TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
June 25, 2024

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

GST Income Tax Customs Service Tax Central Excise CST, VAT & Sales Tax Indian Laws

Articles

1. Drumroll... its 53rd

   By: Madhusudan Mishra

2. Order and SCN are liable to be set aside when reply and documents filed by the Assessee with the Auditor are not taken into consideration

   By: Bimal jain

3. PAYEMENT OF PENALTY UNDER SECTION 73 AND SECTION 74 OF ‘CGST ACT, 2017’

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

4. Salary Deductions for Canteen Services Not Considered Supply of Service though ITC is available as canteen services provided are obligatory in nature

   By: Bimal jain

5. Calcutta High Court Grants Relief to Small Business Owner in GST Registration Cancellation Case

   By: RAHUL MODI

News

1. Bridging Gaps to Build Futures: The key role of SLBCs in driving inclusive development (Speech by Shri Swaminathan J, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India - June 19, 2024 - at the Conference of Convenors of State Level Bankers’ Committees, held in College of Agricultural Banking (CAB), Pune)

Notifications

GST - States

1. S.O. 191 - dated 20-6-2024 - Bihar SGST

Amendment in Notification No. S.O. 159, dated the 15th April, 2024

2. S.O. 190 - dated 20-6-2024 - Bihar SGST

Amendment in Notification No. S.O. 206, dated the 23rd December, 2020

Highlights / Catch Notes

GST

• High Court Rules on Composite vs. Mixed Supply in Power Plant Ash Transport Case, Extends Hearing to July 2024.

  Case-Laws - HC : The High Court examined whether a supply was a composite supply u/s 8(a) of the CGST Act/JGST Act or a mixed supply u/s 8(b). The supply involved transportation of Power Plant Ash within 50 km, taxed under various headings. The Court found a prima facie case of abuse of process of law and lack of jurisdiction. It held that the extended period of limitation u/s 74 is not applicable in cases involving interpretation issues, citing relevant case law. A previous Delhi High Court judgment under the old Service Tax regime was distinguished. The Court deemed the writ application maintainable and scheduled further hearing for July 16, 2024, noting that denying the petitioner an alternative remedy would be unjust.
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• High Court ruled audit notice under Central GST Act valid if not same subject as State GST proceedings. No restriction in statute. Petition dismissed.

  Case-Laws - HC : The High Court considered the validity of a notice issued u/s 65 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 regarding GST Audit. The writ petition challenged the Central GST authorities' power to initiate proceedings when the subject matter was already under consideration by State GST authorities. The Court held that the audit notice was valid as it did not pertain to the same subject matter as the State GST proceedings. The petition was disposed of in favor of the authorities.
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• Court rules in favor of company, allowing payment of GST dues in installments. Bank account attachment lifted. Justice served

  Case-Laws - HC : The High Court addressed the issue of bank account attachment for GST recovery, noting the company's concerns over operational disruptions. The Court cited Section 80 of the GST Act allowing for installment payments. It directed the petitioner to pay tax arrears in six monthly installments starting from April 15, 2024. The Court set aside the proceedings and the bank's attachment order, emphasizing repayment in line with its decision. The writ petition was disposed of accordingly.
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• High Court Overturns GST Registration Cancellation Due to Lack of Personal Hearing, Citing Violation of Section 29(2) GST Act.

  Case-Laws - HC : The High Court set aside the order canceling the petitioner's GST registration as it was issued without providing an opportunity for a personal hearing, violating Section 29(2) of the GST Act, 2017. Previous court decisions highlighted the importance of following principles of natural justice. The court directed the respondents to review the petitioner's representation for restoration of GST registration within two weeks of receipt. The writ petition was disposed of without costs.
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• Violation of natural justice found as petitioner not given fair hearing. Order quashed, matter remanded for review.

  Case-Laws - HC : The High Court found a violation of natural justice as the petitioner was not given a personal hearing despite the offer in the first notice. The petitioner's claim of sending replies was not proven, leading to responsibility. The absence of a personal hearing in the second notice deprived the petitioner of a fair opportunity. The court quashed the order and remanded the matter for reconsideration, with a condition to pay 5% of the disputed tax demand within three weeks. The petition was disposed of through remand.
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Income Tax

• High Court ruled on extending stay beyond 365 days by ITAT. SC uphold the earlier decision; appeal cannot be entertained.

  Case-Laws - HC : The High Court addressed the issue of extending stay beyond 365 days by ITAT under the third proviso to Section 254(2A) with the 2008 Finance Act amendment. The amendment allowed for extension even if delay isn't the assessee's fault. The Delhi High Court initially invalidated the provision, but the Supreme Court upheld it in the Pepsi Foods Ltd. case. The High Court found the matter settled by the Supreme Court's ruling, upholding the tribunal's decision and dismissing the appeal.
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• High Court Rules on Assessment Reopening; Appeals Available for Document Requests and Delay Condonation.

  Case-Laws - HC : The High Court considered the reopening of assessment u/s 147 with reference to section 144B, following a proceeding u/s 148A. The petitioner did not respond to the notice u/s 148A (b) and did not request documents as per section 144B. The Court noted that the assessment order was preceded by the section 148A proceeding, including notices u/s 148A (b) and (d). The disclosures in the assessment order were already provided in the section 148A notices. The Court held that the petitioner has an alternative remedy through appeal to address these issues. The petitioner can raise all points before the appellate authority, including requesting document disclosure, upon filing an appeal. The appellate authority can consider these requests after registering the appeal with condonation of any delay, as per the law.
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• Tax Tribunal ruled no addition to income without proof of seized docs related to assessment year. Appeal dismissed.

  Case-Laws - AT : The Appellate Tribunal considered an assessment u/ss 153A/153C, focusing on additions based on seized documents for the relevant assessment year and unrecorded transactions. The Tribunal noted that the Assessing Officer did not specify in the order that the seized documents pertained to the assessment year in question and that the transactions were not in the books of account. It was emphasized that section 153C can only be applied if incriminating material seized during a search relates to the relevant assessment year. The Tribunal upheld the lower authority's decision as the Revenue failed to challenge the CIT(A)'s findings, resulting in the dismissal of the Revenue's appeal.
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• Penalty for non-compliance with notice deleted! Assessee's reasonable cause accepted. Appeal allowed.

  Case-Laws - AT : The Appellate Tribunal considered the imposition of penalty u/s 272A(1)(d) for non-compliance with a notice u/s 142(1). The assessee eventually responded to the notice and provided the required documents, with a valid reason for the delay. The Assessing Officer accepted the income return after examining the documents. The Tribunal found a reasonable cause for the initial failure to respond and decided to delete the penalty u/s 272A(1)(d). Consequently, the assessee's appeal was allowed.
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• Cash found during search was explained. Bank statements showed withdrawals matching cash found. No proof cash was from elsewhere. Appeal allowed.

  Case-Laws - AT : The ITAT, an Appellate Tribunal, considered the penalty u/s 271AAA for unexplained cash found during a search. The AO rejected the assessee's submissions due to lack of documentary evidence. However, the ITAT noted that the bank statements showed withdrawals matching the cash found, indicating the cash was explained. It dismissed the Revenue's argument on the duration of holding cash. Referring to a case law, it concluded that the time gap between withdrawal and deposit does not make cash unexplained. Therefore, the cash found was deemed explained, and no addition was allowed. The appeal of the assessee was upheld.
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• Tribunal Sets Aside Tax Decision, Orders Fresh Review for Fair Hearing on Computational Errors and Expenditure Allocation.

  Case-Laws - AT : The Appellate Tribunal addressed the validity of a revision u/s 263, focusing on the alleged non-consideration of the assessee's submissions by the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax (PCIT). The PCIT's order was examined to determine if it aligned with the Tribunal's directive. The Tribunal found that the PCIT provided adequate opportunities for the appellant/assessee to be heard but these opportunities were not utilized. The PCIT was not required to reassess the original order but to act in accordance with the Tribunal's instructions. The Tribunal suggested that the PCIT should have considered one of the tables as reliable for expenditure allocation and encouraged resolving disputes with original documentation. Ultimately, the Tribunal set aside the PCIT's order, directing a fresh review of the computational error, emphasizing the importance of granting the appellant/assessee a fair opportunity to address any deficiencies without expressing a view on the case's merits.
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• ITAT decision on deductions for a credit society: Allowed for interest from credit facilities to members; Not allowed for interest from staff loans.

  Case-Laws - AT : The ITAT upheld the disallowance of interest earned from staff loans u/s 80P(2)(a)(i) as not attributable to the business of the assessee. However, interest from credit facilities extended to members, including nominal/associate members, was allowed u/s 80P(2)(a)(i) as per the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 1959. Additionally, interest earned from investments made was deemed deductible u/s 80P(2)(d) as it was attributable to the business. The AO was directed to verify and compute deductions accordingly. Guarantee commission was not covered u/s 43B, and the issue was remanded to the AO for further analysis. Verification was also required for the treatment of business loss and e-stamping income for proper computation of income.
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• Revision u/s 263: Tribunal rules in favor of depreciation claim on goodwill and Trade name. Assessment order was neither erroneous nor prejudicial to revenue.

  Case-Laws - AT : The Appellate Tribunal considered a case involving revision u/s 263 of the Income Tax Act regarding depreciation claim on goodwill and intangible assets. The Principal Commissioner believed the depreciation claimed was disallowed. The Tribunal found that the goodwill arose post-amalgamation and its valuation was supported by a report approved by the National Company Law Tribunal. A Supreme Court precedent supported the depreciation claim. The Tribunal also addressed a disallowance issue, determining that the error didn't lead to revenue loss. Citing the Paville Projects case, the Tribunal concluded that the assessment order was neither erroneous nor prejudicial to revenue, ruling in favor of the assessee.
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• Tribunal: 1) Provision on standard assets is allowable as per RBI norms 2) Addition on bad debts provision set aside for re-evaluation

  Case-Laws - AT : ITAT ruled on two issues: 1) Disallowance of contingent provision under 36(1)(viia)(d) as unascertained liability. AR cited new provision allowing NBFCs to make provision for bad debts up to 5% total income effective from 01.04.2017. AO & CIT(A) did not consider this. ITAT set aside addition for fresh assessment. 2) Cash received in demonetization period towards loan installment. AO failed to prove lack of depositor identity, transaction genuineness, and creditworthiness. Assessee provided depositor names and KYC details, which AO did not challenge. Citing precedent, ITAT ruled in favor of the assessee.
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• Employee claimed standard deduction on salary & ex-gratia under bonafide impression. No malafide intention found, penalty quashed.

  Case-Laws - AT : The Appellate Tribunal considered a case involving a penalty u/s 271(1)(c) where the assessee, an employee, received salary and ex-gratia post Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). The issue was the eligibility of claiming standard deduction u/s 16(1) if the total exceeded Rs. 5 lakhs. The Tribunal held that the assessee genuinely believed the deduction was permissible, especially as the total salary pre-VRS was below Rs. 5 lakhs. The Tribunal found no malafide intent in the assessee's actions, noting full disclosure in the return. Consequently, the penalty imposed by the Assessing Officer was overturned, and the assessee's appeal was successful.
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Customs

• Iron Ore Export Dispute: Appeal Allowed Due to Moisture Content Analysis and Transaction Value Consistency.

  Case-Laws - AT : The case involved a dispute over moisture content in exported Iron Ore leading to a final assessment based on increased value due to significant variation in weight. The appellant claimed 8% moisture content, but CRCL analysis showed 4.60% to 6.8%. The Circular No. 12/2014-CUS was crucial, emphasizing contract provisions on moisture content and analysis at the port of discharge. The transaction value followed by the appellant aligned with the Circular, warranting the appeal's allowance. Export duty, being ad valorem, was rightly based on the transaction value. The case law cited was deemed inapplicable due to differing test reports. As the appellant billed per CIQ test report per contract, the impugned order was set aside, and the appeal was allowed.
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• CESTAT ruled in favor of appellant on misinterpretation of Customs Act. Tug & bunkers correctly classified. Appeal allowed.

