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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2012 March Day 7 - Wednesday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
March 7, 2012

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

Income Tax Customs Corporate Laws Central Excise



Articles

1. Capital gains exemption u/s 54EC of Income tax Act, 1961

   By: AMIT BAJAJ ADVOCATE

Summary: Section 54EC of the Income Tax Act, 1961, allows taxpayers to save on capital gains tax from the transfer of long-term capital assets by investing in specified bonds within six months of the transfer. Eligible bonds include those issued by NABARD, NHAI, and others, with a maximum investment limit of Rs. 50 lakh per financial year. The investment must be maintained for at least three years to retain the tax exemption. Joint investments are permissible if funds are traceable to the asset sale. Exemptions apply even to depreciable assets held for over 36 months. Delays due to bond unavailability may be excused.

2. DEPRECIATION-WRITTEN DOWN VALUE- EXPLANATION 6 TO S.43(6): DEDUCTION OF NOTIONAL DEPRECIATION FROM COST IS AGAINST SCHEME OF DEPRECIATION AND WELL SETTLED LEGAL POSITION.

   By: DEVKUMAR KOTHARI

Summary: The article discusses the implications of Explanation 6 to Section 43(6) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, which was inserted to address the treatment of depreciation for tax-exempt entities. It argues that the Explanation contradicts established legal principles and Supreme Court rulings, which state that only actual depreciation allowed under the Act should be deducted from the actual cost to determine the written down value (WDV) of assets. The article criticizes the retrospective application of this Explanation, suggesting it creates legal uncertainty and inequality among taxpayers, and challenges its validity and justification, calling for its amendment or removal.

3. Expectations from Budget 2012

   By: Pradeep Jain

Summary: The article outlines expectations from India's Budget 2012-13, amid economic instability and the European Union crisis. Key suggestions include removing excise duty on branded garments, allowing refunds for duty rate differences between inputs and finished goods, and not imposing excise on additional commodities. It advocates expanding the ACES online facility, stopping AG audits of private assessees, and increasing the service tax threshold. The article also discusses aligning threshold exemptions with Point of Taxation Rules, revising abatement rules, increasing SSI exemption limits, and addressing issues with the proposed negative list of services and service tax on imports.

4. LOSS OF CONFIDENCE – A GROUND FOR DISMISSAL OF THE EMPLOYEE

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: Loss of confidence is a valid ground for employee dismissal when an employer can prove a bona fide loss of trust. The Supreme Court of India has established criteria for determining such loss, emphasizing the importance of objective facts over subjective management opinions. Even if no financial loss occurs, an employee can be dismissed if trust is compromised. In a notable case, an employee involved in theft was dismissed, despite being acquitted in a criminal trial. The Supreme Court upheld the dismissal, highlighting that acquittal in criminal proceedings does not negate the findings of departmental inquiries, especially in cases involving loss of confidence.


News

1. Second Edition of the Status Paper Giving Detailed Analysis of the Government’s Debt Situation Released.

Summary: The Government of India has released the second edition of its status paper analyzing the country's debt situation. Initially announced by the Union Finance Minister during the 2010-11 budget speech, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of public debt and outline strategies for its reduction. The first edition was released in 2010-11, and this latest edition continues the initiative. The document is accessible on the Ministry of Finance's official websites.

2. Filing of Conflicting Returns by Contesting Parties – Clarification Regarding.

Summary: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs in India has updated procedures regarding conflicting returns related to director appointments or changes. Circulars No. 19 and 20 of 2011 have been superseded due to issues with consent and legal processes. Companies facing management disputes must now file the cessation cause with Form 32 to the Registrar of Companies (ROC). If a director disputes their cessation, they can file a complaint, prompting the ROC to label the company as having a management dispute. Until resolved, related documents won't be publicly accessible. The ROC advises amicable resolution or obtaining a court order.

3. Setting- up of Infrastructure Debt Fund Through Public Private Partnership Would Meet the Long Term Need of Infrastructure Sector Funding,Says FM; ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda, CITI Bank and Life Insurance Corporation of India Sign an MoU to Set-Up India’s First Infrastructure Debt Fund.

Summary: The Indian government announced the establishment of the country's first Infrastructure Debt Fund (IDF) through a public-private partnership to address long-term infrastructure funding needs. ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda, Citi Bank, and Life Insurance Corporation of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form the IDF as a Non-Banking Finance Company. The IDF aims to raise capital from both domestic and international sources, investing in infrastructure projects under the Public-Private Partnership model. This initiative is expected to attract significant private sector investment and reduce withholding tax on interest payments to encourage offshore funding.

