26. The findings of the earlier Bench have been reinforced by the
Hon’ble Bench in its finding in ITA NOs. 3804 & 3684/Ahd/2004 dated
21.11.2008 (on page 5 para 4) in the assessee’s own case for the AY
2001-02.
27. In conformity with the findings of earlier Benches cited supra,
we are of the firm view that this issue should go in favour of the
assessee. It is ordered accordingly.
(2) To exclude the income of Rs.16,48,000/- being exchange fluctuation gain and other income of Rs.1000/- for granting exemption u/s 10A in respect of new Unit in SEEPZ and STP in Pune Unit;
& (3) To recalculate deduction u/s 80HHE of the Act after considering the exchange fluctuation gain of Rs.35,04,000/-. 28. Apparently, the earlier Bench in its findings for the AYs 2000-
01 & 1999-00 had deliberated a similar issue and recorded its
reasoning as under:
“16.4. (On page 32 & 33) As regards income on account of exchange rate
fluctuation, Hon’ble Gujarat High court in the case of CIT v. Amba Impex 282
ITR 144 (Guj) held that merely because an amount is received in a year
subsequent to the year of export by way of exchange rate difference, it does not
necessarily always follow that the same is not relatable to the exports made. The
ITAT in the case of Renaissance Jewellery (P) Ltd v. Income-tax Officer, Ward
8(3)(3), Mumbai 289 ITRSP 65 (Mum) held that the profit on account of foreign
exchange gain is directly referable to the articles and things exported by the
assessee. Such profits are, therefore, of the same nature as the sale proceeds and
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there is no reason as to why deduction under section 10A should not be allowed
in respect of such exchange gain. No contrary decision has been brought to our
notice. However, in the case under consideration, it is not evident from the
order of lower authorities as to whether or not gain due to difference in exchange
rate is on account of exports or otherwise. In these circumstances, we vacate the
findings of ld. CIT (A) and restore the matter to the file of the AO with the
directions to ascertain the nature of gain. In the event such gain is derived from
the export of goods or articles manufactured or produced by the taxpayer,
exemption/ deduction u/s 10A or 80HHE as the case may be, should be allowed
in accordance with law after allowing sufficient opportunity to the
taxpayer………”
29. The above view has also been reinforced by the Hon’ble Bench
in its findings for the AY 2006-07 in the assessee’s own case.
30. In consonance with the findings of the earlier Benches (supra)
we are of the considered view that the present issues should also be
remitted back to the file of the AO for fresh consideration as
contemplated by the Benches referred above. It is ordered
accordingly.
(4) Deletion of disallowance of loans/advances written off of Rs.1.33 lakhs
31. By the by, a similar issue to that of the present one came up
before the earlier Bench for adjudication. After considering the rival
submissions, the Bench had recorded its view for the AY 2000-01 in
the assessee’s own case, the substances of which are extracted as
under:
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“14. (On page 22)…………..Adverting first to the case of Abdul Razak and Co.
(supra) [CIT v. Abdul Razak and Co(136 ITR 825 –Guj)] relied upon on behalf
of the taxpayer, the facts in that case were that the assessee, M/s. Abdul Razak
and Company of Dhoraji, carried on business as commission agents as well as
dealers in grocery articles having their head office at Dhoraji and branches at
Bombay, Mangalore, Veraval and Chorvad. In the course of assessment for the
assessment year 1967-68, the assessee, inter alia, made a claim before the ITO
for bad debt of Rs.78,824/- in respect of the amount due from M/s.Mohamad
Peer Mohamad of Nasik. The ITO disallowed the claim on the ground that the
impugned debt was neither incurred in the course of money lending nor in the
course of commission agency. The ITO noted that the bad debt was written off
from the Bombay books of the assessee firm. The main source of the income at
Bombay arose from the commission agency and dealings in grocery articles. On
appeal, AAC upheld the order of the AO. On further appeal, the Tribunal
addressed itself to the alternative question whether the amount of loss could be
allowed as incidental to the business under s.28 of the I.T. Act, 1961. The
Tribunal having agreed to the fact that the assessee had admittedly dealings with
M/s. Mohamad Peer Mohmad of Nasik, and, since there was no evidence to
suggest that any partner of the said debtor-firm was related to the partner of the
assessee firm, held that the impugned loss should be allowed as deduction under
s.28 of the , because the said aid Act, because the said M/s. Mohamad Peer
Mohmad of Nasik had approached the assessee firm to pay the amount to M/s.
Gokaldas Virjibhai of Sangli. On reference, Hon’ble High Court concluded that
as held by this Court in CIT v. Equitorial Pvt. Ltd. (1974) Taxation 37(3)(-82, the
debt owed by M/s. Mohamad Peer Mohmad of Nasik was one which sprang
directly from the business of the assessee and was allowable as a bad debt, and,
consequently, therefore, a trading loss under section 28(1). It is no doubt true
that every loss is not so deductible unless it is incurred in carrying out the
operation of the business [vide CIT v. Nainital Bank Ltd. (1965) 55 ITR 707
(SC)] In that view of the matter, therefore, for the reasons stated, Hon’ble High
Court held that the said loss being a bad debt is allowable as trading loss under
s.28 of the I.T. Act, 1961.
14.1. In the light of aforesaid decision of Hon’ble jurisdictional High Coujrt and
the nature of advances detailed in the order of the ld CIT (A), suggest that these
amounts were advanced during the course of carrying on of business and are
directly connected with their business activities. Thus, these amounts forgone
are business loss and are allowable.”
32. In consonance with the observations of the earlier Bench
(supra), we tend to decide the issue in favour of the assessee. It is
ordered accordingly.
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(5.) Allowing of Rs.42,57,297/- paid as Belgium tax as deduction u/s 37(1) of the Act: 33. Briefly, the assessee had, in its account, debited Rs.42,57,297/-
on account of taxes paid in Belgium and claimed the said expenditure
u/s. 37 of the Act. Being queried, the assessee contended that u/s
37, all taxes and rates were allowable irrespective of the place where
they are lived i.e., whether in India or elsewhere. However, u/s
40(a)(ii), Indian income-tax which is a tax levied on the profits and
gains chargeable under the Act and that alone is not deductible. On
the other hand, it was contended that, all other taxes levied in foreign
countries whether on profit or gain or otherwise is deductible under
the provisions of s.37 and payment of such taxes does not amount to
application of income.
34. Brushing aside the assessee’s contention, the learned AO
maintained that the scope of term ‘tax’ u/s 40(a)(ii) is not limited to tax
levied under the Indian Income-tax Act, but, is wide enough to include
which all taxes which are levied on property of a business. The
interest on money borrowed for payment of income-tax or advance-
tax are also not allowable on the same footing because the interest in
such cases retain the character of income-tax. It is a case of
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application of profits after they have been earned, whether income-
tax is paid in India or abroad. It is always an application of income.
Therefore, the AO took a stand that the entire amount of
Rs.42,57,297/- charged to P & L account was disallowable.