  Case-Laws - AT : The case involves an appeal against a final assessment order concerning the classification and duty assessment of a tug and its bunkers under relevant Customs Acts. The Appellate Tribunal held that the tug, brought for breaking at a port, was correctly classified under a specific tariff heading. The bunkers were part of the tug's goods for breaking, and duty cannot be separately demanded. Referring to a precedent, the Tribunal found in favor of the appellant, stating that the facts were similar to the cited case, thus allowing the appeal. The impugned order was deemed unsustainable.
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• Appeals was rejected without deciding merits. Appellant's right to fair assessment upheld. Remanded for proper review.

  Case-Laws - AT : The case involves the rejection of appeals without deciding on merits due to self-assessment discrepancies u/s 17(5) of the Customs Act, 1962. The appellant's claim under specific notifications was rejected, leading to duty payment under protest and appeal to the Commissioner(Appeals). The tribunal held that the appeals should have been decided on merits rather than rejected based on the assessment acceptance. Citing a Supreme Court ruling, it emphasized both parties' right to appeal an assessment order. The tribunal set aside the order, remanding the case for a merit-based decision by the Commissioner(Appeals) within three months. The appeal was allowed by way of remand.
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• CESTAT ruled in favor of exporter for Denial of Drawback claims due to lack of samples/testing. Export proceedings to be verified.

  Case-Laws - AT : The case involves denial of Drawback claims due to testing sample issues. No samples were drawn for 17 Shipping Bills, leading to reversal of the denial. For 16 Bills with samples, doubts raised on testing procedures. Non-verification of export proceedings for 33 consignments led to remand for verification. Interest on drawback to be considered. Penalties and confiscation set aside. Adjudicating Authority instructed to conclude proceedings within 3 months.
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• Appellate Tribunal rectifies mistake in Export Bills, adds Advance License details. Amendment allowed under Customs Act.

  Case-Laws - AT : The case involves rectification of mistake in Bills of Export u/s 149 of the Customs Act, 1962. The Appellant inadvertently omitted Advance License details in Shipping Bills but included them in Invoices. The Commissioner (Appeals) rightly allowed rectification as a minor amendment. The Tribunal emphasized the proper officer's power to make such amendments based on available documents during imports/exports. The Revenue's persistent pursuit led to unnecessary delays and hardship for the Appellant. The Tribunal set aside the impugned order, allowing the appeal.
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• Appeal halted due to Insolvency Resolution Plan approval by NCLT. Tribunal rules appeal abates, following Rule 22.

  Case-Laws - AT : The case involves an appeal before CESTAT regarding continuation post Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) under IBC, 2016. NCLT approved a Resolution Plan during the appeal. CESTAT Mumbai, citing Rule 22 of CESTAT Rules, held that appeal abates upon IRP appointment and Resolution Plan approval. It emphasized that Tribunal's powers are limited by statute and rules. The decision aligns with legal precedent that Tribunal must act within statutory bounds. Therefore, the appeal abates as per Rule 22, in accordance with prescribed relief.
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Indian Laws

• Accused acquitted in cheque dishonour case as signature not denied. Trial judge's decision upheld, appellate judge's ruling set aside.

  Case-Laws - HC : The High Court dealt with a case involving the dishonour of a cheque. The accused did not deny her signature on the cheque, triggering the presumption u/ss 118 and 139 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The trial court convicted the accused u/s 138. The complainant's financial capacity was questioned, but the appellate court did not properly analyze this aspect. Consequently, the High Court set aside the appellate court's decision, reinstated the trial court's judgment, and confirmed the conviction and sentence against the accused. The appeal was allowed.
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• Court rules dishonored cheque case: Notice clear, plea recorded in accused's words. No trial plea not valid. Petition dismissed.

  Case-Laws - HC : The High Court addressed a case involving dishonour of a cheque due to insufficient funds. The petitioner pleaded guilty but argued against a trial. The Court referred to legal precedents emphasizing the importance of accurately recording the accused's admission. It was noted that the plea of guilt should be documented in the accused's own words. In this instance, the notice given to the petitioner was clear, and his plea was accurately recorded. The Court found no merit in the petition and dismissed it accordingly.
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Service Tax

• Tribunal Rules Board Resolution Not Always Needed for Private Company Appeals; Case Remanded for Merit Decision.

  Case-Laws - AT : The case involved an appeal dismissed due to the absence of a Board Resolution copy from the authorized signatory filing the appeal. The Appellate Tribunal held that as a private limited company, a Board Resolution was not always required for representation. The Commissioner had not specifically requested the Board Resolution but had asked for other documents, which were submitted by the Appellant. The Tribunal found that the appeal should be remanded back to the Commissioner for a decision on merit, citing relevant legal provisions. The appeal was allowed by way of remand.
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Central Excise

• Court rules against appellant in excise duty refund case. Duty was passed to buyer. Appellant failed to prove otherwise.

  Case-Laws - HC : The High Court considered a case involving the refund of excise duty paid by a company and the principles of unjust enrichment. The issue was whether the company successfully proved that the duty incidence was not passed on to the buyer. Despite the company's arguments, the court found that the duty had indeed been recovered from the customer. The court rejected the reliance on a certificate issued by a Chartered Accountant, stating it contradicted the invoices. The court upheld the decision to credit the refund amount to the consumer welfare fund to prevent unjust enrichment. The court referenced a similar case where a certificate from a Chartered Accountant was disbelieved. Ultimately, the appeal was dismissed.
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• Goods not marketable=not liable for excise duty. Penalties unwarranted.

  Case-Laws - AT : The case before CESTAT involved the classification of intermediate goods - polyester/cotton rove twisted yarn and nylon/cotton rove twisted yarn. The key issue was whether these goods should be classified under Subheading No.5608.00 or 5607.90. CESTAT held that the goods were not marketable, citing precedents such as CIMMCO BIRLA LTD. v. Commissioner of Central Excise. Due to non-marketability, the goods were not considered excisable, leading to the rejection of the duty demand. The penalty imposed was deemed unjustified as there was no prior proposal for it. The decision set aside the impugned orders and allowed the appeal.
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• CESTAT ruled in favor of 100% EOU on duty demand for furnace oil consumption for electricity generation. No diversion found. Appeal allowed.

  Case-Laws - AT : The case involves a dispute regarding a demand for duty on the consumption of furnace oil by a 100% Export Oriented Unit (EOU) for generating electricity. The issue was whether the EOU complied with the conditions of Notification No. 22/2003-CE. The Appellate Tribunal held that the EOU had permission to generate power and transfer excess power to the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) based on Input-Output Norms. As there was no diversion of furnace oil and the demand was solely based on less electricity generation from the oil consumed, the demand was not upheld. The Tribunal set aside the impugned order, allowing the appeal.
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• Tribunal Rules Companies Not Related; Dismisses Duty Demand for Lack of Evasion Evidence and Limitation Bar.

  Case-Laws - AT : The case involved determining if certain companies were distinct legal entities or related persons under Sec.4(3)(b)(i) and (iv) of the Central Excise Act, 1944. The Appellate Tribunal found that the appellant's business interest in the group companies was not established, thus rejecting the contention that they were related persons. The Tribunal also held that the price set by the appellant based on prevailing market rates constituted the "Transaction Value" under Sec. 4(3)(d), and there was no evidence of any extra commercial considerations. Regarding the limitation period, it was ruled that the demand made after a year from the relevant date lacked evidence of intention to evade tax, rendering it barred by limitation. The demand of duty, interest, and penalty was deemed unsustainable, leading to the appeal being allowed.
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• Appellant not asked to prove customers received goods. Revenue didn't check if goods were cleared. Refund claim approved, Revenue appeal dismissed.

  Case-Laws - AT : The case involved a dispute over unjust enrichment where the appellant was required to prove that customers received machines/equipment as invoiced. The Revenue failed to investigate with customers or transporters. Goods seized by Revenue were linked to the invoices. The appellant did not confirm clearance of goods. The Commissioner(Appeals) approved a refund, finding the appellant paid duty twice. The order was upheld, dismissing Revenue's appeal. The issue of unjust enrichment was referred for further verification.
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VAT

• Court Overturns Tax Board Decision Due to Breach of Natural Justice in Sales Transaction Verification Case.

  Case-Laws - HC : The High Court reviewed a case involving a violation of natural justice principles by a Commercial Taxes Officer. The initial order lacked verification of sales transactions and failed to provide a fair hearing to the assessee. Referring to a Supreme Court case, the Court emphasized the importance of cross-examination for credibility. The Assessing Authority did not verify the correctness of the petitioner's response, leading to an unsustainable conclusion. The Tax Board erred in not considering the legal infirmity of the Assessing Authority's decision. The Tax Board's interpretation of an abbreviation without supporting evidence was deemed unacceptable. The imposition of tax and penalty was based on flawed assumptions, leading to the Court setting aside the Tax Board's decision and affirming the Appellate Authority's order.
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• Legal Issue: Are power sprayers taxable at 4% under Schedule-IV or not? Court held they're taxable under Schedule-IV.

  Case-Laws - HC : The High Court addressed the issue of whether "power sprayers" fall under Schedule-I of the Rajasthan Value Added Tax Act, taxable at 4%, or under Schedule-IV at a different rate. The Court found that "power sprayers" were not specifically listed in Schedule-I, thus taxable under Schedule-IV. The Court also noted that "power sprayers" and their parts were not included in any specific schedule, making them taxable under Schedule-IV and their accessories taxable under Schedule-V. The Court concluded that the Tax Board did not err in its decision, leading to the dismissal of the revision petitions.
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• High Court Expands Exemption Scope u/s 8(5)(b) of CST Act; Clarifies Refunds Require Proof of Unjust Enrichment.

  Case-Laws - HC : The High Court addressed the power to grant exemptions u/s 8(5)(b) of the CST Act, ruling that it extends beyond "registered dealers" to include other specified categories. This interpretation was supported by previous judgments. The Court also discussed unjust enrichment, stating that refunds are not automatic unless it's proven that tax liability wasn't passed on to consumers. The decision referenced a Supreme Court case emphasizing that the tax component is typically included in the final product cost. Ultimately, the Court upheld the original judgment, dismissing the revision petitions.
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Case Laws:

