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March 2017

52. Notice – Validity- Service of notice- Reassessment- Sections 148 and 282 – A. Y. 1996-97- Service of notice on accountant of assessee company- Power of attorney given to accountant to conduct assessment proceedings does not include authority to accept any fresh notice- Notice not validly served on assessee- Reassessment proceedings vitiated

By K. B. Bhujle, Advocate
Reading Time 1 mins

CIT vs. Kanpur Plastipack Ltd.; 390 ITR 381 (All):

The managing director of the assessee company had executed a
power of attorney in favour of the company’s accountant to represent the
company in the assessment proceedings. Notice u/s. 148 of the Act, was served
on him. The Appellate Tribunal held that the assessment proceedings were
invalid and quashed the assessment order on the ground that the notice u/s. 148
was not validly served on the assessee.

On appeal by the Revenue, the Allahabad High Court upheld the
decision of the Tribunal and held as under:

“i)   The power of attorney had confined the
authority to representation to conduct the case. It did not include in it any
authority to accept any fresh notice.

ii)   The
person on whom the notice u/s. 148 of the Act was served was not the principal
officer of the assessee nor was there any material to show that he had been
authorized by the assessee to accept any notice. The Appellate Tribunal was
correct in concluding that the reassessment proceedings, which were initiated
on the basis of the notice u/s. 148 dated 28/05/2002 were vitiated.”

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