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2018 (10) TMI 1125 - MADRAS HIGH COURTValidity of corrigendum order to to cure the defect / mistake - Non-compliance of the mandatory provisions of Section 144-C while passing an scrutiny assessment order u/s 143(3) - transfer pricing - procedure contemplated under Section 292B - Held that:- The window dressing which has been attempted by the Revenue would not give life to an order passed without jurisdiction. It is to be pointed out that the order of assessment, once issued under Section 143 (3), becomes final and reopening the same is impermissible. The mistake committed by the Revenue in not following the mandatory requirement of Section 144-C by passing an order under Section 143 (3) cannot be cured by the issuance of a corrigendum. In other words, the proceedings issued in the name of corrigendum trying to correct its mistakes only by introducing a Section without realising the consequences of not following the mandatory requirement u/s 144-C will not do justice to either of the parties. The necessity for the Parliament to incorporate Section 144-C is not only to safeguard the Revenue, but also the assessee and any mistake committed by any one of them, the said party is supposed to face the consequences and cannot put the hands of the clock back and start afresh.Though it is the submission of the Revenue that it is a procedural irregularity, which can be corrected through issuance of a corrigendum and no prejudice would be caused to the assessee, however, it is to be pointed out that the act committed by the Revenue is an incurable illegality, which cannot stand protected by Section 292B of the Act. If the contention of the Revenue is accepted, then it would literally render all the provisions of the Income Tax Act subservient to Section 292B. In effect, any error or omission or mistake committed by the Revenue at any stage of a proceeding cannot be sought to be cured by taking umbrage under Section 292B. Allowing such a contention would be misreading the intention of the Parliament in enacting Section 292B and Section 144-C. The question of limitation raised by the Revenue would in no way save the Revenue from the non-compliance of Section 144-C of the Act. The non-compliance of the mandatory provisions of Section 144-C of the Act, being an incurable illegality, renders the assessment order null and void. Learned single Judge has taken into account all the relevant facts and laws and has given a well considered finding and we are of the considered opinion that no interference is called for with the order passed by the learned single Judge. Appeal dismissed.
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