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Issues involved: Validity of assessment based on an unverified income tax return.
Summary: The High Court of Punjab and Haryana was presented with the question of whether an assessment made based on an unverified income tax return was valid. The individual assessee had submitted a return for the assessment year 1968-69, which was later deemed unverified and mostly unfilled. The Income Tax Officer (ITO) completed the assessment based on this return, but the assessee later filed an application stating that the return was invalid as it was unverified. The ITO rejected the application, but the Appellate Tribunal and the Assistant Commissioner (AAC) both ruled in favor of the assessee, stating that an unverified return cannot form the basis of a valid assessment. The court highlighted the statutory provisions under section 139 and 140 of the Income-tax Act, emphasizing the requirement for returns to be verified in order to be considered valid. The court noted that the verification of a return is crucial as it vouches for the accuracy of the information provided, enabling the tax authorities to proceed with assessments. Failure to verify a return renders it invalid and not recognized by law. The court cited various legal precedents supporting the view that an unverified return cannot be the basis for a valid assessment. In conclusion, the court held that a return that is not verified does not meet the essential requirements outlined in the Act and Rules, making it invalid. Therefore, no assessment can be conducted based on such a return. The question was answered in favor of the assessee, and no costs were awarded in the matter.
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