ITAT says Delay Can Be Condoned Where Non-Compliance Had a Genuine Cause

The assessee's assessment was completed ex parte under Section 144, with a major addition of ₹2.04 crore for unexplained cash deposits. Its appeal was filed 336 days late after its CA, who held the records and password, had died. ITAT held that the circumstances justified condonation and directed the CIT(A) to admit and decide the appeal afresh by a speaking order.