IN THE INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL
Hyderabad ‘ A ‘ Bench, Hyderabad
(Through Video Conferencing)
Before
Shri A. Mohan Alankamony, Accountant Member
AND
Shri S.S. Godara, Judicial Member
Sl. No. ITA No.
Asst.Year Appellant Respondent
1 651/Hyd/2020
2012-13 Dakshin
Infrastructures
Private Limited,
Hyderabad.
PAN : AACCD4138P
DCIT,
Central Circle
2(3), Hyderabad
2 652/Hyd/2020
2013-14 Kapil Property
Developers Limited,
Hanumakonda.
PAN :AACCV1119N.
-do-
3 & 4 653 & 654/
Hyd/2020
2012-13 &
2013-14
Kapil Foods and
Structures Private
Limited, Warangal.
PAN : AACCK2614F
-do-
5 to 7 655 to 657/
Hyd/2020
2012-13,
2013-14 &
2017-18
Nalgonda Realtors
Private Limited,
Secunderabad.
PAN : AACCN6261H.
-do-
8 & 9 658 & 659/
Hyd/2020
2012-13 &
2013-14
Ujwala Publications
and Developers Pvt.
Ltd.,
Warangal.
PAN : AAACU6544J.
-do-
10 & 11 666 & 667/
Hyd/2020
2012-13 &
2013-14
M/s. Indur Avenues
and Foods Private
Limited,
Nizamabad.
PAN : AABCI0260Q.
-do-
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
2
12 to 14 668, 669 and
691/Hyd/2020
2012-13,
2013-14 &
2017-18
M/s.Kausalya
Management Services
and Structures Private
Limited, Karimnagar.
PAN : AAECK9304L.
DCIT,
Central Circle
2(3), Hyderabad
15 to 17 670 to 672/
Hyd/2020
2012-13,
2013-14 &
2016-17
Indur Developers and
Agencies Private
Limited,
Vijayawada.
PAN : AABCI4254Q.
-do-
18 to 21 673 to 676/
Hyd/2020
2012-13,
2013-14,
2014-15 &
2017-18
Kausalya Agro Farms
& Developers Private
Limited, Hyderabad.
PAN : AAGCS7258L
-do-
22 to 24 678 to 680/
Hyd/2020
2013-14,
2014-15 &
2017-18
Kausalya Shelters
Private Limited,
Karimnagar.
PAN : AAJCS3243D.
-do-
25 to 29 681 to 685/
Hyd/2020
2012-13,
2013-14,
2016-17,
2017-18 &
2018-19
M/s. Kausalya
Avenues Private
Limited,
Karimnagar.
PAN : AAHCS7469R.
-do-
30 & 31 686 & 687/
Hyd/2020
2012-13 &
2013-14
Kapil Infra Avenues
Private Limited,
Vijayawada.
PAN : AADCK4944P
-do-
32 to 34 688 to 690/
Hyd/2020
2012-13,
2013-14 &
2017-18
Preethi Foods and
Villas Private Limited,
Khammam.
PAN : AADCP6978J.
-do-
Appellant By : Shri S. Ramarao.
Respondent By : Shri T. Sunil Goutam &
Sr. A.R. Swapnil.
Date of Hearing : 16.02.2022
Date of Pronouncement:21.03.2022.
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
3
O R D E R
Per S. S. Godara, J.M.
The instant batch of thirty four appeals pertains to
thirteen assessees. All relevant particulars thereof are stated as
under :
Sl.No. &
Appellant
ITA No. Asst.
Year
Order
under
challenge
Order under
challenge and
case No.
Proceed-
ings
under
section
1. Dakshin
Infrastructures
Private Limited,
Hyderabad.
651/Hyd/2020 2012-13
CIT(A)-12,
Hyderabad
10301/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
143(3)
r.w.s
153A
2. Kapil Property
Developers
Limited,
Hanumakonda.
652/Hyd/2020 2013-14 -do-
10243/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
143(3)
r.w.s
147
3. Kapil Foods
and Structures
Private Limited,
Warangal.
