Ownership of land with developer of a housing project isn’t a condition precedent for sec. 80-IB ded

IT : Ownership of land for development of a housing project is not a criterion for section 80-IB deduction

Payment of consultancy fees to carry on business more efficiently and profitably is a revenue exp.

IT : Expenditure incurred on consultancy charges to carry on business more efficiently, is to be treated as revenue expenditure, and not as capital expenditure

Ownership of property transferred during pendency of proceedings before BIFR or during winding up to

CL: Where transfer of properties were made either during pendency of reference before BIFR or during pendency of winding up proceedings, Official Liquidator was to be directed to take steps for restoration

‘Due date’ under sec. 36(1)(va) for payment of employee’s contribution to PF is same as contemplated

IT: Employee's contribution towards Provident Fund if paid before due date of filing return is allowable under section 36(1)(va) to employer assessee

Functionally different comparables to be excluded from list of comparables for TP study

IT/ILT : Where in course of transfer pricing proceedings, TPO made certain adjustment to ALP determined by assessee, in view of fact that two comparables selected by TPO were functionally different, assessee's plea that said comparables were to be excluded while determining ALP, was to be accepted

Finance Ministry Initiates Steps To Correct Trade Data Discrepancies

21 Jul, 2013

NEW DELHI: The Finance Ministry has asked Customs Department to ensure use of standard units on same items entering or leaving the country across ports in order to prevent discrepancies in trade data, which lead to embarrassment.





The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has found that Standard Unit Quantity Codes (UQC), indicated in the Customs Act, are not being uniformly declared by importers and exporters for the same items across different ports.



"The issue of poor quality of trade data has been engaging the attention of the government," CBEC said in a communication to the Customs and other revenue officials.



An error of USD 9 billion was noticed in the country's exports for April-November period of 2011-12.



"The solution lies in improving the quality of data by using standard UQCs...Accordingly, it is directed by the Board that Customs field formations should ensure that only the correct and prescribed Standard UQC ... is mentioned in Bills of Entry/ Shipping Bills," the CBEC said.



It said an analysis of National Import Data Base (NIDB) reveals that there are at times "variations between the lowest and highest unit values of the same item", which might escape detection on account of the use of different unit codes.



Use non-uniform UQCs impacts data quality and makes comparisons and aggregations difficult, the CBEC said.



"The use of non-uniform UQCs for the same item also vitiates the quality of the NIDB data and reduces its utility to the assessing officers, who are unable to ascertain the contemporaneous values or assessment practice of a given item in different Customs locations," it said.



UQC have been specified in the Customs Tariff Act, 1975. The Board, which is responsible for collection of indirect taxes, asked the Chief Commissioners of Customs to ensure the instructions are "complied with scrupulously".



It, however, said the exercise should not result in delays in clearance of cargo.



Earlier, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) had streamlined flow of trade figures from different ports in the country.



This was done following the error in export figures of April-November period of 2011-12. The Prime Minister's Office had asked the commerce department to explain the errors.



Data reporting problems also created problems for officials during a recent visit of Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma to Mauritius where bilateral trade figures were found not matching.

Source:-economictimes.indiatimes.com

Quarterly Apparel Sales Grow 10% On Stable Cotton Price, Removal Of Excise Duty

KOLKATA: Readymade apparel sales have bounced back after two years of flat growth with brands, retailers, manufacturers reporting more than 10% growth in last quarter. A stable cotton pricing coupled with removal of 10% excise duty has worked in favour of apparel industry bringing consumers back to the market at a time when inflationary pressure and rising product prices are pinching their pockets.



The rising domestic demand has prompted the country's textile industry to increase production of apparel and also look at Bangladesh to build up sufficient inventory for the festive season which is expected to drive sales further in the second half of the current fiscal.



"The domestic apparel industry is once again back in the growth mode after a lull of two years. In the first quarter there has been an overall growth of around 10% even though the economic parameters are not very bright. The growth has come because consumers are not willing to hold back their purchases any further," said Rahul Mehta, president of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India.



Apparel makers and retail chains like Turtle, Madura Fashion, Future Group and Spencer's Retail say steady apparel prices this year has induced consumers to undertake purchases and the wedding season too has helped the industry. Apparel brand Turtle director Amit Ladsaria says the brand has grown by 31% in the first quarter (April-June) of this fiscal as compared to the same period last year. "The best part of this growth in sales is that it happened on full price, without any discounts or consumer offers," says Ladsaria.



Allen Solly brand head Sooraj Bhat adds that more serious shoppers are in the market. "The growth is coming from higher conversions and triggered by regular customers who account for almost 40% of the sales. Footfalls are yet to pick up completely," he says, adding the brand has grown sales of like-to-like stores by 26% in the last quarter over same period last year.



Prices have played a key role in bringing back customers to the market. Though the production cost has gone up but the apparel makers have not passed it to the customers bringing them much relief.



Spencer's Retail president & CEO Mohit Kampani says on an average apparel prices is slightly less expensive compared to last year on per unit basis. "The steady prices has made apparel more affordable when other consumer product prices have gone up.This has been a big catalyst," he says. Spencer's Retail has grown by 15% in apparel on a like-to-like basis over last year. Future Group's fashion business too is growing upwards of 20% at the Big Bazaar stores which the company wants to grow further by recasting the business soon, a senior official said.



