Dev Milk Foods Pvt. Ltd v .Dy.CIT (Delhi ) (Trib) www.itatonline .org

S. 143(3) : Assessment – Limited scrutiny cannot be taken for complete scrutiny unless the AO forms a reasonable view that there is a possibility of under assessment of income – Approval by the PCIT in a mechanical manner is not valid – S.292BB does not save the infirmity – Order is quashed as a nullity . [ S. 292BB ]

Allowing the appeal of the assessee the Tribunal held that  ,under CBDT Instruction No.5/2016, a case earmarked for ‘Limited Scrutiny’ cannot be taken for ‘Complete Scrutiny’ unless the AO forms a “reasonable view” that there is a possibility of under assessment of income. The objective of the instruction is to (i) prevent fishing and roving enquiries; (ii) ensure maximum objectivity; and (iii) enforce checks and balances upon the powers of the AO. On facts, there is not an iota of cogent material shown by the AO for the conversion from limited scrutiny to complete scrutiny. The PCIT has also accorded approval in a mechanical manner. S. 292BB does not save the infirmity. The assessment order has to be quashed as a nullity (ITA No 6767 /Del/ 2019 dt  12-06 -2020  (AY.2015 -16)