• GST

• 2024 (6) TMI 1035
  Classification of supply - composite supply within the meaning of Section 8(a) of the CGST Act/JGST Act read with Section 2(30) read with Section 2(90) or the supply is mixed supply within the meaning of Section 8(b) read with Section 2(74) of the Act - Extended period of Limitation - HELD THAT:- In the instant case, a composite supply principally for transportation of Power Plant Ash up to distance of 50 km is sought to be taxed under Heading 9997 i.e. other services (Textile, Washing, Cleaning, Dying) and Heading 99671 i.e. Cargo Handling Service (Container handling service, Customs House Agent Service, Other Cargo and Baggage Handling Service, Cleaning and Forwarding Services). After going through the show-cause and the factual aspects, which are undisputed; it prima facie appears that the Petitioner has been able to establish a prima facie case of abuse of process of law and lack of jurisdiction. Extended period of Limitation - HELD THAT:- The impugned show cause notice has been issued under Section 74 of the Act. This Court in the case of Central Coalfields Ltd. Vs. UOI [ 2024 (1) TMI 1158 - JHARKHAND HIGH COURT] following judgment of the Hon ble Supreme Court in the case of International Merchandising Co. Vs. CST [ 2022 (12) TMI 556 - SUPREME COURT] , has held that where case involves interpretation issue, extended period of limitation is not invokable. The judgment of the Hon ble Delhi High Court in the case of National Building Construction Company Vs. UOI [ 2020 (12) TMI 619 - DELHI HIGH COURT] is under the old Service Tax regime where power was vested in every Central Excise officer U/s 73 of Service Tax unlike the proper officer to whom power is vested under the CGST Act/JGST Act, hence, the said case is distinguishable. Relegating the Petitioner to alternative remedy will be a palpable in-justice - the instant writ application is maintainable - List this case for further hearing on merit on 16th July, 2024.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1034
  Validity of notice u/s 65 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 - GST Audit - writ petition was filed on the ground that Central GST authorities cannot initiate proceedings in spite of the same subject matter - HELD THAT:- On perusal of the impugned audit notice, it is clear that such notice was issued while being fully aware of Section 6(2)(b) - Provided the subject matter of audit is not the same subject matter as proceedings initiated by the State GST authorities, there is no restriction in the statute. Petition disposed off.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1033
  Attachment of Bank Accounts for recovery of GST dues - Rejection of request for payment of tax due in installments - in-action on the part of the Government in releasing the bills payable - HELD THAT:- There is force in the contention of the petitioner that a blanket attachment of the bank account of the petitioner company would bring the operations of the company to a grinding halt. The company would default in paying the salaries and other operational dues. As per Section 80 of GST Act, the Commissioner may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, extend the time for payment or allow payment of any amount due under this Act in monthly instalments not exceeding twenty four. The ends of justice would be met if the petitioner is permitted to pay the tax arrears in six monthly installments starting from 15th April, 2024 and ending 15th September, 2024. The impugned proceedings dated 11.03.2024 are hereby set aside, further the Form GST DRC-13 dated 25.01.2024 issued by the 1st respondent to the petitioner s banker Canara Bank SME, Kukatpally Branch, Hyderabad is also set aside. It is made clear that the petitioner shall repay the tax arrears in terms of the above observations of this Court - the writ petition is disposed off.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1032
  Cancellation of GST registration of petitioner - opportunity for personal hearing not provided - HELD THAT:- The impugned order is certainly passed in contravention of Section 29 (2) of the GST Act, 2017 to the extent of passing the same without giving of an opportunity of being heard. The orders passed by this Court in similarly placed matters the principles of natural justice have not been followed by the respondents before passing the impugned order. The impugned order dated 25.02.2023 is hereby set aside - the ends of Justice would be met if the writ petition is disposed off with a direction to the respondents to consider the reply/representation of the petitioner seeking restoration of the GST registration within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of such reply/representation of the petitioner. The writ petition is disposed off without costs.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1031
  Violation of principles of natural justice - personal hearing was not offered after receipt of the petitioner s reply - breach of the mandatory requirement of sub-section (4) of Section 75 of TNGST Act - HELD THAT:- The documents on record include the petitioner s reply on 20.06.2023 and a subsequent e-mail of 23.08.2023 along with the attachments thereto. Such reply was referred to in the impugned order and treated as a reply to the show cause notice. Although the petitioner is not blameless in as much as much as the petitioner did not reply to the intimation within a reasonable time or reply to the show cause notice, in view of breach of the mandatory requirement of sub-section (4) of Section 75, the impugned order calls for interference. The impugned order dated 09.10.2023 is quashed and the matter is remanded for reconsideration. The petitioner is permitted to submit any documents in support of the reply within a maximum period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Petition disposed off.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1030
  Violation of principles of natural justice - no personal hearing was provided to the petitioner - HELD THAT:- On examining the show cause notice dated 25.09.2023, it is evident that a personal hearing was offered to the petitioner on 10.10.2023. While the petitioner asserts that two replies were issued on 30.09.2023 and 04.10.2023, the respondent denies receipt thereof and there is no evidence that such replies were uploaded on the GST portal. Hence, the petitioner cannot be absolved of all responsibility for the current state of affairs - it is noticeable that no personal hearing was offered in the second show cause notice dated 26.12.2023 and the impugned order was issued one day later on 27.12.2023. Thus, the petitioner was deprived of a reasonable opportunity to respond to such show cause notice and be heard in person as required by statute. The impugned order is quashed and the matter is remanded for re-consideration subject to the petitioner remitting 5% of the disputed tax demand within three weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Petition disposed off by way of remand.

