ITAT quashes Final Assessment Order Passed Without Draft Order, terms it Void ab Initio

The ITAT has quashed a final assessment order that was passed without a draft order, terming it void ab initio. The tribunal emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles of natural justice, which require that the assessee be given an opportunity to respond to the proposed assessment before it is finalized. The failure to issue a draft order deprived the assessee of this right. This ruling reinforces the procedural safeguards in tax assessments and protects taxpayers from arbitrary or unilateral actions by tax authorities.