Section 251

Powers of the ²⁰[* * *] ²¹[ Commissioner (Appeals)].

251.   (1) In disposing of an appeal, the ²⁰[* * *] ²¹[Commissioner (Appeals)] shall have the following powers—

         (a )  in an appeal against an order of assessment, he may confirm, reduce, enhance or annul the assessment ²⁴; ²⁵ [* * *]

    ^25a [(aa)  in an appeal against the order of assessment in respect of which the proceeding before the Settlement Commission abates under section 245HA, he may, after taking into consideration all the material and other information produced by the assessee before, or the results of the inquiry held or evidence recorded by, the Settlement Commission, in the course of the proceeding before it and such other material as may be brought on his record, confirm, reduce, enhance or annul the assessment;]

         (b )  in an appeal against an order imposing a penalty, he may confirm or cancel such order or vary it so as either to enhance or to reduce the penalty;

          (c )  in any other case, he may pass such orders in the appeal as he thinks fit. 

(2) The ²⁶[* * *] ²⁷[Commissioner (Appeals)] shall not enhance an assessment or a penalty or reduce the amount of refund unless the appellant has had a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against such enhancement or reduction.

Explanation.—In disposing of an appeal, the ²⁶[* * *] ²⁷[Commissioner (Appeals)] may consider and decide any matter arising out of the proceedings in which the order appealed against was passed, notwithstanding that such matter was not raised before the ²⁶[* * *] ²⁷ [Commissioner (Appeals)] by the appellant.