The total size of the Indian apparel industry is Rs2.4 lakh crore. Of this,Rs1.62 lakh crore worth of garments is consumed in India and the rest is exported. India has also increased its imports from Bangladesh, one of the leading apparel making nations in the world.

Source:-economictimes.indiatimes.com

Mundra Overtakes Kandla To Emerge As India’S Largest Port

Ahmedabad: Mundra port, run by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), has emerged as the largest merchant port in India, overtaking the Union government-controlled Kandla Port by a whisker in terms of cargo handled in the first quarter of the current fiscal. It’s the first time that a private port has taken the top position.

Cargo handled by Adani port between April and June was close to 24 million tonnes (mt) as compared to about 23 mt handled by Kandla in the same period, said Rajeeva Sinha, whole-time director of APSEZ. “We are today the country’s largest port,” Sinha said. Both ports are located in the Kutch district of Gujarat.

An official at Kandla Port Trust confirmed the development. While Kandla was number one for the past five years, it appears that it is losing ground to Mundra because of the aggressive expansion and the risk-taking ability of the Adani group, said the official on condition of anonymity.

The Centre had set a target of 97 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of cargo for Kandla port to handle this year while Mundra is likely to cross 100 mtpa mark, the official said.

Pipavav port in Gujarat in 1998 became the first private port in India to start operations, three years before Mundra. The two ports were part of the Gujarat government’s build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) policy framed in 1995.

Most of Adani’s expansion and growth has come through in the past decade. The company invested about Rs.12,000 crore in this period for port development.

Mundra port’s cargo-handling capacity has been growing at 25% for the last five years on a year-on-year basis. Last year, Mundra became the country’s second-largest port by handling 82 mt, up from 64 mt in the previous year. In comparison, Kandla handled 93.6 mt of cargo, up from 82.5 mt.

Besides Kandla, which began operations in 1957, there are 12 other federal ports in the country, including the newly developed Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar islands.

“While private ports have come into existence recently, major ports have been around for very long,” said Sajith Sreedharan, deputy managing director at BMT Consultants India that offers advisory services in the port and maritime sector. “Chennai port is 100 years old. There are a lot of bureaucratic hurdles for their expansion. Mundra’s success over Kandla shows the efficiency of a private port as compared to a government-run one.”

The turnaround time—a key yardstick of efficiency—is about two to three days at Kandla; it is less than one day at Mundra due to mechanization.

However, Kandla has one of the lowest tariffs in the world, which makes up for the time and money lost in berthing and unloading cargo, said the same Kandla Port Trust official quoted earlier.

Source:-www.livemint.com

Chemical Exports To Africa On The Rise

Africa is presenting a busy market for India's chemical exports as figures for Nigeria alone indicate considerable growth. Exports of chemical items from India to Nigeria alone have increased to about 5.6 percent from 2012 to 2013, according to the Chemical Export Promotion Council of India (ChemExcil).



In addition, total volume of exports to Nigeria this year amounted to $90.3 million as against $85.5 million last year, ChemExcil executive director Suhas Bhardi said at an exhibition that opened here with over 80 companies in attendance.



"The purpose of this Exhibition is to strengthen/expand existing business, promote india's chemical exports and to create a positive brand image of Indian products. This would also result in many more joint ventures and technology transfer," Bhardi said.



The Indian Chemical and Cosmetics Exhibition has been organised by ChemExcil in collaboration with the Pesticides Manufacturers and Formulators Association of India (PMFAI) and the Indian High Commission in Lagos.



The sector, which consists mainly of petrochemicals, accounts for over 70 percent of the total chemical market in Nigeria. "I am happy to note that the upstream petrochemical sector is well established as Nigeria is the highest oil-producer in Africa," Bhardi said.



PMFAI president Pradip Dave said the African region offered most potential for improvement in the productivity of crops and the African governments have therefore given priority to development of agriculture in the region.



Dave said that there was a good market for agrochemicals in Nigeria, adding that "it is estimated that the private sector agrochemical companies supply about 70 percent of the total CPP demand of approximately $120 million."



"Most of the African countries are now concentrating on development of irrigation projects and, with a modern irrigation system, by optimising and conserving water resources and also introducing drought resistance varieties. The drought resistance and high yielding varieties will definitely boost the agricultural production in the African region which will also help in boosting agricultural exports from Africa," he said.



ChemExcil's studies have shown that Nigerian companies consume in excess of $3.58 billion worth of chemicals per annum but produce just $380 million, an indication that the country is a potential market for the export of chemicals.



"The base chemical sectors, which consists mainly of petrochemicals, accounts for over 70 per cent of the total chemicals market in Nigeria. The upstream petrochemicals sector is well established as Nigeria is the highest oil producer in Africa," the council said on its website.



"Limited development of the downstream sector constrains growth of not only the base chemicals sector but also the total chemicals industry in Nigeria. In the speciality chemicals sector local manufacturing is focussed on paints, coatings and adhesives, using imported raw materials," it added.



