Bonafide Exports, New Delhi vs Assessee
- CitationITA No. 2618/Del/2012
Ratio decidendi
The rule this decision rests on
A tribunal may treat an appeal as un-admitted and dismiss it in limine where the appellant, having been listed for hearing on more than one occasion, fails to appear and does not seek adjournment, indicating that the appellant is not interested in prosecuting the appeal; such a dismissal is without prejudice to the appellant's right to seek recall of the order by explaining its non-appearance and satisfying the Bench.
Written by Miss Lucy from the judgment below, not taken from a headnote.
Judgment
As delivered
The above appeal has been filed by the assessee against the order of
CIT(A)-XI, New Delhi dated 30.3.2012 pertaining to AY 2007-08.
2. This appeal was fixed for hearing on 10.12.2012, 16.5.2013 but on the
fixed dates, none appeared on behalf of the assessee. Today on 25.2.2015, no
1 ITA No. 2618/Del/2012 Asstt.Year: 2007-08
one was present on behalf of the assessee nor any request for adjournment
was placed before the Bench.
3. It appears that the assessee is not interested in getting the appeal
prosecuted. Hon'ble Madhya Pradesh High Court in the case of
Tukojirao Holkar Vs CWT 223 ITR 480 (MP), while dismissing the
reference made at the instance of the assessee in default, made the following
observations:-
"If the party at whose instance, the reference is made, fails to appear at the hearing or fails in taking steps for preparation of the paper books so as to enable hearing of the reference, the court is not bound to answer the reference."
4. ITAT Delhi Bench 'D' in the case of CIT vs Multiplan India (P)
Ltd. 38 ITD 320 observed that the provisions of Rule 19 state that mere
issue of notice could not by itself mean that the appeal had been admitted.
This rule only clarifies the position. There might be various reasons with the
appellant to remain absent at the time of hearing. One of the reasons might
also be a desire or absence of need to prosecute the appeal or liability to
assist the Tribunal in a proper manner or to take benefit of vagaries of law.
5. Respectfully following the precedents, the appeal filed by the assessee
is treated as un-admitted and dismissed in limine. We may like to clarify
2 ITA No. 2618/Del/2012 Asstt.Year: 2007-08
that subsequently, if the assessee explains the reasons for non-appearance
and if the Bench is so satisfied, the matter may be recalled for the purpose of
adjudication of the appeal.
6. In the result, the appeal filed by the assessee is dismissed for non-
prosecution.
Order pronounced in the open court on 26.2.2015.
Sd/- Sd/-
(N.K. SAINI) (CHANDRAMOHAN GARG) ACCOUNTANT MEMBER JUDICIAL MEMBER
DT. 26th FEBRUARY, 2015 'GS'
Copy forwarded to:-
1. Appellant 2. Respondent 3. C.I.T.(A) 4. C.I.T. 5. DR By Order
Asstt.Registrar
3
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