PCIT v. Vaidya Panalalmanilal (HUF) (2018) 259 Taxman 19 (Guj.)(HC)

S. 54 : Capital gains – Profit on sale of property used for residence- Consideration that arose in hands of HUF on sale of capital asset had been invested for purchase of new residential house in name of some of its members instead of assessee (HUF)-Entitle to exemption. [S. 45]

Dismissing the appeal of the revenue the Court held that, the materials on record would suggest that there was no dispute at the hands of the revenue that the sale consideration arising out of the sale of the capital asset was used for acquisition of a new asset and that such newly acquired asset was also shown in the accounts of the HUF. Revenue’s sole objection is that the sale deed was not executed in the name of the HUF but was in the name of two of the members of the HUF. The Tribunal was right in coming to the conclusion that this was substantial compliance with the requirement of section 54F when neither the source of acquisition of the new capital asset nor the account of such new asset in the name of the HUF are doubted. Mere technicality that the sale deed was executed in the name of member of the HUF rather not HUF, would not be sufficient to defeat the claim of deduction. By mere names of the purchasers in the sale deed, the rights of the HUF and other members of the HUF do not get defeated. If at all, the persons’ named in the sale deed hold the property of the trust for and on behalf of HUF and the other members of the HUF.  In the present case, the capital asset was sold by the HUF and purchased by the HUF as reflected in the accounts. The names of two members of the HUF shown in the sale deed was only a cosmetic in nature. (AY. 2009-10)