Goods and Services Tax

Legal Challenge Upheld: Statutory Non-Compliance Invalidates Order When Demand Exceeds Show-Cause Notice Amount Under Section 75(7)
Case-Laws
GST
HC found a violation of Section 75(7) where the demand amount (Rs. 59,27,500/-) exceeded the show-cause notice amount (Rs. 28,15,200/-). Despite procedural irregularities in hearing scheduling, the court primarily focused on the statutory non-compliance. The impugned order was set aside, and the matter was remanded to the respondent to provide proper opportunity of hearing and issue a fresh order in accordance with legal provisions, thereby allowing the petition and ensuring procedural fairness.
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Accused Granted Bail in GST Evasion Case After Careful Review of Investigation Status and Potential Flight Risk
Case-Laws
GST
HC granted regular bail to the accused in GST evasion case, finding no immediate risk of witness tampering or flight. Despite documentary evidence of alleged offenses and ongoing investigation, the court noted the trial has not commenced, co-accused has been released, and maximum punishment is five years. Bail was sanctioned subject to furnishing bail bonds and surety bonds to the trial court's satisfaction, with standard conditional compliance requirements.
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Legal Challenge to CGST Act Section 16(2)(c) Succeeds: Procedural Delay Condoned, Appeal Merits to Be Evaluated Fairly
Case-Laws
GST
HC adjudicated constitutional challenge to Section 16(2)(c) of CGST Act, determining procedural validity regarding time limitation. The court directed the Appellate Authority to consider the petitioner's time spent before the court as bona fide and condone delay in appeal filing. The impugned Order-in-Appeal was quashed and set aside, with the matter remanded to the Appellate Authority for merit-based evaluation. The court explicitly instructed that the appeal shall not be rejected solely on grounds of procedural delay, effectively providing equitable relief to the petitioner and ensuring substantive hearing of the underlying dispute.
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Tax Order Quashed: Procedural Defects Invalidate Summary Dismissal of Petitioner's Challenge Under Section 73(9)
Case-Laws
GST
HC allowed the petition challenging a tax order under Section 73(9) of CGST Act, 2017. The court found the original order non-speaking and procedurally defective, as the tax officer summarily dismissed the petitioner's reply without substantive reasoning. The order was set aside, directing the tax authority to reconsider the matter and provide a proper hearing to the petitioner, ensuring principles of natural justice are upheld. The decision emphasizes the requirement for reasoned, transparent administrative actions in tax proceedings.
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Legal Relief Granted: GST Registration Restored After Director's Death and Incorrect Professional Guidance
Case-Laws
GST
HC held that petitioner's GST registration cancellation was amenable to relief based on genuine circumstances of director's demise and consultant's incorrect advice. The court directed petitioner to file all pending GST returns within 4 weeks of registration restoration, accompanied by complete tax dues, applicable interest, and belated filing fees. The judicial intervention effectively provided an opportunity for procedural compliance and rectification of administrative non-compliance, recognizing the extenuating circumstances that led to the initial default.
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HC grants interim stay on Rs 2,500 crore GST demand against Hindustan Coco-Cola Beverages
GST
Dated:- 4-4-2025
PTI
Mumbai, Apr 4 (PTI) The Bombay High Court has granted an interim stay on a GST demand of approximately Rs 2,500 crore against Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Private Limited noting the revenue department's interpretation of the provisions appeared “prima facie incorrect”.
The show cause notice was issued in January based on findings that the company undervalued goods over seven assessment years by offering retrospective discounts to distributors.
As per the authorities, the discounts were structured in a way that reduced the taxable value of the supplies.
Distributors first extended discounts to retailers, and Coca

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Advisory on Case Sensitivity in IRN Generation
GST
Dated:- 4-4-2025

Dear Taxpayer,
1. This is to inform you that, effective 1st June 2025, the IRP (Invoice Reporting Portal) would treat invoice/document numbers as case-insensitive for the purpose of IRN generation.