4. Registration of companies or LLPS which have one of their objects is to carry on the profession of chartered accountant, cost accountant, architect, company secretary etc.

Summary: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has clarified that companies or LLPs intending to engage in professions such as chartered accountancy, cost accountancy, architecture, or company secretarial work must obtain in-principle approval or a no-objection certificate from the relevant regulatory or professional bodies before they can be incorporated. This requirement also applies to businesses in banking and insurance sectors. The directive was issued by the Ministry in a circular dated March 1, 2012, and aims to ensure compliance with professional standards and regulations.


Notifications

DGFT

1. 105 (RE-2010)/2009-2014 - dated 5-3-2012 - FTP

Grant of export benefits / incentives to export proceeds realized even in Indian rupees – Exports to Iran regarding.

Summary: The Government of India has amended the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-2014 to allow export proceeds from specific exports to Iran, realized in Indian rupees, to qualify for export benefits and incentives. This amendment, under Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, adds a new sub-paragraph to Para 2.40 of the policy. The change ensures that export transactions with Iran settled in Indian rupees receive the same benefits as those settled in freely convertible currencies.

2. 104 (RE – 2010)/2009-2014 - dated 5-3-2012 - FTP

Exemption of Bhutan from the application of export bans by India on export of Milk Powder, Wheat, Edible Oils, Pulses and Non Basmati Rice.

Summary: The Government of India has exempted Bhutan from export bans on milk powder, wheat, edible oils, pulses, and non-basmati rice under the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-2014. This amendment to Notification No. 87(RE-2010)/2009-14 specifies annual export limits for Bhutan: 1,600 metric tonnes of milk powder, 24,000 metric tonnes of wheat, 2,400 metric tonnes of edible oil, 1,200 metric tonnes of pulses, and 21,200 metric tonnes of non-basmati rice. The term "annual" refers to the calendar year, meaning the limits apply from January 1 to December 31 each year.

3. 103 (RE-2010)/2009-2014 - dated 5-3-2012 - FTP

Amendment in the subject of Notification No. 99 (RE-2010)/2009-14 dated 23.02.2012.

Summary: The Government of India has amended the subject of Notification No. 99 (RE-2010)/2009-14 dated 23.02.2012. Initially, the subject was titled "Permission for export of wheat through Land Custom Stations (LCS) on Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Nepal border," which inaccurately described the notification's contents. To prevent misinterpretation, the subject has been revised to "Re-notification of Sl. No. 46 A of Chapter 10 of ITC(HS) Classification of export & import items" for wheat export. This amendment ensures the subject header more accurately reflects the notification's contents.

4. 102 (RE-2010)/2009-14 - dated 5-3-2012 - FTP

Prohibition on export of cotton(Tariff Codes 5201 and 5203).

Summary: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has prohibited the export of cotton under Tariff Codes 5201 and 5203, effective immediately. This decision, enacted under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, nullifies prior transitional arrangements and invalidates previously issued registration certificates for cotton exports. The export policy now requires prior registration of contracts with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for cotton, both carded and not carded. This prohibition will remain in place until further notice, as per Notification No. 102 (RE-2010)/2009-14.


Circulars / Instructions / Orders

FEMA

1. 90 - dated 6-3-2012

Clarification - Liberalised Remittance Scheme for Resident Individuals.

Summary: The circular clarifies the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) for resident individuals, stating that it is available to all residents, including minors, with the requirement that a minor's LRS declaration form be countersigned by their guardian. Family members can consolidate remittances if each complies with the scheme's terms. Remittances can be used for purchasing art, subject to applicable laws. Other terms from previous circulars remain unchanged. Authorized Dealer Category - I banks are instructed to inform their clients of these clarifications. The circular is issued under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    Income Tax

  • High Court Grants Share Broker Deduction for Bad Debts u/s 36(1)(vii) and Section 36(2) of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - HC : Whether on the facts and circumstances of the case and in law, the assessee, who is a share broker, is entitled to deduction by way of bad debts under Section 36(1)(vii) read with Section 36(2) - held yes - HC

  • High Court Clarifies Tax Deductions for Export Units: Losses Can Offset Income Across Business Sources u/s 10B.

    Case-Laws - HC : 100% EOU - Deduction u/s 10B - There is no provision in Section 10B by which a prohibition has been introduced by the Legislature in setting off of a loss which is sustained from one source falling under the head of profits and gains of business against income from any other source under the same head- HC

  • High Court Grants Section 54F Tax Exemption for Building Under Construction Despite Exceeding Three-Year Completion Period.

