Writ petition was filed seeking a direction that (a) “relative” as defined under section 2(g) of the 2007 Act be treated at par with “relative” as defined under section 2(41) and section 56 of the 1961 Act for grant of exemption from tax on gifts received and challenging the provisos and Explanation in section 56 of the 1961 Act granting exemption to relatives while excluding relatives as defined under section 2(g) of the 2007 Act. Dismissing the petition the Court held that the definition of relative under Income-tax Act in no manner promoted the maintenance and welfare of senior citizens. Consequently, the reliance placed by the assessee on sections 3 and 4 of the 2007 Act that it was a welfare legislation and had overriding effect over other Acts was untenable in law. The contention that the 1961 Act made two classes of senior citizens was contrary to the facts. This would not prejudice the right of the donee to file any proceeding in accordance with law. The Court also observed that the general approach of the courts is to ensure that they do not stray into usurping the legislative function. A specific instance of this approach is the rule that a casus omissus is not to be created or supplied, so that a statute may not be extended to meet a case for which provision has clearly and undoubtedly not been made. Relied on Babita Lila v. UOI (2016) 387 ITR 305 (SC)
Indira Uppal (Miss) v. UOI (2022) 447 ITR 683/ 289 Taxman 487 (Delhi)(HC)
S. 56 : Income from other sources-Relative-Definition of reactive under two different Acts-Writ petition dismissed-Interpretation of taxing statute-Legislative function-Causus Omisus-Not created by interpretation. [S. 2(41), Art, 226, Maintenance and Welfare of parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, S. 2(g), 23]