Goods and Services Tax

Advisory for Biometric-Based Aadhaar Authentication and Document Verification for GST Registration Applicants of Assam
GST
Dated:- 2-4-2025

This is to inform taxpayers about recent developments concerning the application process for GST registration. It is advised to keep the following key points in mind during the registration process.
1. Rule 8 of the CGST Rules, 2017 has been amended to provide that an applicant can be identified on the common portal, based on data analysis and risk parameters for Biometric-based Aadhaar Authentication and taking a photograph of the applicant along with the verification of the original copy of the documents uploaded with the application.
2. The above-said functionality has been devel

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n as per the existing process.
5. However, if the applicant receives the link as mentioned in point 3(b), she/he will be required to book the appointment to visit the designated GSK, using the link provided in the e-mail.
6. The feature of booking an appointment to visit a designated GSK is being enabled for the applicants of Assam and the applicants can book slots from 1st April, 2025..
7. After booking the appointment, the applicant gets the confirmation of appointment through e-mail (the appointment confirmation e-mail), she/he will be able to visit the designated GSK as per the chosen schedule.
8. At the time of the visit of GSK, the applicant is required to carry the following details/documents
(a)  a copy (hard/soft) o

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GST Orders Uploaded Without Proper Service Violate Natural Justice, Court Remands Case Under Section 73
Case-Laws
GST
The HC set aside orders passed under section 73 of the Act that were merely uploaded to the GST Portal without proper service to the petitioner. The court found these ex parte orders violated principles of natural justice as the petitioner had no opportunity to view the notices on the portal, file replies, or appear for personal hearings. While noting that no deposit conditions could be imposed for orders violating natural justice, the court acknowledged the petitioner's voluntary offer to deposit 25% of the disputed tax. The matters were remanded to the respondent for fresh consideration subject to fulfillment of conditions imposed.
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GST Time Extension During COVID-19: Court Defers Ruling on Section 168A Constitutionality Pending Supreme Court Decision
Case-Laws
GST
HC refrained from ruling on the constitutionality of Section 168A of the CGST Act and related notifications extending compliance timelines under Section 73(10) during COVID-19. The court noted that the Supreme Court had issued notice in SLP-4240-2025 (HCC-SEW-MEIL-AAG JV v. Assistant Commissioner of State Tax) on similar issues. The HC directed that all connected cases would be governed by the Supreme Court's eventual judgment. The interim orders previously granted would continue to operate until final adjudication by the SC. The SLP was disposed of accordingly, with the court deferring to the apex court's pending determination on the validity of the pandemic-related tax compliance extensions.
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Bail denied for mastermind accused of Rs. 53.03 Crore GST fraud through 12 fake firms and fraudulent ITC claims.
Case-Laws
GST
DSC dismissed the bail application of the accused in a GST fraud case involving creation and operation of 12 fake firms for fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims. The accused was identified as the mastermind who defrauded the government exchequer of approximately Rs. 53.03 Crores through fake billing without actual supply of goods. The court determined this constituted a grave economic offense affecting public interest, with ongoing investigation. The court found substantial flight risk and potential for evidence tampering if bail were granted, given the accused's central role in the sophisticated tax evasion scheme involving multiple phantom businesses and fraudulent documentation.
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GST kitty grows 10 pc in March to Rs 1.96 lakh cr, second-highest ever
GST
Dated:- 1-4-2025
PTI
New Delhi, Apr 1 (PTI) Gross GST collection grew 9.9 per cent in March to over Rs 1.96 lakh crore – the second-highest mop-up ever, government data showed on Tuesday.
GST revenue from domestic transactions rose 8.8 per cent to Rs 1.49 lakh crore, while revenue from imported goods was higher 13.56 per cent to Rs 46,919 crore.
The gross collection includes Central GST mop-up of Rs 38,145 crore, State GST collection of Rs 49,891 crore and Integrated GST (IGST) of Rs 95,853 crore. Cess collection during March stood at Rs 12,253 crore.
Total refunds during March rose 41 per cent to Rs 19,615 crore.
After adjusting refunds, net GST

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nufacturing and consuming states . While states like Maharashtra, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan have shown a growth exceeding 10 per cent, other states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Telengana, AP, Tamil Nadu have been in the range of -1 per cent to 7 per cent, which is very unusual for the month of March. There is a need to understand the reasons for the same by evaluating the sectoral growth and compliance rates in these states,” Mani said.
KPMG in India, Partner and Head, Indirect Tax, Abhishek Jain said, a nearly 10 per cent growth in collections compared to last year reflects economic stability and strong tax compliance by companies.
“With fiscal year-end adjustments and reconciliations underway, we can expect a further surge in month-on-month