653/Hyd/2020 2012-13
-do-
10239/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
654/Hyd/2020 2013-14
10255/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
4. Nalgonda
Realtors
Private Limited,
Secunderabad.
655/Hyd/2020 2012-13
-do-
10241/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
656/Hyd/2020 2013-14
10253/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
657/Hyd/2020 2017-18
10355/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
5. Ujwala
Publications and
Developers Pvt.
Ltd.,
Warangal.
658/Hyd/2020 2012-13
-do-
10244/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
659/Hyd/2020 2013-14
10341/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
6. M/s. Indur
Avenues and
Foods Private
Limited,
Nizamabad.
666/Hyd/2020 2012-13
-do-
10240/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
667/Hyd/2020 2013-14
10248/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
7. M/s.Kausalya
Management
Services and
Structures Private
668/Hyd/2020 2012-13
-do-
10245/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
669/Hyd/2020 2013-14
10254/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
4
Limited,
Karimnagar.
691/Hyd/2020
2017-18
10308/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
143(3)
8. Indur
Developers and
Agencies Private
Limited,
Vijayawada.
670/Hyd/2020 2012-13
-do-
10246/2019-20
dt.17.09.2020
143(3)
r.w.s. 147
671/Hyd/2020 2013-14
10251/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
672/Hyd/2020 2016-17
10302/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
143(3)
9. Kausalya Agro
Farms &
Developers Private
Limited,
Hyderabad.
673/Hyd/2020 2012-13
-do-
10218/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
143(3)
r.w.s
147
674/Hyd/2020 2013-14
10226/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
675/Hyd/2020 2014-15
10229/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
676/Hyd/2020 2017-18
10306/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
143(3)
10. Kausalya
Shelters Private
Limited,
Karimnagar.
678/Hyd/2020 2013-14
-do-
10252/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
143(3)
r.w.s. 147
679/Hyd/2020 2014-15
10260/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
680/Hyd/2020 2017-18
10309/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
143(3)
11. M/s. Kausalya
Avenues Private
Limited,
Karimnagar.
681/Hyd/2020 2012-13
-do-
10225/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
143(3)
r.w.s.
153A
682/Hyd/2020 2013-14
10227/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
683/Hyd/2020 2016-17
10265/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
684/Hyd/2020 2017-18
10268/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
685/Hyd/2020 2018-19
10273/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
143(3)
12. Kapil Infra
Avenues
Private Limited,
Vijayawada.
686/Hyd/2020 2012-13
-do-
10224/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
143(3)
r.w.s. 147
687/Hyd/2020 2013-14
10247/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
13. Preethi Foods
and Villas Private
Limited,
Khammam.
688/Hyd/2020 2012-13
-do-
10217/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
689/Hyd/2020 2013-14 10201/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
-do-
690/Hyd/2020 2017-18
10352/2019-20
dt.18.09.2020
143(3)
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
5
2. We first of all come to the first and foremost assessee
Dakshin Infrastructures Pvt. Ltd’s appeal ITA 651/Hyd/2020 for
A.Y. 2012-13. Its sole substantive ground raised herein seeks to
reverse both the lower authorities’ action disallowing section
36(1)(iii) interest expenditure alleging diversion of interest bearing
funds for non business purposes to the tune of Rs.19,95,429/- as
affirmed in the CIT(A)’s order as follows :
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
6
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
7
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
8
....xxxx
- Space left blank intentionally –
- Space left blank intentionally -
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
9
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
10
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
11
3. We have given our thoughtful consideration to rival
submissions and find no reason to accept either parties’ stand in
entirety. This is for the clinching reason that both the learned
lower authorities appear to have placed reliance on alleged
concession made by the group concern M/s. Indur Developers and
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
12
Agencies Pvt. Ltd wherein there is no clarity as to whether the
same specifically covered all other group activities or the said
assessee only which are specifically assessed; or not.
