Extension of period to submit ITR-V can’t validate a time-barred Sec. 143(2) notice

In this case, the return was e-filed by the assessee on 25-09-2009. The ITR-V for the same was received by CPC on 29-11-2010 i.e., within the period as extended by Circular No. 3/2009. Consequently, the AO issued a section 143(2) notice on 26-08-2011 and also passed the order under section 143(3). Assessee contended that the time limit for issue of notice should be reckoned from the date of e-filing of return. Consequently, the order passed by AO was without jurisdiction as it was passed on the basis of a time-barred notice.
 
Deliberating on the issue, the Tribunal held in favour of assessee as under:

1) According to the CBDT Scheme framed in this respect, the date of transmitting the return electronically shall be the date of furnishing of return if the form ITR-V is furnished in the prescribed manner and within the period specified;

2) Since ITR-V, received by CPC was within the prescribed time in the prescribed manner and in the prescribed form, hence, for all practical purpose, the date of filing of the return shall be the date on which the return was electronically uploaded i.e. 25-09-2009.

In view of the above, it was held that the notice served on the assessee was beyond the period of six months from the end of the financial year in which the return was furnished and therefore, was invalid and could not be acted upon. Consequently, the assessment order passed was quashed - E.K.K. & Co. v. ACIT [2012] 27 taxmann.com 111 (Cochin - Trib.)