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• Income Tax

• 2024 (6) TMI 1029
  Extension of stay beyond 365 days by ITAT - interpretation of the provisions of the third proviso to Section 254 (2A) and the amendment incorporated to the said provision by Finance Act, 2008 (with effect from 1 August 2008) by the words even if delay in disposing of appeal is not attributable to assessee were added HELD THAT:- The constitutional validity of such amendment was challenged by Pepsi Foods (P) Ltd. The Delhi High Court considering the rival contentions, had struck down the impugned part of the third proviso to Section 254 (2A), which did not permit extension of stay of the said order beyond 365 days, even if the assessee was not responsible for delay in appeal. Such decision of the Delhi High Court was assailed by the revenue before the Supreme Court in the case of Pepsi Foods Ltd. [ 2021 (4) TMI 369 - SUPREME COURT] In view of the authoritative pronouncement of Supreme Court interpreting the third proviso to Section 254 (2A) inserted by the Finance Act, 2008, we find that the question of law as urged for consideration, stands squarely answered by such decision of the Supreme Court. The appeal, therefore, cannot be entertained. It is accordingly disposed of upholding the orders passed by the tribunal.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1028
  Reopening of assessment u/s 147 r.w.s.144B as preceded by a proceeding u/s 148A - Alternative Remedy through Appeal - petitioner did not respond to the notice u/s 148A (b), in fact, when an intimation was given to the assessee in accordance with the procedure laid down u/s 144B vide notice the petitioner did not seek for documents - HELD THAT:- Admittedly, in this case, it is noticed that the order of assessment issued u/s 147 r.w.s. 144B of the said Act was preceded by a proceeding u/s 148A of the said Act and not only a notice u/s 148A (b) was issued but an order was passed u/s 148A (d) of the said Act. The petitioner, however, had not responded to the said notice u/s 148A (b) of the said Act. The disclosures made in the order of assessment were all disclosed in the notice u/s 148A (b) of the said Act and in the order u/s 148A (d) of the said Act. Be that as it may, since the petitioner has an alternative remedy in the form of an appeal, all these points can be agitated by the petitioner before the appellate authority and if the petitioner files an appeal before the appellate authority and makes an application for disclosure of the documents and other information, it shall be open to the appellate authority to consider the same, subject to the appeal being registered upon condonation of delay, in accordance with law.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1027
  Denial of deductions for applications and accumulation u/s 11 - delay in filing Form No. 10B - HELD THAT:- We after hearing the rival submission of the parties and perusing the material available on record find that in the present appeal, the ld. CIT(E), Kolkata condoning the delay occurred in filing the audit report in Form No. 10B. Accordingly, we set aside the issue to the file of assessing officer, ADIT, CPC, Bengaluru to take into account the above referred order allowing deductions for applications and accumulation u/s 11 of the Act as claimed by the assessee for the assessment year under consideration. In terms of the above, the appeal of the assessee is hereby allowed for statistical purposes.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1026
  Assessment u/s 153A/153C - additions based on seized documents belonging to the relevant assessment year and transactions not recorded in the books of account - HELD THAT:- In the instant case, we find that the AO, while passing the consequent order, has nowhere in the order specified that the documents seized belong to the assessment year under appeal and the transactions, reflected in the seized documents are not recorded in the books of account of assessee. It is no more re-integra that provisions of section 153C of the Act can be invoked only if any incriminating material seized during the course of search action pertain to that particular assessment year. [Re. CIT vs Sinhgad Technical Education Society [ 2017 (8) TMI 1298 - SUPREME COURT] DR could not controvert the findings of the CIT(A), hence, we find no infirmity in the impugned order. In the result, impugned order is upheld and appeal of the Revenue is dismissed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1025
  Levy of penalty u/s. 272A(1)(d) - non compliance of notice u/s. 142(1) - HELD THAT:- It is an undisputed fact that subsequently the assessee has complied with the notice issued by the AO and had furnished necessary documents. The reason given by the assessee for delay in responding to the notice dated 22.07.2019 seems plausible. There appears to be reasonable cause for the said failure. AO after examining the details and documents furnished by the assessee accepted the returned income for the impugned assessment year. We are of considered view that penalty levied u/s. 272A(1)(d) of the Act is liable to be deleted. Appeal of the assessee is allowed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1024
  Penalty u/s 271AAA - unexplained cash during the search found - AO discarded the submissions of the assessee on the ground that assessee failed to file any documentary evidence to prove his averments - HELD THAT:- On perusal of the bank statement filed by the assessee we find that approximately Rs 4,85,000/- have been withdrawals by the assessee starting from December 2009 to May 2010, which means when the last financial year i.e. 2009-10 relevant to AY 2010-11 was about to expire there was sufficient cash with the assessee till the date of search i.e 25.10.2010. The amount found during the course of search is Rs 4,06,700/- which is below the amount of withdrawals. Therefore, we are of the view that the impugned cash cannot be treated as unexplained cash. So far as, argument of the Revenue, that no prudent person will keep a cash for such a long period. We do not find any force because admittedly, it is the case of search and even after search, department has not been able to prove that the cash withdrawals by the assessee has been utilized somewhere else and the impugned cash is generated from some other source. As in the case of Smt. P Padmavathi [ 2010 (10) TMI 1154 - KARNATAKA HIGH COURT] has observed that time gap between the withdrawal and the deposit of the same in the bank account would not be a ground for treating the amount as unexplained cash. We are of the firm view that cash found was duly explained cash and hence no addition is permissible in the eyes of law. We allow the appeal of the assessee.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1023
  Validity of Revision u/s 263 - Alleged non-consideration of assessee s submissions by PCIT - Ex-parte dismissal of appeal without providing a proper opportunity of being heard . - whether the PCIT, vide impugned order, did justice in pursuance of the Tribunal s order, [ 2022 (9) TMI 1596 - ITAT DELHI] - HELD THAT:- PCIT, who was required to do needful after rectifying the computational error pointed out in the above-mentioned Tribunal s order, has given sufficient opportunities of being heard to the appellant/assessee as detailed in impugned order but the same were not availed by the appellant/assessee. PCIT was not required to review the original order dated 28.03.2021 but to act as per the Tribunal s order (supra). Since the appellant/assessee did not bring any material on the record during the set-aside proceedings to contradict the finding of the PCIT and to demonstrate any computational error in the original order passed under section 263 of the Act, therefore, it is held that the PCIT, vide impugned order, has rightly declined to interfere/rectify/revise with any of the findings mentioned in the order dated 28.03.2021 passed under section 263 of the Act. Thus, we are of the considered opinion that the impugned order was not passed ex-parte as mentioned in one of the grounds of appeal. Accordingly, in view of the above, grounds of appeal, numbered 1 to 4 are dismissed herewith. Disallow that expenditure or work out income relatable to such expenditure, on accrual basis, which had not been claimed in the Profit Loss account - We are of the considered opinion that the PCIT should have held one of the Tables mentioned as authentic as there is no dispute on aggregate expenditure mentioned in these tables and claimed in the Profit Loss account. In case of dispute about the apportionment of expenses at micro levels (amongst projects), the same would have been sorted out with the help of original bills vouchers of expenditure. Therefore, in the interest of justice and considering all the afore-stated observations finding in the order [ 2022 (9) TMI 1596 - ITAT DELHI] we are of the considered opinion that the appellant/assessee deserves reasonable opportunity of being heard to make shortcomings. In view thereof, without offering any comment on merit of the case we deem it fit to set aside the impugned order and remit the issue of the computational mistake/error referred back to the file of the PCIT to decide the case afresh.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1022
  Disallowance of claim u/s 80P(2)(a)(i) for interest earned from credit facilities - assessee is a State Level Federal Agriculture and Rural Development Credit Society registered under the provision of the Karnataka Co-op Societies Act, 1959 - as submitted that the assessee though has the word bank in its name, it is not a bank, It is further submitted that the assessee is not licensed to carry on the operations of banking as per the Banking Regulation Act - HELD THAT:- In respect of the observation of the authorities below regarding the violation of Principle of Mutuality since the facilities are extended to associate members and nominal members are concerned, the ratio by Hon ble Supreme Court in case of Mavilayi [ 2021 (1) TMI 488 - SUPREME COURT] read with section 2(f) of Karnataka Co-operative Act 1959 covers the issue. We note that, Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 1959 defines Members to include nominal / associate members u/s. 2(f). Considering the definition of Member under the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, the present assessee qualifies for deduction u/s. 80P(2)(a)(i) - Thus we allow the claim of the assessee u/s. 80P(2)(a)(i) of the act in respect of the interest earned by the assessee from credit facilities extended to members that includes nominal / associate members. Disallowance of interest u/s 80P(2)(a)(i) earned by the assessee from staff loans - The arguments advanced by the Ld.AR do not support the scheme of the Act under section 80P(2)(a). What is allowable under the section has been expressly provided for therein. As per section 80P, an income which is attributable to any of the specified activities in Section 80P(2) of the Act could be only eligible for deduction. Providing loan to the employees cannot be considered as, attributable to the business of the assessee, as the term attributable to the business is much narrow term, which is directly connected to the objects of the assessee for which it has been established. We therefore hold that, the interest earned by the assessee from loan give to its employees cannot be considered for deduction under section 80P(2)(a)(i) of the Act. It has to be treated as income form other sources. Accordingly we hold that the interest earned from the credit activities of the assessee to its members including nominal / associate is allowable u/S 80P(2)(a)(i ) of the act. We also hold that the interest earned by the assessee from loan to its employees are to be treated as Income from other sources, not eligible for deduction under the provisions of Section 80P. Disallowance of interest u/s 80P(2)(a)(i)/(d) earned by the assessee from investments made - In the instant case, there is nothing on record to come to the conclusion that the amount which was invested in banks to earn interest was amount due to its members, and that, it was a liability. In fact this amount which is in the nature of profits and gains, was not immediately required by the assessee for objects of the society, but was required to be invested as required by the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 1959. Therefore they had deposited the money out of which interest was earned. The said interest is thus attributable to carrying on the business of the assessee and therefore it is liable to be deducted in terms of Section 80P(2)(d) of the Act. In fact similar view is taken in the case of CIT v. Andhra Pradesh State Co-operative Bank Ltd. [ 2011 (6) TMI 215 - ANDHRA PRADESH HIGH COURT] Thus direct the A.O. to verify whether interest / dividend is received by the assessee out of investments made with Cooperative Societies. If the assessee earns interest / dividend income out of investments with co-operative society, as observed in the case of Kerala State Co-operative Agricultural and Rural Development Bank Ltd. [ 2023 (9) TMI 761 - SUPREME COURT] the same is entitled to deduction u/s 80P(2)(d) of the I.T. Act. Without prejudice to the above, we make it clear that if the interest earned by assessee from the banks, the same be considered under the head Income from other sources and necessary relief to be granted to the assessee u/s 57 of the Act in respect of cost of funds and proportionate administrative and other expenses in accordance with law. Accordingly, the issue is restored to the file of Ld.AO for denovo consideration with the above observations. We direct the Ld.AO to carry out necessary verification based on the evidences filed by the assessee and to compute the deduction under section 80P(2)(a)(i)/(d) in accordance with law. Disallowance of guarantee commission u/s 43B - AR submitted that, the guarantees in the present case were extended by the Government to the assessee as a part of the executive power of the state under article 293(1) of the Constitution and section 43B contemplates that, a law must levy a tax, duty, cess or fee, and that there is no such levy in the case of a guarantee commission, thus Section 43B does not cover guarantee commission - HELD THAT:- Section 43B falls in Part-V of the Act. What is apparent is that the scheme of the Act is such that Sections 28 to 38 deal with different kinds of deductions, whereas Sections 40 to 43B spell out special provisions, laying out the mechanism for assessments and expressly prescribing conditions for disallowances. In terms of this scheme, Section 40 (which too starts with a nonobstante clause overriding Sections 30-38), deals with what cannot be deducted in computing income under the head Profits and Gains of Business and Profession Each of these deductions, has its contours, depending on the expressions used, and the conditions that are to be met. It is therefore necessary to bear in mind that, specific enumeration of deductions, dependent upon fulfilment of certain conditions, that would qualify as allowable deductions, and failure by the assessee to comply with those conditions, would render the claim to be rejected. In the present case, it is apparent that, the guarantee- commission paid has been debited to the Assessee s P L account. Guarantee commission cannot be considered to be in the nature of any levy, cess of such type. In fact the provisions of section 43B would not be admissible to the payment Guarantee commission by the assessee to the State Government under an agreement as it does not qualify for any of the types mentioned therein. We therefore remand this issue to the Ld.AO to carry out necessary verification, based on the agreement entered into by the assessee with the state Government and to analyse if the payment of guarantee Commission is an admissible deduction under section 37(1) of the Act. Disallowance of business loss - As per assessee he returned loss under the head profits and gains from business or profession and on account of the income from other heads exceeding the loss declared, the gross total income as declared became positive - HELD THAT:- As AR submitted that the Ld.AO, in determining the gross total income, has taken income under the head profits and gains from business and profession as nil and, he has ignored the loss of Rs. 29,48,007.In our opinion this issue needs to be verified by the Ld.AO while giving effect to the order of this Tribunal. Addition of e-stamping income - AR submitted that the Ld.AO observed that since the Appellant renders e-stamping services and receives income from non-members, the deduction under section 80P(2)(a)(i) will not be allowable. However, no disallowance of the deduction under section 80P was made specifically as it relates to e-stamping income - HELD THAT:- Identical issue has been analysed hereinabove while considering the interest earned by the assessee from staff loan. We rely on the observations made in para 16.3 and hold that the income earned by the assessee from E stamping cannot be considered for the purpose of deduction under section 80P(2) of the act.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1021
  Revision u/s 263 - Depreciation claim on goodwill and other intangible assets - Pr.CIT was of the firm belief that the sixth proviso to section 32(1) squarely apply on the facts of the amalgamation and therefore, the depreciation claimed on the goodwill and Trade name by the assessee company cannot be allowed in its hands. Since this aspect was not examined and considered by AO during the course of the assessment proceedings the assessment order is erroneous and prejudicial to the interest of the revenue - HELD THAT:- We have to appreciate the facts of the case in hand in the true prospective. It has to be understood that there was no goodwill in the books of the UHEPL and only after the scheme of amalgamation when the amalgamating company UHEPL amalgamated goodwill came into existence being the difference between the consideration paid by amalgamated company i.e., assessee over and above the net assets value of the amalgamating company. The valuation of the goodwill is as per the valuation report and there is no quarrel in so far as the NAV of the amalgamating company is considered. The same has the sanction of the Hon ble National Company Law Tribunal. Whether the assessee is entitled to claim depreciation on goodwill has been decided in the case of CIT v. Smifs Securities Ltd [ 2012 (8) TMI 713 - SUPREME COURT] in which case also one company amalgamated with the assessee company and the excess consideration paid by it over value of net assets amounted to goodwill on which depreciation was claimed and was allowed. Since the claim of depreciation has the backing of the Hon ble Supreme Court by no stretch of imagination the assessment order can be considered as erroneous and prejudicial to the interest of the revenue in so far as this issue concerned. If the Ld. Pr.CIT was of the firm belief that the Assessing Officer has not conducted proper enquires, in so far as the claim of depreciation or good will is concerned. Nothing prevented the Ld. Pr.CIT to conduct enquires as held by the Hon ble Delhi High Court in the case of DG Housing Projects [ 2012 (3) TMI 227 - DELHI HIGH COURT] . Disallowance on account of inventory amortization - during the course of the scrutiny assessment proceedings, the assessee has admitted the inadvertent error and requested the Assessing Officer to disallow Rs..20.88 crores instead of suomoto disallowance of Rs..14.71 crores - HELD THAT:- As seen that the assessee had substantial loss and the business loss for assessment year 2009-10 amounting to Rs.. 61.30 crores would have lapsed during the year under consideration. Therefore, the contention of the Ld. Pr.CIT that this error has resulted into under assessment to the tune of Rs.. 6.17 crores would do no revenue loss and therefore in our considered opinion the twin conditions i.e., order should not only be erroneous but also prejudicial to the interest of the revenue is not fulfilled. As decided in Paville Projects (P) Ltd [ 2023 (4) TMI 295 - SUPREME COURT] it is observed and held that in order to exercise the jurisdiction under Section 263(1) of the Income tax Act, the Commissioner has to be satisfied of twin conditions, namely, (i) the order of the Assessing Officer sought to be revised is erroneous; and (ii) it is prejudicial to the interests of the Revenue. Thus we are of the considered view that the assessment order dated 18.03.2021 framed by the Assessing Officer under section 143(3) r.w.s. 143(3A) of the Act is neither erroneous nor prejudicial to the interest of the revenue . Decided in favour of assessee.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1020
  Addition u/s 36(1)(viia)(d) - contingent provision against standard assets - AO disallowed the said amount on the ground that it was a contingent unascertained liability and hence not allowable as deduction - as argued CIT(A) erred not appreciating the contention of the appellant that the provision @0.40% made on standard assets was as per the as per the NPA provisions norms and guidelines issued by Reserve Bank of India - HELD THAT:- AR filed additional evidence. Ld.AR submitted that Finance Act, 2016 has introduced section 36(1)(viia)(d) w.e.f. 01.04.2017. As per said provision, NBFC s are allowed to make provision for bad and doubtful debts of an amount not exceeding 5% of the total income. Ld.AR submitted that both ld.CIT(A) and AO failed to consider the provisions of the Act introduced w.e.f 01.04.2017. On perusal of the assessment order and ld.CIT(A) s order, it is observed that both these authorities have not considered the section 36(1)(viia)(d) introduced w.e.f. 01.04.2017. Since AO and CIT(A) failed to consider the provisions of 36(1)(viia)(d) and assessee had filed additional evidence to substantiate this claim, in the interest of substantial justice, we set- aside the addition made by AO to the Assessing Officer for denovo adjudication. Addition u/s 68 - assessee has received cash in old currency during the demonetization period - as submitted cash accepted during the demonetization period was towards the instalment of outstanding loan account of the borrower - HELD THAT:- To invoke section 68 of the Act, the AO has to prove that assessee failed to file identity of the depositors, genuineness of the transaction and creditworthiness. In this case, the assessee had submitted the names of the persons from whom cash was received during the demonetization period in the form of demonetized currency. Assessee also submitted that assessee maintains all KYC documents of all these persons. The AO had not asked the assessee to produce the said KYC Documents. Rather AO has not challenged the identity of the depositors, genuineness of the transactions and creditworthiness of the depositors. In these facts and circumstances of the case, we are of the opinion that no addition can be made u/s 68 of the Act. See M/s. Bhagur Urban Credit Co-operative Society Ltd., [ 2023 (1) TMI 1384 - ITAT PUNE] - Decided in favour of assessee.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1019
  Penalty u/s 271(1)(c) - assessee was employee and after the VRS received the salary and ex-gratia and declared the amount u/s 17(1) and claimed standard deduction u/s 16(1) - As per the revenue, if the salary plus exgratia was more than Rs. 5 lacs the assessee was not eligible to claim standard deduction u/s 16(1) - HELD THAT:- The assessee was under a bonafide impression that since regular salary income was before Rs. 5 lakhs, the assessee was entitled to such deduction. It is also a fact that assessee filed the return without the assistance of advocate or counsel. There is no presumption that everybody knows the law. Therefore, there does not appear to be any malafide intention on the part of assessee for claiming standard deduction u/s 16(1) more so when the full facts in this regard were fully disclosed in the return and statement of income filed along with the return. Thus, we are of the considered opinion, the impugned appeal order is set aside and the impugned penalty levied by the ld. AO is quashed - Assessee appeal allowed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1018
  Deduction u/s 80P(2)(a)(i) and 80P2)(d) - interest / dividend income earned from co-operative bank - HELD THAT:- As assessee has raised the contention in the grounds that interest received from certain co-operative banks is on account of compliance with Rule 28 of the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Rules, 1960, therefore, it constitutes income from business of providing credit facilities to its members and hence the same is eligible for deduction u/s 80P(2)(a)(i) of the Act. This identical contention of the assessee has also been dealt with in the case of Vasavamba Co-operative Society Ltd. [ 2021 (8) TMI 706 - ITAT BANGALORE] wherein had restored the matter to the AO for fresh examination because if there are statutory compulsions that the money should be invested in a particular manner to run business of the Assessee then the interest income arising from such investments have business nexus and should be considered as income derived from the business of providing credit facility to the members. This aspect requires examination by the AO. Thus we direct the AO to examine whether interest income is earned out of investments which are in compliance under the relevant Karnataka Co-operative Societies Rules and Act. If the same is found to be out of compulsions, the interest income derived would be entitled to deduction under section 80P(2)(a)(i) of the Act. Deduction u/s 80P(2)(a)(iii) - commission earned from Mangalore Agriculturists Souhardha Sahakari Ltd - AO disallowed the claim of deduction due to the absence of any details furnished to establish the entire facts - HELD THAT: Assessee has wrongly claimed deduction u/s 80P(2)(a)(iii) of the Act instead of claiming deduction under section 80P(2)(e) of the Act. Assessee has also not furnished the necessary documents before the AO. Consequently, the claim of deduction was not granted by the AO. In the interest of justice and equity, we are of the view that this issue needs to be examined afresh by the AO. Therefore, as regards the claim of deduction of Rs.1,71,568/- whether assessee is entitled to deduction under any of the limbs under section 80P of the Act shall be examined afresh. Assessee shall furnish necessary materials / evidences to substantiate its claim. It is ordered accordingly. Deduction u/s 80P(2)(e) - income earned from storing the pledged agricultural produce against loans given - AO disallowed the claim of deduction due to the absence of details to establish the entire facts - HELD THAT:- Assessee had made claim for deduction under section 80P(2)(e) of the Act before the income-tax authorities. The claim of deduction was denied by the AO since complete facts were not produced before him. Before the Tribunal, assessee submits that it is entitled to deduction under section 80P(2)(a)(i) of the Act since assessee gives loans on agricultural produce to its members which is incidental to its business; hence, eligible for deduction under section 80P(2)(a)(i) of the Act. We are of the view that the issue raised in ground also requires to be adjudicated since full details were not available before the AO. Appeal filed by the assessee is allowed partly for statistical purposes.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1017
  Eligibility of deduction u/s 80P(2)(d) - interest income from co-operative banks - Assessment of interest income from co-operative banks u/s 56 of the Income Tax Act - HELD THAT:- In the instant case, we notice that assessee has raised a contention before the CIT(A) that these investments with the Central District Co-operative Bank is in compliance with the requirement under the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 1959, and the relevant Rules. Therefore, it was submitted that such interest income received on investments made under compulsion under the relevant Act and the Rules is entitled to deduction under section 80P(2)(a)(i) of the Act. We find that the CIT(A) has not adjudicated the contentions raised by the assessee. As per the directions of Registrar of Karnataka Co-operative Societies filed by the assessee, we find that all primary co-operative societies are to be mandatorily made to invest 25% of total deposits as liquid fund (SLR) and 3% of the total deposits as cash reserve (CRR) with the concerned Central District Co-operative Banks to run credit facilities by a primary agricultural credit co-operative society in the State of Karnataka. The CBDT Circular No.18/2015 dated 02.11.2015 has clarified that interest income from SLR/non-SLR investment by banking company and a cooperative society shall be chargeable under the head profit and gains of business or profession . On identical factual situation, we find the Bangalore bench of the Tribunal in the case of M/s. Kachur Credit Co-operative Society Ltd [ 2023 (9) TMI 1487 - ITAT BANGALORE] wherein restore the issue to the files of the AO to examine whether interest income received from South Canara District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., is out of compulsions and in compliance with the Karnataka State Cooperative Societies Act, 1959 and the relevant Rules. If it is so, the same interest income is to be assessed as income from business which would entail the benefit of deduction under section 80P(2)(a)(i) We direct the AO to examine whether the interest income received on investment with Central Co-operative Bank is out of compulsions under the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 1959, and the relevant Rules. If it is so, the same may be considered as business income and entitled to deduction under section 80P(2)(a)(i) of the Act. In other words, if assessee society does not comply with the relevant provisions of the Act, and the Rules of Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 1959, it cannot carry on its cooperative activities, namely carry on the business of banking or providing credit facilities to its members. Therefore, if the investments are out of compulsion under the Act and relevant Rules, necessarily it is part of assessee s business activity entailing the benefit of section 80P(2)(a)(i) of the Act - Appeals filed by the assessee are allowed for statistical purposes.