4. Coupled with this, the assessee’s stand all along is that
the impugned advances by way of non-current investments
nowhere carried out any interest-bearing funds at all. The
Revenue’s contentions on the other hand is that the assessee had
itself sought to claim finance costs pertaining to its borrowing
regarding development of plots. Be that as it may, this is apart
from the fact that the clinching issue as to whether the assessee’s
borrowings or advances in plotting activity contain interest
stipulation or not has nowhere been examined in light of all
relevant facts. We therefore deem it appropriate to restore this
entire instant issue back to the Assessing Officer for his afresh
factual verification. It is made clear that the assessee shall be very
much at liberty to raise all factual as well as legal arguments in
consequential proceedings as per law.
5. This appeal ITA 651/Hyd/2020 is partly allowed for
statistical purposes in foregoing terms.
6. We next come to the 2
nd
assessee herein Kapil Property
Developers Limited’s appeal ITA No.652/Hyd/2020 for A.Y. 2013-
14.
7. Its twin substantive grounds pleaded in the instant
appeal challenge validity of section 147 / 148 proceedings in light of
the fact that the same had arisen in connection with or as a
consequence to search and seizure carried out in Kapil Group; and
more particularly, M/s. Kapil Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. on
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
13
07.04.2017. The assessee’s vehement contention before us is that
section 153A r.w.s. 153C of the Act; applicable in case of the
searched assessee as well as any third person, contain non
obstante clauses applicable at the cost of all general provisions
including section 147 r.w.s. 148 of the Act. We find no merit in
assessee’s instant legal ground since there is no material found in
the Assessing Officer’s reopening reasons suggesting the impugned
proceedings as based on any seized material belonging, pertaining
or relating to this taxpayer. We thus hold that the Assessing Officer
had rightly initiated section 147 / 148 reopening herein. This first
and foremost issue is decided in Revenue’s favour therefore.
8. Next comes the latter issue of correctness of both the
lower authorities’ action adding notional interest on debentures
income of Rs.7,81,900/-. The CIT(A)’s detailed discussion affirming
the Assessing Officer’s action to this affect reads as under :
“8.0 Addition towards interest on redeemable debentures of
Rs.7,81,900/-.
8.1. It is seen that while finalizing the assessment proceedings, the
AO has made the addition on the following grounds :
"8. Interest on redeemable Debentures:
During the course of assessment proceedings, it is observed that the
assessee company has invested in redeemable debentures as under
...............................On being asked the sources for the investments in
debentures, the assessee stated that the sources are from investment sold
during the year and proceeds from issue of redeemable debentures.
However, the assessee did not substantiate its claim with any evidences.
Further, the interest on redeemable debentures is taxable income. The
assessee did not show the interest on redeemable debentures in its
computation. Hence, the interest on redeemable debentures is calculated @
14% which is worked out to RS.7,81,900/-.
Addition:Rs.7,81,900/-".
8.2. The appellant has contested the said disallowance, and in support of
his claim, the following submissions have been made by the appellant's AR:
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
14
"Since debentures were not allotted to our company, our company has
regrouped / re-c1assified the previous years debit balance amount of
Rs.55,85,000/- by deducting it from the credit balance amount of
Rs.27,25,25,090/- received, as advance for Sale of Plots and disclosed the
Net figure of Rs.26,69,40,090/- (Rs.27,25,25,090/- - Rs.55,85,000) under
Schedule No.6.1 - Trade Payables - Advance for Sale of Plots, in the audited
Balance sheet for the year ending 31-03-2014".
8.3 I have carefully considered the submissions made by the appellant as
well as the observations of the AO in the impugned order. The AO has
brought to tax notional interest @14% on debentures and the appellant
contested the same stating that there is no material with the AO to conclude
that payment has been made by the investee companies. The appellant has
not brought any material to prove that such income has not been receivable
by it except stating that AO has no material to make such addition. The
appellant has filed certain evidences which were not admissible as it was
not stated why the same were not filed before the AO as per Rule 46A.
therefore the addition made by the AO is confirmed. Grounds pertaining to
this are DISMISSED.”
9. Suffice to say, there is no material on record in either the
Assessing Officer or the CIT(A)’s detailed discussion throwing light
in the corresponding details of the debentures scheme in issue
which could be taken as benchmark for making the impugned
addition. It further transpires that the assessee’s stand from day
one was that it had neither credited the corresponding interest
income nor actually received the same in the relevant previous year.
