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2020 (6) TMI 385 - HC - GSTTransition of available Input Tax Credit - revision of Form GST TRAN-1 - electronic credit ledger under the GST laws does not reflect the entire credit - HELD THAT:- The exactness required in compliance of tax provisions should not be construed so rigidly that permissible flexibility is completely disregarded. In effect, the ITC has been expropriated without any lawful sanction. The ITC that was shown in the returns under the existing laws were taxes that stood paid to the respective Governments for goods or services and were available for adjustment or utilization in accordance with law. Now, on account of a clerical mistake the said taxes paid are being appropriated, without cause, putting the Petitioner in serious jeopardy by subjecting it to further taxation under GST without the benefit of ITC. The case before us demonstrates how the tax department has miserably fallen short of the expectation. It is regrettable that Respondents have failed to address the basic and fundamental problem faced by the Petitioner that occurred while filing a Form, seemingly on account of a bona fide or inadvertent mistake. Instead of offering a restitutive solution they have stonewalled all the attempts made by the Petitioner The injustice and prejudice caused to the Petitioner is profound and it’s disillusionment and despair is evident. It cannot be upheld the stand of the respondent which is founded on some illogical understanding of the Rules. We have time and again made adverse remarks on the procedural working of the GST system in several decisions. We may just add that we do not derive any pleasure when we make such observations, as comments of the Court affect the reputation of the administration in the country. Such remarks are made only when we are constrained to do so. The case before us is one where there is a complete lack of understanding and fairness on the part of the Tax Department. The fact that Respondents have done nothing to solve the problem faced by the Petitioner, fueled with the adamant stand before us, contributes to skepticism of GST technical infrastructure, which we feel should and can be easily avoided. Only if Respondents were to engage with the taxpayers with a genuine intention to solve the problems, confidence in the system can be built up and such matters would not reach courts. Petitioner is permitted to revise TRAN-1 Form on or before 30.06.2020 and transition the entire ITC, subject to verification by the Respondents - petition allowed.
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