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2022 (11) TMI 1065 - HC - Income TaxApplication for condonation of delay u/s 119(2)(b) - condonation of delay in filing returns and claiming refund - case of the petitioner that the delay in filing the return for the Assessment Year 2010-11 was on account of the fact that the petitioner was suffering from certain ailments and was hospitalized in connection with treatment for a period about four months - HELD THAT:- 1st respondent completely misdirected himself in law while holding that Ext.P5 application of the petitioner for condonation of delay ought to be rejected as it was filed beyond the period specified in the Circular of the Board - It cannot be disputed and it is clear from a reading of the provisions of Section 119(2)(b) that the delay to be condoned is the delay in making 'the application' for refund. 'The application for refund', in this case is the return which was not processed as it was filed beyond the time specified in Section 139 - Therefore, the delay to be condoned was not to be considered with reference to the date on which the application u/s 119(2)(b) was filed, but with reference to the date on which the 'application for refund' (here in this case the return of income) was filed. Section 119(2)(b) does not impose any limitation for the purposes of filing an application for condonation of delay. Therefore, it was completely wrong on the part of the 1st respondent to treat the date of filing of application for condonation of delay as the relevant date for the purpose of considering whether it was filed within 6 years or not. The application for refund, by filing return of income, was admittedly made on 13.7.2012. Delay in filing ought to be with reference to the last date for filing of return of income for the year 2010-11, till 13.7.2012. In this view of the matter, it is not necessary to consider the decisions cited at the bar by the learned counsel for the petitioner. This writ petition is allowed and Ext.P6 is quashed. Ext.P5 application will stand restored to the file of the 1st respondent who will consider the matter afresh, and decide whether the delay from 31.3.2012 (the last date on which return could have been filed for Assessment Year 2010-11) till 13.7.2012 (date of filing of return by the petitioner) can be condoned in exercise of the power conferred u/s 119 (2)(b) of the Act. This shall be done within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment.
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