We rather note that it had sought to file its additional evidence
under rule 46A of the Income Tax Rules which stands declined in
the CIT(A)’s order. We thus are of the opinion that larger interest of
justice would be met in case the instant issue is also restored back
to the Assessing Officer to first examine the corresponding
debentures scheme if any; followed by the actual credit or payment
of interest in assessee’s favour. This latter substantive ground is
partly accepted for statistical purposes. So as the outcome of the
assessee’s impugned appeal herein ITA 652/Hyd/2020.
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
15
10. Third assessee Kapil Foods and Structures Pvt. Ltd. has
filed its twin appeals ITA Nos.653 and 654/Hyd/2020 for A.Ys.
2012-13 and 2013-14.
11. We advert to its first and foremost substantive ground in
assessee’s appeal ITA 653/Hyd/2020 challenging validity of the
impugned reopening. It emerges from a perusal of the case record
that the Assessing Officer had framed his first round section 143(3)
regular assessment on 18.03.2015 followed by his impugned action
initiated section 148 proceedings vide notice dt.29.03.2019 on
account of the following reasons recorded :
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
16
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
17
12. Learned departmental representative would hardly rebut
the clinching fact that the Assessing Officer had initiated the
impugned proceedings after a lapse of more than 4 years from the
end of the relevant assessment year without recording any reason
that the assessee had not disclosed all the relevant particulars
“fully” and “truly” in light of section 147 1
st
proviso. We make it
clear that there is hardly any scope for addition or deletion or
substitution in such reopening reasons in light of hon’ble Bombay
high court’s landmark decision in Hindustan Lever Ltd Vs. R.B.
Wadkar (2004) 268 ITR 332 (Bom) holding that re-opening reasons
recorded by the Assessing Officer have to be read on standalone
basis only. We thus quash the impugned reopening for this sole
reason. All other pleadings on merits are rendered academic.
13. This assessee’s appeal ITA 653/Hyd/2020 is allowed.
14. Coming to its next appeal ITA 654/Hyd/2020 for A.Y.
2013-14, assessee’s first and foremost substantive grievance seeks
to reverse both the lower authorities’ action involving section 147 /
148 proceedings as in the main appeal ITA 652/Hyd/2020 decided
in the preceding paragraphs. Same stands rejected in the very
terms.
The assessee’s second substantive grievance avers that
both the lower authorities have erred in law and on facts in
disallowing its finance cost of Rs.1,90,52,483/- in the course of
assessment dt.31.12.2019 as upheld in the CIT(A)’s order which
has passed on the same lines in ITA No.651/Hyd/2020 decided
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
18
hereinabove. We thus adopt the very course of action herein as well
to restore the instant issue back the Assessing Officer.
15. This appeal ITA 654/Hyd/2020 is partly allowed for
statistical purposes.
16. Next comes M/s. Nalgonda Realtors Pvt. Ltd having filed
its three appeals ITA Nos.655 to 657/Hyd/2020 for A.Ys. 2012-13,
2013-14 and 2017-18; respectively.
Its first and foremost substantive ground challenging
validity of reopening in appeal ITA 655/Hyd/2020 is rejected in
light of our detailed discussion in appeal ITA No.654/Hyd/2020 in
the preceding paragraphs. Ordered accordingly.
It next emerges that the assessee’s second substantive
grievance pleaded herein seeks to delete section 36(1)(iii) interest
disallowance pertaining to the alleged finance costs. Both the
learned representatives duly agree that we have already decided
identical issue in preceding paragraphs back to the Assessing
Officer for his afresh factual verification and computation in light of
assessee’s stand having denied any interest in the business of plot
development as well as all other aspects. We adopt the very
detailed discussion herein as well to restore the instant issue back
to the Assessing Officer. Ordered accordingly. This appeal ITA
655/Hyd/2020 for A.Y. 2012-13 is partly allowed for statistical
purposes.
