TMI Blog1996 (12) TMI 7X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... of thermal power stations and associated transmission network. During the assessment year 1978-79, the assessee had deposited its funds which were not immediately required, on short-term deposits with banks. Interest received on such deposits during the previous year relevant to the assessment year 1978-79 amounted to Rs. 22,84,994. This was offered by the assessee for tax assessment and the assessment was completed on that basis. Before the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals), a number of grounds were taken by the assessee challenging the assessment. However, the inclusion of this amount of Rs. 22,84,994 was neither challenged by the assessee nor considered by the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals). From the order of the Commissioner ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... propose to answer the questions relating to the merits of those contentions. We reframe the question which arises for our consideration in order to bring out the point which requires determination more clearly. It is as follows : " Where on the facts found by the authorities below a question of law arises (though not raised before the authorities) which bears on the tax liability of the assessee, whether the Tribunal has jurisdiction to examine the same ? " Under section 254 of the Income-tax Act, the Appellate Tribunal may, after giving both the parties to the appeal an opportunity of being heard, pass such orders thereon as it thinks fit. The power of the Tribunal in dealing with appeals is thus expressed in the widest possible terms ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X ..... ay have in the matter. There is no good reason to justify curtailment of the power of the Appellate Assistant Commissioner in entertaining an additional ground raised by the assessee in seeking modification of the order of assessment passed by the Income-tax Officer. This court further observed that there may be several factors justifying the raising of a new plea in an appeal and each case has to be considered on its own facts. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner must be satisfied that the ground raised was bona fide and that the same could not have been raised earlier for good reasons. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner should exercise his discretion in permitting or not permitting the assessee to raise an additional ground in accordan ..... X X X X Extracts X X X X X X X X Extracts X X X X
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