35. Aggrieved, the assessee carried the issue before the CIT (A)
for relief. After due consideration of the assessee’s lengthy argument
coupled with the illustration of s. 37(1) as well as s. 40(a)(ii) of the
Act, the learned CIT (A) made the following observations:
“5. (On page 8) I have considered the factual position as well as case laws cited
by the appellant’s representative and find that the said amount has been paid by
the assessee company in respect of business done in earlier assessment years for
which demand notice have been received for the current financial year. The
expenditure is held to be for business purposes as the assessee company as the
same is for earning of income. As far as applicability of section 40(a)(ii) is
concerned, the nature of expenditure clearly does not fall in the said category as
taxes has not been paid under the Indian Income-tax Act, but has been paid to
carry out its business outside India. Having regard to the case laws cited by the
appellant’s representative as above, the amount is clearly admissible u/s 37 (1) of
the IT Act and the assessing officer is directed to allow the same accordingly.”
36. During the course of hearing, the learned D R submitted that –
(i) the income had arisen in Belgium and the expenses have been claimed in Belgium and the tax thereon had also been paid in Belgium;
(ii) since the PE resides in Belgium, the tax paid by the PE on its income cannot be subject matter of claim of deduction as specifically prohibited u/s 40(a)(ii) of the Act and explanation makes it clear that the tax is global tax of the entity and not just Indian Income-tax as canvassed by the assessee;
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(iii) the tax of the PE on its income was equivalent to Indian Income-tax had the income been offered for tax within the country. Hence, the tax represents an amount equivalent to Indian Income-tax Act;
(iv) since the tax has been paid on a portion of income attributable to the PE, the assessee should have claimed credit for such tax, if the same income was included in the income being taxed in India. It is a matter of DTAA and not deduction for the purpose of business which should be allowed; and that the tax cannot be allowed as deduction in the accounts of the assessee as there was no provision that such tax should be paid in India. The only condition is that the tax is paid on income from business and profession.
In conclusion, it was contended that the learned CIT (A) had
erred on this count.
37. On the other hand, the learned A R reiterated more or less what
has been presented before the first appellate authority. In
furtherance, it was argued by extensively quoting the provisions of
s.37 and s. 40(a)(ii) of the Act as well. With regard to s. 37, it was
contended that the section provides for the following conditions to be
fulfilled to claim an expenditure deductible under this section:
(d) it should not be covered by sections 30 to36 of the Act; (e) it should not be capital in nature; (f) it should not be personal in nature; (g) it should have been laid out or expended wholly and
exclusively for the purpose of business or profession 37.1 After quoting the provisions of S. 40(a)(ii) of the Act, it was
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contended that – (i) It may be observed from the above that any rate or tax levied on the profits or gains of any business is not allowable u/s 40(a)(ii) of the Act. The term ‘tax; has also been defined under the Act as per s.2 (43) of the Act as under:
‘Tax’ in relation to the assessment year commencing on the 1
st
day of April, 1965, and any subsequent assessment year means
income-tax chargeable under the provisions of this Act, and in
relation to any other assessment year income-tax and super-tax
chargeable under the provisions of this Act prior to the
aforesaid date.’
S. 37 allows the expenditure incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of business. But, s.40(a)(ii) expressly provides that (notwithstanding what is provided for in s.37) any sum paid on account of any rate or tax levied on the profits or gains of any business or profession or assessed at proportionate or otherwise on the basis of any such profits or gains shall not be deducted. The inescapable conclusion is that but for this express disallowance in s. 40(a)(ii), the expenditure referred to in section 40(a)(ii) was otherwise allowable in s. 37. If it was not allowable in s 37 itself, then there was no need to provide for an express disallowance in s. 40(a)(ii) at all. At this stage, the relevance of the definition of the term ‘tax’ appearing in s. 40(a)(ii) needs to be highlighted. As discussed above, the term ‘tax’ is defined in s. 2 (43) as income-tax payable under the provisions of the Income-tax Act. the legislative message is, therefore, loud and clear that what is disallowed u/s 40(a)(ii) is only the Indian Income-tax. The foreign income-tax stands on a different footing altogether when look at from the point of view of the income-tax.
37.2 In conclusion, it was submitted that –
Under section 37, all taxes and rates are allowable irrespective of the place where they are levied i.e., whether in India or in a foreign country. However, u/s 40(a)(ii) Indian Income-tax which is a tax levied on the profits and gains chargeable under the Act
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is not deductible. On the other hand, all other taxes levied in foreign countries whether on profits or gains or otherwise are deductible under the provisions of s. 37 and payment of such taxes does not amount to application of income.
38. We have attentively considered the rival submissions and also
perused the relevant case records.
39. Due consideration of the provisions of s.37 and s.40(a)(ii) of the
Act as well, it emerges that u/s 37, all taxes and rates are allowable
irrespective of the place where they are lived i.e., whether on Indian
soil or offshore, whereas u/s 40(a)(ii) of the Act, income-tax which is a
tax leviable on the profits and gains chargeable under the Act is
deductible. On the other hand, all other taxes levied in foreign
countries whether on profits or gains or other wise are deductible
under the provisions of s. 37 of the Act and payment of such taxes
does not amount to application of income.
40. Let us now have a glimpse at the judicial views on a similar
issue.
(i) South East Asia Shipping Co. ITA No.123 of 1976 – Mumbai Tribunal:
The issue, in brief, was that the tax authorities of the respective
country had collected income-tax at source, according to them, a part
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of such earnings accrued and arose in their countries which were
liable to income-tax under its taxing laws. Such foreign tax claimed
as a deduction by the assessee was turned down by the AO. This
was reversed by the AAC with a reasoning that the ‘payment of
foreign income-tax formed part of the expenditure like other usual
business expenses incurred in the course of business and as such,
the assessee was entitled to claim deduction of the same u/s 37 of
the Act for being incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of
business.’
On a further appeal, the Tribunal had, after due consideration
of the provisions of both the sections - 37 which allows a business
expenditure and 40(a)(ii) which contained prohibition –as under:
‘40(a)(ii) – any sum paid on account of any rate or tax levied on the profits or
gains of any business or profession or assessed at a proportion of, or otherwise
on the basis of, any such profits or gains’
The Tribunal observed that the term ‘tax’ is defined in
relation to the AY commencing on the 1st day of April, 1965 and in
subsequent assessment years as meaning tax chargeable under the
provisions of the Act and that this amendment was effected by the
Finance Act 1965. taking cognizance of it, the Hon’ble Tribunal had
held that ‘any sum paid on account of any rate or income tax and
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super-tax chargeable under the provisions of the Income-tax Act’ is
expressly disallowed by this clause (ii) of s. 40(a).
Accordingly, the Hon’ble Tribunal observed with regard to the
allow-ability of foreign taxes u/s 37 of the Act as under:
“So we have to see whether such expenditure is allowable under section 37 of the
Act. In our view, rates and taxes which are payable irrespective of any profits
being earned are admissible allowances under section 37 and section 40(a)(ii)
does not apply to them. The tax levied by different countries is not a tax on
profits but a necessary condition precedent to the earning of profits. So the AAC
was absolutely justified in allowing the appeal of the assessee and we see no
reason to differ from the finding.’
