MADRAS HIGH COURT QUASHES ASSESSMENT FOR GIVING ONLY 13 HOURS TO TAXPAYER TO RESPOND TO SCN

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MADRAS HIGH COURT QUASHES ASSESSMENT FOR GIVING ONLY 13 HOURS TO TAXPAYER TO RESPOND TO SCN

16/06/2023

MADRAS HIGH COURT QUASHES ASSESSMENT FOR GIVING ONLY 13 HOURS TO TAXPAYER TO RESPOND TO SCN

The case of the petitioner is that the petitioner is an assessee under the respondents. The petitioner was issued with first show cause notice on 06.03.2023 and time to file reply was given till 09.03.2023 and the petitioner filed a reply on 09.03.2023 enclosing the bank statements and details of sales of cars.

The petitioner again filed reply on 25.03.2023 at 10.45a.m. seeking time to file the copy of purchase and sales bills and for filing the PAN details of the dealers to whom the goods were sold. Inspite of giving the above details and seeking time to produce and upload the voluminous records, the petitioner was issued with the second show cause notice proposing to assess the variation on 27.03.2023 at 19.10.33 p.m. and the petitioner was given only 13 hours time till 9.00 a.m. on 28.03.2023.

The adjournment application submitted by the petitioner on 25.03.2023 in the portal was rejected on the ground that time for completion of assessment is barred on 31.03.2023. Despite all the above, the impugned order was passed. Hence, this writ petition. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner has filed this writ petition only for the limited point that the respondents did not provide opportunity to the petitioner to enable the petitioner to file detailed explanation.

The second show cause notice proposing to assess the variation was issued to the petitioner on 27.03.2023 at 19.10.33 p.m. and the petitioner was given only 13 hours time to reply i.e., till 9.00 a.m. on 28.03.2023, which is clear violation of principles of natural justice since during the night hours, the petitioner will not be in a position to give reply. Hence, this Court may set aside the impugned order and remand the matter back to the respondents for fresh consideration.

The facts in the present case is not in dispute. Admittedly, the second show cause notice was issued to the petitioner on 27.03.2023 at 19.10.33 p.m. and the petitioner was given time to reply till 9.00a.m. on 28.03.2023, which is clear violation of principles of natural justice. In view of the above, the impugned order passed by the first respondent dated 30.03.2023 is set aside and the matter is remanded back to the respondents for fresh consideration.

The respondents shall consider the matter afresh and after providing opportunity to the petitioner, shall pass appropriate orders, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

The writ petition is allowed.

HIGH COURT OF MADRAS

SUNDARESAN SURESH KUMAR V/S ASSESSMENT UNIT, INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT

HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI

W.P.NO.11529 OF 2023 AND W.M.P.NOS.11422 TO 11424 OF 2023

18.04.2023

READ JUDGEMENT HERE