Act/Law wise: Judgment of Supreme Court of Bangladesh (AD & HCD)



Income Tax Ordinance, 1984
Section/Order/ Article/Rule/ Regulation Head Note Parties Name Reference/Citation
Article 5A of the 3rd Schedule

It appears that the leasing company being the owner of the leased out asset, used the asset for the purpose of business, i.e. leased out the property using the same as business assets and as such attracted by the provision of Article 5A of the 3rd Schedule of the Income Tax Ordinance 1984.
It appears that the first appellate authority did not consider as to the ownership of the vehicle remaining with lessor and not with the lessee and further that the lessor deals in the business of leasing out the vehicle to the lessee who operates the vehicle for his business. But the business of the lessor remains in the status of using the vehicle for the purpose of business of lease. Therefore these two pre-condition having been fulfilled in the instant case, the Assessee-applicant is entitled to the normal depreciation allowance and the initial depreciation allowance on the vehicle it has leased out to different lessee, being their customer. ...ILFSL Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 9 SCOB [2017] HCD 1 ....View Full Judgment

ILFSL Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes 9 SCOB [2017] HCD 1
Section 16A

Income Tax Ordinance, 1984
Section 16A And
Section 36 of the Finance Act, 2013:
Power of imposition of surcharge is very much within the plenary power of legislation of the Parliament:
Though the term ‘surcharge’ is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution or not defined in the said Ordinance, the basic concept of ‘surcharge’ was always there in our Constitution and the said Ordinance. The only difference being that while the Indian Constitution, under Article 271, specifically has mentioned the word ‘surcharge’, our Constitution has not mentioned the same in such specific way. Not only that, upon examining the dictionary meaning of the word “impost” as used under the definition of ‘taxation’ as provided by our Constitution under Article 152, there is no semblance of doubt that the Parliament has always had the plenary power to legislate provisions for imposition of ‘additional tax’, ‘extra charge’ or ‘impost’, through whatever terms it may be called, by which some additional charges may be levied on the tax payers in addition to their ordinary tax payments. In consideration of the above wide definition of ‘taxation’ as given by our Constitution and the definition of term ‘Tax’ as provided by the relevant provision of the said Ordinance, we are, therefore, of the view that the power of imposition of surcharge, as has been done by the impugned provisions, was very much within the plenary power of legislation of the Parliament. ...Golam Md. Faroque Uddin & ors Vs. Bangladesh & ors, (Civil), 8 SCOB [2016] HCD 67 ....View Full Judgment

Golam Md. Faroque Uddin & ors Vs. Bangladesh & ors 8 SCOB [2016] HCD 67
Sections 16 CCC, 16, 17, 20, 28(1), 29....

Income Tax Ordinance, 1984
Sections 16 CCC, 16, 17, 20, 28(1), 29, 35, 37, 38, 42, 83(2) & sec. 2 (34), (46), (65)
The Constitution of Bangladesh, 1972
Articles 26, 27, 31, 40 and 42 r/w
Companies Act, 1994
Finance Act
Section 16 CCC of the Ordinance, 1984 is enacted for betterment of the people of the country and to prevent tax evasion–– The legislature suddenly incorporated Section 16 CCC in the Ordinance, 1984 through the Finance Act, 2011, imposing liability of paying minimum tax @ 0.50% on gross receipts for every company irrespective of its profit or loss in an assessment year from all sources; Previously similar provision was also incorporated in the Ordinance, 1984 as Section 16 CC through the Finance Act, 2006 which was subsequently omitted by Finance Act, 2008; The provision of newly inserted Section 16 CCC being inconsistent and contrary to the provisions of Sections 16, 17, 20, 28(1), 29, 35, 37, 38, 42, 83(2) and definition clauses (34), (46), (65) of Section 2 of the Ordinance, 1984 as such is in conflict and contradictory with the aim, spirit, purposes, object and basic concept of the Ordinance, 1984; The fundamental rights of the petitioners guaranteed under Articles 26, 27, 31, 40 and 42 of the Constitution have been grossly violated and thus impugned Section 16 CCC of the Ordinance, 1984 is liable to be declared violative of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution and also relevant provisions of the Ordinance, 1984.
The court must, therefore, act within their judicial permissible limitation to uphold the Rule of Law and harness their power in public interest and if the intent and general operation of the impugned tax legislation is to adjust the burden with a fair and reasonable degree of equality, Constitutional requirement is satisfied and in this regard a taxation law enacted by the Parliament in accordance with law is not amenable to judicial review. It has been consistently held by this Division that in matters of policy decision of the Government the court requires restraint. ––Appellate Division is of the view that impugned Section 16 CCC is enacted for betterment of the people of the country and to prevent tax evasion and the enactment is not arbitrary, unreasonable, unfair as well as not violative of any of the provisions of the Ordinance, 1984 or of the Constitution. .....S. Alam Beg Manufacturing Mills Ltd. =VS= Ministry of Finance, BD, (Civil), 2023(1) [14 LM (AD) 344] ....View Full Judgment

S. Alam Beg Manufacturing Mills Ltd. =VS= Ministry of Finance, BD 14 LM (AD) 344
Sections 16 CCC, 16, 17, 20, 28(1), 29....

Income Tax Ordinance, 1984
Sections 16 CCC, 16, 17, 20, 28(1), 29, 35, 37, 38, 42, 83(2) & sec. 2 (34), (46), (65)
The Constitution of Bangladesh, 1972
Articles 26, 27, 31, 40 and 42
Fiscal policy and in exercise of the power of judicial review, court do not ordinarily interfere with the policy decisions–– It is a settled principle of law that a very wide latitude is available to the legislature in the matter of formulation of tax law i.e. fiscal policy and in exercise of the power of judicial review, court do not ordinarily interfere with the policy decisions, unless such policy could be faulted on the ground of mala-fide, arbitrariness, unreasonableness, unfairness etc. .....S. Alam Beg Manufacturing Mills Ltd. =VS= Ministry of Finance, BD, (Civil), 2023(1) [14 LM (AD) 344] ....View Full Judgment