Reference application of the Revenue was rejected by the
Tribunal which has been ratified by the Hon’ble Bombay High Court in
ITA NO.123 OF 1976.
(ii) In the case of Tata Sons Limited [ITA NO.89 OF 1989], the
Hon’ble Mumbai Bench of Tribunal had held on a similar issue that:-
“It is an established principle that when a matter is settled by higher courts in a
case of a particular assessee, at least in that case litigation cannot be allowed to
perpetuate for an indefinite period. In the instant case, the issue is not only
settled in favour of the assessee in its own case by the tribunal in ITA Nos.
5708/Mum/82 and 5790/Mum/83 dated 23.10.82, but even after rejection of
Revenue’s Application under section 256(1) in RA Nos.305 AND 306/Bom/85
dated 14.1.86, its application under section 256(2) on the issue has been rejected
by the High court by its order dated 29/3/93 in ITA No.89 of 1989. thus, the issue
has reached finality in the assessee’s own case and it cannot be dragged into
further litigation.”
41. Taking into account all these facts and circumstances of the
issue and in consonance with the findings of the Hon’ble Benches
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of Mumbai Tribunal (supra), we are of the firm view that the learned
CIT (A) was justified in his stand which requires no interference of
this Bench at this juncture. It is ordered accordingly.
(6.) Deletion of Rs.72,11,557/- out of disallowance of Rs.74,11,557/- u/s 14A of the Act: 42. During the year under dispute, the assessee had received
income by way of dividend of Rs.1.52 crores from Units of Mutual
funds which was excluded by the assessee from its total income
claimed to be exempt u/s 10 of the Act. Being queried as to why
proportionate expenditure attributable to exempted income should not
be disallowed in terms of s.14A, the assessee claimed that the
investment in the units was made out of its own funds and borrowed
fund was infused for the same.
43. Analyzing the provisions of s.14A of the Act and also taking
refuge in the ruling of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of
Rajasthan State Warehousing Corporation Ltd v. CIT [245 ITR 450
(SC)], the AO had worked out the administrative and other expenses
incurred to earn the exempted income of Rs.1.52 crores at
Rs.74,11,557/- which was disallowable u/s 14A of the Act.
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44. On appeal, the learned CIT (A) had, after considering the
assessee’s submission, observed thus:
“6. (On page 10)………….I have gone through the balance sheet of the assessee
company as on 31.3.2001 and also find that this issue had come up in AY 2001-
02 also whereas in earlier assessment the total investment in securities/shares
were Rs.16215.95 lacs, in the current year the net investment has been reduced to
Rs.729.83 lacs. As against this, the assessee has Rs.11474.82 lacs as share
capital and other reserves and surplus on which there is no interest liability paid
or debited in the profit & loss account. Even otherwise, the major portion of the
expenditure of Rs.109.33 lacs relates to financial charges paid by way of lease
rental on vehicles which are Rs.108.32 lacs. This expenditure cannot be
correlated to the investments in shares and securities from which exempted
income has been earned. In view of the above factual position and also the view
taken in AY 2001-02 as per ground No.8, para 13,14 and 15, the addition made
on this account is not justified, accordingly directed to be deleted. The second
part of disallowance relates to the action of the assessing officer in disallowing
Rs.48.61 lacs out of the administration and other expenses of Rs.2979.61 lacs.
This issue had also come up for AY 2001-02. The total dividend income earned
last year was Rs.63.68 lacs and as per para 8 of the order dated 12.10.2004, a
sum of Rs.2 lacs was considered as reasonable amount relating to administrative
expenses incurred for earning said income for this year also. For reasons
recorded therein this disallowance is restricted to Rs.2 lacs for this year also and
assessee company get a relief of Rs.46,61,357/-. To summarize the total
disallowance of Rs.74,11,557/- gets reduced to Rs.2 lacs only.”
45. The learned D R supported the stand of the AO but dissented
with the findings of the learned CIT (A).
46. On the other hand, the learned A R submitted that the CIT (A)
had taken a judicious view in arriving at such a conclusion which
requires no intervention.
47. We have carefully considered the submissions of either side
and also gone through the case records.
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48. Incidentally, the earlier Bench, in the assessee’s own case for
the AY 2001-02, had an occasion to deal with a similar issue to that
of the present one. Elaborately quoting the amended provisions of s.
14A of the Act, the relevant rule 8D and also extracting the findings of
the Mumbai Special Bench in ITA No.8057/Mum/2003 dated
22.10.2008 in the case of ITO v. Daga Capital Management Pvt. Ltd
for the AY 2001-02, the Bench had observed that –
“16.5. (On page 14) In the case under consideration, the lower authorities
had no occasion to consider applicability of the Rule 8D while the ld. CIT
(A) merely restricted the disallowance on adhoc basis. In these
circumstances, we are of the opinion that section 14A has an overriding
effect and applies to all expenditure in relation to exempt income even
though such expenditure would have been allowable under other provisions
such as 36(1)(iii, sub-section (2) to section 14A, stipulates that the AO shall
determine the amount of expenditure incurred by the assessee in relation to
such income in accordance with the prescribed method, if having regard to
the assessee’s accounts, he is not satisfied with the correctness of his claim.
Sub-sections (2) and (3) of s.14A, though inserted by the Finance
Act 2006 w.e.f. 1.4.2007, read with rule 8D, are procedural and clarificatory
in nature and consequently are applicable to all the pending matters.
Accordingly, the disallowance has to be worked out in the light of provisions
of sub-section (2)(3) of section 14A inserted by the Finance Act 2006 read
with rule 8D of the I.T. Rules 1962. For this purpose, we set aside the order
of ld. CIT (A) and restore the matter to the file of AO for re-computing the
disallowance in the light of provisions of sub-section (2) and (3) of section
14A, read with rule 8D of I.T. Rules 1962……….”
49. In conformity with the observations of the earlier Bench (supra),
we are of the considered view that the present issue should also be
remitted back to the file of the AO for similar exercise. It is ordered
accordingly.
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(7). Deletion of addition of Rs.2,34,50,000/- being compensation received for rendering human resource support services: 50. On the basis of TPO’s order, the AO had added Rs.234.5 lakhs
to the assessee’s income from providing human resources support.