2. To ensure consistency and avoid duplication, invoice numbers reported in any format (e.g., “abc”, “ABC”, or “Abc”) would be automatically converted to uppercase before IRN generation. This change aligns with the trea

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Input Tax Credit Not Available for Share Buyback Expenditure Under GST as Securities Fall Outside Supply Definition
Case-Laws
GST
The AAR ruled that a listed entity is not eligible to avail Input Tax Credit (ITC) on expenditure incurred for buyback of its shares. The authority determined that buyback of shares is neither a supply of goods nor services, as “securities” are explicitly excluded from both definitions under CGST Act. Since section 16(1) permits ITC only on supply of goods or services used in course of business, the primary condition for ITC availment is not satisfied. The applicant's argument that such expenditure furthers business activity becomes irrelevant once the threshold requirement fails. The AAR concluded that the applicant must reverse ITC on common inputs and input services related to share buyback expenditure.
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Gujarat Maritime Board Dredging Services Not Eligible for Exemption Under N/N 9/2017-IT (Rate) as Amended
Case-Laws
GST
The applicant sought ruling on eligibility for exemption under serial No. 3A of N/N. 9/2017-IT (Rate) as amended by N/N. 2/2018-IT (Rate) regarding dredging services supplied to Gujarat Maritime Board. The AAR determined that while Gujarat Maritime Board is a body corporate, the term “government entity” has been omitted from the exemption notification. The AAR ruled that the applicant is not eligible for the benefit claimed under the exemption notification. The Authority also noted that in accordance with Section 103 of the CGST Act, 2017, this advance ruling is binding only on the applicant who sought it.
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GST Demand Against Deceased Invalid Without Show Cause Notice to Legal Representative Under Section 93
Case-Laws
GST
The HC ruled that a GST demand against a deceased individual without issuing a show cause notice to their legal representative is invalid. While Section 93 of the GST Act addresses the liability of legal representatives to pay tax, interest, or penalties after a proprietor's death, it does not authorize determinations against deceased persons. The court held that issuing notice to and seeking response from the legal representative is a prerequisite before making any determination. Consequently, the determination made against the deceased without proper notice to the legal representative was unsustainable and the petition was allowed.
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Condonation of Delay in GST Returns Filing Beyond 30-Day Period Under Section 62(2) Granted While Preserving Late Fees
Case-Laws
GST
HC condoned the delay in filing GST returns beyond the 30-day period specified in Section 62(2) of the GST Act, 2017, following the precedent established in Comfort Shoe Components case. While granting relief, the Court preserved the respondent's authority to impose applicable late fees for the delayed period. The petitioner was directed to file a formal application for condonation of delay before the respondent within 15 days from receipt of the order. The petition was accordingly disposed of, balancing taxpayer relief with regulatory compliance by maintaining the statutory consequence of late filing while removing the procedural bar.
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No GST Payable on Gas Lost During Transit, But Input Tax Credit Must Be Reversed Under Section 16(1)
Case-Laws
GST
The AAR ruled that no GST is payable on goods (gas) lost during transit as no supply occurred, since the loss happened before delivery to the customer and prior to the place and time of supply being established. However, the applicant must reverse Input Tax Credit (ITC) on inputs used in manufacturing the goods subsequently lost in transit. The authority determined that such inputs fail the “proper end use” condition under Section 16(1) of CGST Act, as they were not ultimately used in furtherance of business through a taxable outward supply. The ITC reversal is required under Section 17(5)(h) read with Section 16, as the goods were lost/destroyed during transit.
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Investment Firm Cannot Claim Input Tax Credit on Mutual Fund Transactions Under Section 17(2)
Case-Laws
GST
The AAR ruled that the applicant is not eligible to avail Input Tax Credit (ITC) on tax paid for inputs and input services related to mutual fund subscription and redemption activities. The Authority rejected the applicant's contention that redemption of mutual funds differs from sale of securities, clarifying that redemption constitutes a sale transaction regardless of nomenclature, as it involves cessation of ownership by the unit holder. Consequently, the applicant must reverse ITC on common inputs and input services used for mutual fund subscription and redemption activities in accordance with Section 17(2). The applicant's argument regarding lack of statutory machinery provisions to calculate exempt supply value was also dismissed.
