#Section 144C Income Tax Act

ITAT Delhi rules that the absence of a draft assessment order under Section 144C(1) of the Income Tax Act vitiates the final assessment, even in remand proceedings. The decision reinforces strict procedural compliance for transfer pricing cases, impacting tax authorities and assessees alike.

ITAT Delhi holds that final assessment under Section 144C must comply with Section 153 time limits; Madras High Court's Roca Bathroom ratio is binding absent stay or contrary precedent.