2007 (10) TMI 560 - AAAR - VAT and Sales Tax

Summary

Issues Involved:
1. Nature of transactions: Whether the stock transfers to branches were inter-State sales.
2. Reassessment: Legality of reopening the assessments based on new evidence.
3. Conclusive presumption: Effect of acceptance of F forms under Section 6A(2) of the CST Act.
4. Wilful suppression: Whether the appellant wilfully suppressed material facts.

Issue-wise Detailed Analysis:

1. Nature of Transactions:
The appellant, a Government of India undertaking, claimed exemption on stock transfers to its branch in Pune and other branches, which was initially accepted based on F forms. However, upon reassessment, the transactions were treated as inter-State sales. The assessing authority found that the goods moved pursuant to prior orders from customers in Maharashtra, indicating a direct link between the movement of goods and the orders placed. The appellate authorities and the Tribunal confirmed these findings, stating that the goods were manufactured and dispatched specifically to fulfill pre-existing contracts with customers in Maharashtra. This was supported by detailed transaction-wise statements and concrete examples provided during the reassessment.

2. Reassessment:
The reassessment was initiated after an inspection by the Deputy Commissioner, CT (Intelligence-I) South Zone, which revealed that the transactions were inter-State sales camouflaged as stock transfers. The appellant contended that reopening assessments on mere change of opinion was not permitted. However, the Tribunal found that there was escapement of turnover due to non-disclosure by the appellant, justifying the reassessment. Despite the appellant's failure to produce relevant documents, the Tribunal relied on the detailed statements prepared by the Intelligence Wing.

3. Conclusive Presumption:
The appellant argued that the original assessments based on the acceptance of F forms were final and could not be reopened, citing the Supreme Court's decision in Ashok Leyland Ltd. v. State of Tamil Nadu [2004] 134 STC 473. The Supreme Court held that an order under Section 6A(2) creates a conclusive presumption that the transactions are not inter-State sales, unless obtained by fraud, misrepresentation, or suppression of material facts. The Tribunal's findings were based on the correct legal principles, but the reassessments were deemed without jurisdiction due to the conclusive presumption arising from the acceptance of F forms.

4. Wilful Suppression:
The Tribunal and the assessing authority suggested that the appellant suppressed prior orders and other material documents. However, there was no clear evidence of deliberate and intentional suppression. The appellant disclosed the details of stock transfers and claimed exemption, which was accepted by the assessing authority. The Tribunal did not find specific instances of wilful suppression or fraud, and the appellant's conduct did not indicate an intention to avoid tax. The Supreme Court's decision in Cosmic Dye Chemical v. Collector of Central Excise [1995] 75 ELT 721 emphasized that wilful suppression must be with intent to evade duty, which was not evident in this case.

Conclusion:
The Tribunal correctly held that the transactions were inter-State sales. However, due to the acceptance of F forms, the reassessments were without jurisdiction. The appellant's conduct did not amount to wilful suppression or fraud. The appeals were allowed, and the demands raised against the appellant were quashed. The judgment highlighted the need to reconsider the contents of F form and Section 6A(2) in light of the Supreme Court's interpretation in the 2nd Leyland case.