Suren Goel (HUF) vs ITO: Withdrawal of Appeal under Vivad Se Vishwas for AY 2015-16

Suren Goel (HUF) vs ITO: Withdrawal of Appeal under Vivad Se Vishwas for AY 2015-16

On February 4, 2021, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Delhi ‘SMC-I’ Bench, comprising Shri Bhavnesh Saini, Judicial Member, and Shri Prashant Maharishi, Accountant Member, addressed the case of Suren Goel (HUF) vs ITO, Ward-53(2), New Delhi. The case pertained to the assessment year 2015-16 and involved the appellant’s decision to withdraw the appeal under the Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme, 2020.

Background of the Case

The appellant, Suren Goel (HUF), a Hindu Undivided Family based in New Delhi, had filed an appeal against the order of the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) [CIT(A)]-18, New Delhi, dated May 29, 2019. The appeal was related to the assessment year 2015-16. However, before the hearing, the appellant sought to withdraw the appeal, citing the resolution of the dispute under the Vivad Se Vishwas Act, 2020.

The Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme, introduced by the Government of India, aims to resolve pending tax disputes by allowing taxpayers to settle disputes by paying a specified percentage of the disputed tax amount. This scheme has been a significant step towards reducing litigation and providing relief to taxpayers.

Withdrawal of Appeal

On February 4, 2021, during the hearing, the appellant’s representative, Shri Anuj Khanna, CA, informed the tribunal that the appellant had opted for settlement under the Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme, 2020. The tribunal was presented with Form No. 3, issued on December 30, 2020, confirming the eligibility of the appellant for a refund under the scheme.

In light of this, the appellant requested the tribunal to withdraw the appeal. The respondent’s representative, Shri Rajesh Kumar, Sr. DR, did not object to the withdrawal. Consequently, the ITAT accepted the request and dismissed the appeal as withdrawn.

Conclusion

The case of Suren Goel (HUF) vs ITO highlights the effective use of the Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme to resolve tax disputes without prolonged litigation. By opting for the scheme, the appellant was able to settle the dispute amicably, leading to the withdrawal of the appeal.

This decision underscores the importance of the Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme in providing a platform for taxpayers to resolve their disputes with the tax authorities efficiently. It also reflects the judiciary’s support for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, which help reduce the burden on the courts and provide quicker resolutions for taxpayers.

Overall, the resolution of this case under the Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme is a positive development, contributing to the ongoing efforts to streamline tax administration and enhance taxpayer satisfaction in India.

Suren Goel (HUF) vs ITO: Withdrawal of Appeal under Vivad Se Vishwas for AY 2015-16