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• Customs

• 2024 (6) TMI 1016
  Dispute over moisture content in exported Iron Ore - Finalisation od assessment based on increased value - huge variation in weight due to moisture content - actual DMT of Iron Ore exported higher than what were declared in the invoices made by the appellant. While, the appellant has been claiming the moisture content of about 8% when the goods were exported, the test analysis by CRCL at the load port arrived at the moisture content between 4.60% to 6.8%. HELD THAT:- Since the quantity arrived at by the Revenue is on the higher side, the appellant has been granted lesser refund in these cases. On going through the Circular No. 12/2014-CUS dated 17.11.2014, it is observed that this Circular has been issued specifically to address the problems faced in respect of the valuation and assessment of Iron Ore which are subjected to various tests - the Circular specifies about the declared price in the contract and the provisions provided in the contract should be considered. In the present case, it is seen from the contract Clause 3 that moisture content is allowed to a maximum extent of 10%, this means that the consignment will not be accepted if the percentage exceeds 10%. There is no minimum moisture content specified. Apart from this, Clause 9 Sampling and Analysis clearly specifies that the CIQ shall analyse the sample at the port of discharge and its analysis shall be final. From the documentary evidence provided by way of invoices, it is seen that based on the moisture content arrived at by CIQ, the appellant has reduced the quantity and arrived at the DMT quantity. There is no dispute that the appellant has realised only the value shown in the total value shown in the invoices. Therefore, it is clear that the transaction value has been followed by the appellant. This also meets the requirement as specified in the Circular No. 12/2014 dated 17.11.2014. Hence on this count the Appeal stands allowed. Export duty is on advalorem basis, which is dependent on the value of the consignment exported - the value for Export Duty has to be taken as per Transaction Value only. Admittedly, the transaction value is not doubted. Hence, even on considering this fact, the impugned order cannot be sustained. Decision in the case of Steer Overseas Pvt Ltd., Vs Commissioner of Customs, Vijayawada [ 2020 (4) TMI 246 - CESTAT HYDERABAD ] cited by the Learned AR is considered - In this case, the test report at the load port was obtained by Revenue from CRCL and was also obtained separately from independent agency by the appellant. These two were in variance. This case is different from the present matter. In the present case, the difference in test report is between the test report given by CRCL at load port and the test report given by CIQ at the port of discharge. Therefore, this case law has no application in the present appeal. Since the contract itself specifies that the appellant is required to bill based on the CIQ test report, and there is no dispute that they have raised the bill and realised only as per this Clause with the transaction value and BRC provided by the appellant not being doubted, there are no reason to uphold the impugned orders. The impugned order set aside - appeal allowed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1015
  Rejection of appeal of the appellant against the final assessment order - Misinterpretation of Coastal Cargo under Chapter-XII of the Customs Act, 1962 - Classification and duty assessment of tug and bunkers under the Customs Tariff Act, 1975. HELD THAT:- As per the facts of the case there is no dispute that the tug was brought to Alang port for breaking therefore the same is correctly classified under 8908.00.00 of the Custom Tariff Act, since the tug was brought for breaking up the same cannot be classified in different head i.e. the tug under 8908 and bunker under different heading. The Bunker of the tug was considered by both the lower authority as the goods considering during the coastal run. However, as per the facts of the present case the tug along with the Bunker was presented for assessment. Therefore, the entire tug including the Bunker must be assessed for the purpose of breaking up hence on Bunker and other goods duty cannot be demanded separately. The whole case is based on the interpretation of coastal run only for the reason that the tug has first gone to Nhavasheva there after Fuzerah UAE then it came to Alang for clearance as tug for breaking up. On the identical facts this Tribunal has considered the case of COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS, AHMEDABAD VERSUS SHIPPING CORPORATION OF INDIA LTD. [ 1986 (12) TMI 216 - CEGAT, BOMBAY] wherein issue has been decided in favour of the assessee by holding that The fact that to begin with the respondents themselves had applied for conversion of the vessel as a coastal vessel cannot be held against them as estoppel once they realised their mistake in view of the High Court judgments and took remedial action in time. The point that Customs duty was demanded by the officers at this port or that is hardly material. From the above decision and the facts involved therein, it can be seen that the facts of the present case is also identical to above decision. Therefore, Ratio of the above decision is applicable in the present case. The impugned order is not sustainable - Appeal allowed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1014
  Assessment of Bill of entry contrary to self assessment - Rejection of appeals without deciding the issue on merits taking the recourse of Section 17(5) of the Customs Act, 1962 - N/N. 29/2010-Cus dated 27.02.2010 - HELD THAT:- In the present case, after rejection of the appellant s claim of benefit under the above said notifications as declared in their Bills of Entry, they paid the duty under protest and preferred appeal before the learned Commissioner(Appeals). Therefore, the learned Commissioner(Appeals) ought to have decided the appeals on merits instead of rejecting the same by observing that the appellant has accepted the assessment. Further, the Hon ble Supreme Court in the case of ITC LIMITED VERSUS COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, KOLKATA -IV [ 2019 (9) TMI 802 - SUPREME COURT] has held that Revenue as well as appellant can prefer an appeal against the order of the assessment. The impugned order is set aside and the case is remanded to the learned Commissioner (Appeals) to decide all the issues on merit, after affording an opportunity of hearing to the appellant. Since the assessment involved in the appeals is around a decade old, it is directed that the denovo proceeding be completed within three months from the date of communication of this order. Appeal is allowed by way of remand.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1013
  Denial of Drawback claims, based on testing samples - cross-examination of testing personnel sought, was not granted - no samples drawn in respect of 17 Shipping Bills - 16 Shipping Bills on which samples drawn and tests carried on - Non-verification of export proceedings in respect of all the 33 consignments - Interest on the drawback - Penalties - Confiscation. No samples drawn in respect of 17 Shipping Bills - HELD THAT:- The exports have taken place in June and July 2002. Admittedly, no samples were drawn by the Department nor any samples were tested by NTCL or NIFT. In such a case, the Department could not have relied on the Test Report of NTCL/NIFT in respect of second lot of Shipping Bills to deny the Draw Back claim. In respect of first set of 17 Shipping Bills, on this count itself, the impugned Order is set aside and the Drawback claim of Rs. 38,63,529/- allowed subject to the condition specified. 16 Shipping Bills on which samples drawn and tests carried on - HELD THAT:- As rightly pointed out by the Appellant, both the testing agencies have completed the test and also issued the Test Report in a record time of 24hrs/48hrs. This gives cause of some kind of doubt as to whether proper procedure was followed before coming to a conclusion about PMV. Secondly, though the Department itself has obtained both the certificates, the first one from NTCL and second one from NIFT, the Revenue has straightway proceeded on the assumption that only the NTCL Test Report is applicable. Non-verification of export proceedings in respect of all the 33 consignments - HELD THAT:- It is seen from the records that the Appellant has been claiming that they have received the export proceedings in respect of all the 33 consignments. This fact has not been verified at the Adjudication level. Only for the limited purpose of verifying the BRC in respect of the 33 Consignments, the matter remanded back to the Adjudicating Authority. If on verification the fact is found to be correct, the Appellant should be granted the refund of the drawbacks in respect of both the sets of exports as per law. As the original Appellant has been substituted by the present appellant by way of the Misc. Order cited supra, the refund amount is to be granted to her. Interest on the drawback - HELD THAT:- The Appellant has also prayed that they would be eligible for interest on the drawback which is being paid to them now since they have filed the drawback claim in 2002 itself. The Adjudicating Authority is directed to go through the statutory provisions and case laws on this issue and accordingly grant the refund of the drawback and interest, if any, as per law. Penalties - Confiscation - HELD THAT:- Since the Appeal is being allowed, all the penalties imposed and confiscation ordered stand set aside. Since the issue pertains to the year 2002, the Adjudicating Authority is directed to complete the proceedings within 3 months from the date of communication of this Order.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1012
  Rectification of mistake in the Bills of Export - conversion of Free Shipping Bills to Export Promotion Shipping Bills - Section 149 of the Customs Act, 1962 - HELD THAT:- Perusing some of the Bills of Export and Invoices, it is clear that the Appellant has mentioned the Advance License details in the Invoices and Packing lists. Due to inadvertent error, the Advance License details were not shown in the Bills of Exports. Therefore, the Commissioner (Appeals) vide his OIA dated 16/3/2011 has correctly held that is a matter of rectification of error which is permissible under Section 149 of the Customs Act, 1962. It is also observed that the Committee of Commissioner has reviewed and approved this OIA and no further Appeal was filed. The Appellant has shown the details of Advance License numbers in their Invoices and Packing list which are part of the Export documents. Their only mistake was not to have given the details of Advance Licenses in the Bills of Export (Shipping Bills). Amending the Shipping Bills/Bills of Export by adding the Advance Licence numbers after proper verification of the document would only be a minor rectification and would not be in the nature of amendment. The Tribunals and High Courts have been consistently holding that under Section 149, the proper officer has the power to carry out the amendment based on the documents which are available at the time of imports/exports. In this case, there is no doubt that such documents were available at the time of export itself and such Invoices and packing list were part of the documents while the goods were cleared to Nepal. The Revenue has resorted to an indirect method to Review its decision and pursue the matter with utmost zeal, which has resulted in the issue coming before the Tribunal twice in a span of 10 years. The Commissioner (Appeals) in the impugned Order has simply ignored the factual details and two detailed Orders of her predecessors and the earlier Review Order and has felt it necessary to simply toe the line of the Revenue - Without doubt, all these actions have resulted in loss of precious time by the Tribunal, which could have easily been avoided. This also has resulted in the Appellant being put to enormous difficulty since they were not able to obtain closure reports for the Advance Licences from the DGFT though they have fulfilled the export obligations about 14 years back. The impugned order is set aside - appeal allowed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1011
  Continuation of appeal after initiation of Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) and Order approving the Resolution plan passed/approved by the Learned NCLT under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 - relief under changed circumstances - Rule 22 of CESTAT (Procedure) Rules, 1982 - HELD THAT:- Undisputedly, during the pendency of the said Appeals, pursuant to the petition filed by one M/s Elite Brilliant Limited, proceeding has been initiated under IBC, 2016. The Hon ble NCLT vide Order dated 16.04.2019 admitting the petition appointed the Interim Resolution Professional (IRP) in the case. The Resolution Plan has been approved by the Hon ble NCLT vide Order dated 13.01.2020. Consequent to the said Order approving the Resolution Plan, the appellant is now before this Forum. The Mumbai bench of this Tribunal in the case of M/S. ALOK INDUSTRIES LTD. VERSUS COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, BELAPUR AND COMMISSIONER OF CEN. EXCISE, MUMBAI CENTRAL [ 2022 (10) TMI 801 - CESTAT MUMBAI] analysed in detail Rule 22 of CESTAT (Procedure) Rules, 1982 and the case laws on the issue including those cited by the Ld. Advocate for the appellant observed that aforesaid Rule 22 should be applicable the moment the successor interest with sufficient rights is appointed by NCLT to make an application for continuation of the proceeding. As observed by the Hon ble Supreme Court and High Courts in catena of cases that the Tribunal is a creature of the statute; it cannot travel beyond the express powers vested under the Statute or Rules framed under the statute, while deciding a statutory Appeal filed before it against the Orders of the prescribed statutory authorities mentioned under the statute. The corollary, any order passed by the Tribunal beyond the vested powers under the statute would be non est in law. Thus, the appeal abates once the IRP is appointed and/or Resolution plan approved. Consequently, the appeals abate as per Rule 22 of CESTAT (Procedure) Rules, 1982 and this is the relief/Order could be passed as prescribed under the said Rule.