S. Alam Beg Manufacturing Mills Ltd. =VS= Ministry of Finance, BD 14 LM (AD) 344
Section 28, 29

Therefore, it appears from the above description of the word “depreciation” that in calculating the total income in a concerned assessment year, the wears and tears of assets, which have been used for the purpose of the business and to earn revenue, have to be taken into consideration. From the context of the said concept, the relevant provisions have been incorporated in our statute book, namely Income Tax Ordinance, 1984. Thus, while Section 28 of the said Ordinance classifies the income from business and profession, Section 29 provides for the allowances to be deducted from the said income while calculating the same for the purpose of assessment. Clause(VIII) of subsection (1) of Section 29 provides that the depreciation of building, machinery, plan or furniture etc. of the concerned assessee, which have been used for the purposes of business or profession, shall be allowed as admissible under the Third Schedule to the said Ordinance. Again, Paragraph-2 of the said Third Schedule, in particular subparagraph (1) of the same, provides that in computing the profits and gains from the business or profession, an allowance for depreciation shall be made in the manner provided hereinafter. This Paragraph 2 is followed by a Table under Paragraph 3 prescribing fixed rates of depreciations to be allowed on the ‘written down value’ of any particular assets used in the business. ...Youngone Synthetic Ind. Ltd & anr Vs Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 98
As against above backdrop, we are of the view that, if the interpretation as suggested by the learned advocate for the assessees is accepted by this Court, that will give an absurd result in that though the assessees became liable to face some sort of consequences because of non-filing of the returns during the said ten years period, thereby preventing the concerned tax authorities from doing any assessment thereon, the same assesses would be given a double benefit now by allowing the original costs of the said properties ten years ago to be treated as ‘written down value’ in the concerned assessment year without deducting the actual depreciation which would have been allowed or could have been allowed had there been any actual assessments upon returns filed by the assessees. Under no circumstances, a Court of law can accept such proposition. This being so, we are of the view that, though no assessment has in fact been done during the said exemption period, the application of law should be made in such a way that no undue benefit is given to such assessees. In view of above, we hold that the words “depreciation allowed under this Ordinance” can under no circumstance be regarded as depreciation actually allowed through assessment orders. ...Youngone Synthetic Ind. Ltd & anr Vs Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 98 ....View Full Judgment

Youngone Synthetic Ind. Ltd & anr Vs Commissioner of Taxes 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 98
Section 29(1)

Per MM Ruhul Amin J : (agreeing)—The basic and essential conditions on which Zakat becomes obligatory are not at all applicable to the petitioner, and, as such, the petitioner bank is not required to pay Zakat and hence not entitled to get exemption under section 29(1) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984 on account of payment of Zakat The review petitions are accordingly, liable to be dismissed. Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd vs Commissioner of Taxes 14 BLC (AD) 145.

Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd vs Commissioner of Taxes 14 BLC (AD) 145
Section 29(1)(XXVII)

Per Justice Md Ruhul Amin CJ (delivered the main judgment) —The payment as claimed by the petitioner on the head of 'Zakat' on behalf of the depositors or account holders for flourishing of the business has no nexus to carry on his business and, as such, the exemption claimed in respect of the amount said to have been paid on the head 'Zakat' does in no way come within the provision of section 29(1) (XXVII) of the Ordinance. Such payment, termed as 'Zakat', by the corporate body, on behalf of its depositors/customers, cannot be considered to have been made towards 'Zakat' which said to have led to flourishing of its business and for that cannot be considered covered by the provision of section 29(1)(XXVII) of the Ordinance. Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd vs Commissioner of Taxes 14 BLC (AD) 145.

Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd vs Commissioner of Taxes 14 BLC (AD) 145
Section 29(1)(XXVII)

Per MA Matin J : (agreeing)—Since the petitioners are under no obligation to pay any zakat as juridical persons they are also not authorised to pay zakat on behalf of their account holders and therefore, they are not entitled to any exemption of taxes from their income within the meaning of section 29(1)(XXVII) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984. Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd vs Commissioner of Taxes 14 BLC (AD) 145.

Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd vs Commissioner of Taxes 14 BLC (AD) 145
Sections 29(1) and 44

Zakat as a concept and a pillar of Islam is not applicable to a juristic person like bank.
The Appellate Division observed that the High Court Division came to a finding that the petitioner/company was not entitled to get any benefit of deduction of income from business on Zakat expenditure as it did not fall within the ambit of section 29(1) (XXVII) of the Ordinance. The High Court Division further found that the petitioner was not entitled to any exemption on the basis of the guidelines of the Bangladesh Bank which was not applicable in case of assessee-bank. Therefore, the High Court Division concluded that the Tribunals committed no error law in passing the orders impugned before it and rather the Tribunals had taken correct decision in the matter. Accordingly, both petitions are dismissed.
Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited-Vs.- The Deputy Commissioner of Taxes and another(Syed Mahmud Hossain J) 6 ALR (AD) 2015 (2)213

Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited-Vs.- The Deputy Commissioner of Taxes and another 6 ALR (AD) 213
Section 33

Whether the assessee has invested a portion of the income in profitable businesses, the profit is also utilized for charitable purposes, and there¬fore, it is entitled to exemption in accordance with Part A of the Sixth Schedule.
The Appellate Division held that the submission of the learned counsel is devoid of substance. Though the assessee has created the trust for charitable purposes, it has been carrying on commercial business which are beyond the main object for which the trust was created. If a trust was created for charitable purposes and it entered into business with trust property, such business is not directly related to the objective of the trust. The business is carried on to meet the expenses of the employees of trust or for the livelihood of some other persons, but the proviso has restricted the scope and general exemption. More so, after the amendment of para¬graph 1, the assessee cannot get the benefit of exemption, inasmuch as, it failed to show that the in-come has been derived from the house property only. The explanation made it clear that sub-paragraph (1) shall not apply in the case of NGO registered with NGO affairs Bureau. The trust has been registered under the Societies Registration Act and registered with the NGO Bureau, and therefore, it will not get the benefit of paragraph 1, Part I of the said schedule. On perusal of the returns submitted by the assessee the Deputy Commissioner of Taxes came to the conclusion that the assessee transferred BRAC Printer’s income from taxable ac¬count to non-taxable account; that the income from Arong Craft Project was not correct and added the income under section 33 of the Ordinance. We find no infirmity in the assessment.
Commissioner of Taxes -Vs.- Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), 75, Mohakhali, Dhaka (Civil) 14 ALR (AD) 01-09

Commissioner of Taxes -Vs.- Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), 75, Mohakhali, Dhaka 14 ALR (AD) 1
Section 35

The DCT concern, prior to discarding the book versions of the accounts has to raise dissatisfaction as to the method of accounting as to its cumbersomeness that the true and correct income of the Assessee-applicant cannot be deduced therefrom or to pin point the defect in the accounts; else the DCT concern has to accept the book version of the accounts as submitted by the Assessee-applicant and audited and certified by the chartered accountant. ...Bright Textile Ind. (Pvt.) Ltd Vs Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 6 SCOB [2016] HCD 5 ....View Full Judgment

Bright Textile Ind. (Pvt.) Ltd Vs Commissioner of Taxes 6 SCOB [2016] HCD 5
Section 35(4)

Since the DCT concern did not raise any dissatisfaction as to the method of accounting and did not pin point any of the defect in the accounts, the two lower appellate authorities were required to consider the said question and decide the appeals before them in its true perspective. But that has not been done by the two lower appellate authorities and as such the questions as have been formulated in the instant three Income Tax Reference Applications are required to be answered in negative and in favour of the Assessee-applicant. ...Ahmed Service Ltd Vs Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 1 ....View Full Judgment

Ahmed Service Ltd Vs Commissioner of Taxes 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 1
Section 35(3)

