AO lacked Jurisdiction to Initiate Proceedings: ITAT quashes Order u/s 153C of Income Tax Act

The ITAT quashed an assessment order under Section 153C of the Income Tax Act, ruling that the Assessing Officer (AO) lacked the jurisdiction to initiate proceedings. The tribunal found that the necessary conditions for invoking Section 153C were not met, rendering the assessment invalid. This decision reinforces the importance of adhering to jurisdictional boundaries and procedural requirements in tax assessments, protecting taxpayers from unlawful actions by tax authorities.