Depreciation - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition depreciation

Definition :

Depreciation, is an allowance for the diminution in the value due to wear and tear of capital asset employed by an assessee in his business, Union of India v. Savjiram, (2004) 9 SCC 312 (317).

Means 'a decrease in value of property though wear, deterioration, or obsolescence, the allowance made for this in book-keeping, accounting, etc.' (Webster's New World Dictionary), Income Tax Commissioner v. Alps Theatre, AIR 1967 SC 1437 (1439). [Income Tax Act, 1922, s. 10(2)(vi)]

It represents the diminution in value of a capital asset when applied to the purpose of making profit or gain, Workmen of National & Grindlays Bank Ltd. v. National & Grindlays Bank, AIR 1976 SC 611 (616).