Question 29 - What can be the consequences of non- appearance to summons? - Faq On GST (2nd Edition) Dated 31.3.2017

Q 29. What can be the consequences of non- appearance to summons? Ans. The proceeding before the official who has issued summons is deemed to be a judicial proceeding. If a person does not appear on the date when summoned without any reasonable justification, he can be prosecuted under section 174 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). If he absconds to avoid service of summons, he can be prosecuted under section 172 of the IPC and in case he does not produce the documents or electronic records required to be produced, he can be prosecuted under section 175 of the IPC. In case he gives false evidence, he can be prosecuted under section 193 of the IPC. In addition, if a person does not appear before a CGST/ SGST officer who has issued the summon, he is liable to a penalty up to ₹ 25,000/- under section 122(3)(d) of CGST/SGST Act.