Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment

Judgment:

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			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
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			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
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		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
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		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => '',
		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
		'ratiodecidendi' => '',
		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
		'link' => null,
		'circuit' => null
	)
)
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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S.T. Desai, J.

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => '',
			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
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			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
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$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated :

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => '',
			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
			'link' => null,
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'casename_url' => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber',
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '345334',
		(int) 1 => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => '',
		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
		'ratiodecidendi' => '',
		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
		'link' => null,
		'circuit' => null
	)
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.'

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
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			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
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			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
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			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
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			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
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		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
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		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => '',
		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
		'ratiodecidendi' => '',
		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
		'link' => null,
		'circuit' => null
	)
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is :

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => '',
			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
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			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
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$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?'

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => '',
			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
			'link' => null,
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'casename_url' => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber',
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '345334',
		(int) 1 => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference :

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
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		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => '',
			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
			'link' => null,
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'casename_url' => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber',
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '345334',
		(int) 1 => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => '',
		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
		'ratiodecidendi' => '',
		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
		'link' => null,
		'circuit' => null
	)
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.'

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => '',
			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
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			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
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$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
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		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking.

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => '',
			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
			'link' => null,
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'casename_url' => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber',
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '345334',
		(int) 1 => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
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		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
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		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company.

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
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			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => '',
			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
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		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => '',
		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
		'ratiodecidendi' => '',
		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
		'link' => null,
		'circuit' => null
	)
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => '',
			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
			'link' => null,
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'casename_url' => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber',
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '345334',
		(int) 1 => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
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		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
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		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948.

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
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			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
			'link' => null,
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'casename_url' => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber',
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '345334',
		(int) 1 => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => '',
		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
		'ratiodecidendi' => '',
		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
		'link' => null,
		'circuit' => null
	)
)
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty.

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			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
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			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
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			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
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		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => '',
		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
		'ratiodecidendi' => '',
		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
		'link' => null,
		'circuit' => null
	)
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons.

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => '',
			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
			'link' => null,
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'casename_url' => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber',
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '345334',
		(int) 1 => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes :

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
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		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
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			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
			'link' => null,
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'casename_url' => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber',
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '345334',
		(int) 1 => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => '',
		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
		'ratiodecidendi' => '',
		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
		'link' => null,
		'circuit' => null
	)
)
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...'

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
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			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
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			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
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			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
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		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => '',
		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
		'ratiodecidendi' => '',
		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
		'link' => null,
		'circuit' => null
	)
)
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that :

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => '',
			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
			'link' => null,
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'casename_url' => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber',
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '345334',
		(int) 1 => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
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		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
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		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.'

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
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			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
			'link' => null,
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'casename_url' => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber',
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '345334',
		(int) 1 => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber'
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)
$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => '',
		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
		'ratiodecidendi' => '',
		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
		'link' => null,
		'circuit' => null
	)
)
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England.

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
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			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
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			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
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			'favorof' => null,
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			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
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		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => '',
		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
		'ratiodecidendi' => '',
		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
		'link' => null,
		'circuit' => null
	)
)
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking.

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => '',
			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
			'link' => null,
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'casename_url' => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber',
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '345334',
		(int) 1 => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
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		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction.

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
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		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
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			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
			'link' => null,
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'casename_url' => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber',
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '345334',
		(int) 1 => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => '',
		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
		'ratiodecidendi' => '',
		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
		'link' => null,
		'circuit' => null
	)
)
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative.

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
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		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
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			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
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		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => '',
		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
		'ratiodecidendi' => '',
		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
		'link' => null,
		'circuit' => null
	)
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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16. Commissioner to pay the costs.

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
			'caseanalysis' => null,
			'casesref' => '',
			'citingcases' => '',
			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
			'deposition' => '',
			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
			'link' => null,
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'casename_url' => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber',
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '345334',
		(int) 1 => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
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		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
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17. Question answered in the affirmative.

