Holding

The Court held that MSAS is a service permanent establishment in India under Article 5(2)(1) of the DTAA, limited to the services of deputationists (not stewardship), and that the TNMM is the appropriate arm's length method, with the 29% cost‑plus markup being acceptable, so no additional profit attribution to MSCo is required.

Summary

Morgan Stanley & Co. (MSCo) sought an advance ruling on whether it had a permanent establishment (PE) in India through its Indian subsidiary, Morgan Stanley Advantage Services Pvt Ltd (MSAS), and on the appropriate transfer pricing method for the services rendered. The Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR) held that MSCo did not have a fixed‑place PE, that MSAS was not an agency PE, but that a service PE could arise only from the deputation of MSCo employees, not from stewardship activities. The Supreme Court upheld the AAR on the service‑PE aspect, limiting it to deputationists, rejected the inclusion of stewardship activities, and confirmed that the Transactional Net Margin Method (TNMM) was the correct arm's length method, with a 29% cost‑plus markup being acceptable. Consequently, no further profit attribution to MSCo was required. Both civil appeals were partly allowed.

Issues considered

Whether MSCo has a permanent establishment in India under Article 5(1) of the India‑USA DTAA.
Whether MSAS constitutes an agency PE under Article 5(4) of the DTAA.
Whether the services performed by stewards and deputationists create a service PE under Article 5(2)(1) of the DTAA.
Whether stewardship activities fall within the scope of Article 5(2)(1).
Whether the Transactional Net Margin Method is the most appropriate method for determining the arm's length price under Section 92C of the Income Tax Act.
Whether the remuneration of MSAS at a 29% markup is at arm's length and whether any further profit attribution to MSCo is required.
Whether the AAR's conclusion that no further profit attribution is needed is correct.

Legislation cited

Income Tax Act, 1961s. 92, s. 92A, s. 92B, s. 92C, s. 92F
Income Tax Ruless. 108, s. 109, s. 110

Subjects

Permanent EstablishmentDouble Taxation Avoidance AgreementArticle 5Article 7Transfer PricingArm's Length PriceTransactional Net Margin MethodService PEStewardshipDeputationIncome Tax Act 1961International Taxation

Judgment

1
-+-

A MIS. DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION), MUMBAI ,_..-
v.
MIS. MORGAN STANLEY & CO.

JULY 9, 2007

B [DR. ARIJIT PASA YAT AND S.H. KAPADIA, JJ.]

Income Tax Act, 1961:

c Arm'sSection 92-lnterniitional transaction-Computation of income from-
length price-Relevance of-Methods to determine-Authority for
Advanced Ruling (AAR)-Permanant Establishment (PE)-Projits attributable
to-Morgan Stanley & Co. (MSC) has three main lines of business, namely,
securities investments management, investment banking and credit services-
MSCO had set up a captive Business Process Out sourcing (BPO) in India,
D namely, Morgan Stanley Advantage Services (MSAS)-MSCo accordingly
made an application seeking an Advance Ruling as to whether it was having
a permanent Establishment (PE) in India and, if so, the amount of Income
\.
attributable to such PE-AAR held that MSCo could not be regarded as
having a fixed place of business PE; that MSAS could not be regarded as
an agency PE; and that the applicant would be regarded, as having a PE
E
in India only if it were to send some of its employees to India as stewards
or as deputationists in the employment of MSAS-Validity of-Held: AAR was
right in ruling that MSAS would be a Service PE in India, though only on
account of the services to be performed by the deputationists deployed by
MSCo and not on account of stewardship activities-The transactional net
F margin method (TNMM) was appropriate for determination of arm's length
price in respect of transaction between MSCo and MSAS-In the case of
MSCo and MSAS, the remuneration was rightly fixed at a margin of 29%
worked out on the basis of Cost plus Method_:. Therefore, the Department has
to determine income, expense or cost allocations having regard to arm's
G length prices to decide the applicability of the transfer pricing regulations-
Economic nexus is an important aspect of the principle of Attribution of
Profits-Income Tax Rules, 1962 Rr_ JOA to JOE-Double Tax Avoidance
(
'
Agreement, Articles 5 and 7. \.
; ·'
52
if
,
DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION), MUMBAI v. MORGAN STANLEY II< CO.
53
---.., The respondent-company is one of the world's largest diversifying A
financial services companies. It has three main lines of business, namely,
securities investment managements investment banking and credit services.
Morgan Stanley and Company ('MSCo') is an investment bank engaged in
the business of providing financial advisory services, corporate lending and
securities underwritting.
B
One of the group companies of the respondent-company, namely, Morgan
Stanley Advantages Services Pvt. Ltd. ('MSAS') entered into an agreement
for providing certain support services to MSCo. MSCo accordingly made an
application seeking an Advance Ruling as to whether it was having a
Permanent Establishment (PE) in India under Article 5(1) of the Double Tax
Avoidance Agreement ('OTAA') on account of the services rendered by MSAS
c
under the Services Agreement entered into by MSAS with the applicant and,
if so, the amount of income attributable to such PE.

The Authority for Advance Ruling(' AAR') held that the applicant could
not be regarded as having a fixed place of business PE under Article 5(1) of D
the DTAA; that MSAS could not be regarded as an agency PE under Article
5(4) of the DTAA; and that the applicant would be regarded as having a PE in
India under Article 5(2) (1) only if it were to send some of its employees to
India as stewards or as deputationists in the employment of MSAS. Hence
the appeal.
E
Allowing the appeal in part, the Court

HELD: 1. The question which arises for consideration in the present
case is the nature of activities performed by stewards and deputationists
deployed by Morgan Stanley and Company ('MSCo') to work in India as
·r employees of Morgan Stanley Advantages Services Pvt Ltd. ('MSAS'). Under F
Article 5(2)(1) of the Double Tax Avoida11ce Agreement ('DTAA') furnishing
of services through the fixed place in India can constitute a Permanent
Establishment (PE). The Authority for Advance Ruling ('AAR') in the
impugned ruling has held that the stewards and deputationists are proposed
to be sent by MSCo from U.S. According to the AAR there is a Oow of service G
from the MSCo to the MSAS when the former deputes its own employees to
work in India in MSAS. Therefore, according to the AAR the service
I

J Agreement between MSCo and MSAS would fall under Article 5(2)(1) and
consequently the transfer pricing regulation would apply for evaluating tlle
charges payable by MSCo to MSAS in India for such service contract This
H
__,__
_ )

54 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007) 8 S.C.R.

A ruling has been challenged by the applicant. (Para 13) (67-B-D) ;.--

2. Article 5(2) of the DT AA applies in cases where the multinational
.enterprise furnishes services within India and those services are furnished
through its employees. In the present case this Court is concerned with two
activities, namely, stewardship activities and the work to be performed by
B deputationists in India as employees of MSAS. A customer like the MSCo
which has world wide operations is entitled to insist on quality control and
confidentiality from the service provider. For example in the case of software
PE a server stores the data which may require confidentiality. A service
provider may also be required to act according to the quality control
specifications imposed by its customer. It may be required to maintain
c confidentiality. Stepwardship activities involve briefing of the MSAS staff to
-ensure that the output meets the requirements of the MSCo. These activities
include monitoring of the outsourcing operations at MSAS. The object is.to
protect the interest of the MSCo. These stewards are not involved in day-to-
day management or in any specific services to be undertaken by MSAS. The
stewardship activity is basically to protect the interest of the customer. In the
D
present case, the MSAS is a service PE. It is in a sense a service provider. A
customer is entitled to protect its interest both in terms of confidentiality
and in terms of quality control. In such a case it cann->t be said thatMSCo
has been rendering the services to MSAS. MSCo is merely protecting its
own interests in the competitive world by ensuring the quality and
E confidentiality of MSAS services. It is not possible to agree with the ruling
of the AAR that the stewardship activity would fall under Article 5(2)(1). To
this extent there is merit in the civil appeal filed by the appellant (MSCo) and
accordingly the appeal to that extent stands partly allowed.
(Para 14) (67-D-H; 68-A-B(
F 3. A regards the question of deputation, an employee of MSCo when
· deputed to MSAS does not become an employee ofMSAS. A deputationist has
a lien on his employment with MSCo. As long as the lien remains with the
MSCo, the said company retains control over the deputationist's terms and
employment.The concept of a service PE finds place in the U.N. Convention.
G It is constituted if the multinational enterprise renders services through its
employees in India provided the services are rendered for a specified period.
In this case, it extends to two years on the request of the MSAS. It is important
to note that where the activities of the multinational enterprise entails it being \
\
responsible for the work of deputationists and the employees continue to be
on the payroll of the multinational enterprise, a service PE can emerge.
H Applying the above tests to the facts of this case it is found that on request/
DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION). MUMBAI v. MORGAN STANLEY & co. SS

requisition from MSAS the applicant deputes its staff. The request comes A
from MSAS depending upon its requirement. Generally, occasions do arise
when the MSAS needs the exercise of the staff of MSCo. In such
circumstances, generally, MSAS makes a request to MSCo. A deputationist
under such circumstances is expected to be experienced in baking and finance.
On completion of his tenure he is repatriated to his parent job. He retains. B
his lien when he comes to India. He lends his experience to MSAS in India as
an employee ofMSCo as he retains his lien and in that sense there is a service
PE (MSAS) under Article 5(2)(1). There is no infirmity in the ruling of the
AAR on this aspect. In the above situation, MSCo is rendering services
through its employees to MSAS. Therefore, the Department is right in its
contention that under the above situation there exists a Service PE in India C
(MSAS). Accordingly, the civil appeal filed by the Department stands partly
allowed. (Para 15( (68-B-F(