17. The assessee’s 2
nd
and 3
rd
appeals i.e. ITA 656 and
657/Hyd/2020 for A.Y.s 2013-14 and 2017-18, respectively,
challenge validity of section 148 / 147 proceedings. This issue in
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
19
A.Y. 2013-14 is rejected whereas its 2
nd
and 3
rd
substantive
grounds challenging finance cost amount of Rs.41,64,131/- and
notional interest on debentures of Rs.40,17,300/- in former and
Rs.76,24,876/- and Rs.35,24,000/- (under the very twin heads) in
A.Y. 2017-18 are restored back to the Assessing Officer as per our
detailed discussion in preceding paragraphs. These twin appeals
ITA Nos.656 and 657/Hyd/2020 are partly allowed for statistical
purposes.
18. We now proceed to deal with the next assessee
M/s. Ujwala Publications and Developers Private Limited’s twin
appeals i.e. ITA Nos.658 & 659/Hyd/2020 for A.Y. 2012-13 and
2013-14, respectively.
19. There is hardly any dispute that its first and foremost
substantive ground challenging validity of re-opening stands on the
same footing decided in the preceding paragraphs that section 147
/ 148 mechanism set into motion by the Assessing Officer is not
based on any seized material found during the course of search.
The impugned re-opening is accordingly upheld therefore. Its latter
substantive ground seeking to delete finance cost disallowance of
Rs.15,37,601/- is restored back to the Assessing Officer in light of
the foregoing detailed discussion in its group entity cases.
This appeal ITA No.658/Hyd/2020 is partly allowed for statistical
purposes in very terms.
20. We now advert to ITA No.659/Hyd/2020 involving A.Y.
2013-14.
We note qua the assessee’s legal ground challenging
validity of the impugned re-opening that the Assessing Officer had
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
20
framed his section 143(3) regular assessment on 22.03.2016
followed by the departmental search action dt.07.04.2017 finally
leading to initiation of section 148 proceedings vide notice
dt.27.03.2019 i.e., beyond four years period from the end of the
relevant assessment year in light of section 147 first proviso. There
is further no dispute that the Assessing Officer had not attributed
the assessee’s failure “fully” and “truly” disclosing all the relevant
particulars in the first round. We therefore quash the impugned re-
opening itself for this precise reason in light of our foregoing
detailed discussion.
21. Next comes M/s. Indur Avenues and Foods Private Limited
having filed its appeals ITA Nos.666 and 667/Hyd/2020 for A.Ys.
2012-13 and 2013-14; respectively. Its foregoing first appeal raises
two substantive grounds i.e. validity of section 147 proceedings and
finance cost disallowance of Rs.15,78,237/-; respectively.
Suffice to say, we make it clear that its former substantive ground
carries no merit since the impugned reopening is not based on any
seized material (supra). And that the latter issue of finance cost
disallowance alone stands restored back to the Assessing Officer in
the preceding paragraphs. Ordered accordingly. This appeal ITA
666/Hyd/2020 is partly allowed for statistical purposes.
22. Coming to this assessee’s latter appeal ITA
No.667/Hyd/2020, we find that the Assessing Officer had framed
his section 143(3) assessment on 18.02.2016 for A.Y. 2013-14
followed by his section 148 notice dt.29.03.2019 issued beyond a
period of four years from the end of the relevant assessment year.
We thus apply our foregoing detailed discussion mutatis mutandis
to quash the impugned re-opening. All other pleadings on merits
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
21
are rendered academic. This appeal ITA No.667/Hyd/2020 is partly
allowed in above terms.
23. Next comes M/s. Kausalya Management Services Pvt.
Limited having filed ITA Nos.668, 669 and 691/Hyd/2020 for A.Y.s
2012-13, 2013-14 and 2017-18; respectively.
24. A combined perusal of the former twin appeals ITA
Nos.668 and 669/Hyd/2020 suggest that the Assessing Officer has
framed his section 143(3) regular assessments on 31.01.2014 and
09.10.2015 in A.Ys. 2012-13 & 2013-14 followed by his section
148 notices; both dt.27.03.2019 i.e. beyond a period of 4 years from
the end of the relevant assessment years. We thus invoke section
147 1
st
proviso in light of our detailed discussion in preceding
paragraphs to quash both these re-assessments in ITA Nos.668 and
669/Hyd/2020. These appeals are accepted.