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	'title_for_layout' => 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | ',
	'desc' => array(
		'Judgement' => array(
			'id' => '345334',
			'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
			'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
			'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
			'authreffered' => '',
			'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
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			'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
			'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
			'court' => 'Mumbai',
			'court_type' => 'HC',
			'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
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			'favorof' => null,
			'findings' => null,
			'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
			'judgement' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">S.T. Desai, J.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p style="text-align: justify;">12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">',
			'observations' => null,
			'overruledby' => null,
			'prhistory' => '',
			'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
			'ratiodecidendi' => '',
			'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
			'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
			'link' => null,
			'circuit' => null
		)
	),
	'casename_url' => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber',
	'args' => array(
		(int) 0 => '345334',
		(int) 1 => 'commissioner-income-tax-bombay-city-vs-gaekwar-rubber'
	)
)
$title_for_layout = 'Commissioner of Income Tax Bombay City I Vs Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co Ltd - Citation 345334 - Court Judgment | '
$desc = array(
	'Judgement' => array(
		'id' => '345334',
		'acts' => '<a href="/act/133687/income-tax-act-1922-complete-act">Income Tax Act, 1922</a> - Sections 15C, 80J and 84',
		'appealno' => 'I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958',
		'appellant' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i',
		'authreffered' => '',
		'casename' => 'Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'casenote' => 'Direct Taxation - exemption - Sections 15C, 80J and 84 of Income Tax Act, 1922 - assessee company took over assets of another company - assessee company claimed benefits of exemption under Section 15C on ground of newly established company - whether assessee company was entitled to relief from tax under Section 15C - object of provisions of Section 15C were to help new industries - held, assessee company entitled to exemption under Section 15C.


