17 February 2010
Where the assessee-hotel received payments from corporate customers under an agreement for use of the rooms in the hotel by such customers on regular basis, such payments would squarely fall within the term ‘rent’ as defined under the Explanation to section 194-I, and would hence attract deduction of tax at source. If such deduction results in any hardship or financial burden to the assessee, the proper remedy is to apply to the Assessing Officer under section 197 for the issue of certificate for deduction at lower rate or nil rate - Krishna Oberoi v. Union of India [2002] 257 ITR 105/123 Taxman 709 (AP.).