ITAT condoned delay in filing of appeal as delay occurred due to death of assessee’s counsels

Facts:

a) Assessee filed his appeal before the ITAT with a considerable delay beyond the time limit prescribed under section 253(3).

b) He requested for condonation of delay on ground that there were various casualties/deaths and medical contingencies of the persons connected with the him to represent his case.

Tribunal held in favour of assessee as under:

1) The relevant averments of the assessee as contained in application for condonation of delay duly supported by an affidavit that the CA who was representing the Income-tax matters unfortunately got expired. Then the matter was being looked after by assessee's younger brother.

2) Unfortunately even his younger brother got expired. Subsequently, the papers were handed over to an advocate who he did not file the appeals and at the same time he also got expired. Besides, during the aforesaid period the assessee was suffering from heart diseases and ultimately he underwent angiography, in-between, the assessee's mother got expired.

3) Then assessee appointed a new CA in November 2016, unfortunately he met with an accident and was bedridden for three months. He was able to walk only sometime in February, 2017 end and then the matter was pursued by him and the appeal was ultimately filed.

4) Assessee had sufficiently explained that the he was prevented by sufficient and bona fide cause in filing this appeal within time prescribed by law. 

5) Since delay in filing appeal took place due to consecutive casualties/deaths and medical contingencies of assessee's counsels, delay was to be condoned. [2017] 81 taxmann.com 298 (Mumbai - Trib.)