Tax Management India. Com
Law and Practice  :  Digital eBook
Research is most exciting & rewarding
  TMI - Tax Management India. Com
Follow us:
  Facebook   Twitter   Linkedin   Telegram
Tax Updates - TMI e-Newsletters

Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2012 May Day 21 - Monday

TMI e-Newsletters FAQ
You need to Subscribe a package.

Newsletter: Where Service Meets Reader Approval.

TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
May 21, 2012

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

Income Tax Customs Corporate Laws FEMA PMLA Service Tax Central Excise Indian Laws



Articles

1. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) - Need for the New Corporate Form – LLP

   By: Santosh Kumar

Summary: The Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is a corporate business structure that combines professional expertise and entrepreneurial initiative with the benefits of limited liability, allowing members to organize their internal structure like a partnership. Enacted by the LLP Act 2008, the LLP is a separate legal entity, offering flexibility and efficiency for entrepreneurs and professionals. Key features include limited partner liability, perpetual succession, and the ability to convert existing firms into LLPs. LLPs must maintain annual accounts, and the Central Government can investigate their affairs. Unlike traditional partnerships, LLPs allow foreign nationals as partners and offer protections for whistleblowers.

2. APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT CANNOT ADJUDICATE THE DISPUTE AND CANNOT ASSUME THE POWER OF LABOUR COURT.

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: The Industrial Disputes Act, 1974 provides mechanisms for resolving workman grievances, including conciliation and adjudication by Labor Courts or Tribunals. The appropriate government, defined as either central or state, can refer disputes for adjudication but cannot adjudicate them itself. The Supreme Court has clarified that the government's role is administrative, not judicial, and it must provide reasons if it declines to refer a dispute. In a case involving a workman from Haryana, the High Court ruled that the government overstepped by deciding on the merits of a dispute, which is the jurisdiction of the Industrial Tribunal. A writ of mandamus can challenge government decisions based on irrelevant considerations.


News

1. Financial Education in Rural Areas.

Summary: The Rural Entrepreneurship Development Programme (REDP) and Skill Development Programme, supported by NABARD, aim to create sustainable employment in rural areas by providing training. As of March 31, 2012, 21,406 programs have been conducted, benefiting 508,000 individuals with a funding of Rs. 96.31 crore. The Government of India has established the Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF) and Financial Inclusion Technology Fund (FITF) to promote financial inclusion, particularly for weaker sections and low-income groups in unbanked regions. This information was presented by the Minister of State for Finance in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

2. Cross Holding Among Profitable PSUs.

Summary: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has introduced reforms allowing Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to invest surplus funds in shares of other CPSEs through the Department of Disinvestment, alongside existing options like bank deposits and mutual funds. This decision, announced on March 1, 2012, also empowers the Department of Disinvestment to address CPSEs' proposals for buybacks to restructure their capital base, similar to private companies. These measures are enabling provisions, with the final decision resting with the companies after considering all relevant factors. This information was provided by the Minister of State for Finance in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

3. Task Force on Farmers Loan.

Summary: The Government of India established a Task Force led by the former NABARD Chairman to address the exclusion of farmers with loans from private money lenders from the loan waiver scheme. The Task Force recommended policy measures to alleviate farmer indebtedness, including expanding the Kisan Credit Card Scheme to cover small and marginal farmers, tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and oral lessees. It also suggested legislation for loans from private money lenders and a district-level grievance redressal mechanism. The Interest Subvention Scheme, offering reduced interest rates on short-term crop loans, was extended, with incremental subventions provided to prompt payee farmers.

4. Cash Handling Charges.

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India has instructed banks to accept cash deposits over the counter from all customers without restrictive terms. However, the Indian Banks Association noted that banks may impose charges for depositing large cash amounts due to associated handling costs. Since September 1999, banks have had the autonomy to set service charges, provided they remain reasonable and align with the average service cost. This information was disclosed by the Minister of State for Finance in response to a parliamentary question.

5. New Pension Schemes.

Summary: The Government of India has implemented the New Pension System (NPS) for Central Government employees, excluding armed forces, who joined after January 1, 2004. The NPS differs from the old defined benefit pension system, as it bases pension amounts on investment returns and annuity choices. Employee associations have expressed concerns over minimum pension, investment safety, and returns. The government has addressed these by establishing a flexible investment pattern, a regulatory authority, and a low-cost institutional framework. Currently, there are no plans to reconsider the NPS, as stated by the Minister of State for Finance in a Lok Sabha session.