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• Service Tax

• 2024 (6) TMI 1010
  CENVAT Credit - taking credit commonly for both exempted goods and the taxable service - various services used for laying the pipeline which ultimately was used for supply of the CBM gas. Demand of Rs. 11,12,41,507/- based on Rule 6(3A) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004 - HELD THAT:- It has been held by the Adjudicating Authority that the Appellant was registered as service provider and was filing of their Returns towards the Cenvat taken by them. Appellants were carrying bona fide belief that no excisable goods were being manufactured by them. Therefore they neither took the Registration nor did they file any Returns. In spite of the ST-3 Returns being filed as service provider, the Department did not issue any query as to whether they were also into manufacturing of the gas. Therefore, it is held that the demand of Rs.11,12,41,500/- raised based on the alleged exempted turnover of the goods, is legally not sustainable on account of time bar in respect of the demand pertaining to extended period. The Adjudicating Authority has set aside this demand on merits in the Order-in-Original and the same is upheld. Demand of Rs. 5,27,86,789/- for Cenvat Credit taken for services used in laying pipelines - HELD THAT:- Even if any immovable property comes into being, but if the same is used for provision of output service resulting in payment of Service Tax, the Cenvat Credit cannot be denied. Considering that the Appellant is eligible to take the Cenvat Credit. On merits, the confirmed demand of Rs.5,27,86,789/- along with interest and penalty on merits is set aside. The Appeal filed by the Revenue stands rejected and the Appeal filed by the Assessee stands allowed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 993
  Authorization for filing an appeal on behalf of Company - Principal Officer - appeal dismissed on the ground that authorised signatory who filed the appeal, had not produced the Board Resolution copy and authorisation letter before him to file the appeal - HELD THAT:- Appellant being a private limited company, who must have obtained registration from the Registrar of Companies by providing the name and designation of person who can sue or be sued for or on behalf of the Company, need not necessarily require a Board Resolution to represent the company every time the Company as a legal person and, therefore, the observation of the Commissioner (Appeals) with reference to Rule, 3(2)(C) of the Central Excise Appeals Rules, 2001 that prescribes for verification to be made by Principal Officer filing the appeal can t be said to have made it obligatory for the Principal Officer to submit Board Resolution alongwith his/her signature. Be that as it may, as could be revealed from appeal memo, learned Commissioner (Appeals) had never sought copy of such Board Resolution though, it had specifically asked the Appellant to submit notarised affidavit of the synopsis of appeal and notarised letter of authority, which Appellant stated to have filed as per attachment no. 6 7 respectively. This being the facts on record and having regard to the fact that Section 35(A)(4) dictates that the order of the Commissioner disposing of the appeal shall state the points for determination, the decision their on and the reason for such decision and the same provision being equally applicable to service tax matters would also be applied to this case, it is a fit case to allow the early hearing application and taking consent of both the sides it is considered it proper to remand the matter back to the commissioner to decide the appeal on merit as per provision contained in Section 35(A)(4) of Central Excise Act, applicable to the service tax matters, in view of Sub- Section 5 of section 85 of the Finance Act, 1994. Appeal allowed by way of remand.

