When two companies are merged and are so joined, as to form a third company or one is absorbed into or blended with another, the amalgamating company loses its identity. Once the factum of amalgamation of a company had been brought to the notice of the Assessing Officer and despite this the proceedings are continued and an order of assessment passed in the name of non-existent company, the order of assessment would not be merely a procedural defect but would be rendered void; and the participation in the proceedings by the assessee cannot operate as an estoppel against law.