For the remaining speciality chemical products, such as preservatives, water treatment and wood and textile treatment chemicals, local manufacture is limited. "The high operating costs as well as a lack of access to raw materials restrains the development of further manufacturing for a wider range of speciality chemicals," it said.



ChemExcil said, "Most regional and global speciality chemicals manufacturers supply raw materials and inputs to the local manufactures through distributors and also use the distributors to import fully manufactured speciality chemicals."



It has also identified a major market in essential oils flavours and fragrance/cosmetics/soaps and toiletries industry on the African continent.



"Africa's middle class has tripled in size in the last 30 years and is driving the continent's demand for cosmetics," it said.



"In Nigeria, cosmetics companies are racing for market share. While multinational brands dominate the market in Kenya and Uganda, and lack of capacity for local manufacturing remains an issue, local entrepreneurs are outsourcing manufacture and are using unique sales strategies."



After the Lagos exhibition, the ChemExil would move on to Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia, for a Buyer-Seller Meet and then to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, July 23.

Source:-www.smetimes.in

How variation in interest rates alters the returns in debt funds

Every time there is a fall in the net asset value (NAV) of debt funds, there is renewed panic. The simple question in the investor's mind is: if there is no default and the fund is receiving its interest income, how and why should the NAV fall? A drop in the NAV of a debt fund can trigger alarm and lead to a precipitous closure for some, as happened in 2008. The market risks in mutual funds are not widely understood, leading to accusations that these should have been avoided somehow.

Investing in a debt fund is quite different from doing so in a bond or fixed deposit. In the case of a fixed deposit, the investor agrees to an unrealistic freeze in rupee return, in exchange for convenience and simplicity. The government no longer determines interest rates in our economy, nor are they dictated by powerful institutions. We have transitioned to a market for interest rates, and this market enables money to be lent and borrowed based on the needs and views of a large number of participants.

In such a market place, there are only prices and clearing. There is no right and wrong. If a borrower is willing to pay 8% for a year, and a lender agrees to it, the exchange of money is cleared at the agreed rate. The borrower needs the money; the lender has the money. The market just brings them together and enables the clearing. Alternatively, the borrower might be in the market today believing that the rates are set to rise and, therefore, wanting to borrow today; the lender might be in the market with a view that rates are set to fall and, therefore, eager to lend. We will never know the motivations, nor will we be able to identify why rates move up or down. At the end of the day, as long as everyone keeps their promise, we have a market where rates are determined efficiently and fairly.

When an investor chooses a bank deposit, he does not select the market. This is the reason he settles for a 4% rate on his savings bank account, while the bank itself would be lending its surplus balance for 8% in the call market. The bank is in the market for overnight funds, lending and borrowing as needed, while the saving bank depositor is standing out, content with a fixed rate. The market does not matter to this simple investor. He may get a lower or a higher rate. He is happy with a fixed rate and unwilling to look beyond.

What happens when such an investor chooses a debt fund? He simply steps into the market place for borrowing and lending. In this market, the rates change dynamically based on demand and supply and the views of various players. What is in the market is what he gets. This investor makes 9% on his liquid fund, when the money market rates are high; he makes 4% on his gilt funds, when the interest rates have risen; he makes 12% on his income fund, when credit spreads fall; and he makes 16% on his short-term fund, when rates correct sharply. Mutual funds are subject to market risk.

A debt fund also pools in money and creates a portfolio much like an equity fund, except that it buys debt securities issued by governments, banks and companies. If a five-year bond is issued at an interest of 10%, and the fund buys it, it earns this interest just like any other investor. However, since a debt fund is an open-ended product in which investors can come and go as they please, it accounts for the interest income on a daily basis. Therefore, the NAV of all debt funds will hold a component that represents this steady accrual income.

Misras have built a strong asset base, will achieve goals with ease

By Sakina Babwani, ET Bureau | 22 Jul, 2013, 08.00AM IST

Not all skewed portfolios need an immediate overhaul. When NitinMisra, a 40-year-old architect, contacted us for help, the financial planner did not alter the portfolio drastically even though it overtly favoured real estate. This is because Nitin has been a prudent planner, investing carefully to achieve his financial goals. While most advisers would be alarmed at a lopsided portfolio, SumeetVaid of Ffreedom Financial Planners did not recommend major changes as each of his investments is aligned to a goal. Besides, Nitin has built an extremely strong net worth of Rs 2.25 crore. With zero liabilities and a high income, the Misras have little to worry. Nitin lives in Delhi with his wife, Swati, 33, and six-year-old daughter, Nysa. A year after Nitin approached us, his finances are being reviewed by Vaid to check if the family is headed in the right direction.

The original plan

On considering the Misras' finances, it was clear that they would have a smooth sailing, given his asset base, a high income of Rs 97,000 a month, and a saving rate of a little more than 50%. Nitin was, however, advised to start a few fresh SIPs to achieve his goals. "My investment in real estate will work in my favour as it will help me build a good corpus to meet my post-retirement expenses," says Nitin. A year ago, his portfolio had 88% invested in real estate, 8% in equity and 4% in gold.

The Misras' goals were relatively simple, including a corpus of Rs 22 lakh for Nysa's education in 12 years, and Rs 44 lakh for her marriage in 22 years. For their own retirement, they would need Rs 4 crore in 16 years.

