Indian Oil Corporation Ltd,Mumbai vs Dcit 14(2)(1), Mumbai on 31 December, 2024
The first ground of appeal taken by the assessee relates to non-granting of interest u/s.
244A(1)(b) of Rs. 43,64,53,900/- on refund of Rs. 3,96,77,62,722/- arising out ofSelf
Assessment Tax. As already discussed in the preceding para, the interest was denied with the
specific reason cited by the AO that interest on excess payment of Self Assessment Tax was not
payable till the Amendment to this effect was introduced w.e.f 01/06/2016 by insertion of
clause (aa) in Section 244A(1). I have perused the order of the AO. I have also perused the order
of the Hon'ble High Court at Bombay in writ petition No. 823 of 2000, in the case of the Stock
Holding Corporation of India Ltd. Vs. the CIT-III, Mumbai, where in the order dated 17/11/2014
the Ld. High Court clearly stated that interest u/s. 244A(1)(b) is allowable on account of excess
payment of tax on Self Assessment from the date of payment of such tax to the date of refund
of such excess payment. Respectfully following the said decision along with the various other
decisions submitted by the assessee where also the decision of the Bombay High Court stated
supra were relied on, I hold that interest on excess amount of Self Assessment Tax should be
refunded with interest as per provisions of Section 244A(1)(b) for AYs relating to period prior
to the amendment inserted w.e.f 01/06/2016.