Saturday, October 8, 2016

Reference to TPO not invalid even if AO doesn't supply satisfaction note before making reference

Facts:

a) Assessee filed the instant petition before the High Court challenging the validity of reference made by AO to TPO to determine ALP of international transaction.

b) The petition was filed on following grounds:

- In terms of the Instructions No. 3/2016 dated 10-3-2016, the requirement of passing reasoned order on the objections of assessee (regarding whether a transaction is an international transaction or not) and the service of the order upon the assessee is a condition precedent to the Assessing Officer making a reference to the TPO.

- Non-compliance with either or both the above mandatory conditions render the reference to the TPO void.

The High Court held as under:

1) The satisfaction recorded by the AO in the instant case contained sufficient reasons. He had indicated the relationship between the assessee and the other parties. He had made a comparative chart and alleged that the sales were under invoiced. That would be sufficient to refer the matter to the TPO. Whether the allegations are true or not must be tested before the authorities under the Act and not in a writ petition under Article 226. The challenge on this ground was, therefore, unsustainable.