4. The taxpayer is required to compute arm's length price for a
transaction(s) using one of the five methods stipulated in the Income Tax Rules.
Rule IOC(I) of the Income Tax Rule, 1962 defines the most appropriate method D
as the method which is best suited to the facts and circumstances of each
particular international transaction. As per Rule IOC(2) the most appropriate
. method has to be selected having regard to a number of factors which are
enumerated therein. The arm's length price has to be computed by the
application of methods mentioned in Section 92(C)(l) of the Income Tax Act, E
1961. (Para 18( (69-F-G(

5.1. The inethods to determine arm's length price in relation to
international transaction, namely, Comparable Uncontrolled Price method,
Regular Price Method, Cost Plus Method, Profit Split Method, Transactional
Net Margin Method (TNMM) etc. are mentioned in Section 92C read with F
Rule 108. The most appropriate method has to be applied for computation of
the arm's length price. It will depend on the facts and circumstances of each
particular international transaction (Rule lOC). (Para 27( (80-H; 81-A-B}

5.2. It may be noted that on the question of appropriateness of the TNMM,
the AAR did not give its ruling on the transfer pricing as proceedings had ,G
commenced before the tax officer before MSCo could seek the ruling. However,
after the impugned ruling, Transfer Pricing Officer· and the Assessing
Officer have found the said method (TNMM) to be appropriate. Apart from
the order passed by the Assessing Officer and the Transfer Pricing Officer,
the said method (TNMM) is the appropriate method in the case of Service PE H
56 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007] 8 S.C.R.

A as TNMM apportions the total operation profit arising from the transaction
on the basis of sales, cost, assets, etc. (Para 28) (81-D-EJ

5.3. As regards determination of profits attributable to a PE in .India
(MS~S) is concerned; on the basis of arm's length principle Article 7(2) of
the DTAA is quoted. According to the AAR where there is an international
B transaction under which a non-resident compensates a PE_ at arm's length
price, no further profits would be attributable in India. (Para 291 (81-Fl

6. Article 7 of the U.N. Model Convention inter alia provides that only
that portion of business profits is taxable in the source country which is
attributable to the PE. It specifies how such business should be ascertained.
C · Under the said Article, a PE is treated as if it is an independent enterprise
(profit centre) dehors the head office and which deals with the head office at
arm's length. Therefore, its profits are determined on the basis as if it is an
independent enterprises. The profits of the PE are determined on the basis of
what an independent enterprise under similar circumstances might be expected '
D to derive on its own. Article 7(2) of the U.N. Model Convention advocates the
arm's length approach for attribution of profits to a PE. (Para 31)

7. The object behind enactment of transfer pricing regulations is to
prevent shifting of profits outside India. Under Article 7(2) not all profits of
MSCo would be taxable in India but only those which have economic nexus
E with PE in India. A foreign enterprise is liable to be taxed in India on so much
of its business profit as is attributable to the PE in India. The quantum of
taxable income is to be determined in accordance with the provisions of the
Income Tax Act All provision of the Income Tax Act are applicable, including
provision relating to depreciation, investment losses, deductible expenses,
F carry-forward and set-off losses etc. However, deviations are made by DTAA
in cases of royalty, interest etc. Such deviations are also made under the +
Income Tax Act (for example: Sections 4488, 448BA etc.) Under the
impugned ruling delivered by the AAR remuneration to MSAS was justified
by a transfer pricing analysis and, therefore, no further income could be
attributed to the PE (MSAS). In other words, the said ruling equates an arm's
G length analysis (ALA) with attribution of profits. It holds that once a transfer
pricing analysis is undertaken, there is no further need to attribute profits
to a PE. The impugned ruling is correct in principle insofar as an associated
enterprise, that also constitutes a PE, has been remunerated on an arm's
length basis taking into account all the risk-taking functions of the
H enterprise. In such cases, nothing further would be left to be attributed to the
-
DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION). MUMBAI v. MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
57

--.,:
PE. The situation would be different if transfer pricing analysis does not A
adequately reflect the functions performed and the risks assumed by the
enterprise. In such ~ situation, there would be a need to attribute profits to
the PE for those functions/risks that have not been considered. Therefore, in:
each case the data placed by the taxpayer has to be examined as to whether
the transfer pricing analysis placed by the taxpayer is exhaustive of
attribution of profits and that would depend on the functional and factual B
analysis to be undertaken in each case. Lastly, it may be added that taxing
corporates on the basis of the concept of Economic Nexus is an important
feature of Attributable Profits (Profits attributable to the PE).
(Pa.ra 32) (84-D-FJ
c
8. AAR was right in ruling that MSAS would be a Service PE in India
under Article 5(2)(1), though only on account of the services to be performed
by the deputationists deployed by MSCo and not on account of stewardship
activities. As regards income attributable to the PE (MSAS) it is held that·
the Transactional Net Margin Method was the appropriate method for
determination of the arm's length price in respect of transaction between
D
MSCo and MSAS. It is accepted as correct the computation of the
remuneration based on cost plus mark-up method worked out at 29% on the
operating costs of MSAS. This position is also accepted by the Assessing
Officer and also by the transfer pricing officer. As regards attribution of
further profits to the PE of MSCo where the transaction between the two are E
held to be at arm's length, it is held that the ruling is correct in principle
provided that an associated enterprise (that also constitutes a PE) is
remunerated on arm's length basis taking into account all the risk-taking
functions of the multinational enterprise. In such a case nothing further would
be left to attribute to the PE. The situation would be different ifthe transfer
pricing analysis does not adequately reflect the.functions performed and the F
risks assumed by the enterprise. In such a case, there would be need to
attribute profits to the PE for those-functions/risks that have not been
considered. The entire ultimately is to ascertain whether the service charges
payable or paid to the service provider (MSAS in this case) fully represents
the value of the profit attributable to his service. In this connection, the G
Department has also to examine whether the PE has obtained the services
from the multinational enterprise at lower than the arm's length cost.
) Therefore, the Department has to determine income, expense or cost
allocations having regard to arm's length prices to decide the applicability of
the transfer pricing regulations. (Para 33) [84-G-H; 84-A-EJ
... H
58 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 8 S.C.R.

A 9. Economic nexus is an important aspect of the principle of Attribution
of Profits [Para 34)
>- "'
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Civil Appeal No. 2914 of2007.

From the Judgment and Order dated 13.2.2006 of the Authority for
B Advance Rulings (Income-Tax), New Delhi in A.A.R. No. 661/2005.

WITH

C.A. No. 2915 of2007.

c Singh,Mohan Parasaran, A.S.G., Dr. R.G. Padia, Sr. Adv., Ranbir Chandra, D.K.
Pradeep Shukla, Arijit Prasad and B. V. Balaram Das for the Appellant.

Soli J. Sorabjee, S. Ganesh, Sr. Adv., Nishit Desai, Reena Bagga, Pritesh
Kapoor, Bijal, Meenakshi, Jeetendra and Jay Savla for the Respondent.

D The Judgment of the Court was delivered by

KAPADIA, J. I. Leave granted.

2. In these civil appeals we are concerned with the articles in Double
Tax Avoidance Agreement ("DTAA'') between India and United States which
E have implication on transfer pricing legislation. The said Treaty either
advocates application of arm's length principle or provides a mechanism for
avoiding double taxation on income.