    Case-Laws - HC : Deduction u/s 54F in respect of building under construction despite the same having not being fully constructed within the stipulated period of three years - benefit of exemption allowed - HC

  • Pending Allotment of NCSD Not Commodities; Sale Not Speculative, Ruled Capital Loss u/s 43(5) IT Act.

    Case-Laws - HC : Whether pending allotment of NCSD would qualify as “commodities“ u/s 43(5) – whether its sale is Speculative transaction or Capital loss - PCD issued to existing shareholders - decided in favor of assessee - HC

  • AO Cannot Question Firm's Capital Source If Explained as Partner Contributions; Probe Partners Individually for Source Genuineness.

    Case-Laws - AT : Source of capital introduced by the partners - When the assessee has explained the amounts as capital contributions by the partners, the AO is not justified in holding that the assessee has not explained the source. In case the Assessing Officer doubted the genuineness of the source, he should have considered the same in the hands of the partners only and not in the case of the firm. - AT

  • Deemed dividends apply only if a company has accumulated profits when a loan is given, impacting tax treatment.

    Case-Laws - AT : Deemed Dividends - Advance from Company - for applicability of deemed dividends accumulated profits should exist on the date of loan - AT

  • Share Transfer from Uncle to Nephew Not Covered by Section 79 Proviso; AO Denies Set-Off of Business Losses.

    Case-Laws - AT : Business Income Set off against Brought forward loss - Change in shareholding pattern loss not allowed - Share transfer by uncle to nephew is not covered by proviso to Section 79, AO justified in not allowing the set of of less - AT

  • High Court Rules Section 10(26AAB) Income Tax Act, 1961, Non-Retrospective, AMCs' Income Taxable Pre-April 2009.

    Case-Laws - HC : Whether Sec. 10(26AAB) of the IT Act, 1961 exempts income of Agricultural Market Committees (AMCs) from the levy of income-tax under the Act, inserted by the Finance Act, 2008 w.e.f. 1st April, 2009 is retrospective in operation - held no - HC

  • Customs

  • Appellant Denied Duty Exemption for Kerosene Sales in Orissa Without Sales Tax Payment Under Special Additional Duty of Customs.

    Case-Laws - AT : SAD - Appellant are not eligible for duty exemption from Special Additional Duty of Customs in respect of Kerosene sold in the State of Orissa without payment of sales tax - AT

  • Confiscation and Redemption Fine Imposed for Illegally Obtained Benefits via Tainted DEPB Scrips and Forged Documents.

    Case-Laws - AT : Benefit under tainted DEPB scrips was claimed – confiscation - redemption fine - Importer who steps into the shoes of seller of forged document does not stand on better footing and cannot be allowed to retain benefit illegally obtained - AT

  • DGFT

  • DGFT Notification Allows Export Incentives for Indian Rupee Transactions with Iran, Boosting Trade Despite Currency Issues.

    Notifications : Grant of export benefits / incentives to export proceeds realized even in Indian rupees – Exports to Iran regarding. - Ntf. No. 105 (RE-2010)/2009-2014 Dated: March 5, 2012

  • India Exempts Bhutan from Export Bans on Milk Powder, Wheat, Edible Oils, Pulses, and Non-Basmati Rice.

    Notifications : Exemption of Bhutan from the application of export bans by India on export of Milk Powder, Wheat, Edible Oils, Pulses and Non Basmati Rice. - Ntf. No. 104 (RE – 2010)/2009-2014 Dated: March 5, 2012

  • DGFT Amends Trade Policy Notification No. 99 from 2012 with Notification No. 103, Effective March 5, 2012.

    Notifications : Amendment in the subject of Notification No. 99 (RE-2010)/2009-14 dated 23.02.2012. - Ntf. No. 103 (RE-2010)/2009-2014 Dated: March 5, 2012

  • Export Ban on Cotton Under Tariff Codes 5201 & 5203 Announced by DGFT in 2012 Trade Policy Update.

    Notifications : Prohibition on export of cotton(Tariff Codes 5201 and 5203). - Ntf. No. 102 (RE-2010)/2009-14 Dated: March 5, 2012

  • FEMA

  • Clarification on Liberalised Remittance Scheme: Guidelines for Resident Individuals on Remittance Limits and Permissible Uses under FEMA Regulations.

    Circulars : Clarification - Liberalised Remittance Scheme for Resident Individuals. - Cir. No. 90 Dated: March 6, 2012

  • Corporate Law

  • Court Rules: Fairness in Company Restoration Trumps Third-Party Inconvenience in Registrar Decisions.

