Provision for bad and doubtful debts cannot be added to the “book profits” for purposes of section 115JA because they merely represent the dimunition in the value of an asset and are not a provision for an unascertained liability.

Note: The judgements in Echjay Forgings 251 ITR 15 (Bom), Amines & Plasticizers 296 ITR 727 (Gau) and Usha Martin 104 ITD 249 (Kol) (SB) stand impliedly approved while that in Beardsell 244 ITR 256 (Mad) stands impliedly overruled.