Our suggestions

Nitin did not require life insurance as he had a strong net worth that would take care of his family's needs in case of an emergency. Nitin's family would need Rs 1.5 crore to meet their future expenses and his current net worth is Rs 2.25 crore, of which Rs 1.9 crore will be readily available to the family. This does not include their primary residence. However, Nitin was advised to buy individual health plans of Rs 3 lakh for himself and his family as he had been relying only on a family floater plan of Rs 3 lakh, which would not have been sufficient.

Sec. 234B interest couldn't be levied if entire income of NR was subjected to withholding tax

IT/ILT : When revenue did not dispute fact that amount received by assessee, a non-resident, was subjected to 100 per cent tax deduction at source and that there was no liability on assessee to pay advance tax, question of levy of interest under section 234B did not arise

Delay in filing an appeal due to lapse of applicant can’t be condoned

ST : Delays in filing appeal which are deliberate or which occur on account of lapses on part of applicant, do not deserve any sympathies

M/S. LORD CHLORO ALKALIES LTD. Vs. DIRECTOR GENERAL OF INCOME TAX (ADMN) AND ANR.

* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI Reserved on: 04.07.2013 Pronounced on: 19.07.2013 + W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL. 3645/2013 M/S LORD CHLORO ALKALIES LTD. ..... Petitioner Through : Sh. J.P. Sengh, Sr. Advocate with Ms. Vinita Sasidharan, Ms. Varsha Banerjee, Sh. Sumeet Batra and Ms. Ankita Gupta, Advocates. versus DIRECTOR GENERAL OF INCOME TAX (ADMN) AND ANR. ..... Respondents Through : Sh. Sanjeev Sabharwal, Sr. Standing Counsel. CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE S. RAVINDRA BHAT HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE NAJMI WAZIRI MR. JUSTICE S.RAVINDRA BHAT % 1. In these proceedings under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the petitioner challenges the orders of the Appellate Authority for Industrial Reconstruction (hereafter "AAIFR") under provisions of the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 (hereafter "SICA") dated 01.04.2009 and 27.09.2012 in Appeal No. 227/2008. By that order, the AAIFR had set aside a scheme W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 1 formulated under the SICA to the extent it dealt with waiver and deduction of interest under provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961. 2. The Petitioner was incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 on 1st March, 1979; it was originally named Modi Alkalies & Chemicals Limited, which was subsequently changed to M/s Lord Chloro Alkalies Ltd in the year 2003. It started commercial production of caustic soda in 1994-95 with a capacity of 126 TPD which was later enhanced to 195 TPD based on mercury cell technology which was replaced by membrane cell technology in the year 1994-95 with a further enhancement in its capacity to 255 TPD. Till 1997-98 the Petitioner-company operated satisfactorily. Later, due to adverse market conditions, change in government policy, high cost of power, high cost of production and heavy interest burden, the Petitioner started incurring heavy losses resulting in closure of its operations. On 30.06.1999, in view of the colossal losses, the net worth of the Petitioner eroded pursuant to which it made a reference under Section 15(1) of SICA to the Board for Industrial Finance and Reconstruction (hereafter "BIFR"); it was rejected in July 2001 as not maintainable. Later, on 30.06.2000, the Petitioner filed another reference before the BIFR based on its accounts. This time, it was registered as Case No.308 of 2001. On 15.01.2002, BIFR declared that the Petitioner was a sick company and directed IDBI to act as the Operating Agency (OA). 3. Holding that no feasible rehabilitation proposals were forthcoming from the Petitioner Company, BIFR by its order dated 19.08.2003 directed the OA to issue an advertisement for change of W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 2 management (COM) as the offers received by the OA for COM did not fructify. Taking these factors into account BIFR prima facie concluded that it would be just, fair and in public interest that the Company should be wound-up and show cause notice for Winding Up should be issued to the Petitioner Company. By ex-parte order dated 02.06.2004, BIFR directed winding up of the Petitioner Company under Section 20(1) of SICA and accordingly directed issuance of Show Cause Notice (SCN) for Winding Up. Aggrieved by that order of BIFR, the Petitioner filed an appeal being Appeal No. 154/ 2004. 4. During pendency of the said appeal, the first Respondent, i.e. the Income Tax Department filed an application on 14.11.2005 under Section 22(1) of SICA seeking permission to recover its dues of Rs. 997.79 lakhs with an alternative claim that in the event a scheme is allowed to be formulated then a suitable provision for payment of income tax dues of the Petitioner-Company ought to be made in the scheme itself. It is stated that on 14.03.2006, during the pendency of the appeal before BIFR, the Petitioner could settle the dues of all its secured creditors (except IIBI, RIICO & UTI). The AAIFR, taking note of the fact that the Petitioner, out of its 10 secured creditors namely IDBI, ICICI, IFCI SBI, PNB, Syndicate Bank, Indian Bank, IIBI, RIICO & UTI had already settled the dues of 7 creditors (except IIBI, RIICO and UTI), by order dated 14.03.2006 allowed the appeal and set aside the order (dated 02.06.2004) and remanded the matter with a direction that a suitable provision for payment of income tax dues amounting to Rs. 997.79 lakhs payable by the Petitioner ought to be made in the rehabilitation scheme. By its order dated 22.09.2006, W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 3 BIFR directed for circulation/publication of the Draft Rehabilitation Scheme (DRS), in compliance with provisions of Section 18(3) of SICA. The DRS was duly published. The BIFR after considering the objections/suggestions of the secured creditors to the DRS sanctioned the scheme on 30.11.2006; a copy of the sanctioned scheme was duly sent by BIFR to the income tax authorities on 15.12.2006. The petitioner states that by a separate letter, the sanctioning of the scheme was brought to the notice of the income tax authorities on 27 th February, 2007. 