 - Section 3: [S.B. Mhase, D.S. Bhosale & A.S. Oka, JJ] Offences of atrocities  - Complaint under  Held, Merely because the caste of the accused is not mentioned in the FIR stating whether he belongs to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, it cannot be a ground for quashing the complaint. After ascertaining the facts during he course of investigation it is always open to the investigating Officer to record tht the accused either belongs to or does not belongs to Schedule Caste or Scheduled Tribe. After final opinion is formed, it is open to the Court to either accept the same or take cognizance. Even if the charge sheet is filed at the time of consideration of the charge, it si open to the accused to bring to the notice of the Court that the materials do not show that the accused does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is framed at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Even if charge is frame d at the time of trial materials can be placed to show that the accused either belongs to or  does not belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. It is not a requirement und4r Section 3 of the Atrocities Act that the complainant should disclose the caste of the accused in the complaint. In other words, if there is no mention of the caste of the accused in the FIR, that cannot be a ground for either not registering the offence under Section 3 of the Act or for quashing such complaint -  1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'.7. The question before us, therefore, is :Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence ? Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. 9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect.',
		'caseanalysis' => null,
		'casesref' => '',
		'citingcases' => '',
		'counselplain' => 'G.N. Joshi, Adv.',
		'counseldef' => 'N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.',
		'court' => 'Mumbai',
		'court_type' => 'HC',
		'decidedon' => '1958-10-03',
		'deposition' => '',
		'favorof' => null,
		'findings' => null,
		'judge' => 'K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.',
		'judgement' => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.</p><p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : </p><p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' </p><p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : </p><p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' </p><p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : </p><p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' </p><p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. </p><p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. </p><p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. </p><p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. </p><p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. </p><p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. </p><p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : </p><p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' </p><p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : </p><p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' </p><p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. </p><p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. </p><p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. </p><p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. </p><p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. </p><p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p></p><p>',
		'observations' => null,
		'overruledby' => null,
		'prhistory' => '',
		'pubs' => '[1959]35ITR662(Bom)',
		'ratiodecidendi' => '',
		'respondent' => 'Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.',
		'sub' => 'Direct Taxation',
		'link' => null,
		'circuit' => null
	)
)
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	(int) 0 => '<p>S.T. Desai, J.',
	(int) 1 => '<p>1. A short but interesting question of construction of section 15C of the Income-tax Act arises for our determination on this reference, which comes before us at the instance of the Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay, under section 66 (1). The facts may be briefly stated. A partnership firm consisting of three partners started doing business of manufacturing shoes from 1st July, 1948, in the firm name of 'Coral & Co.' There was another concern - The Gaekwar Foam & Rubber Co. which was a limited liability company registered on 21st July, 1949. Owing to devaluation of currency, this latter company had difficulties in carrying on its business of them rubber. It came to the notice of this company, which is the assessee company before us, that the firm of Coral & Co. wanted to sell its business. The assessee company took over all the assets of the business of Coral & Co. including its goodwill for the consideration of Rs. 1,50,000. The payment was not made in cash but was by allotting 1,500 shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each to the three partners in the firm of Coral & Co. The nominal capital of the assessee company was Rs. 5,03,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of Rs. 100 each and 3,000 'B' shares of Rs. 1 each. Neither the credits and outstanding nor the debts and liabilities of Coral & Co. were taken over by the assessee company. We shall refer to the agreement, which is one of sale, a little later in our judgment. In respect of the assessment year 1952-53, the assessee company claimed the benefit of and exemption from tax under section 15C on the ground that it was a newly established industrial undertaking. The Income-tax Officer rejected the assessee's contention. According to him, the assessee company was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence and, therefore, the assessee company was not entitled to the benefit of section 15C claimed by it. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner took the contrary view. His conclusion was that this was a case of transfer of building and machinery to a new business, and as the business of the transferor came into existence after 1st April, 1948, the assessee was entitled to the exemption claimed by it. The matter was carried in appeal by the Department and the Tribunal took the view that the Appellate Assistant Commissioner was right in the conclusion reached by him. In its order, it stated : ',