On a perusal of the TPO’s order, it has been observed that the issue
of Human Resources Management Services has been dealt with in
an exhaustive manner and for the reasons recorded therein, the TPO
had concluded thus:
“10.3. Considering assessee’s failure to justify the price charged and in the
case of Singapore and Malaysia for not charging any compensation at all, it
is held that 1 ½ months’ salary of the person deputed (12.5% of the annual
salary) in the overseas subsidiary is the arm’s length compensation for the
service rendered of providing suitable software personnel. In this connection,
the third party charges paid by the assessee to other recruitment agencies @
12.5% of the annual salary is taken as the benchmark. The arm’s length
price is hence calculated in the following manner:
> Total No. of persons seconded (as per assessee’s
Letter dated 25.8.2004) 263 (in numbers)
> 12.5% of annual salary of 263 persons seconded Rs.568.5 lakhs
> Arms’ length price for the human resource
Management service Rs.568.5 lakhs
� Amount already charged by the assessee
(assessee’s letter dt: 22.7.2004) Rs. 334.0 lakhs
� adjustment to the total income (i.e., income to
be increased) Rs.234.5 lakhs”
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51. On his part, the learned CIT (A) had, after taking into account
the assessee’s submission, reasoning of the TPO and for the
elaborate reasons therein, arrived at a conclusion that:-
“(f) (On page 25) In view of the above findings, the action of the assessing
officer/TPO in respect of the addition of Rs.234.5 lacs in the TPO’s order and
page 3 of the AO’s order dated 28.12.2004 cannot be justified accordingly
directed to be deleted. In this respect, I would like to place on record that
alternative of the assessee’s representative that the method adopted by the TPO
i.e., CUP method is not justified and that TANMM method was required to be
applied for which financial data of 7 companies is submitted, without prejudice to
the assessee’s claim that there was no separate Human Resources Function
provided to the associated enterprises does not required separate adjudication
since the income itself has been deleted as above.”
52. The submission of the learned D R before us is summarized as
under:
(i) that the assessee was charging certain amount towards the HRM service in respect of UK and USA, however, though similar services have been provided to Singapore and Indonesia AEs, no charges have been levied;
(ii) that the assessee has been unable to substantiate the level of charge recovered from the AEs in respect of HRM functions/non-levy of charge in some of the AEs;
(iii) that the premise of adjudication by the CIT (A) was wrong as he had never gone to the arm’s length principle. He had only adjudicated on the issue of whether the expenditure incurred/function performed was for the purpose of business or not;
(iv) that the CIT (A) spoke about notional income taxed in the hands of the assessee which was a clear indication that the CIT (A) was not on transfer pricing principles but on business rationale principle. If it is agreed that a service has been
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performed, then the cost of the service needs to be charged in an arm’s length scenario. The CIT (A) agrees that a service has been performed, but, because the service was in the business interest of the assessee, non-charging of fee has been upheld. In an arm’s length scenario, the assessee was mandated to quantify the cost of such service and charge suitable amount from the AE; and that there was no question of charging notional income to tax. No notional income has been quantified by the TPO;
(v) in view of specific provisions relating to avoidance of tax between related parties, the arm’s length principle will have to be looked into irrespective of the commercial expediency. Existence of an associate is to ensure commercial expediency. However, the Act had chosen to apply certain tax avoidance measures with reference to transaction between such associates and these take precedence over other provisions;
53. On the other hand, the learned AR while supporting the CIT
(A)’s stand drew the attention of this Bench of the Tribunal’s findings
in an identical issue in the assessee’s own case for the AY 2006-07.
54. The earlier Bench, in the assessee’s own case for the AY 2006-
07, after much deliberations, had observed thus:
“27. (On page 74) The assessee has made out a case that by such an
arrangement of sending the employees to AEs in return assessee has also
been benefited. Employees, after returning, are with upgraded skills, better
experience, update knowledge and with a better delivery skills. This is one
part of the advantage and the other part of the advantage happened to be
procurement of ‘offshore’ business in high volume. We are, therefore, of the
view that the comparability analysis as carried out by the TPO do not match
with the facts of the case. It is not appropriate to hold that HRM function as
carried out by this assessee is to be taken as recruitment services. We
therefore hold that the assessee was not functioning as an external
recruitment agency. At the cost of repetition, while arguing before us, the ld.
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DR has supported the action of the TPO primarily on the ground that by the
deployment of skilled engineers at the services of AEs, those AEs have been
benefited, hence, in return, the assessee should have recovered some
compensation on secondments. It is not a correct approach because one has
to examine the business strategies and the business model of an Enterprise
and if it is found that other benefits are much higher than the small amount
of compensation, then naturally applying a common business acumen-ship,
no compensation or mark-ups should be asked for. In the present case as
well, facts and figures have revealed that following the said business strategy
the business growth as a whole was much higher than the impugned
compensation amount. This allegation is also to be ruled out that those very
employees were otherwise regular employees of the assessee company and
they have been absorbed after their return for the period for which they were
sent abroad and worked ‘offshore’ with AEs. It is true that such employees
are the regular group of experts but they have been paid by AEs when
worked on-site abroad which means the burden of salary for the ‘offshore’
period was in fact borne by AEs, otherwise to maintain bunch of trained
employees the MIL had to incur the expenditure on salary. Therefore, there
was an argument of counter claims and in support reliance was placed on
Boston Scientific International VV (210-TII-16-ITAT-MUM-TP). For these
reasons we also hold that the secondee-provider is not akin to recruitment-
service-provider or that ‘secondment’ is different from ‘recruitment’.
Finally, we hold that there was no legal basis for the impugned upward
adjustment and the same is hereby directed to be deleted.”
55. In conformity with the findings of the earlier Bench supra, we
are of the considered view that the assessee was entitled to the said
claim and, according, decided the issue in favour of the assessee. It
is ordered accordingly.
III. ITA No.2274/A/06 – A Y 2003-04 - By the assessee:
(1.) Disallowance of deduction u/s 80HHE on miscellaneous income of Rs.34,73,924/-:
56. It was the stand of the AO that the assessee had not excluded
certain ‘other income’ from profit of the business for the purpose of
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deduction u/s 80HHE of the Act. For the detailed discussion
recorded in his impugned order that the ‘other income’ included in
profit of the business as per books were not profit derived from export
business and have to be excluded from the profit of the business.
57. On appeal, the learned CIT (A) had observed that:
“3.5. (On page 5) As regards 80HHE deduction, the AO vide para 5.4. had
excluded 90% of misc. income of Rs.42,26,000/- under the head ‘other
income. The bifurcation for the above is as under:
New Units (SDF VI & VII) Rs.30,01,361
Unit 107 Rs. 4,72,563
Mahape Unit Rs. 54,732
Others Rs. 6,97,125
3.5.1. Thus, the appellant itself has excluded Rs.6,97,125/- in their
computation of deduction u/s 80HHE. As regards Mahape Unit, the net
result was a business loss and, hence, the above sum of Rs.54,732/- is not
part of the profit considered for deduction u/s 80HHE and hence no
adjustment is called for in respect of this sum. However, as regards new
units and unit 107, the said items of Rs.30,01,361/- and Rs.4,72,563/-
respectively were not excluded and the AO’s action as regards these two
items is in order. Thus, the exclusion shall be 90% of Rs.34,73,924/- in place
of 90% of Rs.42,26,000/-. The deduction u/s 80HHE shall be revised
accordingly.