6. Private Insurance Services.

Summary: The Government of India launched the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) on October 1, 2007, to provide cashless health insurance coverage of Rs. 30,000 annually for below poverty line (BPL) families in the unorganized sector. The premium is shared between the Central and State Governments in a 75:25 ratio. Operational since April 1, 2008, the scheme includes single women, widows, and senior citizens, and has been extended to various worker categories. As of April 30, 2012, RSBY is active in 25 States/UTs with over 2.95 crore smart cards issued. This was reported by the Minister of State for Finance in the Lok Sabha.

7. Allocation to States.

Summary: The 13th Finance Commission of India recommended a significant increase in fund transfers from the central government to the states, totaling approximately Rs. 1,766,676.80 crore for the period 2010-2015. This marks a 134% rise compared to the previous commission's period from 2005-2010. No state, including Andhra Pradesh, experienced a reduction in funds. Once the government accepts the Finance Commission's recommendations, they are uniformly applied across all states. This update was provided by the Minister of State for Finance in a written response to a parliamentary question.

8. Bank Accounts with Zero Balance.

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India directed Scheduled Commercial Banks in November 2005 to offer basic no-frills accounts with zero or minimal balances and low charges to enhance financial inclusion. By the end of March 2012, there were 1032.06 lakh no-frills accounts across Public Sector Banks and Private Sector Banks, excluding Regional Rural Banks. This data was provided by the Minister of State for Finance in response to a question in the Lok Sabha.

9. Functioning of RRBs.

Summary: The Government of India regularly reviews the performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). A committee led by Dr. K.C. Chakrabarty assessed RRBs' financial health, recommending recapitalization for 40 RRBs to improve their Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR). Following these recommendations, the government released Rs. 66.49 crore to 5 RRBs in 2010-11 and Rs. 402.43 crore to 19 RRBs in 2011-12, contingent on contributions from state governments and sponsor banks. According to NABARD, RRBs' total loans increased by 27.89%, from Rs. 56,079 crore in 2009-10 to Rs. 71,724.19 crore in 2010-11.

10. Agricultural Credit.

Summary: The Government of India has implemented various measures to enhance agricultural credit availability, setting a target of Rs. 5,75,000 crore for 2012-13, up from Rs. 4,75,000 crore in 2011-12. Under the Reserve Bank's guidelines, banks must allocate 40% of their credit to priority sectors, with 18% specifically for agriculture. The Interest Subvention Scheme offers short-term crop loans up to Rs. 3 lakh at 7% interest, with additional subventions for prompt repayment. The Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme, 2008, has relieved Rs. 52,275.55 crore in farmer debt, benefiting 3.45 crore farmers. Banks are urged to issue Kisan Credit Cards and General Credit Cards.


Circulars / Instructions / Orders

DGFT

1. 65 (RE-2010)/2009-14 - dated 18-5-2012

Treatment of Capital Goods sourced from SEZ and import of spares for such Capital Goods under EPCG Scheme – Para 5.2A of FTP– reg.

Summary: The circular clarifies that capital goods sourced from Special Economic Zones (SEZ) are considered 'imported goods' under the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme, as per Para 5.2A of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). Consequently, the scheme allows for the import of spares for these capital goods with reduced Export Obligation (EO). Additionally, EPCG Authorization for importing "Spares" is permitted under Para 5.2, as previously clarified in an earlier policy circular. This directive is issued with the approval of the Director General of Foreign Trade.

Companies Law

2. OFFICE MEMORANDUM [No. 1(7)/E. Coord./2012], - dated 11-5-2012

Listing of Government Companies in the Stock Exchange

Summary: The circular emphasizes the importance of listing government companies, or Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), on stock exchanges, highlighting benefits such as improved corporate governance, increased transparency, and enhanced investor scrutiny. Listing is also seen as a tool to deepen the capital market and spread equity culture, enabling CPSEs to raise capital for infrastructure development, thereby reducing dependence on government funding. Financial Advisers on CPSE boards are urged to promote these benefits and facilitate compliance with the disinvestment policy, encouraging CPSEs to utilize the capital market for their financial needs.