The provision in section 35 (3) of the Ordinance, 1984 does not exonerate the assessee from supplying evidence in support of the claims for allowances/deductions– Section 35(3) of the Ordinance indeed directs the assessee to furnish a copy of the trading account, profit and loss account and the balance sheet of the income year certified by a Chartered Accountant, but that does not obviate the requirement to provide evidence in support of the claims made by the assessee. We reiterate the finding of the High Court Division in the decision reported in 58 DLR 531 that accounts audited by a firm of Chartered Accountants cannot be said to be sacrosanct. When the tax authority indicates that any claims are disallowed on account of lack of verifiable evidence, it is incumbent upon the assessee to satisfy the tax authority by providing necessary supporting evidence. The provision in section 35 (3) of the Ordinance, 1984 does not exonerate the assessee from supplying evidence in support of the claims for allowances/deductions. The appeal is allowed. The judgement and order by the High Court Division is set aside. …Commissioner of Taxes =VS= Conference & Exhibition Mgmt Ser. Ltd., (Civil), 2020 (1) [8 LM (AD) 34] ....View Full Judgment

Commissioner of Taxes =VS= Conference & Exhibition Mgmt Ser. Ltd. 8 LM (AD) 34
Section 44(4)(b)

The Government has jurisdiction to issue Notification exempting or reducing income tax of any university or educational institution under section 44(4)(b) of the Ordinance. ...United Int. University & Ors Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 1 SCOB [2015] HCD 4
SRO No. 178
In the above facts and circumstances, we are of the opinion that the income of the assessee-university/the assessee-college ought to have been treated as tax exempted under SRO No. 178 for the assessment years 2002-2003, 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 by the Taxes Authority and the Tribunal. ...United Int. University & Ors Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 1 SCOB [2015] HCD 4
It is a settled principle of law that when the provision of a fiscal law carries different meaning, in such case, the benefit of it will go in favour of the citizen i.e. the assessee-university/the assessee-college. ...United Int. University & Ors Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 1 SCOB [2015] HCD 4
SRO No. 454 read with SRO No. 178:
In order to get exemption, issuance of some certificate or producing exemption letter before the assessing officer is not necessary. ...United Int. University & Ors Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 1 SCOB [2015] HCD 4 ....View Full Judgment

United Int. University & Ors Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes 1 SCOB [2015] HCD 4
Section 44(4)(b), 2(20)(a), 2(65), 16

Income Tax Ordinance, 1984
Section 44(4)(b), 2(20)(a), 2(65), 16
Income Tax Act, 1922
Section 60(1)-(a)(3)
Constitution of Bangladesh
Articles 15, 17, 83
Private Universities Act, 1992/ 2010
Societies Registration Act, 1860
Companies Act, 1994
Section 28
The Trust Act, 1882
Private university is a juristic person— The observation of the High Court Division that tax on private universities will increase the education cost of the students is not correct, since income tax is a direct tax payable only when a private university earns income; In case of loss no tax is payable. —However, the writ-petitioner-respondent private universities may not be required paying tax if it enjoys tax exemption under any lawful arrangement. .....Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh =VS= North South University, (Civil), 2024(1) [16 LM (AD) 63] ....View Full Judgment

Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh =VS= North South University 16 LM (AD) 63
Section 44(4)(b)

The Government has jurisdiction to issue Notification exempting or reducing income tax of any university or educational institution under section 44(4)(b) of the Ordinance. ...United Int. University & Ors Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes, 1 SCOB [2015] HCD 4 ....View Full Judgment

United Int. University & Ors Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes 1 SCOB [2015] HCD 4
Sections 44(4)(b), 160

Income Tax Ordinance, 1984
Sections 44(4)(b), 160
Income Tax Act, 1922
Section 60(1)
Societies Registration Act, 1860
Tax exemption— The appellant university of this Civil Appeal No.74 of 2007 challenged the decision of the High Court Division relating to the Assessment Year 2004-2005, when Clause 1(a)(3) of the said SRO dated 31.12.1980 (as amended by the SRO dated 03.07.2002) was in full force of law. The appellant university of the Civil Appeal No.74 of 2007 asserts that the university is entitled to tax exemption for the Assessment Year 2004-2005 under the prevailing law which is Clause 1(a)(3) of the said SRO dated 31.12.1980 (as amended by the SRO dated 03.07.2002).
Whereas the rest of the Civil Appeal Nos.111-155 of 2021 do not essentially involved whether the respective universities are entitled to exemption under the said Clause 1(a)(3) of the said SRO dated 31.12.1980 (as amended by the SRO dated 03.07.2002). In the Civil Appeal Nos.111-155 of 2021, the respective universities challenged the authority of the Government to revoke the said exemption under Clause 1(a)(3) of the said SRO dated 31.12.1980 (as amended by the SRO dated 03.07.2002). The said exemption under Clause 1(a)(3) of the said SRO dated 31.12.1980 (as amended by the SRO dated 03.07.2002) was revoked or rescinded or abolished by dint of the SRO No.156-Ain/Income Tax/2007 dated 28.06.2007 and the respective university also challenged the authority of the Government exempting the private universities from tax to the tune of 10% by way of reducing the liability to pay tax to the tune of 15% under the SRO No.158-Ain/Income Tax/2007 dated 28.06.2007. Moreover, the tax assessment years involved in the said Civil Appeal Nos.111-155 of 2021 are all related to tax assessment years when the said Clause 1(a)(3) of the said SRO dated 31.12.1980 (as amended by the SRO dated 03.07.2002) was not in force. Hence, the points of law as well as facts of instant Civil Appeal No.74 of 2007 are distinguishable and different from Civil Appeal Nos.111-155 of 2021. .....East West University, Dhaka =VS= The Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 2024(1) [16 LM (AD) 115] ....View Full Judgment

East West University, Dhaka =VS= The Commissioner of Taxes 16 LM (AD) 115
Section 46A(1), 46A(2)(f)

Tax Exemption– Gazette notification was not operated by giving retrospective effect – Section 46A(1) of the Ordinance provides that if any undertaking which comes under the ambit of industrial undertaking, tourist industry or physical infrastructure facility set up in Bangladesh between 01.07.1995–13.06.2000 shall be exempted from the tax payable under the Ordinance. It is admitted that unit No.2 of the writ petitioner company has commenced its commercial operation on 16.06.1997. An application for tax exemption was filed on 10.12.1997 before the said undertaking was included within the ambit of the physical infrastructure facility by gazette notification on 01.12.1999. Due to this, the application was rejected lawfully. Moreover, the oil tank of the writ petitioner company applied for tax exemption on 12.06.2000 after the gazette notification comes into operation. The application was not made within the stipulated time as provided in Section 46A(2)(f) of the Ordinance. Section 46A(2)(f) of the Ordinance implicates that the application for approval of tax exemption is to be made within 180 days from the date of commencement of commercial operation or production. From the materials on record, it appears that the gazette notification was not operated by giving retrospective effect. Therefore, the rejection of the application was correct and proper. The oil tank in question is not entitled to get tax exemption in accordance with law. The nature of oil tanker comes within the ambit of the physical infrastructure facility in 02.12.1999, but unit No.2 of the writ petitioner company started its commercial operation on 16.06.1997 and made application for tax exemption on 12.06.2000, which is not within the statutory period of 180 days from the date of its commencement. As the oil tank in question was not within the purview of physical infrastructure facility at the relevant time when they made the application for tax exemption on 04.02.1988, the rejection of that application was legal. ...Ministry of Finance, BD =VS= Summit United Tanks Terminal Ltd., (Civil), 2021(1) [10 LM (AD) 181] ....View Full Judgment

Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh =VS= Summit United Tanks Terminal Ltd. 10 LM (AD) 181
Section 46A(2)(f)

The Income Tax Ordinance, 1984
Section 46A(2)(f)
The Income Tax Rules, 1984
Rule 59A (2)
The finance Act, 1995
The gazette notification was not operated by giving retrospective effect as such applications seeking exemption by the company were rejected justly and correctly by the NBR– From the SRO 354 dated 02.12.1999 it appears that the gazette notification was not operated by giving retrospective effect as such applications seeking exemption by the petitioner company were rejected justly and correctly by the NBR inasmuch as the ‘container terminal’ of the petitioner company was not entitled to get tax exemption before publication of gazette notification dated 02.12.1999. As the ‘container terminal’ in question was not within the purview of physical infrastructure facility when the petitioner company filed application seeking tax exemption and thus the NBR justly and legally rejected the application for exemption and also correctly rejected the review application dated 31.01.2000 seeking review of earlier order dated 18.10.1999 since there left no scope to review of that application by the NBR. Appellate Division holds that the SRO No.354-Ain/99 dated 02.12.1999 having effect from the date of its publication left no scope to allow tax exemption to the ‘Unit-2’ of the respondent company and the NBR justly and legally rejected the applications filed by the respondent company. The appeal is allowed. .....Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh =VS= Ocean Containers Ltd, Dhaka, (Civil), 2022(1) [12 LM (AD) 97] ....View Full Judgment

Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh =VS= Ocean Containers Ltd., Dhaka 12 LM (AD) 97
Section 48(2)

There cannot be any doubt left that tax may be imposed only on ‘income’. ...Asoke Das Gupta Vs Ministry of Finance & ors, (Civil), 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 148 ....View Full Judgment

Asoke Das Gupta Vs Ministry of Finance & ors 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 148
Section 48(2)

Income can arise out of a transferor of any capital asset only if any profit or gain has accrued to the transferor of the asset. And therefore it is only logical to conclude that if no “profit” or ‘gain’ has accrued to the transferor there can be no “income” and if there is no “income” there can be no question of the transferor being subject to tax. ...Asoke Das Gupta Vs Ministry of Finance & ors, (Civil), 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 148 ....View Full Judgment

Asoke Das Gupta Vs Ministry of Finance & ors 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 148
Section 50

There is no any unlawful term or condition within a contract the same is binding upon the parties thereto–– Appellate Division finds from the agreement between BAPA and Biman that there are clear terms and conditions, which are in no way unlawful and, therefore, the contract is binding on the parties. Thus, Biman could not unilaterally alter or vary terms of the contract in view of Article 1.3.1. ––Payment of income-tax by the employer is a benefit given to the employees by agreement and can be said to be a perquisite and is sometimes termed as fringe benefit as in the case of for example newspaper employees. There is nothing illegal in employer/employees reaching an agreement to provide the employees his tax free salary so long as the agreement is at arms length and the terms and conditions are not unlawful. There is nothing to preclude the parties to the contract from revising the contract after due negotiation. However, so long as the earlier contract exists with the clause within it not to vary or alter the terms thereof, either party cannot unilaterally vary or alter the terms. ––This Division does not find any merit in the instant civil petitions for leave to appeal, which are accordingly dismissed. .....Bangladesh Biman Air-lines Limited =VS= Intekhab Hossain, (Civil), 2023(1) [14 LM (AD) 229] ....View Full Judgment

Bangladesh Biman Air-lines Limited =VS= Intekhab Hossain 14 LM (AD) 229
Section 52

Income Tax Ordinance, 1984
Section 52
Income Tax Rules, 1984
Rule 16
Bank guarantee— FDRs are equivalent to cash margin— Charging commission at the rate of 0.50% on the entire amount of bank guarantees— Bank guarantee means a comfort, which is being given by issuing bank, to a party (beneficiary in whose favour the guarantee is issued) of losses or damages if the client (on whose behalf the guarantee is being used) fails to complete or comfort to the terms of agreement. By issuing a bank guarantee, the issuing bank is assuring payment of the certain amount of money (as specified in the bank guarantee) to the beneficiary in case of non-performance of a certain contract according to the terms and conditions contained in the same. Issuance of bank guarantee is a secured transaction as the client needs to mortgage the properties or cash in the form of FDR for issuing of same. The bank will not give guarantee without securing itself. Again, when the borrower provides equal amount of bank guarantee in the form of fixed deposit/call deposit, it is known as 100% cash margin since the fixed deposit can be closed immediately and the default if any can be set right without any delay and the bank need not provide any fund based loan for this purpose and for this characteristics the FDR must be treated as equivalent to 100% cash margin.
It appears from the record that the entire twenty five bank guarantees have been secured by the lien of those FDRs. Though Circular No.1750 dated 23.05.1992, which re-affirmed the Circular No.1667 dated 04.12.1990, stated that Janata Bank can issue a bank guarantee on the basis of commission @ প্রতি তিনমাস অথবা উহার ভগ্নাংশের জন্য $ ০.৭৫% হারে। সর্বনিম্ন $ ২০০/-, ১০০% গ্যারান্টি মার্জিন প্রদান করিলে শুধুমাত্র সার্ভিস চার্জ $ ২০০/- আদায়যোগ্য but the rate of commission was reduced at 0.50% as incorporated in the sanction letter. In the instant case, since entire twenty five bank guarantees have been secured by the FDRs as such the bank guarantees are secured by 100% cash margin. Again, since the bank guarantees are secured by the lien of those FDRs which can be encashed at any time as such the FDRs are equivalent to cash margin. So, the Janata bank is entitled to get Tk.200/- as service charge as per the chart attached with the Circular No.1750 dated 23.05.1992.
Appellate Division is of the view that the letter issued by the writ respondent no.10 claiming deduction of commission @ 0.50% on the entire secured amount cannot be treated as lawful deduction as such the judgment and orders dated 09.02.2014 and 10.02.2014 passed by the High Court Division in Writ Petition No.4715 of 2013 do not calls for any interference by this Division. .....Janata Bank Limited =VS= Sampriti Chakma, (Civil), 2024(1) [16 LM (AD) 50] ....View Full Judgment

Janata Bank Limited =VS= Sampriti Chakma 16 LM (AD) 50
Section 53M

Gift Tax Act, 1990
Section 4(ja) And
Income Tax Ordinance, 1984
Section 53M:
The intention of the legislators when the Gift Tax Act, 1990 was enacted was to exempt certain persons from tax if the gift was made to the persons stated in Section 4(ja) of the Gift Tax Act, 1990. Moreover, we have also found that the impugned Section 53M of ITO was only inserted in the Finance Act 2010, while the Gift Tax Act, which was enacted in 1990, is an earlier law and is still very much a provision of law, since no amendment or changes to the law have been brought to till present. Therefore the provisions the Gift Tax Act, 1990 shall prevail over any insertion that might have been brought into the ITO 1984 and there can be no room for any presumptions or assumptions that tax must be paid by all in case of any gift which might be made to any person irrespective of his or her relationship with the donee of the gift and to presume such a thing is a serious misinterpretation of the law and is a misinterpretation of the intention of the legislators and shall result in serious miscarriage of justice. ...Asoke Das Gupta Vs Ministry of Finance & ors, (Civil), 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 148 ....View Full Judgment

