S. 80-IB (10): “Housing Project” eligible even if Developer not “owner” of land

CIT vs. Radhe Developers (Gujarat High Court)

The assessee entered into a ‘development agreement’ with the owner of the land pursuant to which it agreed to develop the land. Deduction u/s 80-IB(10) in respect of the profits arising from the said activity was claimed on the ground that it was “derived from the business of undertaking developing and building housing project approved by the local authority”. The AO & CIT (A) rejected the claim on the ground that the assessee was not the “owner” of the land and that the approval of the local authority to, and the completion certificate of, the “housing project” was given to the owner and not to the assessee. However, the Tribunal allowed the claim. On appeal by the department to the High Court, HELD dismissing the appeal: