2016 (4) TMI 350 - AT - Income Tax

Deduction u/s 80RR - Income derived from profession as a 'sportsman' - Held that:- In the facts of the case before us, it is noted that the assessee has derived its income as a result of his agreement with M/s ESPN Star Sports for the services provided by the assessee as a presenter and commentator and other allied activities which have been discussed in the relevant clauses of the agreement. Thus, assignment has been given to the assessee and this role has been performed by him effectively, because of his having been a cricketer of international stature and he was chosen for the skill and knowledge he possessed and the delivery he could have given because of this skill and experience. We can, unhesitatingly, say that the contribution for promotion to the game of cricket is possible not only while playing in the field but also outside the field while performing various other crucial roles, like that of a coach, empire and commentator etc. The entire role of the assessee and the activity performed by him for which he was remunerated, have a direct and proximate link with the game of cricket. In the given facts of this case, one cannot visualise earning of this income, de-horse the assessee having been a cricketer and a sportsman and nor can it be visualised independent of the game of cricket. We have already held in earlier part of our order that assessee falls in the category of a 'sportsman'. Thus, in our considered opinion, the facts of this suggest that the impugned income has been derived by the assessee in the exercise of his profession as a 'sportsman'.

Thus, the facts of this case suggest that the assessee is eligible to claim deduction u/s 80RR, and therefore no belief could have been formed for escapements of his income. The claim is allowable on merits also, as discussed above in detail. Thus, the benefit of deduction claimed u/s 80RR was in accordance with law, and therefore, disallowance made by the AO in this regard is directed to be deleted. - Decided in favour of assessee.