58. Before us, it was contended, among others, by the learned A R
that since 90% of the profits of said units were eligible for deduction
u/s 10A, the same has been reduced from the profits of business for
the purpose of calculating deduction u/s 80HHE of the Act. Further,
out of Rs.12,95,23,899/- the assessee had already reduced
Rs.35,28,626/- from the profits of Units SDF VI & VII, Pune and
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Mahape. Moreover, miscellaneous income of non 10A units of
Rs.6,97,125/- was reduced from the profits of business for the
purpose of calculating deduction u/s 80HHE. Thus, it was claimed,
the assessee had excluded entire miscellaneous income from profits
of business for the purpose of calculation of deduction u/s 10A and
80HHE of the Act. Since 90% of profits of 10A units include the
adjust of misc. income the said misc. income should not again be
deducted from the profits of business for the purpose of computing
deduction u/s 80HHE. It was, further, submitted that the AO had
excluded 90% of entire other income of Rs.1.95 crores considering
the same as not eligible for the deduction u/s 80HHE. Further, the
AO had already reduced from the profits of the business exchange
gain of Rs.1.01 crores and Rs.31.93 lakhs pertaining to units DF VI &
VII and Pune STP respectively aggregating to Rs.1.33 crores for the
purpose of calculation of deduction u/s 10A. It was, further,
submitted that the AO had also excluded profits on sale of fixed
assets of Rs.59851/- in respect of Pune STP for calculating deduction
u/s 10A of the Act. It was, therefore, pleaded that the assessee had
already deducted the said amount from the profits of Pune STP, the
said disallowance of Rs.59,851/- amounts to double disallowance.
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Taking cue from the provisions of s.10A(1), it was pleaded that s.10A
refers to the profit and gains from an undertaking and does not refer
to the profit and gains from an eligible activity. As such, the other
income is also eligible for exemption u/s 10A. In conclusion, it was
submitted that all the above other incomes were intimately connected
with the business of the undertaking and as such were eligible for
exemption/deduction u/s 10A/HHE of the Act and that only net
income is to be excluded u/s 80HHE of the Act. Reliance was placed
on the ruling of the Hon’ble Supreme Court reported in 247 CTR 372
(SC).
59. We have duly considered the submission of the learned A.R.
We have also perused the reasoning of the AO as well as the CIT
(A). With due respects, we have gone through the observations of
the Hon’ble Apex Court cited supra. Taking into account the
contentions of the AO and the judicial view on a similar issue, the
matter is remitted back to the file of the AO with a specific direction to
recalculate the workings in the light of the observations of the Hon’ble
Apex Court on the issue. It is ordered accordingly.
(2.) Confirming the disallowance of Rs.1,26,88,612/- being traveling expenses of seconded employees:
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60. A similar issue came up before this Bench for the AY 2002-03
in the assessee’s own case (supra) and the findings recorded therein
hold good for this AY also. It is ordered accordingly.
IV. ITA No.2341/A/06 – A Y 2003-04 - By the Revenue: (1) Exemption u/s 10A of the Act amounting to Rs.10,24,63,557/- in respect of Unit No.107 of SEEPZ: 61. This ground has since been decided in favour of the assessee
for the AY 2002-03 in the Departmental appeal (supra), this ground is
decided against the Revenue.
(2) Exchange fluctuation gain for new units for the purpose of exemption u/s 10A & deduction u/s 80HHE of the Act: 62. Incidentally, similar issue came up for adjudication for the AY
2002-03 in the Departmental appeal wherein in conformity with the
findings of the earlier Bench in the asssessee’s own for the AY 2000-
01 had remitted back the issue to the file of the AO to ascertain the
nature of gain and to take appropriate action. In consonance with the
above findings, we tend to remit back the present issue also to the file
of the AO for similar exercise. It is ordered accordingly.
(3) Deletion of disallowance of exemption u/s 10A for STIP Unit, Pune on profit of sale of assets of Rs.59,851/-:
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63. At the outset, the learned AR drew the attention of this Bench to
the fact that the CIT (A) had in fact found that the assessee had not
even claimed such exemption and, accordingly, submitted that the
AO had made a factual error which had resulted in double
disallowance.
64. We have carefully verified the findings of the CIT (A) wherein
he had observed that “3.3. (On Page 5)……..A perusal of the
computation of total income reveals that the appellant had excluded a
sum of Rs.85017/- being profit on sale of fixed assets which included
the above sum of Rs.59,851/- and the corresponding sale figures
have been adjusted in the block of assets for depreciation purpose.
As such the exclusion of the above sum while computing deduction
u/s 10A for STP Pune unit is unwarranted and is hence directed to be
eliminated.” This fact has been affirmed by the learned AR with
proof of Unit-wise details [source: Pages 186 -188 of PB].
65. In view of the above facts, the AO shall look into the issue
afresh after affording a reasonable opportunity to the assessee which
would facilitate it to produce the relevant workings for verification.
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This issue is, accordingly, remitted back to the file of the AO for
verification and to take corrective step, if so warrants.
(4) To exclude misc. income of Rs.4,72,563/- from business for calculating exemption u/s 10A in respect of Unit 107: 66. The grievance of the Revenue was that the CIT (A) had erred in
directing the AO to exclude misc. expense of Rs.4.72 lakhs from the
business profit for calculating exemption u/s 10A in respect of unit
107.
67. We have duly considered the findings of the CIT (A) wherein he
had recorded as under:
“3.4. (On page 5) With regard to inclusion of misc. income of Rs.42,25,781/-
from the business profits for calculating deduction u/s 10A/80HHE, the AO
vide para 4.5 of his order excluded misc. income of Rs.30,01,3621/- in
computing the profit of the business eligible for exemption u/s 10A in respect
of new units (SDF VI & VII). This adjustment, it is since verified was effect
by the appellant also in the computation of deduction u/s 10A in respect of
the said units. As such, the AO has not disallowed anything in addition and,
hence, the exclusion of the said item of misc. income while computing
deduction u/s 10A is in order and thus sustained. For the same logic in
respect of unit 107 now held as eligible for deduction u/s 10A vide ground
No.1 above, the exclusion of other income of Rs.4,72,563/- is found to be
correct and the AO while giving effect to this order shall exclude the above
sum in computing exemption u/s 10A in respect of Unit 107.”
68. With regard to the eligibility for deduction u/s 10A vide ground
No;1, the learned CIT (A) had observed thus:
“2.3……………….The AO had simply quoted the disallowance for the
earlier assessment orders and repeated the same for this year as well. It is
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noticed that for AYs 1996-97 to 2002-03 this ground was allowed in favour
of the appellant holding that Unit 107 was an independent unit eligible for
deduction u/s 10A. I have also perused the appellate order for AY 2002-03,
the findings of the CIT (A) being mentioned supra. The AO has not brought
on any material to disprove the claim of the appellant in this regard. It is
also admitted by the AO that there was no change in the factual and legal
position. This being so, I do not find any reason to deviate from the findings
of my predecessors on this issue and the conditions for claim u/s 10A being
satisfied for this year…….”
69. On his part, the learned A R submitted that the Revenue had
raised this issue on a wrong notion and in fact no relief has been
granted to the assessee by the learned CIT (A), but, in fact, decided
the issue against the assessee.
