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2021 (10) TMI 1020 - MADRAS HIGH COURTAssessment u/s 153A - denial of natural justice - no opportunity of cross examination of the persons whose statements are relied upon by the respondent for making additions or disallowance - argument of violation of the principles of natural justice, arbitrary, mechanical and without any independent application of mind and also stating that the Income Tax Department has not discharged the burden of proof, proving that the income determined and sought to be taxed were not from the materials seized during the time of search - HELD THAT:- As petitioners have sought for copies of panchanamas in the 63 places searched, but however, the department had admittedly not given all the panchanamas to the petitioners even though they accepted that the petitioners are entitled to the same in the counter filed. The stand taken by the department now by way of counter of non furnishing of panchanamas cannot be accepted. It is also not explained as to which are the concern, the respondent department concluded as belonging to the other group and what was the basis for such conclusion when the petitioners in its communication dated 28.07.2021 has explained their interest in every concern. Non furnishing of the panchanama to the assessee is a violation of the principles of natural justice as it disables the petitioners from having knowledge of the seized materials and the alleged incriminating materials relied upon by the respondent department. Refusal of cross examination of the persons whose statements were recorded during the time of search under Section 132(4) - The person against whom a statement is used, should be given opportunity to counter and contest the same. We are unable to accept the contention of the learned Senior Counsel that since the statements recorded were of persons who were employees of the assessee and therefore the assessee cannot seek for cross examination of them. The basic principles of jurisprudence governing the law of evidence can in no way interfered and could not be by the Income Tax Act provisions and neither the authorities functioning under the Income Tax Act has any discretion in such matters. In view of the violation of the principles of natural justice and also due to the non compliance of Section 65(B) of the Indian Evidence Act, this Court feels that it is a fit case for setting aside the assessment orders. The alternative remedy under the statute is in the case of violation of principles of natural justice should be an effective one capable of remedying the violations by providing afresh, but however, it remains the fact that after amendment to Section 251(1)(a) of the Income Tax Act on 01.06.2001, the CIT(Appeals) does not have the power of remand. Therefore, in the facts and circumstances of the case, since the petitioners have made out a clear case of violation of principles of natural justice and the statute, this Court feels that it is a fit case for interfering with the impugned orders. In such circumstances, plea of alternative remedy which is also an effective one to undo the violations committed by the respondent, cannot be sustained. This Court is well within its power to set aside the impugned orders and remand back the same for fresh consideration.
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