5. In September 2008, being aggrieved by the order (dated 30.11.2006 of BIFR), the Income Tax Department preferred a belated appeal to AAIFR, (being Appeal No.227 of 2008) in respect of the Income Tax reliefs and concessions provided in the Sanctioned scheme in Paras 10.7(1), (2), (3) & (4). An accompanying application, M.A. No.46 of 2009 for condoning the delay of two years was filed. The appeal and application were objected to by the Petitioner. On 01.04.2009 by its interim order, AAIFR allowed the application for condonation of delay and held that the first Respondent department had no knowledge of the proceedings before the BIFR prior to 07.08.2008. The Petitioner had opposed the application and argued that the Income Tax Department had in fact, given effect to clause 11.5 of the sanctioned scheme and waived the interest under Section 234B of Income Tax Act to the extent of Rs.2,47,34,779/- and interest under Section 220(2) amounting to Rs.3,20,62,504/- in respect of the Petitioner Company for assessment year 1996-1997. By the impugned order, the AAIFR finally allowed the Income Tax Department's W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 4 appeal and set aside Clause 11.5 of the published scheme, approved by the BIFR. 6. The Petitioner argues, in its pleadings, and through the submissions of its senior counsel, Shri J.P.Sengh, that the impugned order is not sustainable in law. It is pointed out that the finding regarding the order (of AAIFR) having been made in contravention of principles of natural justice is contrary to facts. It was argued in this regard that the letter of 30.09.2009 of the concerned assessing officer of the Income Tax Department itself shows that the Respondents were aware of the BIFR's orders, and accepted them without demur. The said letter reads as follows: "Order to give effect to the decision of the BIFR u/Ss 22 & 32 of the SICA Act 1985 Dated : 30-9-2009 The Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction, New Delhi in Case No. 308/2001 in the case of M/s Lords Chloro Alkalies Ltd. Dated 13.12.2006 has passed the order as per para 11.5 which is as under: "The statutory liabilities which are under litigation/appeal shall on crystallization after exercise of all the legal remedies available to the company be paid over a period of seven years on interest free basis. All the penal interest, damages, penalties, charges are chargeable on the same shall be waived." The Hon'ble ITAT, Jaipur in its decision in appeal no.199/JP/2000 and 210/JP/2000 dated 19.02.2008 set aside the decision before the ld. CIT(A), Alwar in view of the decision passed by the BIFR for fresh adjudication de novo in the assessment year 1996-97. W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 5 To give effect to the decision of BIFR, the interest u/s 234B amounting to Rs.2,47,34,779/- and interest u/s 220(2) amounting to Rs. 3,20,62,504/- waived by the BIFR is hereby reduced from the arrear demand against the M/s. Modi Alkalies & Chemicals Ltd., Alwar." Learned senior counsel also relied on the order of the CIT (Appeals) dated 4th March, 2011, especially Paras 31 and 32, to say that the determination of BIFR was accepted, and directions contained in its order were implemented. Consequently argued counsel, the Income Tax authorities should not have made a grievance of the BIFR scheme. The consequential order of the assessing officer, dated 29.03.2011, reducing the demands, in line with the order of BIFR was relied on. The said order reads as follows: "Consequent to order of Ld.CIT(A), Alwar of AY 1999- 97, a demand has been reduced to Rs.2,87,17,062/- after appeal effect. As per order of BIFR, you are required to make the payment of above demand in seven installments. Accordingly, it is requested to pay Rs.41,02,437/(1/7th of Rs. 2,87,17,062/-) by 31.03.2011 positively. Please note in the event of non-response the above mentioned demand will be recovered by adopting coercive measures." 7. It is argued on behalf of the Petitioner that in the above circumstances, the Income Tax authorities were estopped and bound by the principle of waiver from contending that the orders of the BIFR were not binding upon them. Counsel further emphasised that the W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 6 order of BIFR had been worked out and the benefits of both in respect of the income tax concessions as well as the other benefits mandated under the rehabilitation scheme had been implemented. In these circumstances, contended learned senior counsel, it would be unjust and inequitable to set aside the order of BIFR on an erroneous interpretation of law and mistaken view of the facts. 8. Learned Counsel next argued that in terms of Section 32 of the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985, overriding effect has been given to the orders of BIFR and schemes of rehabilitation which are otherwise legally valid. 9. On behalf of the official respondents, it is argued by Shri. Sanjeev Sabharwal, learned Standing Counsel, that the income tax authorities were completely in the dark about the nature of the scheme finalised by BIFR. It was argued that after the previous order of remand by the AAIFR, a duty had been cast upon the BIFR to circulate the draft scheme to it i.e. the income tax authorities. There was no material on the record to suggest that such an obligation had been fulfilled. 10. More substantially, learned Standing Counsel argued that the provisions of SICA could not prevail over those of the Income Tax Act. In this context, it was argued that in terms of the decision of the Supreme Court in Commissioner of Income tax v Anjum. M.H. Ghaswala & Ors. (2002) 1 SCC 633 it was held that the interest contemplated under Sections 234A, 234B and 234C is mandatory in nature and the power of waiver or reduction, having not been expressly conferred on the Settlement Commission, waiver or W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 7 reduction in payment of statutory interest is outside the purview of the settlement proceedings, contemplated in Chapter XIX-A of the Act. It was submitted that likewise, since no provision of SICA enabled waiver or reduction of statutory interest mandated by the Act, BIFR could not have unilaterally directed such a relief. In this respect, contended Learned Standing Counsel, the sole repository of the power to grant a waiver or reduction of interest rates or amounts was the Board of Direct Taxes, under Section 119 (2) of the Income Tax Act. Reliance was also placed on Board Circular No. 400/234-95/IT (B) which has specified the authorities entitled to consider the question of waiver of interest and such other relief. It was submitted that in the present case, the assessing officers and Commissioners had unilaterally, and without reference to the Board, and its circulars, which they were bound to respect, given effect to the orders of the BIFR. 11. The broad and brief facts necessary to decide this petition are not in dispute. The company was declared sick; when a reference was made, BIFR circulated the draft rehabilitation scheme with the broad acceptance of the company's secured creditors. At th at stage, the income tax authorities were in the know of the scheme. During the pendency of an appeal to the AAIFR, the Income Tax Commissioner had preferred an application, on 14.11.2005. In that application, the following reliefs were claimed: "1) the Deptt may be granted permission u/s 22(1) of SICA to recover its dues of Rs. 976.79 lakhs as intimated by the company. W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 8 2) If a scheme is being directed to be formulated, provision may be directed to be kept in that revival scheme for the payment of I.T. dues of Rs. 976.79 lakhs on priority basis. 