70. We have duly considered the rival submissions and also
perused the findings of the CIT (A) and observed any infirmity in his
observations. Accordingly, this ground of the Revenue is dismissed.
(5). Lease rental income from the building as income from ‘house property’ and allow depreciation claim thereby entertaining a new ground without affording an opportunity to the AO: 71. At the outset, we would like to reproduce the relevant
observations of the CIT (A) for appreciation of facts:
“4.1. (On page 7)……….It is admitted that the part of the building owned by
the appellant was leased out on rent to a group concern. The above
transaction was by way of Permissible User Agreement. Since the building
was only leased out, the ownership remained with the appellant. The
appellant was entitled to a monthly rent of Rs.43 per sq. feet. In connection
with the leased out building subject to TDS – what the appellant derived
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from the above activity of letting off the building was in the nature of income
from house property and not any lease charges arising out of any regular
business activity. The objects as per memorandum of understanding will be
of no assistance as it does not cover the transaction like this in its real spirit.
What is to be assessed as income under a specific head cannot be computed
under business head in the absence of specific facts. The decisions relied on
by the appellant as to depreciation on leased assets are all rendered in the
context of leased out machineries and not house property let out for rent.
Accordingly, the appellant cannot claim depreciation as against income
assessable under the house property. However, it is to be noted that the AO
although disallowed the depreciation did not compute the rental income
under the head ‘house property’. To this extent, the action of the AO in
disallowing depreciation but treating the income as part of business is
anomalous. On the facts obtaining in this case, the income by way of
monthly rent on licence agreement (permissive User Agreement) shall be
assessed as income from house property and in doing so the appellant was
entitled to deduction permissible u/s 24 of the Act. The AO is directed to
compute the income accordingly…..”
72. In this connection, we would like to make the point clear that
though the ground raised by the assessee relates to disallowance of
depreciation of leased assets of Rs.3,84,684/-, the CIT (A) after duly
analyzing the pros and cons of the issue as recorded elaborated in
his impugned order had arrived at a conclusion at para 4.1. which is,
for the purpose of clarity, extracted supra. The CIT had, in fact,
directed that the rentals on lease agreement shall be assessee as
income from house property and the assessee was entitled for
deduction permissible u/s 24 of the Act only. No direction to allow
depreciation was ordered by the CIT (A) as apprehended by the
Revenue.
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73. Thus, there was no infirmity in the finding of the CIT (A) which
requires our intervention. In essence, the issue was, in fact, decided
by the CIT (A) against the assessee. This ground of the Revenue is
dismissed.
(6) To re-compute deduction u/s 80HHE and holding that the balance 10% profit of Unit 107, new units (SDF-VI & VII) and Pune STP Unit were eligible for computation of deduction u/s 80HHE: 74. After due consideration of the issue, the learned CIT (A) has
observed as under:
“5.1. (On page 8)………..It is clear from the order that the AO has excluded
entire profits of 3 units eligible for deduction u/s 10A even though he had
allowed only 90% of the respective profits as claimed u/s 10A as per law.
Thus, 10% of the profits of the units eligible for deduction u/s 10A were not
included inn the profit of the business for calculating deduction u/s 80HHE.
Section 80HHE(5) prohibits double deduction in respect of profits which
were allowed as deduction u/s. 80HHE(5). It does not prohibit deduction
under this section in respect of profits which were not allowed as
exemption/deduction under any other provisions of the Act. In the case of
the appellant in respect of units eligible for deduction u/s 10A, the quantum
was restricted to 90% by virtue of 3rd
proviso to section 10A(1). Thus, for the
balance 10% of the profits which formed part of the profit of the business of
the appellant, no other deduction is claimed except u/s 80HHE. The
exemption u/s 10A as well as u/s 80HEE are in respect of export of computer
software subject to specified conditions in the respective sections. The
appellant has claimed exemption u/s 10A in respect of eligible units and for
the balance income in respect of which the exemption u/s 10A is not
available and which formed part of the export business activity of the
appellant the deduction was claimed u/s 80HHE. The AO has not addressed
this issue in his order. The contentions of the appellant in this regard are
tenable and acceptable. Accordingly, the appellant is entitled for deduction
u/s 80HHE in respect of balance 10% of the profits calculated with reference
to the eligible units. Vide ground No.1, the deduction u/s 10A was held to be
allowable for Unit 107. On this, the AO had allowed only deduction u/s
80HHE. Now as the profits of Unit 107 is held as eligible for exemption u/s
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10A, the balance 10% profits in respect of Unit 107, new units (SDF VI &
VII) and Pune Unit are eligible for computation of deduction u/s 80HHE
and the AO is directed to recomputed the same in the light of the above
directions.
5.2. However, as regards the export turnover and total turnover for computing
the deduction u/s 80HHE, 10% of the export turnover and total turnover of 4
eligible units (new units SDF VI & VII) Unit 107 and SDP Pune shall be
included in the export turnover and total turnover respectively as 10% of the
profits of those units are now considered for computing deduction u/s 80HHE.
This is to match the eligible profit with the corresponding export turnover and
total turnover. The deduction u/s 80HHE M shall be reworked accordingly.”
75. This has been objected to by the Ld. D R, in stead, he fully
supported the stand of the AO on this issue.
76. On the other hand, the learned AR was in support of the
learned CIT (A)’s findings. He had also placed reliance on the ruling
of (i) the Hon’ble Madras High Court in Tax Case (Appeals) No.695 of
2010 dated 2.8.2010 in CIT v. M/s. Ambatture Clothing Ltd; and (ii)
the findings of Hon’ble Kolkata Bench ‘E’ of Tribunal in the case of
Hindustan Gum & Chemicals Ltd v. ITO – (2008) 23 SOT 143 (Kol).
77. We have carefully considered the rival submissions and also
perused the case records and the case laws relied on by the learned
AR.
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78. As recorded earlier, the learned CIT (A) had analyzed the issue
at a greater length and concluded that the deduction u/s 80HHE Act
has to be re-worked. We find there is no any infirmity in his
concurrence which attracts our intervention. We therefore decline to
entertain the Revenue’s request. This issue is decided against the
Revenue.
(7) Deletion of Rs.5.05,80,750/- relating to Human Resource Management function:
79. A similar issue had cropped up in the assessee’s own case for
the assessment year 2006-07 and the earlier Bench for the elaborate
reasons recorded therein [ITA No.3120/07 dated 29.2.2012] the issue
has been decided in favour of the assessee. In conformity with the
above findings, we decide the issue in favour of the assessee.
(8) Deletion of disallowance of Rs.9,77,598/- being interest expenses on advances to the employees: 80. Basically, the issue relates to interest on advances paid to the
employees of Rs.52,86,105/-. The AO made an adjustment of
Rs.9.78 lakhs on the basis of TPO’s subsequent order holding that
the AE could bear the interest for the period the advances was given
to the seconded employees till the date of remittance back to the
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appellant. Before the CIT (A), it was contended that as per the
regular practice the assessee gave advances to enable the
employees to meet the requirements of lodging, boarding, food etc.,
during the first few days in AE country. It was contended that the
said advances was recovered in installments from the salaries and
remitted back to the assessee at regular intervals. As this was the
only practice and the employees continued to remain on the pay roll
of the assessee and there was no requirement for charging interest
on AEs as they did not levy any agency charges for the recovery and
remittance back to the assessee.