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Gross and Net GST revenue collections for the month of Mar, 2025
GST
Dated:- 1-4-2025

The gross and net GST revenue collections for the month of March, 2025.
News – Press release – PIB

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GST collection grows 9.9 pc to over Rs 1.96 lakh cr in March
GST
Dated:- 1-4-2025
PTI
New Delhi, Apr 1 (PTI) Gross GST collection in March grew 9.9 per cent to over Rs 1.96 lakh crore, government data showed on Tuesday.
GST revenue from domestic transactions rose 8.8 per cent to Rs 1.49 lakh crore, while revenue from imported goods was higher 13.56 per cent to Rs 46,919 crore.
Total refunds during March rose 41 per cent to Rs 19,615 crore.
After adjusting refunds, net GST reven

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SCN Issued Two Days Beyond Section 73(2) Deadline Deemed Invalid as Time Limits Are Mandatory, Not Directory
Case-Laws
GST
The HC granted ad-interim relief to the petitioner in a case concerning a show cause notice (SCN) issued two days beyond the statutory deadline under Section 73(2). The court held prima facie that the time limits for issuing SCNs are mandatory, not directory, rendering the late notice legally invalid. Relying on precedent from the AP HC in Cotton Corporation, which established that violation of prescribed time periods makes an SCN otiose, the court determined this was a jurisdictional issue where the proper officer lacked authority to issue the delayed notice. The matter was scheduled for further hearing on April 22, 2025.
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Applicant Granted Bail in GST Case on Parity Grounds with Co-accused Under Sections 132(1)(b), 132(1)(c), and 132(1)(i)
Case-Laws
GST
The HC granted bail to the applicant charged under Sections 132(1)(b), 132(1)(c), and 132(1)(i) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, primarily on grounds of parity with co-accused Vikrant Singhal and Sachin Singhal. Without expressing any opinion on the merits, the court allowed the application on identical terms as previously granted to the co-accused. The applicant must furnish requisite bail bonds and surety to the trial court's satisfaction and comply with all conditions imposed by the trial court at the time of acceptance of these instruments.
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Bail Granted Under Section 439 CrPC to Young Accused in GST Act Case with 1 Lakh Bond Requirement
Case-Laws
GST
The SC allowed the bail application under Section 439 CrPC for the accused charged under Section 132(1)(c) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. The Court granted bail to the applicant upon submission of a personal bond of 1 lakh along with two satisfactory sureties of 50,000 each before the trial court. The bail was granted subject to fulfillment of additional conditions imposed by the Court. The accused, a 21-year-old resident of Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, had his bail application approved with these financial security requirements serving as the primary conditions for release.
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Service Tax Recovery Limited to Three Years as Fraud Not Proven Under Section 73(1) of Finance Act, 1994
Case-Laws
GST
HC dismissed the appeal, finding no substantial question of law regarding invocation of the extended five-year limitation period under Section 73(1) of Finance Act, 1994. The court upheld CESTAT's determination that the respondent's actions were based on bona fide belief rather than wilful misstatement or fraud. Though the Commissioner issued a composite show cause notice covering 2004-2009, the court declined to interfere with CESTAT's order, particularly regarding the period after the August 23, 2007 master circular, as no fraudulent intent was established to justify extending the limitation period.
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Expired E-way Bill and Wrong Route Direction Lead to Valid Detention of Goods Under GST Rules
Case-Laws
GST
The HC dismissed a petition challenging detention of goods and vehicle due to an expired E-way bill. The Court found that natural justice principles were satisfied as a show-cause notice was issued and hearing opportunity provided to petitioners after the detention order. Authorities had valid jurisdiction as the vehicle was intercepted at Dharsiva heading toward Bilaspur-the opposite direction from the route specified in the original E-way bill-with a subsequent E-way bill generated for Madhya Pradesh. The Court distinguished this case from precedents where traffic blockages or technical portal issues justified E-way bill violations, finding no grounds to interfere with the detention order.
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GST Assessment Order Set Aside for Lacking Document Identification Number as Required by CBIC Circular
Case-Laws
GST
The HC set aside the GST assessment order that lacked a Document Identification Number (DIN). Following precedent established in Pradeep Goyal v. Union of India (SC) and M/s. Cluster Enterprises v. The Deputy Assistant Commissioner (ST)-2, Kadapa, the court determined that absence of a DIN renders the order non-est and invalid. The judgment relied on CBIC Circular No.128/47/2019-GST dated 23.12.2019, which mandates DIN inclusion for validity of proceedings. The court concluded that since the impugned order uploaded to the portal did not contain a DIN, it could not be sustained and must be set aside. The petition was accordingly disposed of.
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Refund of Unutilised Input Credit Allowed After Shipping Bills Properly Certified by Customs Superintendent
Case-Laws
GST
The HC set aside the appellate authority's order dated February 28, 2023, to the extent it pertained to three shipping bills (nos. 607682 and 607685 dated October 1, 2020, and 607467 dated October 22, 2020). The court ruled that petitioner should be permitted to rely on shipping bills now properly certified by the Superintendent of Customs, rejecting the administrative denial of unutilised input credit refund that had been based primarily on the technicality that six shipping bills were signed by the Customs Inspector rather than the Superintendent. The application was disposed of accordingly, allowing petitioner to proceed with the refund claim using the properly certified documentation.
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Haryana amnesty scheme to provide relief on penalty under GST Act
GST
Dated:- 30-3-2025
PTI
Gurugram, Mar 30 (PTI) Taxpayers will be granted relief on interest and penalty amounts payable under the GST Act for the financial years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20 under an amnesty scheme introduced by the Haryana government, provided they deposit the principal tax amount by March 31, 2025, as per an official statement on Sunday.
Providing details about this initiative, Geetanjali Mor, J

