S. 271(1)(c): Admission of quantum appeal by High Court shows issue is debatable

The assessee’s appeal against the disallowance made u/s 14A was admitted by the High Court. The AO levied penalty u/s 271(1)(c) in respect of the said disallowance. The CIT(A) and the ITAT set aside the penalty levied u/s 271(1)(c) on the ground that the issue of deduction u/s 14A was a debatable issue. On appeal by the Department to the High Court HELD:

Both the CIT(A) as well as the ITAT have set aside the penalty imposed by the AO u/s 271(1)(c) on the ground that the issue of deduction u/s 14A of the Act was a debatable issue. We may also note that against the quantum assessment where under deduction u/s 14A of the Act was prescribed to the assessee, the assessee has preferred an appeal in this Court u/s 260A of the Act which has also been admitted and substantial question of law framed. This itself shows that the issue is debatable. For these reasons, we are of the opinion that no question of law arises in the present case.