KOTHARI SUGARS AND CHEMICALS LTD. VS COMMISSIONER OF INCOME-TAX
1999 P T D 2456
[227 I T R 864]
[Madras High Court (India)]
Before K. A. Thanikkachalam and N. V Balasubramanian, JJ
KOTHARI SUGARS AND CHEMICALS LTD.
Versus
COMMISSIONER OF INCOME-TAX
Tax Case No.555 of 1983 (Reference No.295 of 1983), decided on 04/03/1996.
Income-tax---
----Business expenditure-.-Gratuity---Conditions laid down in S.40-A(7)(b) not satisfied---Gratuity was not deductible---Premium paid to cover liability towards gratuity was deductible ---Indian Income Tax Act, 1961, S.40-A(7).
The assessee claimed a deduction of Rs.7,14,317 towards gratuity for the assessment year 1975-76. The Tribunal found that the conditions laid down in section 40-A(7)(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, were not satisfied. In both the sub-clauses, the requirements are that there should be a provision and that there should be a pre-existing fund. According to the facts, there was no provision in the accounts. The Tribunal also noted that there was no irretrievable loss to the assessee on account of this finding, because the amount was allowable as soon as the provision was made for payment to an approved gratuity fund in a later. year or on actual payment under section 36(1)(v) of the Act. As far as the alternative ground was concerned, the Tribunal held that there was no justification for disallowance of Rs.66,482 which was a premium paid to cover the liability of the assessee towards gratuity for retiring or dismissed employees. On a reference:
Held, that the assessee was entitled to deduction of the premium paid to cover the liability of the assessee towards gratuity to the extent of Rs.66,482. For the balance of the amount, there was no evidence to show that provision was made or that any amount was actually paid. Therefore, the Tribunal was correct in `allowing deduction to the extent of Rs. 66,482 only.
R. Venkataraman for the Assessee.
C. V. Rajan for the Commissioner.
JUDGMENT
K. A. THANIKKACHALAM, J.---"(1) Whether, on the facts and in the circumstances of the case, the Appellate Tribunal was right in allowing the claim to the extent of Rs.66,482 only out of Rs.7,14,317 being a claim towards liability in accordance with actuarial valuation for the assessment year 1975-76?
(2) Whether, on the facts and in the circumstances of the case, the Appellate Tribunal was right in rejecting the claim of the assessee for development rebate of Rs.14,40,468 for the assessment year 1974-75?"
So far as question No. 1 is concerned, it is a matter record that no provision was made in the accounts. This finding of fact by the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was not disputed before the Tribunal. Section 40-A(7) of the Act bars the deduction of any liability towards gratuity unless, of course, the conditions mentioned in either of the sub clauses, under section 40-A(7)(b) of the Act are satisfied. In both these sub clauses, the requirements are that there should be a provision and that there should be a pre-existing fund. According to the facts, there is no provision in the accounts. Hence, the question whether it falls under sub-clause (1) or (2) of clause (b) of subsection (7) of section 40-A, is only academic in this case. The Tribunal also noted that there is no irretrievable loss to the assessee on account of this finding because the amount is allowable as soon as the provision is made for payment to an approved gratuity fund in a later year or on actual payment under section 36(1)(v) of the Act. As far as the alternative ground is concerned, the Tribunal held that there is no justification for disallowance of Rs.66,482 which was a premium paid to cover the liability of the assessee towards gratuity for retiring or dismissed employees. The fact that the insurance policy was subsequently discontinued is entirely irrelevant. The liability, if any, arising during the accounting year, is fully covered by the payment of the premium and for this reason, it is allowable as a deduction under section 37 of the Act though it may be considered even under section 36(1)(v) of the Act. The Tribunal, therefore, directed the relief to the extent of Rs.66,482. Inasmuch as the provisions were not made and inasmuch as the deduction can be allowed as and when payment was made to an approved gratuity fund in later years or on actual payment under section 36(1)(v) of the Act, the assessee is entitled to deduction of the premium paid to cover the liability of the assessee towards gratuity to the extent of Rs.66,482. For the balance of the amount, there is no evidence to show that provision was made or actually paid. Therefore, the Tribunal was correct in allowing deduction to the extent of Rs.66,482.
In so far as question No.2 is concerned, that was not pressed by learned counsel for the assessee inasmuch as T. C. No. 172 of 1977 relating to the assessment year 1969-70 was withdrawn on June 16, 1980. In view of the fact that the development rebate was granted earlier, the assessee is not entitled to claim development rebate in the assessment year 1974-75. In view of the foregoing reasons, we answer the questions referred to us in the affirmative and against the assessee. No costs.
M.B.A./2064/FC Reference answered.