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2021 (6) TMI 822 - MADRAS HIGH COURTAcceptable ground for the purpose of entertaining a Writ Petition - power of judicial review of the High Court - Reopening of assessment u/s 147 - as contended that the very initiation of reopening the proceedings under Section 147, issuance of notice under Section 148 and the reasons furnished are untenable and therefore, the assessment order is liable to be quashed - HELD THAT:- This Court is of the considered opinion that the mixed question of fact and law is to be decided with reference to the original documents and evidences by the appellate authority in the present case, as statutory appeal is contemplated under the provisions of the Income Tax Act. Preferring an appeal is the rule. Entertaining a Writ Petition before exhausting the appellate remedy is an exception. Undoubtedly, writ proceedings may be entertained before exhausting the appellate remedy. It is to be ensured that there is an imminent threat or gross injustice warranting urgent relief to be granted. Mere violation of principles of natural justice is insufficient to entertain a writ proceedings under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, as every Writ Petition is filed based on one or the other ground stating that the principles of natural justice is violated or statutory requirements are not complied with or there is an illegality or otherwise. Thus, dispensing with an appellate remedy is to be granted cautiously in view of the fact that the very purpose and object of legislation providing an appellate remedy cannot be diluted nor the benefit be denied to the aggrieved person to exhaust the same. The statutory appellate authorities are the final fact finding authorities. Thus, the finding to be made by such appellate authorities with reference to the documents and evidences are of paramount importance for the purpose of exercise of judicial review by the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. The power of judicial review of the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is to scrutinize the processes through which a decision is taken by the competent authority by following the procedures as contemplated, but not the decision itself. Thus, the finding of such appellate forums would be a valuable assistance for the purpose of exercise of judicial review by the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. The High Court cannot conduct a rowing enquiry with reference to the facts and circumstances based on the documents and evidences. Based on the mere affidavits filed by the litigants, the disputed facts cannot be concluded. Thus, the importance of fact finding by the appellate forums is of more value for the purpose of providing complete justice to the parties approaching the Court of law. The point of delay may be an acceptable ground for the purpose of entertaining a Writ Petition. The practise of filing the Writ Petition without exhausting the statutory remedies are in ascending mode and such Writ Petitions are filed with a view to avoid pre-deposits to be made in statutory appeals and on the ground that the appellate remedies are time consuming. The 2nd Writ Petition is filed challenging the original assessment order. Thus, the petitioner is at liberty to prefer an appeal contemplated under the statute for redressal of his grievances by following the procedures.The petitioner is at liberty to prefer such an appeal within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
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