Daily Archives: May 14, 2013


Asst DIT v M/s Clifford Chance (ITA Nos. 5034/Mum/2004, 5035/Mum/2004, 7095/Mum/2004, 3021/Mum/2005 AND 2060-61/Mum/2008) (Mumbai Special Bench) Background: The assessee is a U.K. partnership firm of Solicitors. It is engaged in providing international legal services. During the years under consideration, it rendered legal consultancy services in connection with different projects in India. Although it did not have an office in India, some part of the work relating to the projects in India was performed in India by its partners and employees during their visits to India. For assessment years 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2001-2002 and 2003-04, the returns of income were filed by the assessee declaring NIL income on the ground that the aggregate period or periods of stay of its partners and employees during the said years did not exceed 90 days and its income therefore was not taxable in India in these years. 

Linklaters ruling overruled by Mumbai Sp Bench in Clifford Chance