"Genuine hardship"- Is this a ground to claim relief under income-tax laws?
UNIQUE TIMES|June - July 2024
The legislative intent behind granting the power to overlook procedural delays is to ensure that cases are resolved based on their actual merits, promoting fair justice.
Adv Sherry Samuel Oommen
"Genuine hardship"- Is this a ground to claim relief under income-tax laws?

A. Introduction

The Income Tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter “the Act”) is a comprehensive law that governs income taxation. Under the Act, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (hereinafter “Board”), is authorised to create policies, guidelines, and rules to guarantee its proper execution. A key provision in the Act is Section 119(2)(b), which gives the Board the authority to lessen the severity of tax regulations, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.

Notably, the Act empowers certain income tax authorities to condone delay under Section 119(2) (b). In the recent past, delays in filing audit report (for instance) have resulted in trusts being denied the exemption claimed under various provisions of the Act. Sadly, owing to lack of knowledge regarding remedial provisions in the Act, charitable institutions are mulcted with recovery notices leading to unnecessary stress. In this article, I intend to delve on a key provision contained in the Act, which could turn out to be a lifeline in addressing procedural delays.

B. Introduction

To understand the issue at hand, it would be profitable to extract the provisions of Section 119(2)(b) of the Act, which states as follows:

“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 authorize any income-tax authority, not being a Joint Commissioner (Appeals) or a Commissioner (Appeals) to admit an application or claim for any exemption, deduction, refund or any other relief under 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". (emphasis supplied)

C. Understanding the term “genuine hardship” – A snapshot

Bu hikaye UNIQUE TIMES dergisinin June - July 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye UNIQUE TIMES dergisinin June - July 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

UNIQUE TIMES DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Bhutan: The Enchanting Jewel Of The Himalayas
UNIQUE TIMES

Bhutan: The Enchanting Jewel Of The Himalayas

Majestic snow-capped mountains, picturesque valleys, verdant forests, centuries-old Buddhist shrines and monasteries, fluttering prayer flags, a serene way of life and folks boasting the best happiness index in the world...this Land of the Thunder Dragon has much more to entice those with wanderlust.

time-read
6 dak  |
October - November 2024
Bail - Emerging Trends In The Context Of Money Laundering Laws
UNIQUE TIMES

Bail - Emerging Trends In The Context Of Money Laundering Laws

The Hon'ble Supreme Court in case of Manish Sisodia Vs Directorate of Enforcement 2024 SCC Online 1920 has upheld certain key propositions that where a trial has not merely been delayed but has not even commenced after a long period of incarceration, the same would be violative of Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

time-read
5 dak  |
October - November 2024
Toyota, Maruti Suzuki Boost Hybrid Vehicle Sales in Uttar Pradesh Amid Tax Waivers, Spark Industry Debate
UNIQUE TIMES

Toyota, Maruti Suzuki Boost Hybrid Vehicle Sales in Uttar Pradesh Amid Tax Waivers, Spark Industry Debate

Toyota and Maruti Suzuki are ramping up marketing efforts for hybrid vehicles in Uttar Pradesh, leveraging new state tax waivers that offer buyers savings of up to $15,800 on luxury models like the Toyota Vellfire.

time-read
1 min  |
October - November 2024
Supreme Court Rejects AAP Government's Plea to Expand NRI Quota in Punjab Medical Colleges
UNIQUE TIMES

Supreme Court Rejects AAP Government's Plea to Expand NRI Quota in Punjab Medical Colleges

The Supreme Court rejected the AAP-led Punjab government's plea challenging the High Court's ruling against expanding the ‘NRI quota’ to include distant relatives for medical and dental college admissions.

time-read
1 min  |
October - November 2024
USA's Delaware Supreme Court Confirms Byju's Default on $1.2-Billion Loan Amidst Ongoing Insolvency Proceedings
UNIQUE TIMES

USA's Delaware Supreme Court Confirms Byju's Default on $1.2-Billion Loan Amidst Ongoing Insolvency Proceedings

The Delaware Supreme Court has upheld a ruling that edtech firm Byju's defaulted on a $1.2 billion Term Loan B (TLB), validating claims made by US-based lenders.

time-read
1 min  |
October - November 2024
India Approves Rs 3,300 Cr Semiconductor Packaging Plant in Gujarat, to Boost Chip Production
UNIQUE TIMES

India Approves Rs 3,300 Cr Semiconductor Packaging Plant in Gujarat, to Boost Chip Production

The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 3,300 crore proposal from electronics manufacturer Kaynes to establish a semiconductor packaging plant in Sanand, Gujarat.

time-read
1 min  |
October - November 2024
Thar Roxx: Your Perfect Off-Road Companion
UNIQUE TIMES

Thar Roxx: Your Perfect Off-Road Companion

To say that Mahindra knows the Indian customer really well, will be an understatement. Their biggest hits have come in various forms over the years, from the XUV500 to the XUV700 and the Scorpio N in recent times.

time-read
3 dak  |
October - November 2024
Exfoliate Your Way to Flawless Skin
UNIQUE TIMES

Exfoliate Your Way to Flawless Skin

Imagine waking up to smooth, glowing skin every day—skin that feels soft to the touch and looks naturally radiant without the need for heavy makeup or filters.

time-read
3 dak  |
October - November 2024
The Stinking Rose: Flavourful and Full of Health
UNIQUE TIMES

The Stinking Rose: Flavourful and Full of Health

Garlic, the humble bulb with a pungent aroma and a rich history dating back thousands of years, has earned a reputation not only in culinary delights but also as a powerhouse of health benefits.

time-read
2 dak  |
October - November 2024
Never give up!
UNIQUE TIMES

Never give up!

In the earlier stage of your life, it was someone else who might have been gravely instrumental in shaping your viewpoints. Hence, it is supremely important to re-evaluate what you believe in, when you become an adult.

time-read
4 dak  |
October - November 2024