3) Taking cognizance of Section 281 of the I.T.Act, 1961 the Deptt may be given priority in the matter of recovery of Rs. 976.79 lakhs. In the event, a scheme is allowed to be formulated the 1.T.dues of Rs. 976.79 Iakhs may be given due priority for payment over other dues. XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXX" The AAIFR, while disposing of the appeal, took note of the claims of the Income Tax Department, and directed as follows, in its order dated 14.03.2006: "XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXX Given this context we set aside the impugned order and remand the case to the BIFR. We also direct the company and the OA severally to ensure that a fully tied up revival scheme is presented to the BIFR not later than 60 days of this order. If in the meanwhile negotiations cannot be completed with IIBI, RIICO and UTI then the scheme may provide that their dues will be settled by the company/ promoters separately. One Trivedi & Sons who is an unsecured creditor and had appeared before us has some dues from the company which should be taken care of in an appropriate manner in the scheme itself. Income Tax Authorities in a separate application dated 14th Nov. 2005 have filed an application seeking permission under Section 22(1) of SICA to recover its dues of 997.79 lakhs. XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXX" The BIFR scheme complied with this direction, and expressly W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 9 provided that "The statutory liabilities which are under litigation/appeal shall on crystallization after exercise of all the legal remedies available to the company be paid over a period of seven years on interest free basis. All the penal interest, damages, penalties, charges are chargeable on the same shall be waived." 12. The first question is whether the income tax authorities are justified in stating that the order of BIFR, to the extent that it scaled down interest (on income tax liability) are beyond jurisdiction, since only the Board through its designate has the authority to waive or remit interest under the Income Tax wholly or in part. The petitioner in this context, relies on Section 32 of SICA; it reads as follows: "32. Effect of the Act on other laws.-- (1) The provisions of this Act and of any rules or schemes made there under shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law except the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973 (46 of 1973) and the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976 (33 of 1976) for the time being in force or in the Memorandum or Articles of Association of an industrial company or in any other instrument having effect by virtue of any law other than this Act. (2) Where there has been under any scheme under this Act an amalgamation of a sick industrial company with another company, the provisions of section 72A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), shall, subject to the modifications that the power of the Central Government under that section may be exercised by the Board without any recommendation by the specified authority referred to in that section, apply in relation to such amalgamation as they apply in relation to the amalgamation of a W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 10 company owning an industrial undertaking with another company." The decision of the Supreme Court in Anjum M.H. Ghaswala (supra) is no doubt an authority for the proposition that interest waiver cannot be granted to anyone except those specified in the Income Tax Act. However, the court did not have any occasion to deal with provisions of SICA, or their interface with provisions and orders under the Income Tax Act. 13. One well recognized principle of statutory construction is that when courts have to deal with conflicting or inconsistent laws, or inconsistent provisions of two separate enactments, the first approach should be to attempt at harmonization of the two provisions, to avoid, or minimize the conflict. The second line of approach is to see which of the two laws is a general law. A prior special law will prevail over a later and general law. This is more so, when the prior law contains a non-obstante clause (R.S. Raghunath vs State Of Karnataka And Anr AIR 1992 SC 81; Allahabad Bank v. Canara Bank & Anr. (2000) 4 SCC 406). The tenor and express provisions of Section 32 of SICA, in the opinion of this court, leave no doubt that the provisions of SICA are to prevail, except to the extent excluded. The immunity, or exception from, the non obstante clause, is limited to the provisions of enactments referred, of the enactments referred. The specific reference to Foreign Exchange Regulation Act and Urban Land Ceiling Act in Sectin 32 (1) and to Section 72-A of the Income Tax Act, mean that W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 11 those provisions will stand excluded from the rigors of Section 32 of SICA. 14. A somewhat similar question had been considered by the Supreme Court in Aswini Kumar Ghosh & Anr v. Arabinda Bose & Anr, [1953] SCR 1, when it was observed that - "It should first be ascertained what the enacting part of the section provides on a fair construction of the words used according to their natural and ordinary meaning, and the non obstante clause is to be understood as operating to set aside as no longer valid anything contained in relevant existing laws which is inconsistent with the new enactment." In the case of Section 32 SICA, the specific exclusion of two enactments, and the express reference to Section 72A of the Income Tax Act, to say that its provisions apply (by Section 32 (2)) manifest Parliamentary intention that provisions of SICA have to prevail over those of the Income Tax Act. This court's conclusion is strengthened by precedent. In http://indiankanoon.org/doc/366360/ Mewar Sugar Mills Ltd. v. Chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes & Anr 1998 VI AD(DELHI) 309 a Division Bench had concluded that: "21. To sum up: (1) The non obstinate clause contained in sub-section (1) of Section 32 of SICA does not give the SICA a blanket overriding effect on all other laws; the overriding effect is given to the provisions of SICA, rules or schemes made thereunder only to the extent of inconsistency therewith contained in any other law excepting a few exceptions enumerated therein. W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 12 (2) Exempting from and suspending the operation of the provisions contained in Section 41 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 as regards a sick industry amounts to 'sacrifice from the Central Govt.'