Paid to NPS on 31st March and allotment in next year Is deduction valid ?

This discussion explores whether a payment made to the National Pension System (NPS) on March 31st, with units allotted in the following financial year, is eligible for tax deduction under Section 80CCD(1B) for the year of payment. The core question is whether the 'paid or deposited' clause in the Act allows for deduction in the year of payment, even if allotment occurs later. The user is seeking relevant case law to support their query.