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CGST Rules Amended: Rule 164 Changes Affect Tax Payment, Refund Process, and Appeal Withdrawal Options
Notifications
GST
The Central Government amended the CGST Rules, 2017 through Notification No. 11/2025-Central Tax dated March 27, 2025. The amendments modify Rule 164 regarding tax payments and refunds. Key changes include: (1) clarification that no refund shall be available for tax, interest, and penalties already discharged prior to these amendments where notices include demands partially within and partially outside specified periods; (2) introduction of a procedure allowing appellants to partially pursue appeals by intimating appellate authorities they do not wish to pursue appeals for specific periods (July 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020). Such intimations will be deemed as partial withdrawal of appeals. The amendments took effect upon official publication.
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CBIC Clarifies Section 128A Waiver Eligibility for Pre-November Payments and Split Period Demands
Circulars
GST
The CBIC clarifies two key issues regarding Section 128A of CGST Act, which provides waiver of interest/penalty for demands under Section 73 for July 2017-March 2020 period. First, taxpayers who made payments through GSTR-3B before November 1, 2024 (when Section 128A came into force) are eligible for the benefit, though payments after this date must follow prescribed modes under Rule 164. Second, for notices/orders covering periods partially within and partially outside Section 128A's scope, taxpayers can file Form SPL-01 or SPL-02 after paying tax liability for the covered period only, and may inform the appellate authority of their intent not to pursue appeals for the 2017-20 period while continuing litigation for other periods.
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Two held near UP-Uttarakhand border for collecting money by showing fake GST bills to truck drivers
GST
Dated:- 29-3-2025
PTI
Bareilly (UP), Mar 29 (PTI) Two members of a gang, allegedly claiming to be officials collecting GST, were arrested for extorting money from truck drivers near the Uttarakhand border in Bareilly district, police said on Saturday.
Three others, however, managed to flee towards Uttarakhand, when police came to catch them in the act on Thursday, they said.
Sheeshgarh Station House Officer (SHO) of Sheeshgarh police station Dharmendra Singh said the police control room received information that some people in a car on Tanda Changa-Bahedi road were stopping trucks and collecting money from drivers.
When