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Free Scraping Tool with Apsara Oil Pastels Constitutes Mixed Supply Under Section 2(74), Taxable at 18% GST (74)
Case-Laws
GST
The AAR determined that the inclusion of a free scraping tool with Apsara Oil Pastels constitutes a “mixed supply” under section 2(74) of the CGST Act, 2017, rather than a composite supply. The authority rejected the applicant's contention that the scraping tool was merely an accessory, finding that the two products were not integral to each other's function. Since the products were supplied together for a single price, section 8(b) of the CGST Act applies, requiring taxation at the higher applicable rate between the two items. Consequently, the entire “Apsara Oil Pastels with Free Scraping Tool” package was classified under HSN 3926, attracting GST at 18% in accordance with entry no. 111 of Schedule-III.
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GST Officer Appointed Under Karnataka GST Act Qualifies as Proper Officer Under IGST Act Through Cross-Empowerment Provisions
Case-Laws
GST
The HC held that an officer appointed under Section 6 of the Karnataka GST Act qualifies as a proper officer under Section 4 of the IGST Act through cross-empowerment provisions. The court determined that challenges to confiscation orders passed under Section 130 must proceed through statutory appeal mechanisms under Section 107 of KGST rather than writ petitions, following precedents from SC decisions in Falcon Enterprises and Commercial Steel Ltd. The petition was deemed not entertainable due to the existence of alternative statutory remedy. The court disposed of the petition while granting the petitioner 4 weeks to file an appeal under Section 107 KGST read with Section 20 IGST.
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Input Tax Credit Denied for Concrete Tower Construction Supporting Manufacturing Lines Under Section 17(5)(d) of CGST Act
Case-Laws
GST
The AAR ruled that the applicant cannot avail Input Tax Credit (ITC) on inputs and services used for constructing a concrete tower to support VCV lines for manufacturing EHV cables. Applying the Supreme Court's functionality test from Safari Retreats, the AAR determined that while a building may qualify as “plant” under Section 17(5)(d) of CGST Act, ITC is unavailable when construction is for the recipient's own use. The AAR found the applicant failed to prove the construction was not on their own account, breaking the ITC chain. The authority dismissed the applicant's reliance on various judgments as irrelevant, noting they primarily pertained to Income Tax matters rather than GST provisions.
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Businesses Can Apply Margin Scheme for Second-Hand Goods While Maintaining Regular GST Procedures for Other Operations Under Rule 32(5)
Case-Laws
GST
AAR ruled that businesses can utilize Rule 32(5) valuation (margin scheme) for second-hand goods while maintaining regular valuation for existing operations. Taxpayers may selectively apply this scheme to purchases from unregistered dealers while using standard GST procedures for registered dealer purchases. Under the margin scheme, the taxable value is the difference between selling price and purchase price, excluding repair/improvement costs. When using this scheme, input tax credit cannot be claimed on either purchase price or repair costs. Purchases of second-hand goods from unregistered dealers are exempt from reverse charge mechanism for intra-state supplies under Notification No. 10/2017-CT(R).
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Rice Husk Board with PVC Resin Cannot Be Classified Under Chapter 44 of GST Tariff
Case-Laws
GST
The AAR dismissed an application seeking classification of rice husk board (containing rice husk powder, calcium carbonate, recycled waste, processing aids, and PVC resin as a bonding agent) under Chapter 44 of the GST tariff. The authority found the application unmaintainable for several reasons: the submission appeared to be an exact reproduction of a previous ruling (M/s. Papaka Herbs & Spices Private Ltd.), the submitted test report from a NABL-accredited laboratory contained parameters not covered under NABL accreditation, the report lacked reference to BIS standards, and the applicant failed to provide supporting documentation such as brochures, purchase invoices for inputs, or sales invoices.
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Goods Delivered Under Fraudulent Orders Still Constitute “Supply” Under Section 7 of CGST Act Despite Non-Payment
Case-Laws
GST
The AAR ruled that goods supplied by the applicant, despite being a victim of fraud without receiving consideration, still constituted a “supply” under GST law. The authority determined that while fraud may vitiate a contract, it does not negate the statutory definition of “supply” under section 7 of the CGST Act. The facts established that goods were physically removed and received at the destination, as confirmed by the FIR. The AAR concluded that the transaction qualified as supply of goods under section 20 of the IGST Act read with sections 12 and 7 of the CGST Act, regardless of the fraudulent nature of the order.
