For subsequent sale deed execution, Section 54F exemption cannot be rejected

Fact and issue of the case

The Registry has noted delay of 7 days in the appeal, the condonation of which has been sought Ld. AR on the strength of affidavit of the assessee. Considering the period of delay and contents of affidavit, we condone the delay and admit the appeal for adjudication on merits.

During assessment proceedings, it transpired that the assessee sold certain property on 23.02.2015 for Rs.283 Lacs. Out of the advanced so received against the sale of property under unregistered sale agreement dated 15.05.2013, the assessee purchased land and building at Peerkankaranai village, Kamaraj Nagar for Rs.45 Lacs on 29.11.2013. The possession of the sold property was handed over by the assessee on 15.10.2014. Subsequently, the assessee purchased another land and building at Peerkankaranai Village adjacent to property purchased during 2013) on 29.04.2015 for Rs. 57.10 Lacs. The assessee stated to have constructed residential building for Rs.156.80 Lacs and accordingly, claimed deduction u/s 54F for aggregate amount Rs.269.11 Lacs including earlier property purchased for Rs.45 Lacs. The balance amount of Rs.13.88 Lacs was offered to tax as Long Term Capital Gains.

The Ld. AO held that unregistered document dated 15.05.2013 could not be considered. The assessee constructed residential house on plot purchased on 29.04.2015 and the construction was completed on 30.09.2017. The sale took place on 23.02.2015 and therefore, the assessee should have invested unutilized gains in Capital Gains Account Scheme by due date of filing of return of income i.e., by 31.07.2015 which was not done and accordingly, the deduction was to be restricted to the extent of investment made up-to that date. This was as per the decision of Hon’ble Bombay High Court in Humayun Suleman Merchant vs CIT (23 com). Since the property purchased on 29.11.2013 fall beyond one year from the date of sale i.e., 23.02.2015, no deduction would be available to the extent of Rs.45 Lacs. The amount spent on investment and construction up-to 31.07.2015 in second property purchased on 29.04.2015 aggregated to Rs.156.80 Lacs which alone would be eligible for deduction u/s 54F.

Observation of the court

So far as the investment in subsequent property is concerned, we find that the assessee has purchased adjacent land and constructed residential property on the same. The assessee made investment in land for Rs.57.10 Lacs as well as incurred substantial construction expenditure to the extent of Rs.130.56 Lacs Only small amount of Rs.30.56 Lacs was spent thereafter. The provisions of Sec.54F are beneficial provisions and therefore, the substantial compliance of the same by the assessee, in our considered opinion, would entitle the assessee to claim full deduction. Therefore, Ld. AO is directed to allow remaining deduction of Rs.30.56 Lacs also. We order so.

The appeal stand allowed in terms of our above order.

Order pronounced on 18th January, 2023