3. Morgan Stanley Group (MS Group) is one of the world's fargest
diversifying financial services companies. It is a world wide leader in investment
F banking and it is ranked amongst the top institutions in merger and -f
acquisitions, underwriting of equity and equity and related transactions. It
has a major presence in major securities market, with traders in numerous
,.
countries around the world offering a unique distribution of products. It has
three main lines of business, namely securities investment management and
investment banking and credit services. Morgan Stanley and Company (for
G short, 'MSCo') is an investment bank engaged in the business of providing
financial advisory services, corporate lending and securities underwriting.
One of the group companies of Morgan Stanley, Morgan Stanley Advantages
Services Pvt. Ltd. (for short, 'MSAS') entered into an agreement for providing \.-
certain support services to MSCo. MSCo outsourced some of its activities to
H MSAS. The said MSAS was set up to support the main office functions in
DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION), MUMBAI v. MORGAN STANLEY & CO. (KAPADIA, J.] 59

equity and fixed income research, account reconciliation and providing IT A
enabled services such as back office operation, data processing and support
centre to MSCo.

4. On 19.5.2005 MSCo (Applicant) filed its advance ruling application in
Form 34-C inviting its advance ruling on the points enumerated hereinbelow.
The basic question relating to the transaction between the applicant and B
MSAS on which advance ruling was sought was two fold namely, whether
the applicant was having a PE in India under Article 5(1) of the OTAA on
account of the services rendered by MSAS under the Services Agreement
dated April 14, 2005 entered into by MSAS with the applicant and if so, the
amount of income attributable to such PE.
c
5. By the impugned ruling delivered on 13.2.2006 by the Authority for
Advance Ruling (for short, 'AAR') it was held, inter alia, that the applicant
cannot be regarded as having a fixed place of business PE under Article 5(1)
of the OTAA; that MSAS cannot be regarded as an agency PE under Article
5(4) of the DTAA; that the applicant would be regarded as having a PE in D
India under Article 5(2)(1) if it were to send some of its employees to India
as stewards or as deputationists in the employment of MSAS. Against this
ruling of the AAR the applicant and the Department have come to this Court
in appeal by way of special leave petition. According to the Department the
applicant should be regarded as having a fixed place in India under Article
5( l) as the applicant proposes to carry on its business through MSAS in E
India. According to the Department MSAS was the PE of the MSCo in India.
They had a fixed place of business in Mumbai. According to the Department
the nature of the activities proposed to be performed by MSAS in Mumbai
indicated that the said company represented the business presence of the
MSCo in India. The Department also submitted that MSAS was legally and F
financially dependent upon the applicant and consequently MSAS constituted
an agency PE of the applicant under Article 5(4) of the DTAA. Both these
contentions were rejected by the AAR vide the above impugned ruling.
However, it has been ruled by the AAR that MSAS should be regarded as
constituting a service PE under Article 5(2)(1) as it proposed to send its
employees to India for undertaking stewardship activities and for undertaking G
to send some of its employees to India as deputationists in the employment
of MSAS. It is against this ruling of the AAR that the applicant has come
/ to this Court by way of appeal. On the second question the AAR ruled that
the Transactional Net Margin Method (TNMM) was the most appropriate·
method for the determination of the Arm's Length Price (ALP) in respect of H
60 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 8 S.C.R.

A the service agreement dated 14.4.2005 between the applicant and the MSAS
and as the said method meets the test of arm's length as prescribed under
Section 92-C of the 1961 Act, no further income was attributable in the hands
of MSAS in India. The said ruling of the AAR on the question of income
attributable to the PE is the subject matter of challenge by the Department.

B EXISTENCE OF P.E. IN INDIA

6. With globalization, many economic activities spread over to several
tax jurisdiction. This is where the concept of P.E. becomes important under
Article 5(1). There exists a P.E. if there is a fixed place through which the
C business of an enterprise, which is multinational enterprise (MNE), is wholly
or partly carried on. In the present case MSCo is a multi-national entity. As
stated above it has outsourced some of its activities to MSAS in India. A
general definition of the P.E. in the first part of Article 5(1) postulates the
existence of a fixed place of business whereas the second part df Article 5( I)
postulates that the business of the MNE is carried out in India through such .
D fixed· place. One of the questions which we are called upon to decide is .
whether the activities to be undertaken by MSAS consists of back office
operations of the MSCo and if so whether such operations would fall within
the ambit of the expression "the place through which the business of an
enterprise is wholly or partly carried out" in Article 5(1 ).

E 7. We quote herein below Articles 5 and 7 of the DTAA:

"Article 5

PERMANENT ESTABLISHMENT

F I. For the purposes of this Convention, the term "permanent
establishment" means a fixed place of business through which
the business of an enterprise wholly or partly carried on.
2. The term "permanent establishment" includes especially:

(a) a place of management; •
G
(b) a branch;

(c) an office;

(d) a factory; \

H
7

DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION). MUMBAI v. MORGAN STANLEY & CO. [KAPADIA, JJ 6}

(e) a workshop; A
(t) a mine, an oil or gas well, a quarry or any other place of
extraction of natural resources;

(g) a warehouse, in relation to a person providing storage
facilities for others;
B
(h) a farm, plantation or other place where agriculture, forestry,
plantation or related activities are carried on;
\ (0 a store or premises used as a sales outlet;

(j) an installation or structure used for the exploration or c
exploitation of natural resources, but only if so used for a
period of more than 120 days in any twelve month period;

(k) a building site or construction, installation or assembly project

- or supervisory activities in connection therewith, where such
site, project or activities (together with other such sites,
projects or activities, if any) continue for a period of more
D.
than 120 days in any twelve month period;

0) the furnishing of services other than included services as
defined in Article 12 (Royalties and Fees for Included
Services), within Contracting State by an enterprise through E
employees or other personnel, but only if;

(i) activities of that nature continue within that State for a
period or periods aggregating more than 90 within any
twelve-month period; or
F
(ii) the services are performed within that State for a related
enterprise (within the meaning of paragraph 1 of Article
9 (Associated Enterprise).

3. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Article, the
term "permanent establishment" shall be deemed not to include G
any one or more of the following :

(a) the use of facilities solely for the purpose of storage, display
or occasional delivery of goods or merchandise belonging to
the enterprise;
H
_,.,..
'

62 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007) 8 S.C.R.

A (b) the maintenance of a stock of goods or merchandise
belonging to the enterprise solely for the purpose of storage, --...-
display, or occasional delivery;

(c) the maintenance of a stock of goods, or merchandise
belonging to the enterprise solely for the purpose of
·•
B processing by another enterprise; ~

{d) the maintenance of a fixed place of business solely for the
purpose of purchasing goods or merchandise, or of collecting
t~
information, for the enterprise;

c (e) the maintenance of a fixed base of business solely for the
purpose of advertising, for the supply of information, for
..
scientific research, or for other activities which have
preparatory or auxiliary character, for the enterprise.

4. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2, where a
D person other than an agent of an independent status to whom
paragraph 5 applies is acting in a Contracting State on behalf of
an enterprise of the other Contracting State other Contracting
State, that enterprise shall be deemed to have permanent
establishment in the first-mentioned State if:
(a) he has an habitually exercises in that first-mentioned State an
E
authority to conclude contracts on behalf of the enterprise, unless
his activities are limited to those mentioned in paragraph 3 which,
if exercised through a fixed place of business, would not make·
that fixed place of business, would not make that fixed place of
business a permanent establishment under the provisions of that
F paragraph;
(b) he has no such authority but habitually maintains in the first-
mentioned State a stock of goods or merchandise from which he
regularly delivers goods or merchandise on behalf of the
enterprise, and some additional activities conducted in that State
G on behalf of the enterprise have contributed to the sale of the
goods or merchandise; or
(c) he habitually secures orders in the first-mentioned State,
wholly or almost wholly for the enterprise.
\
\

5. An enterprise of a Contracting State shall not be deemed to have
H
OIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION), MUMBAI v. MORGAN STANLEY & CO. [KAPADIA, J.]
63
a pennanent establishment in the other Contracting State merely A
because it carries on business in that State through a broker,
general commission agent or any other agent of an independent
status, provided that such persons are acting in the ordinary
course of their business. However, when the activities.of such an
agent are devoted wholly or almost wholly on behalf of that
enterprise and the transactions between the agent and the
B
enterprise and the transactions between the agent and the
enterprise are not made under ann's length conditions, he shall
\ not be considered an agent of independent status within the
meaning of this paragraph.