81. Considering the assessee’s contention, the CIT (A) had
observed that the fact that the amount was advanced to the
employees who ultimately return back on completion of onsite work
was not in dispute. It was also on record that the said amount was
recovered from the salaries and sent back at regular intervals. There
was no material on record that the fund of the assessee was enjoyed
by the AEs and that the expenditure was wholly in connection with
the movement of the employees for onsite job and not to meet any
cost of AEs as the said sum was ultimately recoverable in the
subsequent salary. Thus, the contention of the assessee that the
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said adjustment was purely notional especially when the AEs did not
charge any agency charges for collecting and remittance back is
tenable. In fact, bank charges for remittance of funds were borne by
AEs. In view of the matter, the CIT (A) took a view that the said
adjustment cannot be recovered from the AEs and, thus, cannot
constitute the income of the appellant company and accordingly,
directed the AO to delete the said adjustment.
82. Before us, the learned DR supported the reasoning of the TPO
as well as AO, but, vehemently argued that the CIT (A) had failed to
see reason and without analyzing the background, on which the TPO
had made the adjustment, deleted the addition. It was, therefore,
pleaded that the stand of the TPO/AO requires to be sustained.
83. On the other hand, the learned AR supported the finding of the
learned CIT (A)
84. We have duly considered the rival submissions and diligently
perused the reasoning of the learned CIT (A) and also the relevant
case records.
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85. On a critical perusal of the reasoning of the learned TPO, it has
been observed that the assessee queried that as to whether the
advances given to the persons sent on secondment has been
charged any interest, if so, the details of which be furnished.
According to the TPO no details from the assessee were forthcoming.
However, the assessee had reasoned that –
“The advances in the instant case are recovered by the AEs from the
employees in installments. It is pertinent to note that the bank charges are
borne by the AEs. Mastek raises the debit notes in relation to the settling
advances on a month-to-month basis for employees seconded during that
month. Accordingly, all the amounts are recovered from the AEs and
ultimately no amount remains un-recovered.
In view of the above, it is critical to note that the said advances are ‘advances
to employees’ of Mastek and, hence, the question of charging interest to AEs
does not arise.” [source: page 108 of PB]
86. Considering the assessee’s contentions and that no details as
called for were forth coming, the TPO had recorded his findings thus:
“13………………………………………………………………………………
……Since the assessee has failed to provide details as called for and it has
been established that the persons seconded were being sent for the benefit of
AEs, the advances given to such seconded persons carried an interest cost
which should have been recovered from the AEs. Since the assessee has
chosen not to provide these details, I am estimating that an advance
equivalent to three months salary would have been given to the employees
which would have been recovered by the AEs and sent to the assessee. This
amount would have remained outstanding for an average period of three
months. Hence, an upward adjustment as follows, on account of interest
cost not recovered from the AEs for settling advance given to the AEs is to be
made.” [Refer: p 108 of PB]
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87. Accordingly, the TPO had worked out the upward adjustment of
Rs.52,86,105/- on account of interest cost not recovered from the
AEs for settling advance given to the AEs. However, this figure has
been scaled down to Rs.9,77,598/- through his order u/s 92CA(5)
r.w.s.154 of the Act [Refer: P 110 of PB].
88. After taking into account the reasoning of the learned TPO,
reversal effected by the learned CIT (A) and also keeping in view the
arguments put-forth by the learned AR during the course of hearing,
we are of the considered view that the reasoning of the TPO was
quite reasonable and balanced one too. Accordingly, the addition
made by the AO is sustained and the finding of the learned CIT (A) is
reversed.
IV. ITA No.2042/A/06 – A Y 2004-05 - By the assessee: (1) Disallowance of depreciation on lease assets amounting to Rs.41,41,761/-: 89. The assessee had claimed depreciation on a building which
has been given on lease to Mastek DC a group concern. As the said
asset, according to the AO was not used by the assessee for its
business purposes during the year under consideration, the assessee
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was required to explain as to why the depreciation so claimed on
such asset should not be denied.
90. After due consideration of the assessee’s contentions as
recorded in his impugned order, the AO, by extensively quoting the
provisions of s.32 (1) of the Act, had observed thus:
“6.2.(On page 18)……………………………………………………………….
..
The two requisite for depreciation allowance are:
(i) that depreciable assets is owned by the assessee;
(ii) that is used for the purpose of assessee’s business or profession.
Both the requisite conditions have to be fulfilled for depreciation allowance.
In the case of the assessee company, the assets were not used for business
purpose.
Under section 32 of the I T Act, depreciation is claimable by an owner of the
asset and who uses the asset in question for business purpose. Both the
conditions, ownership and use, have to be satisfied for claim of depreciation.
The totality of the phrase “ownership and ‘use’ as occurring in the section
will have to be considered. The essential ingredients of a claim for
depreciation and for other allowances have to be satisfied. These deductions
cannot be claimed by someone without any real connection with the asset.
The section would not grant depreciation allowance to a person merely for
the reason that he owns it. The use of the asset in the income-generating
enterprise is equally essential.
6.3. In view of the above facts, assessee’s claim of depreciation of
Rs.41,41,761/- in respect of leased building is not acceptable and tenable in
law. Therefore, such depreciation allowance as claimed by the assessee is
hereby disallowed….”
91. On appeal, the CIT (A) had recorded his findings as under:
“5.3. (On page 3) The facts for the current year being identical and rental
income at Rs.186.51 lakhs being subject to 194(1), I do not find any reason
to deviate from the findings for he preceding assessment year and,
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accordingly, I direct the AO to treat the income under the head house
property and allow deduction u/s 24 as permissible. However, disallowance
of depreciation effected at Rs.41.41 lakhs made by the AO is sustained…..”
92. Before us, it was submitted by the learned A R that the
assessee had not let out its entire premises, but, considering the area
of premises let-out – 34000 sft out of total of 102000 sft. – it was quite
clear that the basic intention of the assessee was not to earn rent
income by way of letting out the property; that the activity of letting
out was merely incidental to the regular business of the assessee. It
was, further, claimed that the assessee has been carrying on its
regular business activities from the said premises. Taking shelter
under the provisions of s. 22 of the Act, it was contended that the rent
income was received as a result of exploitation of commercial asset,
and, accordingly the source of rent income was use of commercial
asset.
93. Placing strong reliance on the ratio laid down by the Hon’ble
Supreme Court in the case of Universal Plast Ltd v. CIT [(1999) 237
ITR 454 (SC)], it was contended that the assessee had not let out the
premises for a permanent period and only a part of the premises
was let out while the assessee continued to carry out its business
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activities from the same premises and that the proposition laid down
by the Hon’ble Court directly applicable to the assessee who had
rightly claimed depreciation on the leased assets.
