ITAT Quashes Tax Assessments, Citing Mechanical and invalid approval under section 153D

The ITAT (Income Tax Appellate Tribunal) has quashed tax assessments citing "mechanical and invalid approval under Section 153D." Section 153D of the Income Tax Act requires specific approval from a senior income tax authority before passing an assessment order in search and seizure cases. The tribunal's decision emphasizes that such approval must not be a mere formality but a conscious application of mind. When approval is found to be mechanical or invalid, the entire assessment can be quashed, safeguarding taxpayers' rights against arbitrary procedures.