6. The fact that a company which is a resident of a Contracting
c
State controls or is controlled by a company which is a resident
of the other Contracting State, or which carries on business in
that other State (whether through a pennanent establishment or
otherwise), shall not of itself constitute either company a
pennanent establishment of the other D

'°"°°'
Article 7

BUSINESS PROFITS E
l. The profits of an enterprise of a Contracting State shall be taxable
only in that State unless the enterprise carries on business in the
other Contracting State through a permanent establishment
situated therein. If the enterprise carries on business as aforesaid,
the profits of the enterprise may be taxed in the other State but F
only so much of them as is attributable to (a) that permanent
establishment; (b) sales in the other State of goods or merchandise
of the same or similar kind as those sold through that permanent
establishment; or (c) other business activities carried on in the
other State of the same or similar kind as those effected through G
that permanent establishment.

2. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 3, where an enterprise of
a Contracting State carries on business in the other Contracting
I State through a permanent establishment situated therein, there
shall in each Contracting State be attributed to that permanent H
establishment the profits which it might be expected to make if
64 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 8 S.C.R.

A it were a distinct and independent enterprise engaged in the same
or similar activities under the same or similar conditions and
dealing wholly at arm's length with the enterprise of which it is
a permanent establishment and other enterprises controlling,
controlled by or subject to the same common control as the
enterprise, in any case where the correct amount of profits
B
attributable to a permanent establishment is incapable of
determination or the determination thereof presents exceptional
difficulties, the profits attributable to .the permanent establishment
/
may be estimated on a reasonable basis. The estimate adopted
shall, however, be such that the result shall be in accordance with
c the principles contained in this Article.
3. In the determination of the profits of a permanent establishment,
there shall be allowed as deductions expenses which ~re incurred
for the purposes of the business of the permanent establishment,
including a reasonable allocation of executive and general
D administrative expenses, research and development expenses,
interest and other expenses, incurred for the purposes of the
enterprise as a whole (or the part thereof which includes the
permanent establishment), whether incurred in the State in which
the permanent establishment is situated or elsewhere, in
E accordance with the provisions of and subject to the limitations
of the taxation laws of that State. However, no such deduction f
•
shall be allowed in respect of amounts, if any, paid (otherwise
than towards reimbursement of actual expenses) by the permanent
establishment to the head office of the enterprise or any of its
other offices, by way of royalties, fees or other similar payments
F in return for the use of patents, know-how or other rights, or by
way of commission or other charges for specific services
performed or for management, or except in the case of banking
enterprise, by way of interest on moneys lent to the permanent
establishment. Likewise, no account shall be taken, in the
r-
,
G determination of the profits of a permanent establishment, for I-
'.'!mounts charged (otherwise than toward reimbursement of actual
expenses), by the permanent establishment to the head office of
the enterprise or any of its other offices, by way of royalties, fees
or other similar payments in return for the use of patents, know- \ n
H how or other rights, or by way· of commission or other charges
~
~

~
,i.
~·

I
DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION), MUMBAI •·.MORGAN STANLEY & CO [KAPADIA, l.] 65

for specific services performed or for management, or, except in A
the case of a banking enterprise, by way of interest on moneys
lent to the head office of the enterprise or any of its other offices.

4. No profits shall be attributed to a permanent establishment by
reason of the mere purchase by that permanent establishment of
goods or merchandise for the enterprise. B
5. For the purposes of this Convention, the profits to be attributed
to the permanent establishment as provided in paragraph I (a) of
this Article shall include only the profits derived from the assets
and activities of the permanent establishment and shall be
determined by the same method year by year unless there is C
good and sufficient reason to the contrary.

6. Where profits include items of income which are dealt with
separately in other Articles of the Convention, then the provisions
of those Articles shall not be affected by the provisions of this
Article. D
7. For the purposes of the Convention, the term "business profits"
means income derived from any trade or business including income
from the furnishing of services other than included services as
defined in Article 12 (Royalties and Fees for Included Services)
and including income from the rental of tangible personal property E
other than property described in paragraph 3 (b) of Article 12
(Royalties and Fees for Included Services)."

8. In our view, the second requirement of Article 5(1) of DTAA is not
satisfied as regards back office functions. We have examined the terms of the
Agreement along with the advance ruling application made by MSCo inviting F
the AAR to give its ruling. It is clear from reading of the above Agreement
/application that MSAS in India would be engaged in supporting the front
office functions ofMSCo in fixed income and equity research and in providing
IT enabled services such as data processing support centre and technical
services as also reconciliation of accounts. In order to decide whether a P.E.
stood constituted one has to undertake what is called as a functional and G
factual analysis of each of the activities to be undertaken by an establishment.
It is from that point of view, we are in agreement with the ruling of the AAR
/ that in the present case Article 5(1) is not applicable as the said MSAS would
be perfonning in India only back office operations. Therefore to the extent of
the above back office functions the second part of Article 5( I) is not attracted. H
66 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007) 8 S.C.R.

A 9. Lastly, as rightly held by the AAR there is no agency PE as the PE
in India had no authority to enter into or conclude the contracts. The contracts
would be entered in the United States. They would be concluded in US. The
implementation of those contracts only to the extent of back office functions
would be carried out in India, and therefore, MSAS would not constitute an ·.
B Agency PE as contended on behalf of the Department.

10. In the DTAA, the term P.E. means a fixed place of business through
which the business of an MNE is wholly or partly carried out. The definition
of the word P.E. in Section 92(F)(iii) is inclusive, however it is not under 1

Article 5(1) of the Treaty. It is for this reason that Article 5(2) of the DTAA
C herein refers to places included as P.E. of the MNE. One such place is
mentioned in Article 5(2)(1) which deals with furnishing of services.

11. The concept of P.E. was introduced in 1961 Act as part of the
statutory provisions of transfer pricing by the Finance Act of 200 l. In Section
92-F (iii) the word "enterprise" is defined to mean "a person including a P.E.
D of such person who is proposed to be engaged in any activity relating to the
production ... "Under the CBDT circular No.14 of2001 it has been clarified that
the term P.E. has not been defined in the Act but its meaning may be f
untferstood with reference to the DTAA entered into by India. Thus the ·
intention was to rely on the concept and definition of P.E. in the DTAA.
However, vide Finance Act, 2002 the definition of P.E. was inserted in the
E Income Tax Act, 1961 (for short, 'LT. Act') vide Section 92-F (iiia) which states
that the P.E. shall include a fixed place of business through which the
business of the MNE is wholly or partly carried on. This is where the
difference lies between the definition of the word P.E. in the inclusive sense
under the I. T. Act as against the definition of the word P.E. in the exhaustive
p sense under the DTAA. This analysis is important because it indicates the
intention of the Parliament in adopting an inclusive definition of P.E. so as
to cover service P.E., agency P.E., software P.E., Construction PE etc.

12. There is one more aspect which needs to be discussed namely,
exclusion of P.E under Article 5(3). Under Article 5(3) (e) activities which are
G preparatory or auxiliary in character which are carried out at a fixed place of
business will not constitute a P.E. Article 5(3) commences with a non obstante
clause. It states that notwithstanding what is stated in Article 5(1) or under
Article 5(2) the tenn P.E. shall not include maintenance of a fixed place of \
business solely for advertisement, scientific research or for activities which
H are preparatory or auxiliary in character. In the present case we are of the view
DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION), MUMBAI v. MORGAN STANLEY & CO. [KAPADIA, l.) 67

that the above mentioned back office functions proposed to be performed by A
MSAS in India falls under Article 5(3 )(e) of the DTAA. Therefore, in our view
in the present case MSAS would not constitute a fixed place P.E. under
Article 5(1) of the DTAA as regards its back office operatwns.

