PRL Projects And Infrastructure Ltd vs ACIT, DCIT

PER M. BALAGANESH, A. M.:

The appeal in ITA No. 44/Del/2026 for AY 2020-21, arises out of the order of the ld National Faceless Appeal Centre (NFAC), Delhi [hereinafter referred to as ‘ld. CIT(A)’, in short] dated 08.02.2025 against the order of assessment passed u/s 143(3) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Act’) dated 27.09.2022 by the Assessing Officer, Assessment Unit, Income Tax Department (hereinafter referred to as ‘ld. AO’).

The preliminary issue to be decided in this appeal is as to whether the Learned NFAC was justified in passing an exparte order in the facts and circumstances of the instant case.

We have heard the rival submissions and perused the materials available on record. Further, on going through the grounds raised by the assessee and the order of the National Faceless Appeal Centre (NFAC), we find that the ld NFAC had decided the issue ex parte without adjudicating the issue on merits giving its independent finding. Hence, in the interest of justice and fairplay we deem it fit and appropriate to restore this appeal to file of ld NFAC for de novo adjudication in accordance with law. Needless to mention the assessee be given reasonable opportunity of being heard. The assessee is directed to cooperate with ld NFAC for expeditious disposal of the appeal by not taking unwarranted adjournments. Hence, the grounds raised by the assessee are allowed for statistical purposes.

In the result, the appeal of the assessee is allowed for statistical purposes.