25. This assessee’s third appeal ITA No.691/Hyd/2020 seeking
to delete finance cost disallowance of Rs.8,315,248/- made in both
the lower authorities is restored back to the Assessing Officer in
light of our detailed discussion in preceding paragraphs allowed for
statistical purposes.
26. Next assessee M/s. Indur Developers and Agencies
Private Limited filed three appeals ITA No.670 to 672/Hyd/2020 for
A.Y.s 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2016-17; respectively.
Suffice to say, its first and foremost appeal herein i.e.
ITA No.670/Hyd/2020 has arisen on account of section 148
proceedings initiated on 28.03.2019 for re-opening a regular
assessment framed on 09.03.2015 in A.Y. 2012-13. We thus invoke
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
22
section 147 1
st
proviso in light of our detailed discussion in
preceding paragraphs to accept the assessee’s arguments
challenging validity of the impugned re-opening. All other
pleadings are rendered academic. This assessee’s appeal ITA
No.670/Hyd/2020 is allowed.
27. Same order to follow in this assessee’s latter appeal ITA
No.671/Hyd/2020 involving A.Y. 2013-14 and section 143(3)
regular assessment on 29.03.2016 followed by section 148 notice
dt.23.08.2019. This appeal ITA No.671/Hyd/2020 stands accepted
therefore.
28. Coming to ITA No.672/Hyd/2020 for A.Y. 2016-17
raising the sole substantive issue of disallowance of finance charges
amounting to Rs.25,15,910/-, both the learned representatives very
much agree that the same also deserves to be restored back to the
Assessing Officer in light of our detailed discussion in the preceding
paragraphs. Ordered accordingly. This appeal ITA No.672/
Hyd/2020 is allowed for statistical purposes.
29. Next comes M/s. Kousalya Agro Farms and Developers
Private Limited’s four appeals ITA Nos.673 to 676/Hyd/2020
involving A.Ys.2012-13 to 2014-15 and 2017-18; respectively.
30. We find at the outset that its former twin appeals involve
section 143(3) assessments framed on 14.03.2015 and 24.03.2016;
respectively followed by the Assessing Officer’s section 148 as many
notices issued on 28.03.2019 issued after a period of 4 years from
the end of the relevant assessment year. We thus quote section 147
1
st
proviso in light of our preceding detailed discussion to quash
both these re-openings. All other pleadings on merits in both these
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
23
appeals are rendered academic. These appeals ITA No.673 and
674/Hyd/2020 stands accepted.
31. We now advert to ITA No.675 & 676/Hyd/2020 for A.Y.s
2014-15 and 2015-16, respectively.
32. The assessee’s former substantive ground in A.Y. 2014-15
challenging validity of re-opening stands declined in light of the fact
that the same is based on a tangible material than any seized
document during the course of search. This legal ground fails
accordingly.
33. The assessee’s latter substantive ground in A.Y. 2014-15
herein as well as sole substantive grievance in ITA
No.676/Hyd/2020 seeking to delete finance charges disallowance of
Rs.24,09,170/- and 1,33,94,799/- sttands restored back to the
Assessing Officer in light of our detailed discussion in the preceding
main case. This assessee’s third appeal ITA No.675/Hyd/2020 is
partly allowed for statistical purposes and 4
th
appeal i.e. ITA
No.676/Hyd/2020 is allowed for statistical purposes. Ordered
accordingly.
34. Next assessee is Kausalya Shelters Private Limited in
appeal ITA Nos.678 to 680/Hyd/2020 for A.Ys. 2013-14, 2014-15
and 2017-18; respectively.
35. We notice its first and foremost appeal that the Assessing
Officer had framed his section 143(3) assessment dt.12.10.2015
followed by section 148 notice issued on 28.03.2019 i.e. beyond a
period of 4 years from the end of the relevant assessment year. We
thus quote section 147 first proviso in light of our foregoing detailed
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
24
discussion to quash the impugned re-opening. This appeal ITA
No.678/Hyd/2020 is allowed.
