Section 243:
Interest on delayed refunds.
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(1) If the 2
Assessing Officer does not grant the
refund,—
(a) in any case where the total income of the assessee does not consist solely of income from
interest on securities or dividends, within three months from the end of the month in which the total
income is determined under this Act, and
(b) in any other case, within three months from the end of the month in which the claim for
refund is made under this Chapter,
the Central Government shall pay the assessee simple interest at 3
fifteen per cent. per annum on the
amount directed to be refunded from the date immediately following the expiry of the period of three
months aforesaid to the date of the order granting the refund.
Explanation.—If the delay in granting the refund within the period of three months aforesaid is
attributable to the assessee, whether wholly or in part, the period of the delay attributable to him shall be
excluded from the period for which interest is payable.
(2) Where any question arises as to the period to be excluded for the purposes of calculation of
interest under the provisions of this section, such question shall be determined by the 45
Principal Chief
Commissioner or Chief Commissioner or 6
Principal Commissioner or Commissioner whose decision
shall be final.
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(3) The provisions of this section shall not apply in respect of any assessment for the assessment
year commencing on the 1st day of April, 1989 or any subsequent assessment years.
Notes:
1. Subs. by Act 42 of 1970, s. 42, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 1-4-1971).
2. Subs. by Act 4 of 1988, s. 2, for “Income-tax” (w.e.f. 1-4-1988).
3. Subs. by Act 67 of 1984, s. 24, for “twelve per cent.” (w.e.f. 1-10-1984).
4. Subs. by Act 4 of 1988, s. 2 for “Commissioner” (w.e.f. 1-4-1988).
5. Subs. by Act 25 of 2014, s. 4 for “Chief Commissioner” (w.e.f. 1-6-2013).
6. Subs. by s. 4, ibid., for “Commissioner” (w.e.f. 1-6-2013).
7. Ins. by Act 4 of 1988, s. 96, (w.e.f. 1-4-1989).