Home Credit India B.V. v. Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax Circle 2 1 1, International Taxation New Delhi & Anr.

1. Allowed, subject to just exceptions. W.P.(C) 7397/2023 & CM No.28775/2023 [Application filed on behalf of the petitioner seeking interim relief]

2. Issue notice. 2.[1] Mr Sanjay Kumar, learned senior standing counsel, accepts notice on behalf of the respondents/revenue.

3. Given the directions that we propose to issue, Mr Kumar says that he does not wish to file a counter-affidavit in the matter, and he will argue the matter based on the record presently available with the court. 3.[1] Therefore, with the consent of learned counsel for the parties, the matter is taken up for hearing and final disposal at this stage itself.

4. This writ petition concerns Assessment Year (AY) 2019-20.

5. Mr Sachit Jolly, who appears on behalf of the petitioner, has drawn our attention to the notice dated 04.03.2023 issued under Section 148A(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 [in short, “Act”]. 5.[1] It is Mr Jolly’s contention that the notice had been issued without application of mind. In this context, Mr Jolly has broadly made the following submissions:

(i) First, the allegation concerns investment in shares and, as correctly put by him, at this stage, it could not have been said, without material on record, that it would constitute income chargeable to tax, which had escaped assessment.

(ii) Second, the notice seeks a copy of the passport reflecting travel details. Once again, Mr Jolly correctly states that the petitioner, i.e., the notice, is a company, therefore, this information could not have been sought from it.

(iii) Third, the Assessing Officer (AO) also asked for a tax residency certificate and, therefore, it appears he is completely unclear whether he is issuing notice to an individual or a corporate entity.

(iv) Fourth, to a query concerning applicability of Section 50CA, Mr

6. We have put these aspects to Mr Kumar. Mr Kumar says that the best way forward would be to remit the matter to the AO, to conduct a de novo exercise.

7. We tend to agree with Mr Kumar.

8. Accordingly, the impugned notice and order are set aside.

9. Liberty is, however, given to the AO to recommence the proceeding, if deemed necessary, albeit, after gathering the relevant material which would show that income chargeable to tax has escaped assessment qua the petitioner.

10. In case, the AO deems it fit to recommence the proceeding, he/she will issue notice to the petitioner.

11. The AO will also, in that event, accord personal hearing to the authorized representative of the petitioner.