IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
Sanjeev Sachdeva, J.
Dr. Indraneel Mittra - Appellant
Versus
New Delhi Municipal Council - Respondent
W.P. (C) No. 4513 of 2021; C.M. Appl No. 13797 of 2021, 13798 of 2021
Decided On : 17-05-2021
Assessment Order - Remittal for Fresh Assessment - The court set aside the impugned assessment order and remitted the matter to the respondent Corporation to pass a fresh assessment order after considering the objections and documents filed by the petitioner and giving an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner.
Fact of the Case:
The petitioner challenged the assessment order, citing non-consideration of relevant tenancy documents and objections filed by the petitioner.
Finding of the Court:
The court set aside the impugned assessment order and remitted the matter to the respondent Corporation for a fresh assessment order, considering the objections and documents filed by the petitioner and providing an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner.
Issues: Non-consideration of relevant tenancy documents and objections filed by the petitioner in the assessment order.
Ratio Decidendi: The court emphasized the importance of considering the objections and relevant documents filed by the petitioner in the assessment process, leading to the decision to set aside the impugned assessment order and remit the matter for a fresh assessment.
Final Decision: The petition was allowed, and the impugned assessment order was set aside, with the matter remitted to the respondent Corporation for a fresh assessment order.
JUDGMENT
Sanjeev Sachdeva, J. - The hearing was conducted through video conferencing.
2. Petitioner impugns assessment order dated 16.12.2020. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the impugned assessment order relies on several notices including notice dated 17.03.2012 which notice was was challenged by the petitioner in W.P(C) 2577/2012 and the said notice was quashed by order dated 25.07.2012.
3. Learned counsel further submits that the assessment order records that the rent agreements with the tenants have not been furnished, however, the order records that in case the petitioner were to submit the documents of tenancy, the respondents would reconsider the matter. She submits that petitioner has submitted the relevant tenancy documents to the respondents after the passing of the impugned order.
4. Learned counsel further points out that the impugned order records that after receipt of the notices referred therein no objections were filed by the petitioner, however, objections were duly filed and copies of the same are annexed as Annexure 7 (Colly) to this petition and said objections have not been considered.
5. Learned counsel appearing for the respondents under instructions submits that impugned order dated 16.12.2020 shall be withdrawn without prejudice to the rights and contentions of the parties and the department would reassess the case of the petitioner and pass a fresh assessment order after taking into consideration the objections filed by the petitioner and giving an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner.
6. In view of the above, impugned order dated 16.12.2020 is set aside. Matter is remitted to the respondent Corporation to pass a fresh assessment order after taking into account the objections and the documents filed by the petitioner and given an opportunity of hearing to the Petitioner.
7. All rights and contentions of the parties are reserved. This is also without prejudice to the plea of limitation being taken by the petitioner.
8. Petition is allowed in the above terms.
9. Copy of the Order be uploaded on the High Court website and be also forwarded to learned counsels through email by the Court Master.
The court emphasized the significance of considering objections and relevant documents filed by the petitioner in the assessment process, leading to the decision to set aside the impugned assessment ....
A party must be given a fair opportunity to present objections and evidence before an assessment decision is made.
Quash of Assessment – Demand notice - Order records to the contrary that no response has been received from the recorded owner with regard to the said notice.
Taxation - Assessment - Impugned order is not sustainable as same has been passed contrary to sub-section (2) of Section 72.
The assessing authority must consider submitted objections before amending the assessment list, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations and providing fair opportunity for hearing.
The court ruled that lack of proper notice to the petitioner requires re-assessment of property tax, emphasizing the necessity of fair opportunity for contesting assessments.
The principle of natural justice and the requirement for factual accuracy in assessment orders were central to the court's decision.
Point of law : On petitioner furnishing the proof of deposit of the said amount with the respondent, the Manager, Central Bank of India shall lift attachment of the said account.
Point of law: On petitioner furnishing the proof of deposit of the said amount with the respondent, the Manager, Central Bank of India shall lift attachment of the said account
Failure to submit requisite documents within the specified time frame may be reconsidered if the petitioner subsequently produces the necessary documentation.
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