M/S SAHARA INDIA (FIRM) LUCKNOW vs COMMNR. OF INCOME TAX, CENTRAL-I

The Supreme Court addressed the interpretation of Section 142(2A) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, regarding the necessity of a pre-decisional hearing before ordering a special audit. The Court doubted the absolute requirement for a hearing as established in Rajesh Kumar & Ors. Vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax & Ors., clarifying that while principles of natural justice are important, they do not mandate an elaborate hearing in every case. The matter was referred to a larger bench for further clarification on this legal principle.