36. We next find its second appeal ITA No.679/Hyd/2020 that
the impugned re-opening notice dt.30.03.2019 is very well with 4
years from the end of the relevant assessment year 2014-15. We
therefore placed reliance on our preceding detailed discussion to
uphold validity of the impugned re-opening. The assessee’s latter
substantive ground raising issue of difference of interest credited to
the profit and loss account and interest on light of Form 26AS is
more found to be requiring more a reconciliation at the Assessing
Officer’s end than any substantive adjudication. The same stands
restored back to the learned assessed authority for his
consequential factual verification. This appeal ITA No.679/
Hyd/2020 is partly allowed for statistical purposes.
37. We now come to ITA No.680/Hyd/2020 raising the sole
substantive ground of disallowance of finance charges of
Rs.18,19,149/- which stands restored back to the Assessing Officer
in preceding terms. This appeal ITA No.680/Hyd/2020 is allowed
for statistical purposes.
38. Next assessee is M/s. Kausalya Avenues Private Limited
having filed appeals ITA Nos.681 to 685/Hyd/2020 for A.Y. 2012-
13, 2013-14, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19; respectively. Its
identical sole substantive ground in all assessment years (except
A.Y. 2013-14) seeks to reverse both the lower authorities’ action
disallowing finance costs of Rs.54,22,428/-, Rs.54,95,788/-,
Rs.95,48,200/- and Rs.79,87,930/-; respectively, which stands
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
25
restored back to the Assessing Officer in light of our foregoing
findings in preceding paragraphs. Ordered accordingly.
The assessee’s sole substantive grievance in A.Y. 2013-
14 seeking to delete interest income on redeemable debentures of
Rs.1,47,63,000/- is restored back to the assessing authority in
preceding terms. These five appeals ITA Nos.681 to 685/Hyd/2020
are allowed for statistical purposes.
39. Next assessee / appellant is M/s.Kapil Infrastructure
Avenues Pvt. Ltd. having filed two appeals 686 and 687/Hyd/2020
in A.Ys. 2012-13 and 2013-14 respectively.
40. We do not find any merit in its former substantive ground
in ITA 686/Hyd/2020 for A.Y. 2012-13 challenging validity of re-
opening since the same is found to be based on tangible material
than any seized material during the course of search. We thus
quote our foregoing detailed discussion to affirm both the lower
authorities action initiating section 148 / 147 proceedings to this
affect. The assessee’s latter twin substantive grounds in A.Y.
2012-13 seeking to delete disallowance of finance costs of
Rs.24,34,429/- and trade payables of interest disallowance of
Rs.42,12,15,816/- are restored back to the Assessing Officer in
light of our detailed discussion in preceding paragraphs. Ordered
accordingly. This appeal ITA No.686/Hyd/2020 is partly allowed
for statistical purposes.
41. Coming to the assessee’s latter appeal ITA No.687/Hyd/
2020, we now advert to its first and foremost substantive ground
challenging validity of re-opening and note that the Assessing
Officer herein had framed his section 143(3) assessment on
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
26
03.03.2016 followed by section 148 notice issued on 29.03.2019 i.e.
beyond a period of 4 years from the end of the relevant assessment
year. We thus quote section 147 first proviso in light of our detailed
discussion in preceding paragraphs to quash the impugned re-
opening. All other pleadings on merits are rendered academic.
42. This assessee’s latter appeal ITA No.687/Hyd/2020 is
allowed in above terms.
43. The last assessee herein is M/s.Preethi Foods and Villas
Private Limited in ITA Nos.688 to 690/Hyd/2020 for A.Y.s 2012-13,
2013-14 and 2017-18; respectively.
44. Suffice to say, the Assessing Officer has framed his regular
assessments herein on 09.03.2015 and 10.03.2016 in the former
instant twin appeals; respectively followed by his section 148 notice
dt.27.03.2019 issued beyond a period of 4 years from the end of the
relevant assessment year in light of section 147 first proviso. We
thus quash the impugned re-opening proceedings in light of our
preceding detailed discussion. These former twin appeals ITA
Nos.688 & 689/Hyd/2020 are allowed.