13. However, the question which arises for determination in the present
case is the nature of activities performed by stewards and deputationists B
deployed by MSCo to work in India as employees of MSAS. Under Article
5(2)(1) furnishing of services through the fixed place in India can constitute
a P.E. The AAR in the impugned ruling has held that the stewards and
deputationists are proposed to be sent by the MSCo from U.S. According to
the AAR there is a flow of service from the MSCo to the MSAS when the C
former deputes its own employees to work in India in MSAS. Therefore,
according to the AAR the service Agreement between MSCo and MSAS
dated 14.4.2005 would fall under Article 5(2)(1) and consequently the transfer
pricing regulation would apply for evaluating the charges payable by MSCo
to MSAS in India for such service contract. This ruling has been challenged
by the applicant. D
14. Article 5(2XI) of the DTAA applies in cases where the MNE furnishes
services within India and those services are furnished through its employees.
In the present case we are concerned with two activities namely stewardship
activities and the work to be performed by deputationists in India as employees
of MSAS. A customer like an MSCo who has world wide operations is E
entitled to insist on quality control and confidentiality from the service provider.
For example in the case of software P.E. a server stores the data which may
require confidentiality. A service provider may also be required to act according
to the quality control specifications imposed by its customer. It may be.
required to maintain confidentiality. Stewardship activities involve briefing of F
the MSAS staff to ensure that the output meets the requirements of the
MSCo. These activities include monitoring of the outsourcing operations at
MSAS. The object is to protect the interest of the MSCo. These stewards are
not involved in day to day management or in any specific services to be
undertaken by MSAS. The stewardship activ.ity is basically to protect the
interest of the customer. In the present case as held hereinabove the MSAS G
is a service P.E. It is in a sense a service provider. A customer is entitled to
protect its interest both in terms of confidentiality and in terms of quality
control. In such a case it cannot be said that MSCo has been rendering the
services to MSAS. In our view MSCo is merely protecting its own interests
in the competitive world by ensuring the quality and confidentiality of MSAS H
-V
\

68 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007) 8 S.C.R.

A services. We do not agree with the ruling of the AAR that the stewardship
activity would fall under Article 5(2)(1). To this extent we find merit in the civil y

appeal filed by the appellant (MSCo) and accordingly its appeal to that extent
stands partly allowed.

15. As regards the question of deputation, we are of the view that an
B employee of MSCo when deputed to MSAS does not become an employee
ofMSAS. A deputationist has a lien on his employmentwith MSCo. As long
as the lien remains with the MSCo the said company retains control over the
deputationist's terms and employment. The concept of a service PE finds
y
place in the U .N. Convention. It is constituted if the multinational enterprise
C renders services through its employees in India provided the services are
rendered for a specified period. In this case, it extends to two years on the
request of MSAS. It is important to note that where the activities of the
multinational enterprise entails it being responsible for the work of
deputationists and the employees continue to be on the payroll of the
multinational enterprise or they continue to have their lien on their jobs with
D the multinational enterprise, a service PE can emerge. Applying the above
tests to the facts of this case we find that on request/requisition from MSAS
the applicant deputes its staff. The request comes from MSAS depending
upon its requirement. Generally, occasions do arise when MSAS needs the
expertise of the staff of MSCo. In such circumstances, generally, MSAS
E makes a request to MSCo. A deputationist under such circumstances is
expected to be experienced in banking and finance. On completion of his
tenure he is repatriated to his parent job. He retains his lien when he comes
to India. He lends his experience to MSAS in India as an employee of MSCo
as he retains his lien and in that sense there is a service PE (MSAS) under
Article 5(2)(1). We find no infirmity in the ruling of the ARR on this aspect.
F In the above situation, MSCo is rendering services through its employees to
MSAS. Therefore, the Department is right in its contention that under the
above situation there exists a Service PE in India (MSAS). Accordingly, the
civil appeal filed by the Department stands partly allowed.

Income Attributable to PE
G
16. Under Article 7, the taxability is of the MNE. What is to be taxed
under Article 7 is income of the MNE attributable to the P.E. in India. The
income attributable to the said P.E. is the income attributable to foreign
company's operations in India, which in term, implies the income attributable \
H to the activities carried on by the MNE through its P.E. in India. Therefore,
DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION), MUMBAI v. MORGAN STANLEY&. CO [KAPADIA, J.) 69

there is a difference between the taxability of the P.E. in respect of its income A
earned by it in India which is in accordance with the Income-Tax Act, 1961.
and which has nothing to do with the taxability of the MNE, which is also
taxable in India under Article 7, in respect of the profits attributable to its P.E ..
Under Article 7, the taxability is of the MNE. What is taxable under Article
7 is profits earned by the MNE. Under the said IT Act, the taxable unit is the B
foreign company, though the quantum of income taxable is income attributable
to the P.E. of the said foreign company in India.

17. An important question which arises for determination is whether the
AAR is right in its ruling when it says that once the transfer pricing analysis
is under taken there is no further need to attribute profits to a PE. Computation C
of income arising from international transactions has to be done keeping in
mind the principle ofarm's length price. Charges paid or payable by MSCo
to MSAS under the service contract have to be accounted as income at arm's
length price. There are different methods for determining appropriate transfer
pricing. Under Section 92C(l) of the l.T. Act, arm's length price in relation to
international transaction has to be determined by any of the following methods: D
4. (a) Comparable Uncontrolled Price Method (CUPM)
(b) Resale Price Method (RPM)

(c) Cost Plus Method (CPM)

(d)
E
Profit Split Method (PSM)
(e) Transactional Net Margin Method (TNMM)

(f) Such other method as may be prescribed by CBDT

18. The taxpayer is required to CO!J1pute arm's length price for a F
transaction(s) using one of the five methods stipulated in the Income Tax
Rules. Rule 1OC(1) of Income Tax Rules defines the most appropriate method
as the method which is best suited to the facts and circumstances of each ·
particular international transaction. As per Rule 10C(2) the most appropriate,
method has to be selec:ted having regard to number of factors which are
enumerated therein. The arm's length price has to be computed by the G
application of methods mentioned in Section 92C(l) of the l.T. Act.

19. In the present case, the applicant has taken the opinion of Earnest
/
and Young (for short, 'E & Y'), Consultants, as experts who have suggested,
keeping in mind the various activities undertaken by MSCo and MSAS in
H
70 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007) 8 S.C.R.

A India, TNMM as the most appropriate method for determination of arm's
length price in respect of transaction between MSCo and MSAS. The
applicant
sought a ruling from.the ARR on the appropriateness of the said method. On
the adequacy of the mark-up the applicant relied upon a transfer pricing
review undertaken by E & Y, an independent consultant, for benchmarking the
transaction between the applicant and MSAS and as per that review, the
average mark-up (on costs) of comparable companies providing .similar services,
was taken into account at 29%. This was agreed upon by MSAS and the
applicant (MSCo). It has been accepted by the Transfer Pricing Officer and
by the Assessing Officer. It has not been disputed by T.N. Chopra &
Associates, consultants appointed by the Department.
c 20. Accordingly, the applicant (MSCo) preferred an applicant to the
AAR on .the following issues:

(i) Appropriateness ofTNMM for determination ofarm's length in
respect of transaction between MSCo and MSAS.
D (ii) Adequacy of the mark-up charged by MSAS for provision of
service to MSCo based on arm's length principle.
)
(iii) Attribution of further profits in the hands of PE of MSCo where
the transaction is at arm's length.
(iv) Appropriateness of remuneration based on margin on total
E
operating cost of PE for determining profit attributable to service
PE.

21. As stated above, one of the main points which arises for
determination in the present case is : whether the AAR was right in ruling
F that as long as MSAS was remunerated for its services at arm's length, there
should be no additional profits attributable to the applicant or to MSAS in
India.

22. To answer the above question one has to examine the provisions
of the LT. Act as well as the provisions ofDTAA between India and U.S.A.
G
23. Sections 92 to 92E of the I.T. Act contains transfer pricing provisions
in the LT. Act with effect from the financial year commencing from 1.4.2001.
With the enactmem of the said sections the rules for the interpretation and
implementation of the said provisions were also amended so as to include \
Rules IOA to IOE in the Income Tax Rules. Sections 92A and 92B provide
H meanings of the expressions "Associated Enterprise" and "International
DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION), MUMBAI v. MORGAN STANLEY I< CO. [KAPADIA. l.) 71
Transaction" respectively with reference to which the income is to be computed A
--.,
under Section 92 of l.T. Act.

24. We quote hereinbelow Sections 92A and 928 of the l.T. Act:

"Meaning of associated enterprise.-
B
Section 92A. (I) For the purposes of this section and sections 92,
928, 92C, 920, 92E and 92F, "associated enterprise", in relation to
another enterprise, means an enterprise

(a) which participates, directly or indirectly, or through one or more
intermediaries, in the management or control or capital of the c
other ent~~rise; or· · ·

(b) in respect of which one or more persons who participate, directly
or indirectly, or through one or more intermediaries, in its
management or control or capital, are the same persons who
:....- participate, directly or indirectly, or through one or more D
intermediaries, in the management or control or capital of the
other enterprise.
(2) For the purposes of sub-section (I), two enterprises shall be
deemed to be associated enterprises if, at any time during the
previous year, E
(a) one enterprise holds, directly or indirectly, shares carrying not
less than twenty-six per cent. of the voting power in the other
enterprise; or
(b) any person or enterprise holds, directly or indirectly, shares
F
carrying not less than twenty-six per cent. of the voting power
in each of such enterprises; or
(c) a loan advanced by one enterprise to the other enterprise
constitutes not less than fifty-one per cent. of the book value of
the total assets of the other enterprise; or G
(d) one enterprise guarantees not less than ten per cent. of the total
borrowings of the other enterprise; or
:\,.
(e) more than ·half of the board of directors or members of the ..,..
•. )
governing board, or one or more executive directors or executive
members of the governing board of one enterprise, are appointed H
by the other enterprise; or
Ji
72 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007) 8 S.C.R.