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• Central Excise

• 2024 (6) TMI 1009
  Condonation of delay in filing of appeal by the Revenue - Rule 8 and Rule 8(3A) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2002 - matter lis pendens - HELD THAT:- It cannot be disputed that the decision in the case of INDSUR GLOBAL LTD. VERSUS UNION OF INDIA 2 [ 2014 (12) TMI 585 - GUJARAT HIGH COURT] was challenged before the Hon ble Supreme Court in Special Leave to Appeal No. 16523/2015 and by order dated 24th September, 2015 the Hon ble Supreme Court has stayed the judgment of the High Court of Gujarat. The decision of this Court in M/S. GOYAL MG GASES PVT. LTD VERSUS UNION OF INDIA OTHERS [ 2017 (8) TMI 1515 - CALCUTTA HIGH COURT] appears to have been rendered taking note of the decision of the High Court of Gujarat in the case of Indsur Global. When similar appeal came up before this Court on earlier occasion, the Court has set aside the order of the learned Tribunal and remanded the matter back to the Tribunal to be kept pending before the Tribunal to be taken up for decision after the judgment is rendered by the Hon ble Supreme Court. The order passed by the learned Tribunal is set aside and the appeal is restored to the file of the learned Tribunal and the matter shall be kept pending and taken up after the judgment of the Hon ble Supreme Court.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1008
  Refund - Principles of unjust enrichment - Return of excise duty recovered from M/s Archana Industries - whether the appellant had successfully rebutted the presumption that the incidence of duty was not passed on to the buyer under section 12B of the Central Excise Act? - HELD THAT:- The appellant is not denying this fact but submitted that those amounts paid as duty had been adjusted later on in sale consideration but in the considered opinion of all the authorities and learned tribunal burden has not bee duly discharged by the appellant. Initially, the sale price and excise duty were paid by way of cheques, thereafter the appellant started receiving by way of cash - The Adjudicating Authority, while adjudicating the case of refund examined the accounts of the appellant and gave a finding of fact that the duty had been recovered from the customer by the appellant. Therefore, the appellant has not come out from the rigour of S. 12B of the Act. The appellant has only placed reliance on the certificate issued by the CA which is contrary to the invoices, hence the same is not liable to be relied on - the ledger accounts of relevant periods were filed, which also nowhere established that this excise duty was charged but later on adjusted. Hence concurrent finding of facts cannot be interfered in this appeal. The question of law which is framed is also a question of fact, not a pure question of law on which the findings can be reversed. The invoices that came on the record clearly indicate that the appellant collected the excise duty from the buyer and paid it to the excise department and if it is refunded to the appellant, that would be an unjust enrichment to him. Hence, the same has rightly been directed to be credited to the consumer welfare fund as contemplated under section 11B. In the case of GAIL (INDIA) LTD. VERSUS COMMISSIONER CENTRAL EXCISE AND CUSTOMS, MANIK BAGH PALACE, INDORE (MADHYA PRADESH) [ 2023 (10) TMI 879 - MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURT] , this Court has disbelieved the certificate issued by the Chartered Accountant and maintained the order of the Adjudicating Authority, Appellate Authority and CEGATE rejecting the claim of refund of the amount. However, in the present case, the refund has been allowed but instead of giving it to the appellant, the Authority has directed to credit the said amount to the consumer welfare fund. Appeal dismissed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1007
  Classification of goods - intermediate goods - marketable products or not - Polyester/ cotton rove twisted yarn and Nylon/ cotton rove twisted yarn - to be classified under Sub heading No.5608.00 or under sub heading 5607.90? - demand of duty and equal penalty. Marketability - HELD THAT:- There is a clear finding that the goods are not available in the open market. If the appellant manufactures excess of the impugned products, they would not be able to sell these products in open market as there are no buyers to purchase the same. So, also in case they have shortage of these intermediate products, they would not be able to buy it from the market as it is not available in the market. It is very much clear that the goods are not marketable - In the case of CIMMCO BIRLA LTD. VERSUS COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, JAIPUR [ 2015 (8) TMI 582 - SC ORDER] , the Hon ble Apex Court held that the goods would be exigible to excise duty only if it is proved that they are marketable. The burden lies on the department to demonstrate that the goods are marketable. The Tribunal in the case of M/S. NEEDLE INDUSTRIES (INDIA) PVT. LTD. VERSUS CCE, SALEM [ 2017 (4) TMI 1219 - CESTAT CHENNAI] had occasion to consider a similar issue. The goods in question was Gold Potassium Cyanide solution and the issue considered was the marketability of this item. It was brought out from evidence that the said item is not only highly poisonous because of the presence of its cyanide molecule, but also unstable. The Tribunal held that the goods cannot be said to be marketable. The intermediate goods namely polyester / nylon / cotton rove twisted yarn are not marketable items. This issue is answered in favour of the assessee. Classification of intermediate products - HELD THAT:- The issue of marketability is decided in favour of assessee. Only if the goods are marketable, they fall into the definition of excisable goods. The levy of excise duty is attracted only for manufacture of excisable goods. As we have already held that the goods are not marketable and therefore not excisable goods, the issue of classification is of no consequence and the demand of duty cannot sustain - the demand of duty confirmed in the impugned order is set aside. Penalty - HELD THAT:- The adjudicating authority has imposed equal penalty under Section 11 AC of the Central Excise Act, 1994. Interestingly, there is no proposal in the show cause notice to impose penalty. Moreover, the appeals arise out of the finalization of assessment. The dispute being interpretation in nature and also with regard to classification of the impugned goods, the imposition of penalty is totally unwarranted. The impugned orders are set aside - Appeal allowed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1006
  Determination of assessable value - non-inclusion of 4% /5% of VAT on the impugned goods - whether the element of VAT that was not paid on the catalyst received from HMIL, is includible by the appellant for arriving at the transaction value of the finished goods for payment of Central Excise Duty at the time of its clearance, from their premises? - Extended period of limitation - penalty. HELD THAT:- The liability to pay tax for the intermediate goods (catalyst) supplied by HMIL to the appellant, is on HMIL. The demand of VAT if any which was short paid by HMIL has to be realized from them by the concerned authorities, irrespective of their not passing the liability to their customer. There is no provision to include notional duties which have not been paid on the value of intermediate goods cleared by the supplier, onto the transaction value of the buyer who uses the goods in the further manufacture and clearance of finished goods. Secondly section 4(3)(d) of the Central Excise Act, 1944 at the relevant time clearly stated that transaction value does not include the amount of duty of excise, sales tax, and other taxes, if any, actually paid or actually payable on such goods. The impugned order does not explain why the exclusion of taxes from transaction value as stated in section 4(3)(d) of the Central Excise Act, 1944, is not relevant to this case. The Apex Courts judgment in COLLECTOR OF CENTRAL EXCISE, PUNE VERSUS DAI ICHI KARKARIA LTD. [ 1999 (8) TMI 920 - SUPREME COURT] would apply in the case of sales tax also as also with other statutory taxes. Hence the transaction value of the goods cleared by the appellant to HMIL need not need incorporate the notional sales tax element. Extended period of limitation - penalty - HELD THAT:- It has not been shown that there was any role of the appellant in HMIL having not paid sales tax. Neither was any blame worthy act brought out indicating the intention of the appellant to evade duty. They hence cannot be held liable for any omission on the part of the seller. Thereby the question of invoking the extended time period, imposing penalty etc does not arise. The impugned order is hence set aside - the appeal is decided in favour of the appellant and against the department.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1005
  100% EOU - Demand of duty - Allegation that the amount of furnace oil consumed in the generation of electricity as per the Input-Output Norms - non-compliance with the condition no. 7 laid of N/N. 22/2003-CE dated 31.03.2003 - HELD THAT:- Admittedly, the appellant was granted permission for generation of power with an annual capacity of 6.2 MW by the Development Commissioner of CSEZ; also granted permission to transfer excess power of 3.5 MW into DTA subject to the Input-Output Norms as recommended by the Central Electricity Authority. In absence of any diversion of the furnace oil and solely on the ground of less generation of electricity from the quantity of furnace oil consumed, the demand cannot be sustained. The impugned order is set aside - appeal is allowed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1004
  Method of valuation - clearance of physician samples discharging duty on the value arrived adopting Rule 8 of the Central Excise Valuation (Determination of price of Excisable Goods) Rules, 2000 i.e. 110% of the cost of production - extended period of limitation - penalty. Method of valuation - HELD THAT:- The issue has been considered by this Tribunal in WALLACE LABORATORIES P. LTD. VERSUS COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, BELGAUM [ 2024 (3) TMI 689 - CESTAT BANGALORE] where it was held that The physician samples cleared to their principal manufacturer are assessable under Rule 4 read with Rule 11 of the Central Excise Valuation (Determination of Price of Excisable Goods) Rules, 2000. Also, the physician samples manufactured and cleared on job work basis for free distribution also be assessed on the value of retail sale price of similar goods and not under Rule 8 of the Central Excise Valuation (Determination of Price of Excisable Goods) Rules, 2000, since the same were not cleared for captive consumption. Extended period of limitation - penalty - HELD THAT:- The demand for the normal period of limitation has to be recalculated in the light of the principle of law referred to in the said judgment. However, since the issue relates to determination of assessable value which rests on interpretation of law and the appellant had disclosed the assessable value at the time of clearance of goods from the factory and reflected in the ER1 returns periodically; therefore invocation of extended period of limitation is unwarranted and also imposition of penalty on the appellant is unjustified. The matter is remanded to the adjudicating authority for redetermination of the duty and interest for the normal period following the principles of law laid down, after observing principles of natural justice - Appeal allowed by way of remand.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1003
  Distinct legal entities or related persons to the appellant in terms of Sec.4(3)(b)(i) and (iv) of the Central Excise Act, 1944? - price determined by the appellant on the basis of prevailing market price at the time of removal of the finished goods was the Transaction Value in terms of Section 4(3)(d), and the price is to be determined in terms of Sec.4(1) of the Centra Excise Act, 1944 or not - extended period of limitation. Whether M/s. Meghalaya Cast Alloys Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Shree Ganapati Rolling Mills Pvt. Ltd. and M/s. Pawan Casting (Meghalaya) Pvt. Ltd., private limited companies registered under the Companies Act, 1956, are distinct legal entities or related persons to the appellant in terms of Sec.4(3)(b)(i) and (iv) of the Central Excise Act, 1944? - HELD THAT:- The department failed to establish business interest of the appellant in their other Group companies. Thus, the contention of the appellant is agreed that the customers in this case cannot be considered as related persons merely because they have a common director and the appellant company holds some percentage of shares as mentioned above in the Group companies. In view of the above discussion, it is observed that the department has not brought in any evidence to substantiate the allegation that the appellant company is related to the group companies to whom the appellant has sold the goods - question answered in negative. Whether the price determined by the appellant on the basis of prevailing market price at the time of removal of the finished goods was the Transaction Value in terms of Sec. 4(3)(d), and the price is to be determined in terms of Sec.4(1) of the Centra Excise Act, 1944? - HELD THAT:- The transactions between the appellant and their customer were on principal-to-principal basis and the price charged by the appellant to the customer was the sole consideration for the sale. There was no evidence brought on record to establish that the appellant has collected any extra commercial considerations from the customers - the price charged by the appellant was on the basis of prevailing market price at the time and place of removal and the same price has been adopted by them for other independent buyers also. Accordingly, the price charges by the appellant to their group companies is the Transaction Value and there is no evidence available on record to conclude that the price is an influenced price - question answered in negative. Whether the entire issue is barred by limitation of time? - HELD THAT:- The period of dispute is for the period from April 2005 to January 2008, whereas the impugned Show Cause Notice has been issued on 22.04.2010 i.e., after a lapse of one year from the relevant date, by invoking extended period of limitation - there is no suppression of fact with an intention to evade payment of tax exists in this case. Accordingly, the demand cannot be raised by invoking extended period of limitation and hence the demand confirmed in the impugned order is barred by limitation - answer is in the negative. The demand of duty along with interest and penalty confirmed in the impugned order is not sustainable on merits as well as on limitation - Appeal allowed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1002
  Bar of unjust enrichment - onus to prove on appellant - no enquiry by Revenue with the customers to substantiate that customers have received the machine/equipments or not - HELD THAT:- The facts are not in dispute that the appellant had issued 559 invoices during the period January 2010 to March 2010 for clearance of machines and equipments thereof. Revenue has not made any enquiry with the customers to substantiate their case that against these invoices the customers have received the machine/equipments or not? No enquiry was made with the transporters to ascertain the truth. Moreover, the goods lying in their factory premises were seized by the Revenue for which respondent claims that these goods pertains to the seized invoices. Further, as invoices were seized by the appellants and has not been released to the respondent, therefore, the respondent was compelled to issue fresh invoices for clearance of the seized goods on payment of duty. In that circumstances, it is the duty of the appellant to ascertain whether on these 559 invoices which have been seized whether the said goods have been cleared from the factory of the respondent or not, which the appellant failed to do so. As the Ld. Commissioner(Appeals) passed the order after verifying all the issues regarding the clearance of the goods in question and payment of duty thereof and considering the Affidavits filed by the customers as well as transporters gate passes etc., the respondent has paid duty twice for the same goods. The Ld. Commissioner(Appeals) has rightly sanctioned the refund claim subject to verification of the issue of bar of unjust enrichment by the adjudicating authority - there are no infirmity in the impugned order - appeal of Revenue dismissed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1001
  Liability of differential duty on account of finalisation of provisional assessment - liability of interest under Section 11AB of the Central Excise Act, 1944 - requirement to issue SCN when the differential duty has already been paid in terms of Rule 9B(5) - HELD THAT:- Admittedly, the differential Excise Duty payments arose under provisions of Rule 9B(5) of CEA, 1944 during the period under consideration. As can be observed from the extracts of Rule 9B(5), there are no provision for recovery of interest when the differential duty is paid. In case of SERAI KELLA GLASS WORKS PVT. LTD. VERSUS COLLECTOR OF C. EXCISE, PATNA [ 1997 (4) TMI 74 - SUPREME COURT] , which has been relied upon by the lower authority, in fact supports the case of the Appellant. It has been held therein that after final assessment, there is no need to give any further notice under Section 11A for recovery of differential duty amount. Precisely for this reason, the Commissioner (Appeals) has held that the OIO passed is not proper. Necessity to issue SCN - HELD THAT:- There was no necessity to issue any Show Cause Notice under Section 11A as has been rightly held by the Commissioner (Appeals). It is also noted that no further Appeal has been filed by the Revenue against this OIA. Therefore, the issue has reached finality. In such a case, the Commissioner (Appeals) is in error in confirming the interest alone under Section 11AA/11AB when the provisions have come into effect from 11/5/2001 and the provisional Assessment was finalized in terms of Rule 9B(5) of CER, 1944. It is on record that the final assessment has been done in terms of Rule 9B(5) of CEA, 1944. Further, the Department has not come out with any evidence that the belated finalization of assessment in 2008 was due to any delay from the appellant side - there are no merits in the impugned order and the same is set aside - appeal allowed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 1000
  Valuation of goods cleared on Stock Transfer Basis - cost profit adopted was lower than the actual cost issued - demand confirmed on the ground that the goods cleared to their sister unit does not match exactly with the goods cleared to the 3rd parties and accordingly confirmed the demands - revenue neutrality - Extended period of limitation. HELD THAT:- During the period under consideration, the Tribunals/Courts were consistently holding that the value adopted would be as per the Rule 4 of the Valuation Rules, 2000. In these cases, it was held that if even a fraction of supply was made to third independent parties, the value adopted has to be as per Rule 4 only. Subsequently, amendment was carried out on 22nd November 2013 to overcome these decisions. After this, for the clearances made to the sister unit, the value has to be arrived as per Rule 8 of the Valuation Rules, 2000. Revenue neutrality - HELD THAT:- Admittedly, the goods were cleared to their sister unit who were using the materials for further manufacturing process and paying the Excise Duty on the finished goods. Therefore, whatever Excise Duty was paid by the Appellant, the same would have been available to the sister unit as Cenvat Credit. In such a case, the Appellant would not be gaining any additional benefit by lowering the assessable value while clearing the goods to their sister unit. Extended period of limitation - HELD THAT:- The Tribunals and Courts have held that even if a fraction of clearances are for third parties, Rule 4 would be applicable. Since it s a matter of interpretation, the Appellant cannot be burdened with suppression clause to confirm the demand. Therefore, the confirmed demand for the extended period is required to be set aside on account of time bar also. Appeal allowed even on account of limitation in respect of the confirmed demand for the extended period.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 992
  Availment of Cenvat Credit for clearance of rejected Capital Goods along with their manufactured product - Rule 8 and Rule 8(3A) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2002 - matter lis pendens - HELD THAT:- The learned Tribunal has also allowed the assessee s appeal following the decision by which the portion of Rule 8(3A) of the Central Excise Rules, 1944 was struck down by the High Court of Gujarat in the case of INDSUR GLOBAL LTD. VERSUS UNION OF INDIA 2 [ 2014 (12) TMI 585 - GUJARAT HIGH COURT] . The revenue had filed the said judgment before the Hon ble Supreme Court in Special Leave to Appeal No. 16523 of 2015 and by order dated 24.9.2015 the Hon ble Supreme Court has stayed the judgment of the High Court of Gujarat in the case of UNION OF INDIA VERSUS INDSUR GLOBAL LTD. [ 2014 (11) TMI 1101 - SC ORDER] . The matter is now pending before the Hon ble Supreme Court. Therefore, the best course open would be for the Tribunal to wait for the decision of the Hon ble Supreme Court and then take a decision in the matter. The order passed by the learned Tribunal is set aside and the appeal is restored to the file of the learned Tribunal and the matter shall be kept pending and taken up for consideration and decided after the judgment of the Hon ble Supreme Court - appeal allowed.

