2023 (11) TMI 450 - HC - GST

Appeal dismissed on the ground of time limitation - Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963 - entitlement for opportunity of hearing - HELD THAT - This Court is inclined to hold that the petitioner is entitled to a hearing by the authority on merits before her appeal is disposed of and any liability slapped upon her - the order impugned dated 27th June, 2023 dismissing the appeal on the ground of limitation is therefore, set aside. The concerned authority, being the 3rd respondent herein, is directed to reconsider the appeal preferred by the petitioner on merits upon affording reasonable opportunity of hearing to all the interested persons including the petitioner and pass a reasoned order within one month from the date of communication of this order, in accordance with law - Petition disposed off.

Summary

Issues involved:
The issues involved in the judgment are related to the liability of a business proprietor for tax payment due to the actions of a Chartered Accountant (CA), the dismissal of an appeal on the ground of limitation, and the entitlement of the petitioner to a hearing on merits before any liability is imposed.

Liability of Business Proprietor:
The petitioner, a business proprietor, entrusted a CA with accounts, income tax, and GST matters for her business. However, the petitioner discovered that her bank account was blocked for GST recovery, and it was revealed that the CA had cheated many clients, including the petitioner. There was a demand against the petitioner's firm in 2018-2019, which was not deposited by the CA. The petitioner, unaware of an order directing payment of tax, filed an appeal with an application for condonation of delay under Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963.

Dismissal of Appeal:
The petitioner was directed to appear before the authority to explain the delay in filing the appeal. Despite submitting a reply, the appeal was dismissed solely on the ground of limitation. The petitioner's counsel argued for a hearing before the appellate authority and cited a Supreme Court authority emphasizing that a party should not suffer due to the actions of their advocate. The Court set aside the order dismissing the appeal and directed the authority to reconsider the appeal on merits after affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing.

Entitlement to Hearing on Merits:
The Court considered that the petitioner relied on the CA in good faith and was entitled to a hearing on merits before any liability was imposed. Citing the Supreme Court's observation, the Court held that the petitioner should not suffer for the actions of the CA. The order dismissing the appeal on the ground of limitation was set aside, and the authority was directed to pass a reasoned order within one month after affording a hearing to all interested parties, including the petitioner.

Conclusion:
The writ petition was disposed of with the direction for the authority to reconsider the appeal on merits. The decision taken by the authority was to be communicated to the petitioner within a week. No costs were imposed, and the allegations in the writ petition were deemed not admitted. An urgent certified copy of the order was to be provided to the parties on request.