- the expression as used in Section 19(1) of SICA. (3) It is for the BIFR to form an opinion while framing a scheme of rehabilitation for a sick industry whether an exemption from operation of S 41 of the Income-Tax Act, 1961 is required to be engrafted in the scheme so as to secure the object of rehabilitation and if so then to what extent. If the BIFR may form an opinion in favour of grant of such exemption then the same amounts to 'financial assistance' from the Central Govt to the extent of the sick industry having been exempted from the operation of Section 41 of the Income-tax Act." This court also notices that a similar view has been expressed by the Bombay High Court in Vadilal Dairy International Ltd v. State of Maharashtra 2009 (1) Comp. LJ 466 (Bom). 15. The next issue is whether the revenue is correct in saying that by virtue of Section 119 of the Income Tax Act, and circulars issued under that enactment, the Board of Direct Taxes' views have primacy over that of BIFR. Section 119 reads as follows: "119. Instructions to subordinate authorities (1) The Board may, from time to time, issue such orders, instructions and directions to other income- tax authorities as it may deem fit for the proper administration of this Act, and such authorities and all other persons employed in the execution of this Act shall observe and follow such orders, instructions and directions of the Board: Provided that no such orders, instructions or directions shall be issued- W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 13 (a) so as to require any income- tax authority to make a particular assessment or to dispose of a particular case in a particular manner; or (b) so as to interfere with the discretion of the Deputy Commissioner (Appeals) or the Commissioner (Appeals)] in the exercise of his appellate functions. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power,- (a) the Board may, if it considers it necessary or expedient so to do, for the purpose of proper and efficient management of the work of assessment and collection of revenue, issue, from time to time whether by way of relaxation of any of the provisions of sections 5[ 139], 143, 144, 147, 148, 154, 155, 6[ sub- section (1A) of section 201, sections 210, 211, 7[ 234A, 234B], 234C], 271 and 273 or otherwise, general or special orders in respect of any class of incomes or class of cases, setting forth directions or instructions (not being prejudicial to assessees) as to the guidelines, principles or procedures to be followed by other income- tax authorities in the work relating to assessment or collection of revenue or the initiation of proceedings for the imposition of penalties and any such order may, if the Board is of opinion that it is necessary in the public interest so to do, be published and circulated in the prescribed manner for general information; (b) the Board may, if it considers it desirable or expedient so to do for avoiding genuine hardship in any case or class of cases, by general or special order, authorise 8[ any income- tax authority, not being a Deputy Commissioner (Appeals) or Commissioner (Appeals)] to admit an application or claim for any exemption, deduction, refund or any other relief under W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 14 this Act after the expiry of the period specified by or under this Act for making such application or claim and deal with the same on merits in accordance with law. (c) the Board may, if it considers it desirable or expedient so to do for avoiding genuine hardship in any case or class of cases, by general or special order for reasons to be specified therein, relax any requirement contained in any of the provisions of Chapter IV or Chapter VIA, where the assessee has failed to comply with any requirement specified in such provision for claiming deduction thereunder, subject to the following conditions, namely:- (i) the default in complying with such requirement was due to circumstances beyond the control of the assessee; and (ii) the assessee has complied with such requirement before the completion of assessment in relation to the previous year in which such deduction is claimed: Provided that the Central Government shall cause every order issued under this clause to be laid before each House of Parliament. (3) Every Income- tax Officer employed in the execution of this Act shall observe and follow such instructions as may be issued to him for his guidance by the Director of Inspection or by the Commissioner or by the Inspecting Assistant Commissioner within whose jurisdiction he performs his functions." 16. In pursuance of the above provision, the Central Board of Direct Taxes had withdrawn previous circulars, and in its Circular No. 683 dated 08.06.1994, required that the nodal authority for coordinating between BIFR and the Central Board was the Director General (Administration). This was sought to be highlighted by counsel for the W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 15 revenue. This court has no doubt about the proposition. However, the blanket submission that when the circular under Section 119 is ignored, and a scheme is given effect to by income tax authorities themselves, the BIFR's order or scheme is void, cannot be countenanced. There is no material on record to suggest such a conclusion. The Income Tax authorities in this case were aware in the earlier round, about the reference and possibility of a scheme; they requested for provision to recover their dues. The AAIFR specifically remitted the matter to BIFR to consider this aspect, which it did. Although the income tax authorities were not given notice, the order of BIFR reveals that it applied its mind, and granted limited concession only as regards reduction and waiver of interest. The larger pleas of the company towards income tax dues and concessions were denied by the BIFR. Having regard to these circumstances, and Section 32 of the Act as well as the Circular No. 683 of 1994 under the Income Tax Act, the failure of income tax authorities to inform the Director General (since the Circular was in existence at the time of formulation of the scheme in the present case) would not result in the invalidity of BIFR's scheme. Another aspect which this court notices is that the Income Tax authorities, i.e. the assessing officer and the Commissioner, have given effect to the orders of BIFR. These were pursuant to the orders of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) dated 19.02.2008. That order stands and has attained finality. Besides, the period for operation of the limited concessions in the scheme has also apparently ended. Lastly, in view of the concurrence of the other secured creditors, and implementation of the approved scheme, it W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 16 would be inequitable and unjust to put the clock back, at the behest of the Income Tax authorities. 17. In view of the above discussion, the writ petition is entitled to succeed. The impugned orders of AAIFR dated 01.04-2009 and 27.09.2012 in Appeal No. 227/2008 are hereby quashed. The orders of BIFR sanctioning the scheme, on 30th November, 2006 are hereby restored. The writ petition is allowed in these terms; there shall be no order as to costs. S. RAVINDRA BHAT (JUDGE) NAJMI WAZIRI (JUDGE) JULY 19, 2013 W.P.(C) 1915/2013, C.M. APPL.3645/2013 Page 17

