Unity Industries v. ITO (2020) 84 ITR 44 (SN) (SMC) (Bang.)(Trib.)

S. 154 : Rectification of mistake-Mistake must be apparent on record-Mere change of opinion not sufficient-Rectification not justified-Payments for purchase of raw material when bank account not active-Genuineness of transaction established-No disallowance warranted. [S. 40A (3), R.6DD]

Tribunal held that the Assessing Officer had not doubted the genuineness of the transaction. Therefore, the proceedings under section 154 of the Act were taken on a mere change of opinion, which was outside the mandate of the section. A mistake apparent on the record must be an obvious and patent mistake and not something which could be established by a long-drawn process of reasoning on points on which there might conceivably be two opinions. Since the assessee had proved that there was commercial/business expediency in making cash purchases, the mistake could not be obvious and apparent from record. Accordingly disallowance was deleted. (AY.2014-15)