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Input Tax Credit Available on Employer's Share of Mandatory Canteen Services Under Factories Act
Case-Laws
GST
The AAR ruled that Input Tax Credit (ITC) is available to the applicant for GST charged on food and beverages provided through mandatory canteen facilities under the Factories Act, 1948, read with Gujarat Factories Rules, 1963. This eligibility applies specifically to canteen services for factory employees where such provision is obligatory under law. However, the ITC is limited strictly to the portion of the cost borne by the applicant company, excluding any contribution made by employees. This ruling creates a specific exception to the general restriction on ITC for food and beverages by recognizing the statutory obligation to provide canteen facilities.
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Non-bailable warrants quashed in GST evasion case as accused previously cooperated with investigation and authorities.
Case-Laws
GST
The HC quashed non-bailable warrants issued against the petitioner accused of GST evasion through fake firms. The court held that non-bailable warrants should only be issued when an accused fails to appear after service of summons or bailable warrants. In this case, the petitioner had previously cooperated with the investigation, appeared before authorities, and provided statements. The court converted the non-bailable warrants to bailable warrants, noting that the petitioner showed no likelihood of evading legal process. Applying the principle from Tarsem Lal and Sharif Ahmed precedents, the HC emphasized that courts must consider whether an accused is likely to evade justice or tamper with evidence before issuing non-bailable warrants. The presumption of innocence was also affirmed as a fundamental principle of criminal jurisprudence.
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GST Amnesty Scheme Under Section 128(A) Offers Relief from Interest and Penalties for Section 73 Notices
Case-Laws
GST
The HC set aside the impugned order and remanded the matter to respondent No.5 for fresh reconsideration in accordance with law. This decision stemmed from the petitioner's intention to avail benefits under the Amnesty Scheme provided in Section 128(A) of the CGST Act, which offers waiver of interest and penalties for notices issued under Section 73. The Court deemed it just and appropriate to allow the petition through remand, issuing specific directions to guide the respondent's reconsideration of the matter in light of the petitioner's eligibility for amnesty benefits concerning interest and penalty waivers.
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GST Penalties Reversed: Authority Must Compensate Hindu Undivided Family for Wrongful Tax Head Deposit
Case-Laws
GST
The HC issued a writ of mandamus directing NOIDA to compensate the petitioner, head of a Hindu Undivided Family, Rs. 19,22,778/- within 15 days for penalties imposed under the GST Act. NOIDA had acknowledged that the petitioner's GST payment was deposited under the wrong head due to their error, not the petitioner's fault. Following the Supreme Court's principle in Batliboi that compensation should not result in windfall for one party at another's expense, the court determined the petitioner should not suffer penalties for NOIDA's administrative mistake. NOIDA must notify the District Magistrate after payment and retains the right to recover the amount from its erring officers. Petition disposed of.
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GST Assessment Order Challenged as Non-Speaking: Petitioner Granted Liberty to Appeal Under Section 75(6)
Case-Laws
GST
The HC disposed of the petition challenging a GST assessment order characterized as non-speaking and violative of Section 75(6) of the GST Act. Rather than adjudicating on merits, the Court granted the petitioner liberty to approach the appellate Deputy Commissioner (State Tax) within two weeks, directing the appellate authority to entertain the appeal without reference to limitation periods and dispose of it within three months. The Court ordered status quo to be maintained in the interim. The petitioner was permitted to raise all grounds from the writ petition in the appeal, including violations of natural justice principles and the non-speaking nature of the impugned order.
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Revenue Department Must Grant Personal Hearing Before Recovery of Excess ITC Under Section 75(4) of CGST Act
Case-Laws
GST
The HC quashed and set aside the impugned order-in-original regarding recovery of alleged excess ITC, finding it was passed in violation of principles of natural justice and Section 75(4) of the CGST Act. The respondent authority failed to grant the petitioners a personal hearing before passing an adverse order. The matter was remanded for fresh de novo proceedings, directing the authority to provide the petitioners an opportunity to reconcile Form GSTR 2A with Form GSTR 3B for the period under consideration. The court ordered completion of this exercise within 12 weeks from receipt of the order.
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