AO Provided Only 6 Days to Reply to Notice Instead of Mandatory 7 u/s 148A(b): ITAT Quashes Reassessment

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has quashed a reassessment order, observing that the Assessing Officer (AO) provided only six days to reply to the notice issued under Section 148AB of the Income Tax Act, instead of the mandatory seven days. Section 148AB outlines the procedure for reassessment, including the requirement of providing the assessee with at least seven days to respond to the notice proposing reassessment. The ITAT held that this procedural lapse, specifically the failure to provide the statutorily mandated timeframe for response, rendered the reassessment proceedings invalid. This ruling emphasizes the strict adherence to procedural requirements by tax authorities and protects the rights of taxpayers by ensuring they are given adequate opportunity to respond to reassessment notices.