94. The learned D R valiantly supported the stand of the authorities
below and pleaded that the findings of the learned CIT (A) be upheld.
95. We have carefully considered the rival submissions and also
critically perused the relevant records.
96. It is an undisputed fact that the assessee had let-out a sizeable
area in the premises; say exactly 1/3rd of its total area to Mastek DC,
apparently its group concern. The assessee’s contention that the
activity of letting out was merely incidental to the regular business
carried on by it cannot be accepted on the ground that a sizeable
portion of the vast premises has been carved out and let-out to it
group concern whereby the business activities of the assessee is
being carried out on the segregated portion from the premises so let
out. Furthermore, the assessee cannot seek refuge from the ruling of
the Hon’ble Supreme Court cited supra on the premise that the
Hon’ble three-Judge Bench of Court after, taking cognizance of its
various decisions, ruled that ‘if only a few of the business assets are
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let out temporarily while the assessee is carrying out his other
business activities, then it is a case of exploiting the business
assets otherwise than employing them for his own use for making
profit for that business.” With highest regards and respects to the
ruling of the Hon’ble Court (supra), we would like to reiterate that the
assessee’s case is entirely stand on a different footing, namely:
(i) the assessee has let out its sizeable portion of its premises to none other than to its group concern, namely, Mastek DC not on a temporary basis as claimed by the assessee; Without prejudice, we would like to highlight that as long as the assessee does its business in the said premises, the so called tenant – Mastek DC – also carries on its business in its rented premises;
(ii) the observations of the Hon’ble Court (supra) was that ‘if only a few of the business are let out temporarily while the assessee is carrying out his other business activities, then it is a case of exploiting the business assets…..’
97. At this juncture, we tend to analyze the exact meaning of
‘temporary’. According to Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary
[Third Edition], ‘temporary’ means ‘not lasting or needed for very
long; and ‘temporarily’ (adverb) – literally means: for the time being,
for the moment, provisionally, for the short term, in the short term, for
the interim and so on and so forth.
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98. Further, we would like to recall the assessee’s submission for
the previous year relevant to the assessment year 2003-04 wherein
the assessee had raised the same bogey (of temporarily rented out
the premises) wanted to get away with it.
99. In view of the above facts and circumstances of the issue as
deliberated upon (supra) and since the assessee had not let-out a
portion of its premises temporarily as advocated, we are of the firm
view that the ratio laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, strongly
relied on by the assessee, cannot come to its rescue. Accordingly,
we are of the firm that the learned AO as well as the learned CIT (A)
were within their realms to reject the asssesee’s claim. It is ordered
accordingly.
(2) Disallowance of traveling expenses of Rs.1,67,98,984/- in relation to seconded employees: 100. Incidentally, this issue has been decided against the assessee
for the reasons recorded therein for the assessment year 2002-03 in
the assessee’s own case(supra). As the issue is similar for this AY
too, our findings for the earlier AY hold good for this AY also. In a nut
shell, this issue is decided against the assessee.
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VI. ITA No.2541/A/07 – A Y 2004-05 - By the Revenue 101. Before venture to adjudicate the grievances of the Revenue put
forth in its appeal for the AY under dispute, we would like to clarify
that we have duly taken care of the submissions made by either
party, carefully considered the relevant case records and also the
case laws relied on by the respective parties.
102. We shall now proceed to deal with the issues chronologically as
under:
(1) To allow exemption u/s 10A of the Act amounting to Rs.1,38,81,683/- in respect of Unit No.107 of SEEPZ: 103. This issue has since been decided in favour of the assessee for
the AY 2002-03 in the Departmental appeal (supra), this ground is
decided against the Revenue.
(2) Exchange fluctuation gain for new units for the purpose of exemption u/s 10A & deduction u/s 80HHE of the Act:
104. By the by, a similar issue came up for adjudication for the AY
2002-03 in the Departmental appeal wherein in conformity with the
findings of the earlier Bench in the assessee’s own case for the AY
2000-01 had remitted back the issue to the file of the AO to ascertain
the nature of gain and to take appropriate action. In consonance with
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the above findings, we tend to remit back the present issue also to
the file of the AO for similar exercise. It is ordered accordingly.
(3) Disallowance of Rs.1.4 lakhs out of interest expenses related to exempted income u/s 14A:
AND
(4) Restricting of disallowance of Rs.229.07 lakhs being administrative exp. Related to exempted dividend income to Rs.2 lakhs u/s 14A: 105. Incidentally, a similar issue has been dealt with the Revenue’s
appeal for the AY 2002-03 (under Ground No.6) supra. The findings
recorded therein hold good for this AY also. It is ordered accordingly.
(5) Treating the rental income of Rs.186.51 lakhs under the income of ‘house property’ and allowing deduction u/s 24:
106. A similar issue had cropped up for the AY 2003-04 (Ground
No;5 – Revenue’s appeal) wherein, we have confirmed the findings of
the CIT (A) that the income from property shall be assessed under
head ‘house property’ + permissible deduction u/s 24 of the Act, but,
no depreciation will be allowed. This view has been enforced by this
Bench while disposing of the assessee’s ground for this AY (supra),
making it absolutely clear that the assessee shall not be entitled to
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depreciation on let-out building. The same yard stick applies hereto.
Thus, this issue goes against the Revenue.
(6) Adjustment of Rs.5.9 crores made on human resources management services: 107. In consonance with the finding of the earlier Bench in the
assessee’s own case for the AY 2006-07 cited supra, this issue goes
in favour of the assessee.
(7) Deletion in addition of Rs.7.55 lakhs made on account of TPO adjust towards non-charging of interest on advances to employees:
108. Incidentally, a similar issue has been decided against the
assessee in Revenue’s appeal for the AY 2003-04 [ground No.8]
supra. In consonance with the above findings, the Revenue’s ground
is allowed.
(8) Deletion of addition of Rs.51.79 lakhs made on account of TPO adjustment towards interest on excess credit period granted to AE:
109. By the by, an identical issue to that of the present one had
cropped up for adjudication before the earlier Bench for the
assessment year 2006-07 in the assessee’s own case. For the
elaborate findings recorded therein, the issue has been decided in
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favour of the assessee. In conformity with the findings of the earlier
Bench (supra), the issue is decided against the Revenue. Thus, this
ground of the Revenue is dismissed.
110. In the result:
(i) The assessee’s appeals for the assessment years 2002-03 and
2004-05 are dismissed and the appeal for the AY 2003-04 is
partly allowed; and
(ii) The Revenue’s appeals for the assessment years, 2002-03,
2003-04 and 2004-05 are partly allowed.
Order pronounced in the open Court on 11-05-2012
Sd/- Sd/-
(D. K. TYAGI) JUDICIAL MEMBER
(A. MOHAN ALANKAMONY) ACCOUNTANT MEMBER
Copy of the order forwarded to: 1. The Appellant 2. The Respondent
3. The CIT concerned 4. The CIT(A) concerned 5. The DR, ITAT, Ahmedabad 6. Guard File BY ORDER Dy. Registrar, ITAT, Ahmedabad
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