The Economic Times

Man sells property for Rs 48 lakh, constructs a new house but faces delay, income tax dept denies Section 54 claim; he fights and wins case in ITAT Chennai

A Chennai resident successfully reclaimed his Section 54 tax exemption after a three-year construction delay on his new home, initially denied by the tax department. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) ruled in his favour, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as an extraordinary circumstance beyond his control. The tribunal emphasized a liberal interpretation of the beneficial provision, allowing the exemption despite minor delays in finalising construction.