	(int) 2 => '<p>'If we were to accept the contention of the Department, it will only mean that the whole object of the provision made has been frustrated. With a view to help the building up of new industries, it has been provided that industries started after 1st April, 1948, will get some special benefits. The Income-tax Officer would have been right in not allowing the exemption if the business taken over by the assessee had been commenced prior to 1st April, 1948. The exemption is attached to the business and not to the assessee. It matters little if the business changes hands six times over a period of one year. As long as the industrial undertaking commenced business after 1st April, 1948, it will, in our opinion, be entitled to claim the benefit of section 15C.' ',
	(int) 3 => '<p>2. The question we are called upon to answer on this reference is : ',
	(int) 4 => '<p>'Whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case the assessee company is entitled to relief from taxed under section 15C of the Income-tax Act ?' ',
	(int) 5 => '<p>3. It has been argued before us by Mr. G. N. Joshi, learned counsel for the Revenue, that the Tribunal was in error in interpreting clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C. The argument briefly stated was that this was a case of an industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, and if it was a newly established industrial undertaking, which was formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, it could not claim the exemption granted by section 15C. It will be convenient at this stage to set out that part of section 15C which is material for the purpose of this reference : ',
	(int) 6 => '<p>'(2) This section applies to any industrial undertaking which - (i) is not formed by the splitting up, or the reconstruction of business already in existence or by the transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before that 1st day of April, 1948.' ',
	(int) 7 => '<p>4. In sub-section (2) there are two other clauses and there is a proviso to this sub-section. But it is not necessary to set out the same because they have little bearing on the part of section 15C which we are called upon to interpret in this reference. Clauses (ii) and (iii) relate to certain periods and to the number of workmen employed by the industrial undertaking and the proviso empowers the Central Government by a notification to direct that the exemption cannot be availed of by any particular industrial undertaking. ',
	(int) 8 => '<p>5. The argument of Mr. Joshi is that an assessee who wants to avail of the benefit of the exemption must fulfill all the conditions and requirements of the section. That proposition is not disputed. Then, the argument has proceeded that in clause (i) there are three requirements of conditions. We agree with Mr. Joshi that all the three requirements or conditions specified in clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before an assessee can claim the benefit of the exemption granted by the section and the argument in effect has been that since this is a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee cannot get any relief. It is suggested by Mr. Joshi that the words at the end of clause (i) : 'before the 1st day of April, 1948', apply to the third conditioner requirement of clause (i) or sub-section (2) and not to all the three conditions or requirements specified in that clause. On the other hand, it has been suggested by Mr. Palkhivala that those words apply to all the three requirements or conditions of that clause. It is not necessary for us to decide on this reference whether the words 'before the 1st of April, 1948', apply to all the three conditions or requirements of clause (i) of sub-section (2). We shall, therefore, confine our consideration only to the; point which is directly before us, namely, whether this is a case of reconstruction of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence. If it is not a newly established industrial undertaking formed by reconstruction of a business already in existence, the assessee must succeed because it is not the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is a case of an undertaking formed by splitting up of a business already in existence nor is it the contention of Mr. Joshi that this is not a case of an undertaking formed by transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before 1st April, 1948. Mr. Joshi has taken us through the various clauses of the agreement between the firm of Coral & Co. the vendors and the assessees. On the face of it, it is an agreement of sale of the assets of building, machinery and plant of an industrial undertaking and also of the stock-in-trade of that firm, as we shall presently point out. The sale includes the goodwill of the vendor firm. What is kept out, however, is the credits and outstandings of the vendor firm and its debts and liabilities. Clause (2) refers to the nominal capital of the transfer company, the assessee. Clause 3(1) specks of the operation of the sale and purchase as from 1st of March, 1950. The agreement is dated 28th February, 1950. Then, the goodwill of what is described as 'the late company' is mentioned. Then, the right to use the premises occupied by the vendors is mentioned. Next, is mentioned the plant, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendors. Consideration is mentioned thereafter as being Rs. 1,50,000 to be paid and satisfied by the allotment to the vendors of 1,500 fully paid up ordinary shares of the assessee company of the face value of Rs. 100 each. The price of the; plant, machinery, etc., is shown as agreed upon at Rs. 1,43,758 and the goodwill at Rs. 6,242. Then there is a reference to the credits and outstandings and the debts and liabilities of the vendor firm, to which we have already made reference. Then there is stipulation about the indemnity given to the purchaser by the vendors against any proceedings, claims and demands in respect of their debts, liabilities, contracts and previous engagements and in respect of tax. As to stock-in-trade, it is mentioned that it was a matter left to the transfer company whether it should take it up or not. Lastly, there is a restrictive condition which restrains the vendors from carrying on a competing business within the area of 100 miles of Bombay. On these stipulations and conditions in the agreement of sale, it is argued by counsel for the Revenue that this is clearly a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence. Considerable emphasis has been laid by Mr. Joshi on the expression 'business' and we propose to bear in mind the importance we are asked to attach to the business of the vendors. It is said that here the goodwill has been transferred. It is said that although the outstandings and liabilities were not taken up, that made no difference. It is then said that the fact that the stock-in-trade was not taken up at the time of the sale made little difference. The