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2022 (2) TMI 762 - AT - Income TaxDisallowance towards Employees contribution to EPF/ESIC which was deposited belatedly but before the time limit prescribed u/s. 139(1) - HELD THAT:- It is an admitted position that the assessee did deduct employees' share of EPF and ESI but paid the same after the due date under the respective legislations but before the time for filing return u/s. 139(1) - In our opinion, this issue is no more res integra in view of several judgments allowing deduction u/s. 36(1)(va) of employees' share of contribution deposited after due date under the respective Acts but before the date prescribed u/s. 139. Finance Act, 2021 has inserted Explanation 2 below section 36(1)(va) providing that the provisions of section 43B shall not apply for the purpose of determining the due date under this clause w.e.f. 01.04.2021. The effect of this amendment is that if the amount of employees' contribution towards EPF, ESI, etc is delayed by an employer beyond the due date under the respective Acts, the disallowance will be called for notwithstanding the fact that it was deposited before the due date u/s. 139 of the Act. Memorandum explaining the provisions of the Finance Bill, 2021, provides that this amendment will take effect from 1st April, 2021 and will, accordingly apply in relation to assessment year 2021-2022 and subsequent assessment years. Since the assessment year under consideration, namely, 2018-19 is anterior to the amendment carried out with effect from A.Y. 2021-22, we hold that the position of law as set out by various Hon'ble High Courts including the one in CIT vs. Nipso Polyfabriks Ltd [2012 (11) TMI 592 - HIMACHAL PRADESH HIGH COURT] squarely applies to the facts and circumstances of the instant case, thereby not warranting any disallowance since the amount in question was admittedly deposited before due date u/s. 139(1) of the Act. The addition is therefore, directed to be deleted. - Decided in favour of assessee.
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