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August 2023

Section 244A: Refund — Interest — Till actual date of payment — CPC failed to follow directions of Hon’ble Court — Contempt notice issued for non-compliance.

By Ajay R. Singh, Advocate
Reading Time 4 mins
11. Tech Mahindra Ltd vs. DCIT, Circle 2(3)(1), Mumbai and Ors.
[WP (L) No. 5317 Of 2023
A.Y.: 2018-19; Dated: 27th June, 2023 (Bom) (HC).]

Section 244A: Refund — Interest — Till actual date of payment — CPC failed to follow directions of Hon'ble Court — Contempt notice issued for non-compliance.

The issue involved in the petition before the Hon'ble Court was seeking relief in regards to nonissuance of refund due for A.Y. 2018-2019 of Rs.153.80 crores alongwith further interest under section 244A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (the Act) till the date of actual payment.

The Hon'ble Court observed that the Department has filed an affidavit affirmed on 26th April, 2023 in which it is admitted that a net refund of Rs. 153.80 crores plus interest under section 244A of the Act became due to be refundable to Petitioner – Assessee. It is also admitted that the Petitioner made repeated representations to the Respondent – Department. According to the Respondent, there was an outstanding demand of Rs. 266.73 crores for A.Ys. 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2015 and 2017-2018 and admittedly, a stay has been granted to petitioner by respondent vide an order dated 27th December, 2022. By the said order, an adjustment of 20 per cent of the demand against the admitted due refund of A.Y. 2018-2019 of Rs. 153.80 crores has been granted and for the balance, a stay has been granted till 31st December, 2023 or till the disposal of appeal