argument has been that what is of importance and consequence is that all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up as a going concern. Now, we do not think we would be justified in reading this agreement as one under which all the assets of the vendor firm were taken up by the assessee company as a gong concern. But at the same time it is true that the premises where its business was being carried on and all the plants, machinery, furniture and other tools of the vendor firm were taken up by this agreement described as one of sale. Then it is said that it was the same persons who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. Here we are unable to accept Mr. Joshi's suggestion. We have carefully read the agreement and the statement of the case and there is nothing to suggest that it is the same persons, that is, the vendors who are carrying on the business of the assessee company. No such fact has been found by the Tribunal. The capital of the assessee company, as we have already mentioned, is Rs. 5,03,000 and the consideration was of Rs. 100 each allotted to them in payment of consideration. Then it is said that the identity of the vendor firm was completely merged in the assessee company. It cannot be said that this was a case of amalgamation or identity of the vendor firm being merged in the assessee company if it was a transaction of sale. What appears to have happened is that the vendor firm sold its plant, machinery, furniture and tools and ceased to carry on its business. It is the case of a business of a firm ceasing after the sale of its machinery, plant, etc., when it could not possibly carry on business. The goodwill of that firm, as we have already said, was sold to the assessee company. ',
	(int) 9 => '<p>6. The argument of counsel for the Revenue is that in view of the stipulations and conditions mentioned in the agreement, this is a case simply of reconstruction of the business of the vendors' firm. Learned counsel stated that a business is reconstituted when it is carried on after the liabilities of the business which made it difficult to carry on are removed, that is, when the burden of debts is removed and it starts with a clean slate. Then it is said that the dictionary meaning of the expression 'reconstruction' is 'to rebuild or to reconstitute' and, says Mr. Joshi, this is a business 'which is reconstituted or rebuilt'. ',
	(int) 10 => '<p>7. The question before us, therefore, is : Is this a case of reconstruction of a business already in existence Now, it is clear that all the conditions and requirements of sub-clause (i) of sub-section (2) must be satisfied before the benefit of the exemption can be claimed by a newly established industrial undertaking. The section does not apply and the exemption cannot be claimed by an assessee if the industrial undertaking is formed by splitting up of its business or by reconstruction of its business or in case of transfer to a new business of building, machinery or plant used in a business which was being carried on before the 1st of April, 1948. ',
	(int) 11 => '<p>8. The expression 'reconstruction' represents a legal conception. It has been used in statutes relating to company law but even there, as we shall point out, a little later in our judgment, no judge has ever attempted to give a comprehensive definition of that expression. The Income-tax Act does not define the expression. This is just as well since it seems difficult to have a definition which may aptly meet with every particular instance and it seems permissible to enter a caveat against any judicial attempt at a definition exclusive or inclusive of a legal expression which, as has so often been said, had no precise meaning. The expression, though difficult to define, may be described without difficulty. ',
	(int) 12 => '<p>9. It is well established that the words which express a legal conception must have attributed to them their legal meaning. Technical words, where we find them, must have their technical sense ascribed to them and not their popular sense - uti loquitur [sic] vulgus. The principle is of cogency when the words in question represent legal conceptions. The reconstruction of a business or an industrial undertaking must necessarily involve the concept that the original business or underrating is not to case functioning, and its identity is not to be lost or abandoned. The concept essentially rests on changes but the changes must be constructive and not destructive. There must be something positive about the whole matter as opposed to negative. The underlying idea of a reconstruction evidently must be - and this is brought out by the section itself - of a 'business already in existence'. There must be a continuation of the activities and business of the same industrial undertaking. The undertaking must continue to carry on the same business though in some altered or varied form. If the alterations and changes are substantial, there would be little scope for describing what emerges as a reconstruction of the business. Thus for instance of the ownership of a business or an undertaking changes hands not ostensibly but in reality and effectively, that would not be reconstruction or if the very nature of the business is changed, that again would not be reconstruction. On the other hand, reorganization of the business on sounder lines or alterations in the mode or method or scope of type activities of the business or in its personnel or infusion of new bold in the management or control of the business which may even be by some changes in the constitution of persons interested in the undertaking would certainly be no more than reconstruction of the business of it is substantially the same business carried on by substantially the same persons. ',
	(int) 13 => '<p>10. Now, support is to derived for the view we take of the interpretation of the material words of clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 15C from certain observations of Mr. Justice Buckley, as he then was, in South African Supply and Cold Storage Co., In re. We may immediately observe that the word 'reconstruction' was being considered by the court in that case in the context of company law and in referring to these observations we are conscious of the fact that the observations are not made in the self-same context, but even so they are general observations which can be of guidance and assistance if taken as no more than stating a broad general principle, and coming from an authority like Lord Wrenbury we think they are entitled to be read with respect. At page 286 of the report in that case the learned Judge was considering the question of reconstruction 'of an underacting'. He observes : ',