Asoke Das Gupta Vs Ministry of Finance & ors 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 148
Section 53M

Gift Tax Act, 1990
Section 4 And
Income Tax Ordinance, 1984
Section 53M:
Section 53M Explanation 1 is contrary to the rest of the provisions of the ITO, 1984, being against the sprit and intent of the Ordinance and also contrary to the Section 4 of Gift Tax Act, 1990. Therefore the impugned collection of advance tax against transfer of shares to the daughter of the petitioner is unlawful and without lawful authority. ...Asoke Das Gupta Vs Ministry of Finance & ors, (Civil), 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 148 ....View Full Judgment

Asoke Das Gupta Vs Ministry of Finance & ors 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 148
Section 53M Explanation 1

This section in our opinion is against the whole spirit of the Ordinance. Because none of the terms mentioned here including gift are transfers for consideration and none of these modes of transfer contemplate income of any kind, in whatever form on the part of the transferor. The transferor or donor in performing his act of transfer does not receive anything in return and therefore these modes of transfer being transfers by way of gift, bequest etc. can under no circumstances be the source of “income” of any kind. ...Asoke Das Gupta Vs Ministry of Finance & ors, (Civil), 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 148 ....View Full Judgment

Asoke Das Gupta Vs Ministry of Finance & ors 7 SCOB [2016] HCD 148
Section 53 and 82C

According to sub-section (3) of the said Section 53, the importers are given credit for such advance payment of income tax during their assessment of tax in the concerned assessment year. Not only that, according to Section 82C as quoted above, such deduction shall even be deemed to be the final discharge of tax liability of an assesseeimporter from that source. Therefore, since the source in the present case in respect of the petitioners is the source of importation of scrap vessels by the ship breaking industries, or sometimes by the petitioners themselves, and there is no dispute that at the time of importation of the scrap vessels AIT were deducted in view of the provisions under Section 53, the said deduction of tax shall be deemed to be the final discharge of liability from that source in view of Clause (g) sub-section (2) of Section 82C of the said Ordinance. ...BSRM Steels Ltd. & ors. Vs NBR & ors., (Civil), 4 SCOB [2015] HCD 80 ....View Full Judgment

BSRM Steels Ltd. & ors. Vs NBR & ors. 4 SCOB [2015] HCD 80
Section 75

A return filed under the normal procedure of section 75 of the Income Tax Ordinance 1984 has to be assessed within the period of limitation of six month, so also the ropening procedure against deemed assessment under the Self Assessment Scheme has to be confined to the period of limitation of two years. No proceeding for assessment of any return can be taken after the period for limitation and any such proceeding initiated shall be a nullity. ...Shahana Parvin Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 3 SCOB [2015] HCD 21 ....View Full Judgment

Shahana Parvin Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes 3 SCOB [2015] HCD 21
Section 75

The Income-Tax Ordinance, 1984
ধারা ৭৫ মোতাবেক গুগল, ফেইসবুক, ইউটিউব, ইয়াহু, আমাজনসহ অন্যান্য ইন্টারনেট ভিত্তিক সামাজিক যোগাযোগ মাধ্যম আয়কর রিটার্ন দাখিল করতে বাধ্য। ...Md. Humayun Kabir and Ors. Vs. Govt. of Bangladesh and Ors., (Civil), 18 SCOB [2023] HCD 68 ....View Full Judgment

Md. Humayun Kabir and Ors. Vs. Govt. of Bangladesh and Ors 18 SCOB [2023] HCD 68
Section 83

It has been provided under the provision of section 83(2) of the Income Tax Ordinance 1984 that while the DCT concern desires to rely upon the non-verifiability of any expenditure claimed to have been incurred by the Assessee-applicant and shown in the accounts, has to serve a further notice upon the assessee concern directing him to produce adequate evidence as to the said point. ...Bright Textile Ind. (Pvt.) Ltd Vs Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 6 SCOB [2016] HCD 5 ....View Full Judgment

Bright Textile Ind. (Pvt.) Ltd Vs Commissioner of Taxes 6 SCOB [2016] HCD 5
Section 83(2)

The DCT concern did not comply the provision of section 83(2) before opining that the claimed expenditure has not been adequately evidenced by the assessee applicant. Therefore it appears that the disallowance of expenditure has not only violated the provision of section 83(2) of the Income Tax Ordinance 1984, but also violated the time honored maxim Audi Alterm Partem which obliged a adjudicator to allow adequate opportunity of being head or to submit adequate representation. Accordingly this court finds merit in these seven Income Tax Reference Applications. ...Karnaphuli Industries Ltd Vs The Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 4 SCOB [2015] HCD 4
It appears that due to fixation of target by the Finance Ministry as to collection of income tax to a certain amount, the tax executives either deliberately ignore the provision of law or twist the same in order to attain the target by realizing the more and more tax upon whims and caprice which is deplorable and hereby deprecated by this court. This tendency of the tax executives to realize tax by any means is required to be changed by fixing supervision of the National Board of Revenue in this respect. Therefore a copy of the judgment is required to be sent to the National Board of Revenue for the perusal of its Chairman. ...Karnaphuli Industries Ltd Vs The Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 4 SCOB [2015] HCD 4 ....View Full Judgment

Karnaphuli Industries Ltd Vs The Commissioner of Taxes 4 SCOB [2015] HCD 4
Sections 83A, 2(23), 78, 93, 128, 131, 153, 158

Self-assessment method as per Section 83A of the Ordinance, 1984–– The authority of Assistant Commissioner of Taxes in imposing penalty Appellate Division holds that the provision of Section 131 of the Ordinance, 1984 authorizes the Deputy Commissioner of Taxes to impose any penalty as per Section 128 and the definition clause of Section 2(23) of the Ordinance, 1984, provides that the Deputy Commissioner of Taxes also include Assistant Commissioner of Taxes. Thus, the authority of the Assistant Commissioner of Taxes in imposing penalty cannot be said without jurisdiction. ––That the income tax authority on the basis of the information filed by the assessees detected the concealment of revenues by the assessees-respondents and imposed penalty under Section 128 of the Ordinance, 1984, but the High Court Division disregarding the aforesaid aspects set aside the judgment and order of the Taxes Appellate Tribunal. ––Appellate Division finds that the High Court Division decided the Income Tax Reference Applications No.298-302 of 2010, 374-379 of 2010, 316-319 of 2010 and 172-175 of 2010 with wrong assessment, which is not tenable in the eye of law and accordingly, all the appeals deserve to be allowed. .....Commissioner of Taxes, Dhaka =VS= A.K.M. Faizur Rahman, (Civil), 2023(1) [14 LM (AD) 159] ....View Full Judgment

Commissioner of Taxes, Dhaka =VS= A.K.M. Faizur Rahman 14 LM (AD) 159
Section 83(2)