A (f) more than half of the directors or members of the governing
y
board, or one or more of the executive directors or members of
the governing board, of each of the two enterprises are appointed
by the same person or persons; or

(g) the manufacture or processing of goods or articles or business
B carried out by one enterprise is wholly dependent one the use
of know-how, patents, copyrights, trade-marks, licences, franchises
or any other business or commercial rights of similar nature, or
any data, documentation, drawing or specification relating to any
patent, invention, model, design, secret fonnula or process, of
which the other enterprise is the owner or in respect of which the
c other enterprise ha exclusive rights; or

(h) ninety per cent. or more of the raw materials and consumables
required for the manufacture or processing of goods or articles
carried out by one enterprise, are supplied by the other enterprise,
D or by persons specified by the other enterprise, and the prices
and other conditions relating to the supply are influenced by
such other enterprise; or
)
(i) the goods or articles manufactured or processed by one enterprise,
are sold to the other enterprise or to persons specified by the
E other enterprise, and the prices and other conditions relating
thereto are influenced by such other enterprise; or

0) where one enterprise is controlled by an individual, the other
enterprise is alsf controlled by such individual or his relative or
jointly by such individual and relative of such individual; or
F (k) where one enterprise is controlled by a Hindu undivided family,
the other enterprise is controlled by a member of such Hindu
undivided family, or jointly by such member and his relative; or

(I) where one enterprise is a finn, association of persons or body of
individuals, the other enterprise holds not less than ten per cent.
G interest in such firm, association of persons or body of individuals;
or
(m) there exists between the two enterprises, any relationship of
mutual interest, as may be prescribed.
\ '
~

H Meaning of international transaction.
DIT(INTERNATIONAL TAXATION), MUMBAI v. MORGAN STANLEY & CO. [KAPADIA, J.) 73

Section 92B. (1) For the purposes of this section and sections 92, A
92C, 92D and 92E, "international transaction~ means a transaction
between two or more associated enterprises, either or both of whom
are non-residents, in the nature or purchase, sale or lease of tangible
or intangible property, or provision of services, or lending or borrowing
money, or any other transaction having a bearing on the profits,
income, losses or assets of such enterprises and shall include a B
mutual agreement or arrangement between two or more associated
enterprises for the allocation or apportionment of, or any contribution
to, any cost or expense incurred or to be incurred in connection with
a benefit, service or facility provided or to be provided to any one or
more of such enterprises. C
(2) A transaction entered into by an enterprise with a person other
than an associated enterprise shall, for the purposes of sub-section
(I), be deemed to be a transaction entered into between two associa.ted
enterprises, if there exists a prior agreement in relation to the relevant
transaction between such other person and the associated enterprise; D
or the terms of the relevant transaction are determined in substance
between such other person and the associated enterprise."

(emphasis supplied)

25. Section 928 defines "International Transaction" to mean a transaction E
between two or more associated enterprises which are, either or both of whom
are non residents. The said transaction covers purchase, sale or lease of
tangible or intangible property or provision of services or lending or borrowing
money or any other transaction having an impact on the profits, income,
losses or assets of such enterprises and shall include a mutual arrangement p
between two or more associated enterprises for the allocation or apportionment
of any cost or expense incurred in connection with the benefit, service or

.. facility provided to anyone or more of associated enterprises .

26. Determination of arm's length price in relation to international
transaction is provided for in Section 92C to the l.T. Act read with Rule IOB. G
We qu;>te herein below Section 92C of the l.T. Act read with Rules IOB and
IOC of the Income Tax Rules which reads as under:

. / "Computation of arm 's length price.

Section 92C. (l) The arm's length price in relation to an international H
74 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 8 S.C.R.

A transaction shall be determined by any of the following methods,
being the most appropriate method, having regard to the/nature y

of transaction or class of transaction or class of associated
persons or functions performed bj such persons or such other
relevant factors as the Board may prescribe, namely:-

B (a) comparable uncontrolled price method;

(b) resale price method;

(c) cost plus method;

(d) profit split method;
c (e) transactional net margin method;

(t) such other method as may be prescribed by the Board.

(2) Th.e most appropriate method referred to in sub-section (1) shall
be applied, for determination of arm's length price, in the manner as
D may be prescribed:

Provided that where more than one price is determined by the
most appropriate method, the arm's length price shall be taken to be
the arithmetical mean of such prices, or, at the option of the assessee,
a price which may vary from the arithmetical mean by an amount not
E . _exceeding five per cent. of such arithmetical mean.

(3) Where during the course of any proceeding for the assessment of
income, the Assessin5 Officer is, one the basis of material or information
or document in his possession, of the opinion that-

F (a) the price charged or paid in an international transaction has not
been determined in accordance with sub-sections (1) and (2); or
:<-
(b) any information and document relating to an international
transaction have not been kept and maintained by the assessee
in accordance with the provisions contained in sub-section (1) of
G section 920 and the rules made in this behalf; or

(c) the information or data used in computation of the arm's length
price is not reliable or correct; or 1

(d) the assessee has failed to furnish, within the specified tim,e, any
information or document which he was required to furnish by a
\ ,
H
)

DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION). MUMBAI"· MORGAN STANLEY & CO. [KAPADIA. J] 75

notice issued under sub-section (3) of section 920, A
the Assessing Officer may proceed to detennine the arm's length price
in relation to the said international transacti0n in accordance with
sub-sections (I) and (2 ), on the basis of such material or infonnation
or document available with him:
B
Provided that an opportunity shall be given by the Assessing
Officer by serving a notice calling upon the assessee to show cause,
on a date and time to be specified in the notice, why the ann's length
should not be ·so determined on the basis of material or infonnation
or document in the possession of the Assessing officer.
c
(4) Where an ann's length price is determined by the Assessing
Officer under sub-section (3), the Assessing Officer may compute the
total income of the assessee having regard to the arm's length price
so determined:

Provided that no deduction under section I OA or section JOB or D
under Chapter VI-A shall be allowed in respect of the amount of
income by which the total income of the assessee is enhanced after
computation of income under this sub-section.

Provided further that where the total income of an associated
enterprise is computed under this sub-sectron on determination of the E
ann's length price paid to another associated enterprise from which
tax has been deducted or was deductible under the provisions of
Chapter XVIIB, the income of the other associated enterprise shall not
be recomputed by reason of such detennination of arm's length price
in the case of the first mentioned enterprise. F
Determination of arm's length price under section 92C.

Rule I OB. (I) For the purposes of sub-section (2) of section 92C, the
arm's length price in relation to an international transaction shall
be determined by any of the following methods, being the most G
appropriate method, in the following manner, namely:-

(a) Comparable uncontrolled price method, by which,-

/ (i) the price charged or paid for property transferred or services
" .
provided in a comparable uncontrolled transaction, or a
number of such transactions, is identified; H
76 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007) 8 S:C.R.