    Case-Laws - HC : Restoration of name of companies in the register maintained by the Registrar of Companies. - Once this Court is convinced that it is just to restore the company, then to refuse the relief because some thirty party may be inconvenienced by it, would be harsh. - HC

  • Indian Laws

  • High Court Clarifies Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976, Application for Industrial and Institutional Consumers vs. Retail Sales.

    Case-Laws - HC : Application of provisions of Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976 - industrial consumer, institutional consumer versus retail sale - the issue clarified - HC

  • Service Tax

  • Service Tax Demand for Business Auxiliary Services Waived Pre-Deposit Requirement for Promotion/Marketing Activities Over Broadcasting.

    Case-Laws - AT : Demand of serviced tax under business auxiliary service - Promotion or marketing of service provided by the client versus broadcasting service - pre-deposit of the demands waived - AT

  • Refund Claim Denied for Service Tax on Construction Services in Factory Due to Input Service Credit Disallowance.

    Case-Laws - AT : Input service - Refund - service tax paid on construction services within factory premises - construction of the residential premises - credit denied - AT

  • High Court Rules Against Commissioner for Unjustified Use of Suo Motu Powers in Service Tax Penalty Case.

    Case-Laws - HC : Penalty proceedings - Commissioner is not justified in exercising his suo motu powers to interfere with a discretionary order passed by the original authority to impose penalty - HC

  • Central Excise

  • Court Decision Reversed: Loses Legal Validity Regardless of Overturning Basis, No Longer Sound Under Law.

    Case-Laws - HC : Once a decision is reversed and set aside, it is immaterial on which point the decision was reversed because on reversion of the decision, it ceases to be a good decision in the eye of law. - HC

  • High Court rules Cenvat Credit claim valid even if challans received after 180 days; interest must be paid.

    Case-Laws - HC : Cenvat Credit - Job work - even assuming that the challans were not received within 180 days he has to pay the interest or even after the receipt of the challans after 180 days he is entitled to take Cenvat Credit - denial of credit is not justified - HC

  • CENVAT Credit Reversal Not Required if Validly Used Before Goods Became Exempt, Maintains Initial Credit Integrity.

    Case-Laws - AT : Reversal of cenvat credit - Once the credit has been validly taken and utilized, the question of its recovery does not arise when at a later point in time the goods became exempted - AT

  • Party Takes Suo-Motu CENVAT Credit Without Filing Refund Claim; Credit Deemed Ineligible Under Relevant Rules.

    Case-Laws - AT : Differential duty paid wrongly - no refund claim filed - suo-mottu credit of cenvat is ineligible. - AT

  • Rule 8 Cost Plus 10% Valuation Not Applicable for Job Work Under Central Excise, Clarifies Court Decision.

    Case-Laws - AT : Job work - valuation - Provisions of rule 8 i/.e cost plus 10% not applicable. - AT

  • VAT

  • Show-Cause Notice Violates Audi Alteram Partem Rule; Revisional Order Set Aside for Breach of Natural Justice Principles.

    Case-Laws - HC : Stock Transfer - F form - Revisional orders - first respondent held that F forms filed by the petitioner did not meet the requirements of the CST (R and T) Rules ; they were incomplete - how-cause notice falls foul of the audi alterant partem rule necessitating the revisional order passed by the first respondent being set aside for violation of principles of natural justice - HC

  • Credit Notes Issued Post-Sale Qualify as Trade Discounts u/r 9(a) for VAT/Sales Tax Turnover Deduction.

    Case-Laws - SC : Sales Tax / VAT - allowability of discount provided vide credit notes under rule 9(a) – discount given by means of credit notes issued subsequent to the sale is as much a trade discount admissible to deduction in determining the turnover of a dealer. - SC


Case Laws:

  • Income Tax

  • 2012 (3) TMI 104
  • 2012 (3) TMI 103
  • 2012 (3) TMI 102
  • 2012 (3) TMI 101
  • 2012 (3) TMI 100
  • 2012 (3) TMI 99
  • 2012 (3) TMI 98
  • 2012 (3) TMI 82
  • 2012 (3) TMI 81
  • 2012 (3) TMI 80
  • 2012 (3) TMI 79
  • 2012 (3) TMI 78
  • 2012 (3) TMI 77
  • 2012 (3) TMI 76
  • Customs

  • 2012 (3) TMI 94
  • 2012 (3) TMI 93
  • 2012 (3) TMI 70
  • Corporate Laws

  • 2012 (3) TMI 92
  • Central Excise

  • 2012 (3) TMI 91
  • 2012 (3) TMI 90
  • 2012 (3) TMI 89
  • 2012 (3) TMI 69
 

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