Further notice under section 83(2) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984 was amendment and since no such requirement– Appellate Division notes that in the above mentioned decision of the High Court Division their Lordships were considering income tax return of the company concerned for the assessment year 1998-1999. The learned Attorney General pointed out that the provision relating to service of further notice under section 83(2) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984 has been amended several times. Up to July 1991 there was no requirement for a further notice under section 83(2) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984. By an amendment in the year 1994 the provision of service of a further notice was introduced and that again was taken away by another amendment in July, 1999. Hence, the provision of service of a further notice under section 83(2) existed between August, 1995 to July, 1999. Accordingly, the case of Mark Builders Ltd. cited above was correctly decided requiring a further notice to be served under section 83(2) because the case in question referred to Income Tax assessment year 1998-1999. However, since the requirement of further notice under section 83(2) was amendment and since no such requirement existed in the law since July, 1999, the decision relied upon by the High Court Division is not applicable in the facts of the instant cases because the references before us relate to assessment years 2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2001-2002 and 2004-2005, 2005-2006 in Civil Petitions for Leave to Appeal Nos.4407-4409 of 2018, 3122 and 3478 of 2018 respectively. ...Commissioner of Taxes, Dhaka=VS=Hotel Purbani International Ltd. , (Civil), 2021(2) [11 LM (AD) 78] ....View Full Judgment

Commissioner of Taxes, Dhaka=VS=Hotel Purbani International Ltd. 11 LM (AD) 78
Section-92

Recover taxes–
Both the appeals are disposed of and the impugned judgment delivered by the High Court Division is set aside and the proceedings of the Special Cases pending before the Special Judge, Dhaka abated and the appellant is at liberty to recover taxes from the heirs of respondent No. 1 of both the appeals as per section 92 of the ordinance. .....AC of Taxes =VS= BM Baker Hossain, (Civil), 2017 (2)– [3 LM (AD) 22] ....View Full Judgment

AC of Taxes =VS= BM Baker Hossain 3 LM (AD) 22
Section 92

We are of the view that the legal representatives shall be liable to pay tax or other sum payable under Ordinance but the liabilities of the legal representatives under this Ordinance shall be limited to the extent to which the estate of the deceased is capable of meeting the liability. .....AC of Taxes =VS= BM Baker Hossain, (Civil), 2017 (2)– [3 LM (AD) 22] ....View Full Judgment

AC of Taxes =VS= BM Baker Hossain 3 LM (AD) 22
Section 93 and 94

Since the assessment year for 2004-2005 shall expire on 30th June, 2005 and the assessment has to be made thereafter within six months i.e. within 31st December, 2005 under the provision of section 94(1) of the Income Tax Ordinance 1984. So far the commencement of limitation is concerned under the provision of section 93(3) of the Income Tax Ordinance 1984 it shall commence from 1st July, 2005 and will expire on 30th June 2010. Therefore, the reopening of the assessment under the provision of section 93(1) of the Income Tax Ordinance 1984 for the assessment year 2004-2005 after the expiry of the limitation period was a palpable illegality and that being a question of law the Taxes Appellate Tribunal was required to consider the same. ...Shahana Parvin Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 3 SCOB [2015] HCD 21 ....View Full Judgment

Shahana Parvin Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes 3 SCOB [2015] HCD 21
Section 93

Change of mind by the assessing officer can not justify re-opening of assessment under section 93 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984:
The relevant provisions in our Income Tax Ordinance, 1984 are still like pre-enactment of Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. That means, the precondition of having definite information which has to come into the possession of the Deputy Commissioner of Taxes after completion of original assessment is still very much intact under sub-section (2) of Section 93 of the said Ordinance. Therefore, we fully agree with the submissions of Mr. Noor that, the DCT must have fresh information in his possession which has come to his possession after completion of original assessment and, only on such happening, the DCT is entitled to reopen the completed assessment of a particular assessee. ...Concord Consourtium Ltd. Vs. DC of Taxes Dhaka & ors., (Civil), 11 SCOB [2019] HCD 83
When a particular issue has been categorically addressed by the DCT in the original assessment order and there is no allegation that the assessee has not disclosed any particular fact or materials at the time of original assessment and when the DCT completed such assessment on the basis of the materials disclosed by the assessee taking a particular view on a particular amount, change of such view subsequently by the concerned DCT, for whatever reason, cannot not justify reopening of assessment. This position of law has been categorically affirmed by various higher Courts in India in the above referred cases. Since it is apparent from the facts and circumstances of the case that, the impugned reassessment was in fact initiated not because of any fresh information having come to the possession of the concerned DCT, rather the same was the result of subsequent change of opinion or change of mind of the DCT being influenced by a report of local office of CAG, such change of opinion is not permitted to be the ground for reopening the assessment. ...Concord Consourtium Ltd. Vs. DC of Taxes Dhaka & ors., (Civil), 11 SCOB [2019] HCD 83 ....View Full Judgment

Concord Consourtium Ltd. Vs. DC of Taxes Dhaka & ors. 11 SCOB [2019] HCD 83
Section 93

Re opening the assessment earlier accepted by the authority.
The provision in section 93 of the Income Tax J Ordinance is that when in finalizing the assessment certain fact or facts is/are escaped notice of the authority or in other words income which ought to have been disclosed by the assessee in his Income Tax return but he did not do so and that later on said nondisclosure comes to the notice to the Income Tax Authority and that having had that fact been before the Authority at the time of finalizing the assessment, the assessment would have been otherwise, then in that situation to avoid loss of revenue the provision of section 93 of the Income Tax Ordinance authorizes the Income Tax authority to reopen the assessment which has been finalized earlier and thereupon finalize the assessment taking into the consideration the new facts. Abdul Kader Master Vs. Deputy Commissioner of Taxes & Ors 15 BLT (AD)271

Abdul Kader Master Vs. Deputy Commissioner of Taxes & Ors 15 BLT (AD) 271
Section 120, 163(3)(f) and (g)

Wherever income and expenditure of public money is involved, the CAG has power and authority to conduct audit to ascertain the propriety, legality and validity of it.–– In view of Appellate Division’s decision as referred to above and the provisions of section 163(3)(f) and (g) of the Income Tax Ordinance,1984, this Division is of the view that the High Court Division was not correct to hold that the proceedings as initiated vide impugned notice under section 120 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984 and actions taken pursuant to that notice suffer from lack of jurisdiction. .....Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh =VS= Radiant Pharmaceuticals Ltd., (Civil), 2022(2) [13 LM (AD) 259] ....View Full Judgment

Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh =VS= Radiant Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 13 LM (AD) 259
Section 120 and 163 (3)