	(int) 14 => '<p>'What does 'reconstruction' mean To my mind it means this. An undertaking of some definite kind is being carried on, and the conclusion is arrived at that it is not desirable to kill that undertaking, but that it is desirable to preserve if in some form, and to do so, not by selling it to an outsider who shall carry it on - that would be a mere sale - but in some altered form to continue the undertaking in such manner as that the persons now carrying it on will substantially continue to carry it on. It involves, I think, that substantially the same business shall be carried on and substantially the same persons shall carry it on. But it does not involve that all the assets shall pass to the new company or resuscitated company, or that all the shareholders of the old company shall be shareholders in the new company or resuscitated company. Substantially, the business and the persons interested must be the same. Does it make any difference that the new company or resuscitated company does or does not take over the liabilities I think not. I think it is none that less a reconstruction because from the assets taken over some part is excepted provided that substantially the business is taken, and it is immaterial whether the liabilities are taken over by the new or resuscitated company or are provided for by excepting...' ',
	(int) 15 => '<p>11. Later on, the learned Judge observes that : ',
	(int) 16 => '<p>'It is not, therefore, vital that either the whole assets should be taken over or that the liabilities should be taken over. You have to see whether substantially the same persons carry on the same business; and if they do, that, I conceive, is a reconstruction.' ',
	(int) 17 => '<p>12. Now fully appreciating the distinction which counsel for the Revenue has sought to make between the case of a reconstruction of a company and the case of reconstruction of a business, these observations, as we read them, are equally illuminating in the context of reconstruction of a business already in existence in the case of a newly established industrial undertaking. In fact the learned Judge speaks of an undertaking of some definite kind being carried on. The emphasis, it will be noticed, is on two things - when substantially the same business was carried on and substantially the same persons were carrying it on. It is also to be noticed that the learned Judge draws a clear distinction between a reconstruction and a sale of an undertaking. In the case of a sale, there can be no question of reconstruction. Now, in these matters, we have to look at the substance of the transaction and not the form. If looking at the substance of the transaction, it is a sale, then the concept of reconstruction must be ruled out for in such a case there is no scope for speaking about any reconstruction of an existing business. It is not necessary to pursue the question of reconstruction in the context of the company law because in this case we are not concerned with any such question and it is not necessary, therefore, to refer to the observations on the point of the leading text-book writers on the subject of company law in England. ',
	(int) 18 => '<p>13. Now, there are some other words in this clause to which also we are bound to attach some importance. The clause speaks of a newly established industrial undertaking formed by the reconstruction of its business already in existence. In the forming of this industrial undertaking, those who owned the original business must have a large say if they reconstruct it. Speaking broadly it is they who can be said to reconstruct the company in any such case and if it is floating of a new company it is they who can be said to have floated a new company for their business which was already in existence. It would be misnomer to speak of a buyer of an undertaking reconstruction the vendor's business. He may reconstruct his own business thereafter. But that would be a totally different matter. Can it, therefore, be said on the facts of this case that it was the vendors who have formed a new company by reconstruction of a business which was already in existence Here is a case of transfer of building, machinery, plant and other implements of a shoe factory. The agreement is both in substance and in form one of out and out sale. The only relation that remained between the vendors and the assessee company which thereafter carried on its business in the name of Carona Shoe Co. is that the vendors became some of the shareholders in the assessee company they having been allotted 1,500 ordinary shares of the face value of Rs. 100 each. There is little scope for doubt or difficulty in interpreting the relevant part of clause (i) of sub-section (2) and it is not necessary for us, therefore, to discuss in any detail the object underlying the clause or the scheme of exemption with which section 15C deals. The object is to benefit newly established industrial undertakings. The marginal note to which we may turn to see the drift of the section also lends support to the view which we are taking. ',
	(int) 19 => '<p>14. There is some difference of judicial opinion about the canon of construction applicable to a provision for exemption in a taxing statute. In Commissioner of Income-tax v. Chhaganlal & Co. my brother Tendolkar and I, although we took different paths, were agreed that a provision relating to exemption must as far as possible be liberally construed and in favour of the assessee, provided in doing so no violence was being done to the language used. But in this case, as we have already mentioned, we find no difficulty in interpreting the relevant provision of the Act. If we had found any difficulty, it would have been necessary for us to bear in mind that salutary canon of construction. ',
	(int) 20 => '<p>15. Our answer to the question is in the affirmative. ',
	(int) 21 => '<p>16. Commissioner to pay the costs. ',
	(int) 22 => '<p>17. Question answered in the affirmative. <p>',
	(int) 23 => '<p>'
)
$paragraphAfter = (int) 1
$cnt = (int) 24
$i = (int) 23
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Subject	Direct Taxation
Court	Mumbai High Court
Decided On	Oct-03-1958
Case Number	I.T. Reference No. 13 of 1958
Judge	K.T. Desai and ;S.T. Desai, JJ.
Reported in	[1959]35ITR662(Bom)
Acts	Income Tax Act, 1922 - Sections 15C, 80J and 84
Appellant	Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i
Respondent	Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd.
Appellant Advocate	G.N. Joshi, Adv.
Respondent Advocate	N.A. Palkhivalla, Adv.

Commissioner of Income-tax, Bombay City-i Vs. Gaekwar Foam and Rubber Co. Ltd. - Court Judgment