Dear Dr. Sundeep
Even as it may sound unfair to you, while computing the relief under Sec.89 for the current year, you may not be eligible to claim the benefit of Sec.80CCD under the various preceding previous years to which the arrear amount relates by apportioning the same to the corresponding years.
That is to say, what you maybe eligible as relief under Sec.89 in the current year, in effect would be the difference in tax slab rates, if any, for the current year (in which you have received the arrears) and the various preceding previous years, on the amount of employer’s contribution to NPS.
So, you will not be able to claim the deduction under Sec.80CCD corresponding to the years to which the arrear relates, neither for employer contribution nor for employee contribution. This is basically because Sec.80CCD allows deduction for the amount, which is actually paid/deposited by the assessee/employer “during the previous year”. Further, Rule 21A also talks only about considering the arrear amount received while computing the relief u/s 89 and nothing about any “deemed” deductions therefrom. In your case, these amounts were not actually deposited in NPS in the preceding years. A similar issue relating to contribution to PF was discussed in a Kerala High Court Case Kerala Electricity Officers Federation and Others v. Central Board of Direct Taxes [(2005) 198 CTR Ker 625/ 2005 279 ITR 482 Ker].
So for the current year, your eligibility u/s 80CCD remains restricted to the amount contributed by you and your employer, in respect of your salary pertaining to this year alone, subject to a maximum of 10%/14%, as the case maybe.
I am not aware of any other case laws/circulars/notifications favoring your case. So, kindly wait for any other replies or consult a practicing Chartered Accountant.
Note: Form 10E has to be submitted online.
Regards
Ajay