A (ii) such price is adjusted to account for differences, if any, y
between the international transaction and the comparable
uncontrolled transactions or between the enterprises entering
into such transactions, which could materially affect the
price in the open market;

B (iii) the adjusted price arrived at under sub-clause (ii) is taken to
be an arm's length price in respect of the property transferred
or services provided in the international transaction;

(b) resale price method, by which,-

c (i) the price at which property purchased or services obtained
by the enterprise from an associated enterprise is resold or
are provided to an unrelated enterprise, is identified;

(it) such resale price is reduced by the amount of a normal gross
profit margin accruing to the enterprise or to an unrelated
D enterprise from the purchase and resale of the same or similar
property or from obtaining and providing the same or similar
services, in a comparable uncontrolled transaction, or a
number of such· transactions;

(iii) the price so arrived at is further reduced by the expenses
E incurred by the enterprise in connection with the purchase
of property or obtaining of services;

(iv) the price so arrived at is adjusted to take into account the
functional and other differences, including differences in
accounting practices, if any, between the international
F transaction and the comparable uncontrolled transactions, or
between the enterprises entering into such transactions,
which could materially affect the amount of gross profit
margin in the open market;

(v) the adjusted price arrived at under sub-clause (iv)· is taken
G to be an arm's length price in respect of the purchase of the
property or obtaining of the services by the enterprise from
the associated enterprise;
\
(c) · cost plus method, by which,-

H
DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION), MUMBAI v. MORGAN STANLEY & CO. (KAPADIA, J.] 77

(i) the direct and indirect costs of production incurred by the A
enterprise in respect of property transferred or services
provided to an associated enterprise, are detennined;

(it) the amount of a nonnal gross profit mark-up to such costs
(computed according to the same accounting nonns) arising
from the transfer or provision of the same or similar property B
or services by the enterprise, or by an unrelated enterprise,
in a comparable uncontrolled transaction, or a number of
such transactions, is detennined;

(iii) the nonnal gross profit mark-up referred to in sub-clause (ii)
is adjusted to take into account the functional and other C
differences, if any, between the international transaction and
the comparable uncontrolled transactions, or between the
enterprises entering into such transactions, which could

... materially affect such profit mark-up in the open market;

(iv) the costs referred to in sub-clause (i) are increased by the D
adjusted profit mark-up arrived at under sub-clause (iii);
\
(v) the surp so arrived at is taken to be an arm's length price in
relation to the supply of the property or provisions of services
by the enterprise;
E
(d) profit split method, which may be applicable mainly in
international transactions involving transfer of unique intangibles
or in multiple international transactions which are so interrelated
that they cannot be evaluated separately for the purpose of
detennining the arm's length price of any one transaction, by
which- F
(i) the combined net profit of the associated enterprises arising from
the international transaction in which they are engaged, is
detennined;

(ii) the relative contribution made by each of the associated
G
enterprises to the earning of such combined net profit, is then
evaluated on the basis of the functions performed, assets
employed or to be employed and risks assumed by each enterprise
I
and on the basis of reliable external market data which indicates
how such contribution would be evaluated by unrelated enterprise
performing comparable functions in similar circumstances; H
-r
78 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007] 8 S.C.R.
~
/

A (iii) the combined net profit is then split amongst the enterprises in
r
proportion to their relative contributions, as evaluated under
sub-clause (ii);
(iv) the profit thus apportioned to the assessee is taken into account
to arrive at an arm's length price in relation to the international
B transaction :

Provided that the combined net profit referred to in sub-clause (i)
may, I the first instance, be partially allocated to each enterprise so
as to provide it with a basic return appropriate for the type of '.'
international transaction in which it is engaged, with reference to
c market returns achieved for similar types of transactions by independent
enterprises, and thereafter, the residual net profit remaining after such
allocation may be split amongst the enterprises I proportion to their
relative contribution in the manner specified under sub-clauses (ii)
and (iii), and in such a case the aggregate of the net profit allocated
to the enterprise in the first instance together with the residual net .•
D profit apportioned to that enterprise on the basis of its relative
contribution shall be taken to be the net profit arising to that enterprise
.A.
from the international transaction;

(e) transactional. net margin method, by which,-

E (i) the net profit margin realized by the enterprise from an international
transaction entered into with an associated enterprise is computed
in relation to costs incurred or sales effected or assets employed
or to be employed by the enterprise or having regard to any other
relevant base; ..
F (ii) the net profit margin realized by the enterprise or by an unrelated
r
enterprise from a comparable uncontrolled transaction or a number
of such transactions is computed having regard to the same
base;
(iii) the net profit margin referred to in sub•clause (ii) arising in
comparable uncontrolled transactions is adjusted to take into
G
account the differences, if any, between the international
transaction and the comparable uncontrolled transactions, or .
between the enterprises entering into such transactions, which
could materially affect the amount of net profit margin in the open \ -'
market;
H
'i-
DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION). MUMBAI v. MORGAN STANLEY & CO. [KAPADIA,!.]
79
(iv) the net profit margin realized by the enterprise and referred to in A
~ ,. sub-clause (i) is established to be the same as the net profit
(
margin referred to in sub-clause (iii);

• (v) the net profit margin thus established is then taken into account
to arrive at an arm's length price in relation to the international
transaction. B
(2) or the purposes of sub-rule (1), the comparability of an
international transaction with an uncontrolled transaction shall
~ be judged with reference to the following, namely:-
(a) tJ:te specific characteristics of the property transferred or services
mt provided in either transaction; c
(b) the functions performed, taking into account assets employed or
to be employed and the risks assumed, by the respective parties
to be transact1onsi

(c) the contractual terms (whether or not such terms are formal or in
D
writing) of the transactions which lay down explicitly or implicitly
how the responsibilities, risks and benefits are to be divided
between the respective parties to the transactions;
(d) conditions prevailing in the markets in which the respective parties
to the transactions operate, including the geographical location
... E
and size of the markets, the laws and Government orders in force,
costs of labour and capital in the markets, overall economic
development and level of competition and whether the markets
are wholesale or retail.
(3) An uncontrolled transaction shall be comparable to an
.l international transaction if-
F

(Q none of the differences, if any, between the transactions being
compared, or between the enterprises entering iQto such
transactions are likely to materially affect the price or cost charged
or paid in, or the profit arising from such transactions in the open
market; or G

<Ii> reasonably accurate adjustments can be made to eliminate the
material effects. of such differences:
)
(4) The. data to be used in analyzing the comparability of an
H
80 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007) 8 S.C.R.

A uncontrolled transaction with an international transaction shall be the
data relating to the financial year in which the international transaction Y

has been entered into:

Provided that data relating to a period not being more than two years
prior to such financial year may also be considered if such data
B reveals facts which could have an influence on the detennination of
transfer prices in relation to the transactions being compared.

Most appropriate method.

Rule I OC. (I) For the purposes of sub-section (I) of section 92C, the
C most appropriate method shall be the method which is best suited to
be facts and circumstances of each particular international transaction,
and which provides the most reliable measure of an ·ann 's length price
in relation to the international transaction.

(2) In selecting the most appropriate method as specified in sub-rule
D (I), the following factors shall be taken into account, namely:-

(a) the nature and class of the international transaction;
)
(b) the class of classes of associated enterprises entering into the
transaction and the functions performed by them taking in~o
account assets employed or to be, employed and risks assumed
E by such enterprises:

(c) the availability, coverage and reliability of data necessary for
application of the method;
(d) the degree of comparability existing between the international
transaction and the uncontrolled transaction and between the
F
enterprises entering into such transactions;
(e) the extent to which reliable and accurate adjustments can ,be .
made to account for differences, if any, between the international
transaction and the comparable uncontrolled transaetion or
between the enterprises entering into such transactions;
G
(t) the nature, extent and reliability of assumptions required to be
made in application of a method."

(emphasis supplied) \

H 27. The methods, quoted above, namely, CUPM, RPM, CPM, PSM,
DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION), MUMBAI"· MORGAN STANLEY & CO. [KAPADIA. J] 8}

TNMM etc. are mentioned in Section 92C read with Rule !OB. The most A
appropriate method has to be applied for computation of the arm's length
· price. It will depend ·on the facts and circumstances of each particular
international transaction (see: Rule I OC). Section 92C inter a/ia provides that
if the Assessing Officer, during the course of any proceedings for the
assessment on income, is of the opinion on the basis of material or information B
or document that the price charged or paid in an international transaction has
not been determined on arm's length basis or if he finds that the assessee
has not maintained proper documents relating to the international transaction
in accordance with the provisions of the LT. Act or if he finds that the data
used in the computation of arm's length price is not reliable, the Assessing
Officer may proceed to determine the arm's length price in relation to the said C
transaction. Rules 108, IOC and 100 explains the determination of ALP under
each of the above methods.

28. At this stage, it may be noted that on the question of appropriateness
of the said TNMM, the AAR did not give its ruling as the transfer pricing
as· proceedings had commenced before the tax officer before MSCo ·coul~ D
- seek the ruling. However, after the impugned ruling? Transfer Pricing Oftker
and the Assessing Officer have found the said method (TNMM) to be
appropriate. Jn our view, apart from the orders passed by the Assessing ...
Officer and the Transfer Pricing Officer, the said method (TNMM) is the
appropriate method in the case of Service PE as TNMM apportions the total · E
operating profit arising from the transaction on the basis of sales, costs,·
assets, etc.

