(1.) SINCE both the reference applications are interlinked, they are disposed of by this common judgment.
(2.) AT the instance of Shri Biraj Mohan Biswal (hereinafter referred to as " the assessee"), the following questions have been referred to this court under Section 256(1) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as " the Act"), by the Income-tax Appellate Tribunal, Cuttack Bench (hereinafter referred to as " the Tribunal").