Forgot password
2000 (6) TMI 6 - HC - Income Tax
Issues: The judgment addresses three main issues for the assessment year 1985-86.
Issue 1 - Superannuation Fund Contribution:
The first issue pertains to the initial contribution to the superannuation fund. The Tribunal held that the entire amount should be allowed, contrary to the Department's position. Citing a relevant case law, the court ruled in favor of the assessee, following the precedent set by CIT v. Sirpur Paper Mills [1999] 237 ITR 41 (SC).
Issue 2 - Stamp Duty on Debenture Issue:
The second issue concerns the deductibility of stamp duty paid on a debenture issue under section 35D of the Income-tax Act. The court reframed the question to address whether such stamp duty remains deductible under section 37 post the enactment of section 35D. The Department argued that section 35D should not apply to capital expenditure incurred after the business commencement. However, the court disagreed, emphasizing that the expenditure in question was for working capital and thus a revenue expenditure, aligning with the Tribunal's findings and the precedent in India Cements Ltd. v. CIT [1966] 60 ITR 52.
Issue 3 - Conveyance Allowance Disallowance:
The final issue involves the conveyance allowance paid to employees not owning cars and whether it falls under disallowance u/s 37(3B) of the Income-tax Act. The Department contended that the allowance should be disallowed per the Explanation to section 37(3B). However, the court held that the conveyance paid to employees with two-wheelers or commuting by train or bus does not fall within the purview of section 37(3B), as it pertains to motor car expenses. The court upheld the Tribunal's decision in favor of the assessee.
In conclusion, the appeal was dismissed with no costs awarded, affirming the decisions on all three issues in favor of the assessee.