Question 7 - Is it mandatory that such ‘reasons to believe’ has to be recorded in writing by the proper officer, before issuing authorization for Inspection or Search and Seizure? - FAQ on GST dated 21.9.2016 based on Draft Model GST

Q 7. Is it mandatory that such reasons to believe has to be recorded in writing by the proper officer, before issuing authorization for Inspection or Search and Seizure? Ans. Although the officer is not required to state the reasons for such belief before issuing an authorization for search, he has to disclose the material on which his belief was formed. Reason to believe need not be recorded invariably in each case. However, it would be better if the materials / information etc. are recorded before issue of search warrant or before conducting search.