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Transfer of Development Rights Constitutes Consideration for Developer with GST Liability at Property Transfer
Case-Laws
GST
The AAAR dismissed the appellant's appeal, upholding the original ruling. The Authority determined it lacked jurisdiction to decide on taxability under Finance Act, 1994 (service tax), as the appellant sought ruling on pre-GST TDR transactions. The AAAR also declined to consider new grounds introduced in appeal that weren't raised before the original authority, citing precedent from Commissioner of Cust & C Ex, Goa vs Dempo Engineering Works Ltd. The ruling confirmed that transfer of development rights constitutes receipt of consideration by the developer, and GST liability arises at the time of transfer of possession or rights in the constructed property, not when development rights are received. The appeal was dismissed accordingly.
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GST Fraud Mastermind Denied Bail Under Sections 132(1) of CGST Act for Rs. 59 Crore Tax Evasion Scheme
Case-Laws
GST
The DSC dismissed the first regular bail application of the accused under Sections 132(1)(b), 132(1)(c), and 132(1)(i) of CGST Act, 2017. The accused was identified as the mastermind in defrauding the government exchequer by creating and operating multiple firms, issuing fake tax invoices for Copper Scrap without actual supply of goods, and fraudulently availing Input Tax Credit. The court determined this constituted a grave economic offense with GST evasion amounting to Rs. 59,00,98,178/-. Considering the gravity of the offense, ongoing investigation, risk of evidence tampering, potential witness influence, and flight risk, the court found it inappropriate to grant bail at this stage.
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Time-Barred GST Demand Quashed: Three-Year Limitation Under Section 73(10) Expired Before Order Issuance
Case-Laws
GST
HC quashed an ex-parte demand order and show cause notice issued on 14.12.2023 for the financial year 2017-18 as time-barred under Section 73(10). Following the precedent in M/s Anita Traders, the court determined that due to notification extensions, the three-year limitation period for orders under Section 73(9) expired on 05.02.2023. The court rejected arguments that the deadline extended to 31.03.2023, finding the impugned orders issued well beyond the prescribed limitation period and therefore void for lack of jurisdiction. The petition was allowed, with the challenged orders declared ultra vires for exceeding statutory time limitations.
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Taxpayer Wins Remand After Assessment Order Made Without Adequate Hearing Opportunity
Case-Laws
GST
The HC set aside both the assessment order and rectification order, remanding the matter to the assessing authority for fresh consideration. The Court found that the respondent violated principles of natural justice by issuing the impugned assessment order without providing sufficient opportunities to the petitioner. Despite the petitioner's requests for adjournment to file detailed replies with supporting documents and for personal hearing following show cause notices, the respondent proceeded with the assessment. The Court held that when confirming a demand, authorities must provide adequate opportunity of hearing, which was denied in this case, necessitating remand for consideration on merits.
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Anticipatory Bail Granted in GST Case Where Timely Returns Filed and No Loss to State Exchequer
Case-Laws
GST
In an anticipatory bail application involving allegations of financial misconduct, the HC granted relief to the petitioner. The Court determined that no loss was caused to the State Exchequer as the petitioner had filed GST returns punctually, with purchases by him and his firm accurately reflected in the vendor's GST R-1 Return, GST 2-A, and 3-B returns. All taxes were paid promptly. The Court considered the petitioner's willingness to join the investigation and cooperate with investigating officers as averred in paragraph 16 of the petition. Consequently, the anticipatory bail application was allowed subject to fulfillment of imposed conditions.
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Virtual Hearings Mandatory for All RGST/CGST Act 2017 Proceedings; In-Person Appearances Require Additional Commissioner's Approval Under Section 168
Circulars
GST – States
The Rajasthan Commercial Tax Department has mandated virtual hearings for all proceedings under RGST/CGST Act 2017 and other taxation laws, effective immediately. Under Section 168 of RGST Act, in-person appearances require prior approval from the Additional Commissioner upon written request. Taxpayers will receive hearing links via registered email, and representatives must submit authorization documents in advance. Documents must be submitted digitally, with physical submissions only through designated district-level facilitation desks with proper attestation. The order establishes protocols for technical issues, decorum requirements, and document handling procedures. All virtual proceedings and electronically submitted documents are deemed valid under Section 145 of RGST/CGST Act read with Section 4 of the IT Act, 2000.
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Tax Assessment Order Invalidated for Missing Officer Signature and Document Identification Number Under CGST Act
Case-Laws
GST
The HC set aside the impugned assessment order due to two fatal defects: absence of the assessing officer's signature and omission of the Document Identification Number (DIN). Relying on A.V. Bhanoji Row (2023), the court affirmed that an officer's signature on assessment orders is mandatory and cannot be rectified under Sections 160 & 169 of CGST Act, 2017. Additionally, following M/s. Cluster Enterprises (2024) and CBIC Circular No.128/47/2019-GST, the court held that omission of DIN number invalidates such proceedings. These procedural deficiencies rendered the assessment order legally untenable, resulting in its invalidation.
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