2014 (10) TMI 419 - AT - Service Tax

Excess payment of service tax and its subsequent adjustment - proper procedure - Held that - Substantial benefit cannot be denied in such cases merely because some aspects of the procedure had not been followed. Indeed, such adjustment has been permitted by the CESTAT in BSNL s own case cited 2009 (6) TMI 58 - CESTAT, NEW DELHI . In the present case there has been no malafide on the part of the appellant as is evident from the fact that the adjudicating authority refrained from imposing any penalty observing that the appellant acted in a bonafide manner and malafide cannot be attributed to them - Decided in favour of assessee.

Summary

Issues:
- Appeal against Order-in-Original confirming demand of service tax.
- Disallowance of adjustment of excess service tax paid.
- Reference to case laws supporting the appellant's contention.
- Consideration of procedural infringement and substantive benefit.
- Absence of malafide intent by the appellant.
- Decision to allow the appeal and set aside the Order-in-Original.

Analysis:
The appellant filed an appeal against an Order-in-Original confirming a demand of service tax, specifically challenging the confirmation of a demand amounting to Rs. 67,59,593 along with interest. The appellant, a company operating in remote areas, explained their practice of estimating and paying service tax to ensure they do not underpay. They adjust any excess payment in subsequent months. The Commissioner did not dispute the excess payment but disallowed the adjustment citing procedural non-compliance. The appellant argued that procedural lapses should not lead to the denial of substantive benefits. They cited various judgments supporting their position, emphasizing that rules should not be applied in a pedantic manner when substantial relief is warranted.

The Tribunal noted that previous judgments had allowed similar adjustments in cases where procedural requirements were not strictly followed. The Tribunal highlighted that the appellant's actions were not malicious, as evidenced by the absence of any penalty imposed by the adjudicating authority due to their bona fide conduct. The Tribunal emphasized that substantial benefits should not be denied due to minor procedural lapses. The Tribunal ultimately allowed the appeal and set aside the Order-in-Original to the extent appealed against, recognizing the appellant's genuine intent and the precedent of permitting adjustments in similar cases.

In conclusion, the Tribunal's decision to allow the appeal and overturn the Order-in-Original was based on the principle that substantial benefits should not be denied solely due to procedural shortcomings when the appellant's actions were in good faith. The Tribunal's analysis considered the appellant's unique circumstances, the absence of malafide intent, and the precedent set by previous judgments allowing adjustments in similar cases. The ruling underscored the importance of balancing procedural requirements with the overarching goal of ensuring fairness and justice in tax matters.