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• CST, VAT & Sales Tax

• 2024 (6) TMI 999
  Classification - rate of tax - powers sprayer - falls under Schedule-I of the Rajasthan Value Added Tax Act, 2003 and taxable @ of 4% under Schedule-IV of Rajasthan Value Added Tax Act, 2003 or not? - item sprayers including their parts and accessories under S. No. 29 of the ordinary agricultural implements of Schedule-I of the Rajasthan Value Added Tax Act, 2003 would also include the powers sprayers and its parts and accessories or not. Whether in the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned tax board has erred in law in holding that the item powers sprayer does not falls under Schedule-I of the Rajasthan Value Added Tax Act, 2003 and is, therefore, taxable @ of 4% under Schedule-IV of the above Act? - HELD THAT:- A bare perusal of the Schedule-I of the Act of 2003 makes it amply clear that there is no specific word like power sprayers in Schedule-I. S. No. 1 of Schedule-IV specifically states that the same is taxable. Apparently, the goods power sprayer do not fall under Schedule-I of the Act of 2003 and, therefore, is taxable under Schedule-IV of the above Act. Whether in the facts and circumstances of the case, the learned tax board has erred in law in not appreciating the fact that item sprayers including their parts and accessories under S. No. 29 of the ordinary agricultural implements of Schedule-I of the Rajasthan Value Added Tax Act, 2003 would also include the powers sprayers and its parts and accessories ? - HELD THAT:- Schedule-V provides for the goods taxable which are not covered in any other schedule under the Act or under any notification issued under Section 4 of the Act. Apparently, the goods in question i.e. power sprayers is not specifically included in any Schedule and, therefore, the goods power sprayers is taxable as per Schedule-IV and the parts and accessories thereof are taxable under Schedule-V. The learned Tax Board has not committed any illegality while passing the impugned orders and, therefore, the present revision petitions are dismissed accordingly.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 998
  Violation of principles of natural justice - whether the Commercial Taxes Officer erred in affording reasonable opportunity of being heard to the petitioner-assessee and as such the initial order is vitiated in law and its affirmation by the Tax Board is also against the mandate of law? - HELD THAT:- In the case on hand, it was not verified from the businessmen named in the Sauda Noon Register as to whether actually any transaction of sale has taken place nor any other satisfactory report/ evidence was there to substantiate case of tax evasion. Evidently the order of Assessing Officer suffers from arbitrariness and non-compliance of mandates of law in the matter of just opportunity of hearing. In KALRA GLUE FACTORY VERSUS SALES TAX TRIBUNAL AND OTHERS [ 1987 (3) TMI 110 - SUPREME COURT] , Hon ble Apex Court upset the conclusion of Assessing Authority which was based on statement of a witness, who was not cross-examined. Coming to the facts of this case, it is evident that the Assessing Authority did not enquire about correctness of averments made in reply to the notice by the petitioner. In other words it was not verified that the entries in the Saudanoon Register were genuinely a sale transaction. A due enquiry might have given a different result and in absence of enquiry, correctness of the conclusion is not sustainable - The learned Tax Board has not considered this legal infirmity committed by the Assessing Authority while upsetting the reasoned order of the appellate court, therefore, the impugned order of Tax Board is fit to be set aside on this ground alone. Whether the judgment and order of Tax Board is sustainable in law for non-consideration of the reasons of the Appellate Authority, whose order was under challenge before the Tax Board? - HELD THAT:- The Tax Board for the first time interpreted the abbreviation WB as without bills. This aspect was not touched by any of the Lower Authority including the Commercial Taxes Officer. The petitioner had interpreted the said abbreviation as delivery without bardan. The Tax Board has assumed without any precedent or supporting document or other reliable evidence that the abbreviation WB would be interpreted as without bill only and no other interpretation is acceptable - The initial order imposing tax, penalty etc., dated 23.03.1999 reveals that the Commercial Taxes Officer had asked the petitioner to deposit Rs. 5 Lacs for compounding. Later on the compounding failed. The Tax Board assumed that since the petitioner had deposited Rs. 5 Lacs, the petitioner admitted evasion of tax. It is evident that the impugned order and judgment of the Tax Board is bad in law, hence the same is set aside and the order of the Appellate Authority is affirmed - Revision allowed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 997
  Power to grant exemption in respect of categories other than registered dealers under Section 8 (5) (b) of the CST Act - Scope of the expression to such person or class of persons as may be specified in the notification as used in Section 8 (5) (b) of the CST Act - limited to registered dealers or not - HELD THAT:- Sections 8 (5)(a) and 8 (5) (b) empowered the State Government to grant total or partial exemption not only in respect of sales of any goods or class of goods to a registered dealer/government, but also empowered to grant total or partial exemption in respect of inter State sales to unregistered dealers of any person or class of persons specified in the notification. - Section 8 (5) (b) remains untouched even after the amendment of 2007, therefore, empowers the State Government to grant exemption in respect of categories other than registered dealers. This view duly supported by judgment in Prism Cement Limited vs. State of Maharashtra, [ 2013 (7) TMI 668 - BOMBAY HIGH COURT] , wherein it was held as under: the argument of the Revenue that reference to the words sub-section (2) and the words any person or class of persons in Section 8 (5) as amended by Finance Act 2002 are redundant or surplus cannot be sustained. In this view of the matter, we do not consider it necessary to deal with the decisions relied upon by the counsel for the Revenue in support of their contention that the redundant or surplus words in a statute must be ignored. To the similar effect is the judgment rendered in Diebold Systems (P) Limited vs. Additional Commercial Tax Officer (Iac), Puducherry, [ 2010 (2) TMI 1103 - MADRAS HIGH COURT] , wherein question No. 3 was framed whether under Section 8 (5) (b) of Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 Act, Government still had power to issue notification without requirement of form C in respect of sales to any persons or class of persons, who were non-dealers Unjust Enrichment - HELD THAT:- The respondent(s/assessee(s) cannot automatically be held entitled to refund of the said amount unless the assessee(s) establishes that it has not passed on the tax liability to the consumers as any person carrying on the activity of manufacture of goods utilizing some raw material which had already suffered some tax would normally include both the tax component and the cost of such raw material into the cost of the final product and pass on the same to the consumer of the manufactured product. Hon ble Supreme Court in DECCAN CEMENTS LTD. VERSUS ASST. DIRECTOR OF MINES AND GEOLOGY [ 2014 (8) TMI 1247 - SUPREME COURT] held that Though it appears from the said judgment, their Lordships relied upon the language of Section 27 of the Customs Act in support of their conclusion. In our opinion, the existence or otherwise of such a provision makes no difference for the correctness of the above stated principle of law Any person carrying on the activity of manufacture of goods utilising some raw material which had already suffered some tax would normally include both the tax component and the cost of such raw material into the cost of the final product and pass on the same to the consumer of the manufactured product. There are no reason to interfere with the impugned judgment under revision. Consequently, the revision petitions are dismissed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 996
  Rejection of petitioner s stay application during pendency of the petitioner s appeal before the Andhra Pradesh Value Added Tax Appellate Tribunal at Visakhapatnam - seeking grant of stay for the tax period from April, 2015 to June, 2017, during pendency of the appeal before the Tribunal - HELD THAT:- Once the statutory appeal is pending before the Appellate authority for adjudication, ordinarily the recovery of the balance amount deserves stay unless for special reasons, to be recorded in the order, recovery of the balance amount deserves not to be stayed or the balance amount has to be recovered even during pendency of the appeal, which is a statutory and valuable right. The stay may be the subject to imposing some conditions, which is also contemplated by Section 33 (b) of APVAT Act, 2005. The impugned order does not record any cogent reasons to reject the stay petition. So far as the production of evidence in support of the petition, is concerned, as mentioned in the impugned order to dispute the revisional order, the appeal being pending, such matter has to be seen by the Appellate authority, on merits while deciding the appeal. The order of rejection of the stay was passed with the conditions. In that case, in addition to the statutory deposit of 25%, the petitioner therein had deposited in total 50% inclusive of 25% of the statutory deposit under the orders of the Court passed in Writ Petition No. 10 of 2023 and considering that total 50% deposit, the stay was granted during pendency of the appeal before the Appellate Tribunal - the respondent No. 1 is not justified in rejecting the petitioner s stay application. The impugned order, therefore, is set-aside. Subject to the petitioner depositing 25% more of the disputed tax i.e., total 50% inclusive of the statutory deposit in filing appeal before the Appellate Tribunal, within a period of six (06) weeks, before the assessing authority/ respondent No. 3, the recovery proceedings for the balance of the amount i.e., in respect of 50%, shall remain stayed during the pendency of appeal before the Appellate Tribunal - Petition allowed in part.

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• Indian Laws

• 2024 (6) TMI 995
  Dishonour of Cheque - acquittal of accused - rebuttal of presumption under Sections 118 and 139 of the Negotiable Instruments Act - HELD THAT:- The accused had not denied her signature on the cheque (Ex.P1). Once the signature is admitted there is a presumption under Sections 118 and 139 of the Negotiable Instruments Act unless the contrary is proved. The trial court judge had infact analysed this aspect and had convicted the accused for the offence punishable under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. It is seen from the records that the complainant examined himself as P.W.1 on 16.02.2015 and the accused cross examined P.W.1 only on 07.10.2015. In the meantime, the accused was also questioned under Section 313 Cr.P.C. Therefore, the complainant, in the absence of a specific averment in the reply notice with regard to his financial capacity cannot be expected to prove his means at the fag end of the trial. The trial court Judge had analysed all the documents threadbare and had come to the conclusion that the accused is guilty of the offence punishable under Section 138 of NI Act. On the other hand the appellate court judge, even without a specific plea by the accused that the complainant did not have sufficient means to lend a sum of Rs.4,00,000/- to her, had rendered a finding that the complainant was not possessed of sufficient means. The other aspects of the case have not at all been properly analysed by the appellate court Judge and therefore the judgment and orders passed by the appellate court is liable to be set aside. The judgment and orders passed by the appellate court judge is set aside and the judgment and orders passed by the trial court judge is restored. The conviction and sentence passed by the trial court judge against the accused is hereby confirmed. Appeal allowed.

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• 2024 (6) TMI 994
  Dishonour of cheque - insufficient funds - unambiguous notice - procedure under Sections 251 and 252 of the Cr. P.C. not followed - petitioner pleaded guilty and claimed no trial in the same - HELD THAT:- In Shri Mahant Kaushalya Das [ 1965 (5) TMI 52 - SUPREME COURT] , the Supreme Court was confronted with the position where the admission of the accused therein had not been recorded by the Magistrate as nearly as possible in the words used by him as required by Section 243 of the Cr.P.C., 1898, which provision is pari materia to Section 252 of the Cr.P.C. In JUPUDI ANAND GUPTA VERSUS STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ORS. [ 2017 (10) TMI 1654 - SUPREME COURT] , the Court was again confronted with the position where only the contents of the Charge-sheet had been read over to the accused and it was stated that he had pleaded guilty. It was on those facts that the Court held that the conviction of the accused only on the basis of him pleading guilty cannot be sustained - In RASEEN BABU K.M. VERSUS THE STATE OF KERALA [ 2021 (6) TMI 1173 - KERALA HIGH COURT] , the Kerala High Court held that the record of the plea of guilt should be recorded in words of the accused. In the present case, not only the Notice that was put to the petitioner was unambiguous, but also his plea was clearly recorded in the words of the petitioner himself. There are no merit in the present petition. The same is accordingly dismissed.

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