No concealment penalty if search was initiated and concluded in the relevant previous year

IT: No penalty can be levied under section 271(1)(c) for concealment of income, where search was completed before end of relevant previous year

Anticipated loss in an outstanding repurchase transaction isn’t a notional loss; ITAT allows deducti

IT: Anticipated loss in outstanding repurchase transactions is actual and real and not a notional loss

Pre-deposit order must be communicated in writing

ST : Oral direction to make pre-deposit passed during course of personal hearing is not envisaged under section 37C of Central Excise Act and is invalid; any such direction must be passed in writing and communication as per section 37C ibid

A person performing back office services for an insurance co. can't be termed as an insurance agent

ST/ECJ : A person performing back office activities for insurance companies viz., handling applications, issuing policies, etc. cannot be regarded as an insurance agent and is not covered by reverse charge under rule 2(1)(d)(i)(A) of Service Tax Rules, 1994

Customs Notification No 77/2013 (NT) dated 19-07-2013

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Revenue

Notification no. 77 /2013-Customs (N.T.)

New Delhi, the 19^th July, 2013

G.S.R. No. (E) – In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-rule (1) of Rule 3 of the Customs Tariff (Transitional Product Specific Safeguard Duty) Rules, 2002 and in supersession of notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) No. 33/2013-Customs (N.T.) issued vide G.S.R. No. 199 (E) dated the 2^nd April, 2013 , the Central Government hereby appoints Sh. Ram Tirath as the Director General (Specific Safeguard) for the purposes of the said Rules.

[F. No. 528/89/2012-STO (TU)]

(M.V. Vasudevan)

Under Secretary to the Government of India

Customs Notification No 78/2013 (NT) dated 19-07-2013

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Revenue

Notification no. 78 /2013-Customs (N.T.)

New Delhi, the 19^th July, 2013

G.S.R. No. (E) – In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-rule (1) of Rule 3 of the Customs Tariff (Identification and Assessment of Safeguard Duty) Rules, 1997 and in supersession of notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) No. 34/2013-Customs (N.T.) issued vide G.S.R. No. 200 (E) dated the 2^nd April, 2013 , the Central Government hereby appoints Sh. Ram Tirath as the Director General (Safeguard) for the purposes of the said Rules.

[F. No. 528/89/2012-STO (TU)]

(M.V. Vasudevan)

Under Secretary to the Government of India