29. As regards determination of profits attributable to a PE in India
(MSAS) is concerned on the basis of arm's length principle we have quoted
Article 7(2) of the DTAA. According to the AAR where there is an international p
transaction under which a non-resident compensates a PE at arm's length
price, no further profits would be attributable in India. In this conneetion, the
AAR has relied upon Circular No.23 of 1969 issued by CBDT aswell as
Circular No.5 of 2004 also issued by CBDT. This is the, key question which
arises for determination in these civil appeals. '
G
30. To answer the above question we quote Article 7 of the U.N. Model
Convention which reads as under:
)
·"ARTICLE 7 : ATTRIBUTION OF BUSINESS PROFITS

Article 7 of the UN Model Convention states as under:
H
82 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007) 8 S.C.R.

A business profits

I. The profits of an enterprise of a Contracting State shall be taxable
only in that State unless the enterprise carries on business in the
other Contracting State through a permanent establishment
situated therein. If the enterprise carries on business as aforesaid,
B the profits of the enterprise may be taxed in the other State but
only so much of them as is attributable to (a) thatpermanent
establishment; (b) sales in that other State of goods or merchandise
of the same or similar kind as those sold through that permanent
establishment; or (c) other business activities carried on in that
other State of the same or similar kind as those effected through
c that permanent establishment.

2. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 3, where en enterprise of
a Contracting State carries on business in the other Contracting
State through a permanent establishment situated therein, there
shall in each Contracting State be attributed to that permanent
D establishment the profits which it might be expected to make if
it were a distinct and separate enterprise .engaged in the same or
similar activities under he same or similar conditions and dealing
wholly or independently with the enterprise of which it is a
permanent establishment.
E 3. In the determination of the profits of a permanent establishment,
there shall be allowed as deductions expenses which are incurred
for the purposes of the business of the permanent establishment
including executive and general administrative expenses so
incurred, whether in the State in which the permanent
establishment is situated or elsewhere. However, no such
F f
deduction shall be allowed in respect of amounts, if any;· paid
(otherwise than towards reimbursement of actual expenses) by
the permanent establishment to the head office of the enterprise
or any of its other offices, by way of royalties, fees or other
similar payments in return for the use of patents or other rights,
G or by way of commission, for specific services performed or for
management, or, except in the case of a banking enterprise, by
way of interest on moneys lent to the permanent establishment.
Likewise, no account shall be taken, in the determination of the
profits of a permanent establishment, for amounts charged
(otherwise than towards reimbursement of actual expenses), by
DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION), MUMBAI"· MORGAN STANLEY & CO. [KAPADIA,!.] 83

the permanent establishment to the head office of the enterprise A
or any of its other offices, by way of royalties, fees or other
similar payments in return for he use of patents or other rights,
or by way of commission for specific services performed or for
management, or, except in the case of a banking enterprise by
way of interest on moneys lent to the head office of the enterprise
or any of its other offices. B
4. Insofar as it has been customary in a Contracting State to determine
the profits to be attributed to a permanent establishment on tke
~
basis of an apportionment of the total profits of the enterprise to
its various parts, nothing in paragraph 2 shall preclude that
Contracting State from determining the profits to be taxed by c
such an apportionment as may be customary; the method of
apportionment adopted shall, however, be such that the result
shall be in accordance with the principles contained in this article.
5. For· the purposes of the preceding paragraphs, the profits to be
attributed to the permanent establishment shall be determined by D
the same method year-by-year unless there is good and sufficient
·reason to the contrary.
6. Where profits include items of income which are dealt with
separately in other articles of this Convention, then the provisions
of those articles shall not be affected by the provisions of this E
article.

Note: The question of whether profits should be attributed to a
permanent establishment by reason of the mere purchase by that
permanent establishment of goods and merchandise for the enterprise
was not resolved. It should therefore be settled in bilateral F
\
negotiations."

31. Article 7 of the U.N. Model Convention inter alia provides that only
that portion of business profits is taxable in the source country which is
attributable to the PE. It specifies how such business profits should be
ascertained. Under the said Article, a PE is treated as if it is an independent G
enterprise (profit centre) dehors the head office and which deals with the head
office at arm's length. Therefore, its profits are determined on the basis as if
) it is an independent enterprise. The profits of the PE are determined on the
basis of what an independent enterprise under similar circumstances might be
expected to derive on its own. Article 7(2) of the U.N. Model Convention H
84 SUPREME COURT REPORTS . [2007) 8 S.C.R.

A advocatesthe ann's length approach for attribution of profits to a PE.
32. The object behind enactment of transfer pricing regulations is to
prevent shifting of profits outside India. Under Article 7(2) not all profits of
MSCo would be taxable in India but only those which have economic nexus
with PE in India. A foreign enterprise is liable to be taxed in India on so much
B of its business profit as is attributable to the PE in India. The quantum of
taxable income is to be detennined in accordance with the provisions of LT.
Act. All provisions of l.T. Act are applicable, including provisions relating to
depreciation, investment losses, deductible expenses, carry-forward and set-
off losses etc . However, deviations are made by DTAA in cases of royalty,
C interest etc. Such deviations are also made under the LT. Act (for example: .
Sections 44BB, 44HBA etc.). Under the impugned ruling delivered by the
AAR, remuneration to MSAS was justified by a transfer pricing analysis and,
therefore, no further income could be attributed to the PE (MSAS). In other
words, the said ruling equates an ann's length analysis (ALA)-with attribution
of profits. It holds that once a transfer pricing analysis is undertaken; there
D is no further need to attribute profits to a PE. The impugned ruling is correct
in principle insofar as an associated enterprise, that also constitutes a PE, has
been remunerated on an ann's length basis taking into account all the risk-
taking functions of the enterprise. in such cases nothing further would be
left to be attributed to the PE. The situation would be different if transfer
E pricing analysis does not adequately refle~t the functions perfonned and the
risks assumed by the enterprise. Jn such a situation, there would be a need
to attribute profits to the PE for. those functions/risks that have not been
considered. Therefore, in each case the data pfaced by the taxpayer has to
be examined as to whether the transfer pricing analysis placed by the taxpayer
is exhaustive of attribution· of profits· and that would depend on the functional
F and factual analysis to be undertaken in each case. Lastly, it may be added
;
that taxing c6rporates on the )lasis of the concept of E<;onomic Nexus is an
important feature of Attributable Profits (profits attributable to the PE).

Conclusion:

G 33. To conclude, we hold that the AAR was right in ruling that MSAS
would be a Service PE in India ooder Article 5(2)(1), though only on account
of the services to be performed by the deputationists deployed by MSCo and
. not on account of stewardship activities. As regards income attributable to
the PE (MSAS) we hold that the Transactional Net Margin Method was the
H appropriate method for detennination of the arm's length pricein respect of

,,
'·
DIT (INTERNATIONAL TAXATION), MUMBAI"- MORGAN STANLEY&: CO [KAPADIA, I) 85
transaction between MSCo and MSAS. We accept as correct the computation A
of the remuneration based on cost plus mark-up worked out at 29% on the
operating costs of MSAS. This position is also accepted by the Assessing
Officer in his order dated 29.12.06 (after the impugned ruling) and also by the
transfer pricing officer vide order dated 22.9.06. As regards attribution of
further profits to the PE of MSCo where the transaction between the two are
held to be at arm's length, we hold that the ruling is correct in principle B
provided that an associated enterprise (that also constitutes a PE) is
remunerated on arm's length basis taking into account all the risk-taking
functions of the multinational enterprise. In such a case nothing further would
be left to attribute to the PE. The situation would be different if the transfer
pricing analysis does not adequately reflect the functions performed and the C
risks ·assumed by the enterprise. In such a case, there would be need to
attribute profits to the PE for those functions/risks that have not been
considered. The entire exercise ultimately is to ascertain whether the service
charges payable or paid to the service provider (MSAS in this case) fully
represents the value of the profit attributable to his service. In this connection, D
the Department has also to examine whether the PE has obtained services
from the multinational enterpri~ at lower than the arm's length cost? Therefore,
the Department has to determine income, expense or cost allocations having
regard to arm's length prices to decide the applicability of the transfer pricing
regulations.
E
34. Economic nexus is an important aspect of the principle of Attribution
of Profits.

35. In the light of what is _stated above, the impugned ruling by AAR
stands modified•to the extent indicate<;! ~ereinabove. Accordingly, both the
civil appeals filed by the applicant (MSCo) and by the Department are partly F
allowed with no order as to' costs. .

v.s.s. Appeals partly allowed.
. ''

)