Punjab & Haryana HC sets aside Reassessment Proceedings initiated without conducting Faceless Assessment u/s 144 B of Income Tax Act

The Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed reassessment proceedings initiated without conducting a faceless assessment as required under Section 144B of the Income Tax Act. The court held that the issuance of a notice under Section 148 by the Jurisdictional Assessing Officer (JAO) without following the faceless assessment procedure defeats the purpose of the faceless assessment scheme. The court emphasized that reassessment proceedings must comply with the statutory provisions and procedural requirements to ensure transparency and accountability.