Constitution of Bangladesh,
Article 128 and
Income Tax Ordinance, 1984
Section 120 and 163 (3)
Whether audit report has any bearing upon the subjective opinion of assessing officer:
The Audit Department has been invested with the authority to inspect the accounts of Revenue Department. The Comptroller and Auditor General is authorized to direct any of his officers to conduct audit of tax receipts or refunds under section 163 (3)(g) of the Income Tax Ordinance. The High Court Division has opined that the CAG has got no jurisdiction to check the merit or demerit of subjective opinions of the assessing officers with regard to allowing or disallowing a particular claim of the concerned assessee. This view of the High Court Division is erroneous inasmuch as if the audit report does not have any bearing in the subjective opinion of the assessing officer, the very purpose of auditing pursuant to article 128 of the constitution is to be frustrated. If no action can be taken against any irregularities detected through auditing of accounts, auditing itself becomes unnecessary. In the instant case, for example, concerned DCT has allowed financial expenses of an amount of Tk. 575,49,249/- as demanded by the assessee which was not supported by annual report etc. and the audit report has detected this irregularity. If this irregularity as detected by the audit report does not trigger any proceeding under section 120 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984, the power conferred to the CAG under section 163(3)(g) of the same Ordinance becomes fruitless. …Bangladesh and ors Vs. Radiant Pharmaceuticals Ltd., (Civil), 16 SCOB [2022] AD 1 ....View Full Judgment

Bangladesh and ors Vs. Radiant Pharmaceuticals Ltd 16 SCOB [2022] AD 1
Section 120 and 163 (3)

Audit report prepared by the Local Audit Office of the CAG is one of the factors that enables the Inspecting Joint Commissioner to determine whether any order of Deputy Commissioner of Taxes is erroneous or not: Going through the provision of section 120 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984 we find that the Inspecting Joint Commissioner may call for and examine the record of any proceeding under this Ordinance if he considers that any order passed therein by the Deputy Commissioner of Taxes is erroneous in so far as it is prejudicial to the interests of revenue. Provisions of section 120 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984 read with section 163(3)(f) and(g) of the same Ordinance lead us to irresistible conclusion that audit report prepared by the Local Audit Office of the CAG is one of the factors that enables the Inspecting Joint Commissioner to determine whether any order of Deputy Commissioner of Taxes is erroneous or not. The audit report better equips the Inspecting Joint Commissioner to apply his discretion to detect errors committed by Deputy Commissioner of Taxes. Therefore, the allegation that the auditors of the CAG have acted like supervisory officers of concerned assessing officer is devoid of any substance. …Bangladesh and ors Vs. Radiant Pharmaceuticals Ltd., (Civil), 16 SCOB [2022] AD 1 ....View Full Judgment

Bangladesh and ors Vs. Radiant Pharmaceuticals Ltd 16 SCOB [2022] AD 1
Section 135(1) and 143(2)

The mandatory provision of Section 135(1) of ITO was not followed by the respondents prior to exercise of power under section 143(2) in freezing the bank account of the assessee-petitioners. In the instant matter the provisions of Section 143 of ITO can be resorted to only after the preceding of provisions of Section 135(1) have been complied with, but the Respondents in this case, circumvented the provisions of the law by outrightly ignoring the mandatory provisions to issue notice under the provisions of Section 135 of the Ordinance, which they cannot lawfully do. The Respondents actions in the instant case are without any lawful authority and therefore has no legal effect. ...F.J. Geo-Tex (BD) Ltd Vs. NBR & ors., (Civil), 8 SCOB [2016] HCD 132 ....View Full Judgment

F.J. Geo-Tex (BD) Ltd Vs. NBR & ors. 8 SCOB [2016] HCD 132
Sections 154 (2) and 60

The Appellate Division found that the High Court Division observed that the questions raised were absolutely questions of fact which required to be proved with the help of evidence. The High Court Division came to a finding that both the appellate forum below had given concurrent findings in this matter and that it was not inclined to interfere with the forum created under section 160 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984. The High Court Division noted that even the very demand notice issued on 29.11.2006 clearly stood against the contention of the learned Advocate for the petitioner. Therefore, the High Court Division concluded that the question formulated in this reference was answered in the affirmative and in favour of the respondents and against the assessee-applicant-petitioner. Accordingly, this civil petition is dismissed. .....Dhaka Insurance Ltd =VS= Commissioner of Taxes, Dhaka, (Civil), 2016-[1 LM (AD) 182] ....View Full Judgment

Dhaka Insurance Ltd =VS= Commissioner of Taxes, Dhaka 1 LM (AD) 182
Section 158 (2)

The proviso to Sub-Section (2) of section 158 of the Ordinance vests discretion with the Commissioner of Taxes to reduce statutory requirement of payment under Sub-Section(2) of section 158 of the Ordinance, if the grounds stated in the application filed by the assessee applicant under the proviso appears reasonable to him/her. From the language of the proviso, we do not find any statutory duty of the CT to pass an order assigning reason. ...Proshika Manobik Unnayan Kendro Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes & ors., (Civil), 12 SCOB [2019] HCD 129
Though there is no requirement to give an opportunity of hearing to the assesseeapplicant or recording reason, but still the Commissioner of Taxes should be aware that his /her order must reflect reasonableness from where it can be transpire that the Commissioner of Taxes applied his/her judicial mind in passing the order. But for inadequacy or absence of reasonableness, the order cannot be set aside. It is discretion of the Commissioner of Taxes. ...Proshika Manobik Unnayan Kendro Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes & ors., (Civil), 12 SCOB [2019] HCD 129 ....View Full Judgment

Proshika Manobik Unnayan Kendro Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes & ors. 12 SCOB [2019] HCD 129
Section 158(2)

The provision of sub­section (2) of section 158 of the Income Tax Ordinance as amended by the Finance Act, 2000 will be applicable to the pending cases. BRAC vs National Board of Revenue 14 BLC (AD) 113.

BRAC vs National Board of Revenue 14 BLC (AD) 113
Section 160

Gift Tax Act, 1990
Section 3, 4(1)(chha), (Ja) and 12 r/w
Trust Act, 1882
Section 3 r/w
Income Tax Ordinance, 1984
Section 160
Get the benefit of exemption of tax under section 4(1)(chha) and (Ja) of the Gift Tax Act, 1990 read with section 3 of the Trust Act, 1882–– On a plain reading of Section 4(1) (ja) of the Act, 1990 Appellate Division has found that that if the gift is made to the son, daughter, father, mother, husband, wife, full brother or full sister of the donor, then the said gift shall be exempt from the gift tax or be excluded from the ambit of gift tax chargeable under section 3 of the Gift Tax Act, 1990. ––This Division is of the view that the High Court Division rightly held that the assessing officer (Extra Assessment Commissioner of Taxes) and the appellate authorities below did not commit any illegality in imposing gift tax as contemplated under section 3 of the Gift Tax Act, 1990 and in rejecting the claim of exemption; because, in view of the provisions of the Gift Tax Act, 1990, the claim of exemption of the assessee-applicant does not have any legal basis. .....Dr. Muhammad Yunus =VS= Commissioner of Taxes, Dhaka, (Civil), 2023(2) [15 LM (AD) 154] ....View Full Judgment

