SC Upholds Finality of Settlement Commission Orders in Tax Matters:

SC Upholds Finality of Settlement Commission Orders in Tax Matters The Commissioner of Income Tax, Sambalpur, challenged a judgment of the High Court regarding the tax assessments of Kamaljeet Singh Ahluwalia and associated entities (Respondents 2 to 6). The matter originated from search and seizure operations conducted by the Income Tax Department, following which the assessees approached the Income Tax Settlement Commission (ITSC). The Commission passed a consolidated order under Section 245D(4) of the Income Tax Act, settling the tax liabilities. The Revenue, dissatisfied with the quantum of revenue settled, filed a writ petition before the Orissa High Court. The High Court dismissed the petition, observing that the Settlement Commission's procedure is exhaustive and its orders are intended to be conclusive. The High Court held that it would not exercise its extraordinary writ jurisdiction under Articles 226/227 to "polarize" the law simply because the Department claimed a higher revenue amount. The Revenue  filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court.

Issue Before Court: Whether the High Court was justified in refusing to interfere with the orders of the Income Tax Settlement Commission under writ jurisdiction, and whether the finality of such settlement orders can be disturbed on the grounds of revenue loss.

SC's Decision: The Hon'ble Supreme Court took note of the various interlocutory applications, including those for substitution due to the death of the primary respondent, i.e., Kamaljeet Singh Ahluwalia, and for condonation of delay. The High Court had clearly ruled that once a settlement order is passed and implemented, including the collection of tax, it reaches finality.

The Supreme Court's record of proceedings indicates a focus on procedural compliance and the resolution of the abatement and substitution applications. The challenge to the High Court's dismissal of the writ petition did not result in an interference with the Commission's settled findings, reinforcing the principle that settlement orders are not to be lightly disturbed through judicial review unless there is a grave procedural defect or lack of jurisdiction. To Read Full Order, Download PDF Given Below