45. We are now left with ITA Nos.690/Hyd/2020 for A.Y.
2017-18 raising the sole substantive grievance of finance cost
amounting to Rs.99,42,325/- upheld in the CIT(A)’s order which is
restored back to the Assessing Officer for his afresh factual
verification and adjudication in light of our detailed discussion in
the preceding paragraphs. This last appeal ITA No.690/Hyd/2020
is allowed for statistical purposes.
46. It is made clear before parting that Mr. Ramarao had
vehemently argued that it is only the amount (s) in issue of finance
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
27
costs in all these appeals; as upheld in the CIT(A)’s order than the
entire sum(s) taken in assessment that ought to form subject
matter of adjudication in the consequential proceedings. He sought
to buttress the point that the CIT(A) has already granted part relief
in all these cases which has nowhere been challenged at the
Revenue’s behest. We find no merit in the assessees’ instant
arguments since the Assessing Officer has to examine the
assessees’ fund position as well as the clinching issue as to whether
the corresponding borrowings claimed to have been carrying no
interest involving plotted land buyers, afresh and in light of all the
evidence on wholesome basis only. The assessees’ foregoing
argument stands rejected therefore. Ordered accordingly.
47. To sum up, these assessees’ appeals ITA Nos.653, 659,
667 to 671, 673, 674, 678, 687, 688 and 689/Hyd/2020 are
allowed and remaining appeals i.e. ITA Nos.651, 652, 654 to 658,
666, 667, 672, 675, 676, 679 to 686, 690 and 691/Hyd/2020 are
partly allowed. A copy of this common order be placed in respective
case files.
Order pronounced in the Open Court on 21
st
March, 2022.
Sd/- Sd/-
(A. MOHAN ALANKAMONY)
ACCOUNTANT MEMBER
(S.S. GODARA)
JUDICIAL MEMBER
Hyderabad, dated 21
st
March, 2022.
TYNM/sps
ITA Nos.651 to 659, 666 to 676 and 678 to 691/Hyd/2020
28
Copy to:
S.No Addresses
1
Dakshin Infrastructures Pvt. Ltd, Survey No.115/1, I.T. Park,
Nanakramguda, Serilingampally Mandal, Hyderabad – 500 34.
2
Kapil Property Developers Limited, H.No.1-7-1382/2, Advocates
Colony, Hanumakonda – 506002.
3
Kapil Foods and Structures Private Limited, 2-5760, House
Opp: Dist. Collectprate, Subedari, Warangal -506001.
4
Nalgonda Realtors Private Limited, Plot No.2, Madhupala
Enclave, Akbar Road, Secunderabad.
5
Ujwala Publications and Developers Pvt. Ltd. 2-5-760, Kapil
House, Opp: District Collectorate, Subedari, Hanumakonda,
Warangal – 506001.
6
M/s. Indur Avenues and Foods Private Limited, Sarangapur
Village, Gangastan, Nizamabad – 503224.
7
M/s.Kausalya Management Services and Structures Private
Limited, No.3-1-188, CVRN Nagar, Karimnagar – 505001.
8
M/s. Kausalya Agro Farms & Developers Private Limited,
H.No.16-31, 9
th
Phase, KPHB Main Road, Kukatpally,
Hyderabad – 500072.
9
Kapil Infra Avenues Private Limited, No.40-15-3/1,
Chandrapuram Near Benz Circle, Labbipet, Vijayawada –
520010.
10.
Indur Developers and Agencies Pvt. Ltd. 40-14-3/1,
Chandramoulipuram, Near Benz Circle, Labbipet, Vijayawada -
520010.
11.
Kausalya Shelters Private Limited, 3-1-175, C.V.R. Nagar,
Karimnagar – 505001.
12.
M/s. Kausalya Avenues Pvt. Ltd. No.3-1-631, C.V.R. Nagar,
Karimangar – 505001.
13.
Preethi Foods and Villas Private Limited, 7-3-284,
Dwarakanagar, Khammam – 507002.
14
The Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, Central Circle 2(3),
Hyderabad.
15 CIT(Appeals) – 12 Hyderabad.
16 PCIT (Central), Hyderabad.
17 DR, ITAT Hyderabad Benches
18 Guard File
By Order