Dr. Muhammad Yunus =VS= Commissioner of Taxes, Dhaka 15 LM (AD) 154
Section 160

Read with The Income Tax Act, 1922, Section-23(3)
The appellant was assessed under Section 23(3) of the Income Tax Act, 1922 for the accounting year ended on 30 June, 1981 and the assessment year 1981-82. The Deputy Commissioner of Taxes, while making the said assessment treated a sum of Tk 8,15,79,411.00 as a windfall profit in the hands of the assessee appellant and added the same to its total income—Held: We are of the view that having regard to ‘the principles enunciated by the Judicial Committee in the case of Raja Bijoy Singh Dudhuria (supra) and the Indian Supreme Court in the case of CIT Vs Sitaldas Tirathdas (and followed by the Kerala High Court (supra) with which we are in agreement, there can be no hesitation in holding in the facts of the case before us that the price differential or the windfall profit having been credited in favour of the BPC under a Govt. decision before it became an income in the hands of the appellant, The principle of diversion of income by overriding title is fully attracted. The disputed amount never reached the appellant as its income. The obligation of the appellant was not to be discharged out of its own income but the amount was to be treated at its origin as income to the credit of the BPC. [Para-23] Meghna Petroleurm Ltd. Vs Commissioner of Taxes 6 BLT (AD)-95

Meghna Petroleurm Ltd. Vs Commissioner of Taxes 6 BLT (AD) 95
Section 160

In taxation matter reference is to be made out of final decision/judgment passed by the Taxes Appellate Tribunal. Since in the instant case, the Appellate Tribunal rejected the appeal on the ground of limitation and the reference having not been made on point of limitation, the High Court Division rightly refused to answer the question raised. Mrs. Rani Bilkis Banu Chowdhury Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes 15 BLT (AD)84

Mrs. Rani Bilkis Banu Chowdhury Vs. The Commissioner of Taxes 15 BLT (AD) 84
Section 160, 160(4), 161 (2)

Section 160 of the Ordinance does not provide for any such action. Clearly it is for the assessee to formulate any point of law and make the reference to the High Court Division in the prescribed form. Under section 161 (2) the High Court Division is required only to hear and decide the question of law raised and, therafter, deliver its judgement stating the grounds on which the decision is founded. No question of law arose in the reference the respondents were not required to admit or deny the reference. ...M/S Ali Garments Limited =VS= Commissioner of Taxes, (Civil), 2020 [9 LM (AD) 293] ....View Full Judgment

M/S Ali Garments Limited =VS= Commissioner of Taxes 9 LM (AD) 293
Sections 160 and 161(2)

Section 160 of the Ordinance clearly provides that it is for the assessee to formulate any point of law and make the reference to the High Court Division in the prescribed form. Under section 161 (2) the High Court Division is required only to hear and decide the question of law raised and, therafter, deliver its judgement stating the grounds on which the decision is founded.
M/S Ali Garments Limited -Vs.- The Commissioner of Taxes 5 ALR (AD)2015(1) 17

M/S Ali Garments Limited -Vs.- The Commissioner of Taxes 5 ALR (AD) 17
Section 165 and 166

read with Emergency Power Rules, 2007 Rule-15
Held: we are of the view that failure to initiate proceeding for assessment or the pendency of the assessment proceeding cannot operate as a bar to the institution of any criminal prosecution for offences punishable under Chapter XXI of the Ordinance. Govt. of Bangladesh & Ors Vs. Iqbal Hasan Mahmood 16 BLT (AD) 313.

Govt. of Bangladesh & Ors Vs. Iqbal Hasan Mahmood 16 BLT (AD) 313
Sections 165 and 166

Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004
Sections 26 and 27(1)
The Income Tax Ordinance, 1984
Sections 165 and 166
The Code of Criminal Procedure
Sections 235(2)/236/403
The Anti-Corruption Commission of offence where the wealth of a person is found not in proportionate to his known sources of income. The intention of the legislature behind the enactment of ACC Act, 2004 is prevent corruption–– It has been held that the Income Tax Ordinance is purely a law relating to prevention of tax evasion and realization of income tax, which is completely distinct offence unlike the present one which relates to corruption. ––It is evident that the offences under Sections 26 and 27(1) of the ACC Act, 2004 and Sections 165 and 166 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984 are completely separate and distinct and one is not dependant on others. Therefore, the present case under Sections 26 and 27(1) of the ACC Act, 2004 shall proceed independently. Although the petitioner was earlier acquitted in a case under Sections 165 and 166 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984 it will not put any embargo on the trial of the present case. .....Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed =VS= The State, (Criminal), 2022(2) [13 LM (AD) 643] ....View Full Judgment

Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed =VS= The State 13 LM (AD) 643
Section 173

read with Section —3
Whether the Commissioner of Taxes being not a party before the Tribunal had locus Standi to file the application under section 173 of the Income Tax Ordinance
The Appellate Tribunal may amend any order passed by it to correct any error apparent from the record either of its own motion or the matter being brought to its notice by any other Income Tax Authority —Commissioner of Taxes is included as one of the income tax authorities and as such we are of the view that the matter has been brought to the notice of the Tribunal by an authorised authority and as such there is no error in this regard. Mr. Akbar Hussain Vs. Taxes Appellate Tribunal & Ors 15 BLT (AD)273

Mr. Akbar Hussain Vs. Taxes Appellate Tribunal & Ors 15 BLT (AD) 273
Section 184

The law regarding getting the necessary Income Tax Clearance Certificate was amended on 30.06.1992 by section 8(21) of the Finance Act, 1992 (Act No. 21 of 1992) when section 184 of the Income Tax Ordinance 1984 was abolished. From then on it was necessary only to pay 6 percent of the sale price at the time of registration. Even at this point the purchaser did not take any step towards completion of the contract. The liquidated damage is payable by the purchaser.
Mahua Khair -Vs- Amena Begum AliIspahani 1 ALR (AD)169

Mahua Khair -Vs- Amena Begum AliIspahani 1 ALR (AD) 169
Sixth Schedule, Part A [Paragraph 1(1)]

Even the trust’s objects are cheritable, the presence of ancilliary or secondary object of non-cheritable nature does not prevent taxation – if among several objects of trust, the trust carries on trade or business, it can do so subject to the condition of relaxation with prior permission and not otherwise.
The Appellate Division held that essential conditions to create a cheritable trust are (a) a declaration which is binding on the settlor; (b) setting apart definite property and the settlor depriving himself of the awarship thereof; (c) statement of the objects for which the property is thereafter to be held i.e. beneficiaries. If a fund is collected for cheritable purposes found a portion thereof to contain real elements of trust present therein as management, its nature and utilization of the said amount will be entirely be taken within assessee’s volition and not be exempted from taxation. In the definition clause of ‘charitable purpose’ though the words ‘not involving the carrying on of any activity for profit’ have not been used in the manner the Indian definition has been used, a plain reading of this definition vis-a-vis the amendment made to paragraph 1(1) to the Sixth Schedule, Part A, the intention of the legislature is clear that the trust may carry on activity of profit for limited purpose, that is to say, any in-come derived from operation of micro credit by a trust which is registered with NGO Bureau and that if any income is not applied to cheritable purposes and is accumulated or set apart must be not exceeding ten years, and to be invested with intimation of the Deputy Commissioner of Taxes mentioning the purpose of accumulation in government or other security approved by the government or Post Office savings account.
Commissioner of Taxes -Vs.- Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), 75, Mohakhali, Dhaka (Civil) 14 ALR (AD) 01-09

Commissioner of Taxes -Vs.- Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), 75, Mohakhali, Dhaka 14 ALR (AD) 1