Central Excise

3. 966/09/ 2012-CX - dated 18-5-2012

Clarification regarding classification of Structural Components of Boiler and Admissibility of CENVAT Credit on these Structural Components, reg-

Summary: The circular addresses the classification of structural components of boilers and the admissibility of CENVAT credit for these components. It clarifies that components classified as parts of a boiler under heading 8402 are eligible for CENVAT credit, provided they are not used for laying foundations or supporting capital goods. The circular emphasizes that determining whether a component is part of a boiler or a support structure requires case-by-case examination. It reiterates that CENVAT credit is not available for structural components used for foundation or support, aligning with existing legal provisions and judicial rulings.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    Income Tax

  • High Court Grants Tax Deduction for Inland Container Depots as Infrastructure Facilities u/s 80IA of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - HC : Deduction u/s 80IA - ICD - Inland port - infrastructure facilities - deduction allowed - HC

  • Discrepancies Between Sale Agreement and Deed May Reveal Unexplained Income in Tax Assessments.

    Case-Laws - AT : Unexplained income - Difference in amount between sale agreement and sale deed - It is not necessary that the price stated in the agreement will be the price shown in the sale deed. Sometimes, it my be higher and sometimes it may be lower. Sometimes, intentionally a lesser value may be shown in the sale deed.

  • E-tendering qualifies for tax deductions u/s 80IA(4)(ii), equated with internet services under Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - AT : Deduction u/s.80IA - E-Tendering is equivalent to providing Internet service eligible for deduction u/s.80IA(4)(ii)

  • Jurisdiction Under Income Tax Act Sections 147 & 148 Is Mandatory; Section 292BB Cannot Rectify Non-compliance.

    Case-Laws - AT : Reassessment u/s 147 / 148 - question is of acquisition of jurisdiction which is a mandatory requirement of the Act. - action can not be rectified u/s 292BB - AT

  • Loan to Sister Concern Not a Trading Advance; Not Qualifying as Bad Debt or Business Loss.

    Case-Laws - AT : Assessee advanced the sum to its sister-concern only and that too in the nature of loan and not as a trading advance. - Amount not recovered - neither bed debt nor business loss - AT

  • Education Trust's Contributions Misclassified as Taxable Income by AO; Decision Deemed Unjustified.

    Case-Laws - AT : Education trust - corpus fund - AO was not justified in holding contributions towards different corpus funds as current income liable to tax. - AT

  • Assessee Wins Case on Cash Payment Disallowance u/s 40A(3) of Income Tax Act; 20% Cash Expenditure Involved.

    Case-Laws - AT : Disallowance u/s 40A(3) - 20% of the expenditure made in cash - payment made towards advance - decided in favor of assessee - AT

  • TDS Non-Deduction: Are Reimbursements to C & F Agents for Services Subject to Tax Deduction u/s 40(a)(ia)?

    Case-Laws - AT : Disallowance u/s 40(a)(ia) - TDS u/s 194C - C & F agents services - reimbursement of expenses - services procured from others to fulfil his own contract

  • Customs

  • Customs Exemption Not Applicable for Re-Imported Goods Assembled or Fitted with Others per Notification No. 94/96-Cus.

    Case-Laws - AT : Exemption on Re import - notification no. 94/96-Cus dated 16.12.1996 - Benefit of said notification would not be available in a case where any goods exported are re-imported after fitment to and assemblage with other goods

  • DGFT

  • Capital Goods from SEZ and Spares Import Under EPCG Scheme: Key Rules in FTP Paragraph 5.2A Explained.

    Circulars : Treatment of Capital Goods sourced from SEZ and import of spares for such Capital Goods under EPCG Scheme – Para 5.2A of FTP– reg. - Circular

  • Corporate Law

  • Court Finds No Justifiable Grounds for Company's Winding Up; Revival Possible if Counter-Claim Allowed.

    Case-Laws - HC : Voluntary winding up - In the event, the counter-claim of the petitioner-company is allowed, the possibility of revival of petitioner-company cannot be denied. - no justifiable ground for winding up is made out. - HC

  • Indian Laws

  • Supreme Court mandates full stamp duty for General Power of Attorney on immovable property given to non-relatives.

