Legal Case Summary

Case Details
Case ID f3920953-ab0b-4c35-b040-64240ae56c98
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Hearing Date
Decision The case concerns the entitlement of the assessee to claim depreciation at a special rate for rigs and compressors used for drilling borewells. The Tribunal had previously allowed the claim for a special depreciation rate of 30%. However, upon reference, the High Court determined that the Tribunal's decision was not justified based on precedent set in CIT v. Popular Borewell Service. The court concluded that the assessee was not entitled to the special rate of depreciation, thereby favoring the revenue's position. The court ruled in the negative regarding the question of law posed, with no order as to costs.
Summary In this significant tax case adjudicated by the Madras High Court, the central issue revolved around the interpretation of Section 32 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, concerning depreciation allowances for specific equipment used in agricultural operations. The assessee, Gamuki Agro Service, sought to claim a 30% special depreciation rate for rigs and compressors utilized in drilling borewells, which was initially granted by the Tribunal. However, the High Court referenced its earlier decision in CIT v. Popular Borewell Service to determine that the Tribunal's ruling was incorrect. The court emphasized the importance of adhering to established legal precedents in tax law, ultimately denying the special depreciation claim. This case highlights the stringent requirements for claiming tax deductions and the necessity for clear legal frameworks governing such claims, making it crucial for businesses in the agricultural sector to stay informed about tax legislation and judicial interpretations.
Court Madras High Court
Entities Involved Commissioner of Income Tax, Gamuki Agro Service
Judges RATNAM, THANIKKACHALAM
Lawyers C.V. Rajan, P.P.S. Janarthana Raja, Subbaraya Ayyar, Padmanabhan, Ramamani
Petitioners Commissioner of Income Tax
Respondents Gamuki Agro Service
Citations 1992 SLD 1854, (1992) 198 ITR 552
Other Citations CIT v. Popular Borewell Service [1992] 194 ITR 12 (Mad.)
Laws Involved Income-tax Act, 1961
Sections 32