    Case-Laws - SC : Power of attorney (GPA) to non relatives in respect of immovable property - payment of full stamp duty in case of GPA - Indian Stamp Act, 1899 - Decided in favor of revenue - SC

  • Property Attachment in Money Laundering Cases: Valid Even if Owner Not Charged, Per Indian Law Provisions.

    Case-Laws - HC : Money laundering - attachment of property owned by or in possession of a person, other than a person charged of having committed a scheduled offence - expressions - person; proceeds of crime; property and transfer - Constitutional validity upheld

  • Service Tax

  • Court Clarifies Rules on Adjusting Excess Service Tax Payments for Future Periods, Defines "Subsequent Period" Interpretation.

    Case-Laws - AT : Adjustment of excess amount of service tax paid - Scope of the term subsequent period

  • Central Excise

  • Playing Cards as Free Gifts Excluded from Cenvat Credit Value in Marketing Strategy Case.

    Case-Laws - AT : Free gifts - Cenvat Credit - inclusion in value of excisable goods - Supply of playings cards as free gift - a market gimmick - prima facie credit not allowed

  • Blending Motor Spirit with Additives isn't Manufacturing New Product under Central Excise Law, even if Branded 'Speed'.

    Case-Laws - AT : Manufacture - blending of MS with MFA does not result into the manufacture of a new product, even if the emerged product is branded as 'speed' and marketed accordingly after some value addition.

  • Manufacturers Denied SSI Exemption for Pumps with Embossed 'K' Logo; Appeal Rejected by Authorities.

    Case-Laws - AT : SSI exemption - emboss a logo of the alphabet ‘K’ on the pumps manufactured by the appellants – exemption not allowed.

  • Section 11D Excise Act Demand for 8% or 10% on Exempted Goods Unsustainable Under Cenvat Credit System.

    Case-Laws - AT : Cenvat Credit - Collection of amount @8% or 10% on exempted goods - Demand under Section 11D of the Central Excise Act not sustainable.

  • Clarification on Boiler Component Classification for CENVAT Credit Eligibility Under Central Excise Regulations to Ensure Uniform Tax Compliance.

    Circulars : Clarification regarding classification of Structural Components of Boiler and Admissibility of CENVAT Credit on these Structural Components, reg- - Circular


Case Laws:

  • Income Tax

  • 2012 (5) TMI 261
  • 2012 (5) TMI 260
  • 2012 (5) TMI 259
  • 2012 (5) TMI 258
  • 2012 (5) TMI 257
  • 2012 (5) TMI 256
  • 2012 (5) TMI 255
  • 2012 (5) TMI 254
  • 2012 (5) TMI 253
  • 2012 (5) TMI 252
  • 2012 (5) TMI 239
  • 2012 (5) TMI 238
  • 2012 (5) TMI 237
  • 2012 (5) TMI 236
  • 2012 (5) TMI 235
  • 2012 (5) TMI 234
  • 2012 (5) TMI 233
  • 2012 (5) TMI 232
  • 2012 (5) TMI 231
  • 2012 (5) TMI 230
  • Customs

  • 2012 (5) TMI 229
  • 2012 (5) TMI 228
  • Corporate Laws

  • 2012 (5) TMI 250
  • 2012 (5) TMI 227
  • FEMA

  • 2012 (5) TMI 251
  • PMLA

  • 2012 (5) TMI 240
  • Service Tax

  • 2012 (5) TMI 267
  • 2012 (5) TMI 266
  • 2012 (5) TMI 265
  • 2012 (5) TMI 264
  • 2012 (5) TMI 263
  • 2012 (5) TMI 244
  • 2012 (5) TMI 243
  • 2012 (5) TMI 242
  • 2012 (5) TMI 241
  • Central Excise

  • 2012 (5) TMI 249
  • 2012 (5) TMI 248
  • 2012 (5) TMI 247
  • 2012 (5) TMI 246
  • 2012 (5) TMI 245
  • 2012 (5) TMI 226
  • 2012 (5) TMI 225
  • 2012 (5) TMI 224
  • 2012 (5) TMI 223
  • 2012 (5) TMI 222
  • Indian Laws

  • 2012 (5) TMI 262
 

Quick Updates:Latest Updates