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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2013 July Day 30 - Tuesday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
July 30, 2013

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

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



Articles

1. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN GOODS AND SERVICE TAX

   By: Dr. Sanjiv Agarwal

Summary: The Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers has made progress towards implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) by overcoming major hurdles, including agreeing on a compensation formula for the Central Sales Tax (CST) reduction. The Central Government has agreed to a phased GST rollout, allowing states to opt in or out and introducing a flexible tax rate band. Concerns remain about states' fiscal autonomy and the integration of local taxes into GST. A special company has been established to manage the GST's IT infrastructure. The GST Bill's passage and implementation are anticipated post-2014 elections, with ongoing efforts to finalize agreements and prepare for the GST Council's role.


News

1. RBI and The Government on the Same Page and working together to Achieve Stability and Growth; Government Welcomes the RBI Policy Statement : CEA

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the government are aligned in their efforts to stabilize the rupee and promote economic growth. The RBI has maintained policy rates, focusing on rupee stabilization as a precursor to growth-friendly measures. The government supports this approach and is actively working to reduce the Current Account Deficit (CAD) by curbing imports and boosting exports. Additionally, steps are being taken to liberalize Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and explore sustainable funding options for the CAD. Specific measures will be announced soon, reflecting a coordinated strategy between the RBI and the government.

2. TRAI releases consultation paper on Foreign Direct Investment in Broadcasting Sector

Summary: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limits in the broadcasting sector. The paper seeks to gather stakeholder feedback on revising FDI limits and approval routes in various broadcasting segments, including cable TV, DTH, and FM radio. This move follows a request from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which aims to liberalize FDI policies to enhance inflow. Stakeholders are invited to submit their comments by 12th August 2013. The consultation considers the convergence of broadcasting and telecom sectors to ensure fair competition and policy consistency.

3. RBI Reference Rate for US $ and Euro

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India set the reference rate for the US dollar at Rs.59.8280 and for the Euro at Rs.79.3277 on July 30, 2013. The previous day's rates were Rs.59.2970 for the US dollar and Rs.78.7129 for the Euro. The exchange rates for the British Pound and Japanese Yen against the Indian Rupee were 91.7582 and 60.84, respectively, on July 30, compared to 91.1810 and 60.58 on July 29. The Special Drawing Rights (SDR) to Rupee rate will be calculated based on this reference rate.

4. First Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2013-14 Statement by Dr. D. Subbarao, Governor, Reserve Bank of India

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India, led by its Governor, decided to maintain the policy repo rate at 7.25%, the reverse repo rate at 6.25%, and the cash reserve ratio at 4.0% for the first quarter of 2013-14. The marginal standing facility rate remains at 10.25%. The policy focuses on addressing macroeconomic stability risks, managing growth and inflation trade-offs, and ensuring liquidity for productive sectors. Global economic challenges, including the impact of US monetary policy and a large current account deficit, pose risks. The RBI aims to stabilize the foreign exchange market and maintain growth amid domestic and global economic pressures.

5. First Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2013-14 By - Dr. D. Subbarao Governor

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India, led by its governor, reviewed the monetary policy for the first quarter of 2013-14, noting global economic challenges, including uneven growth and financial market turmoil due to potential US Fed policy changes. Domestically, India's economy faced stress in the foreign exchange market, industrial production decline, and high retail inflation despite easing wholesale inflation. The RBI emphasized supporting growth, stabilizing inflation, and maintaining external sector stability. The GDP growth forecast was revised down to 5.5%, with inflation projected to be around 5% by March 2014. The repo rate was maintained at 7.25%, and liquidity measures were introduced to stabilize the foreign exchange market.

6. Frauds in the Banking Sector: Causes, Concerns and Cures (Inaugural address by Dr. K. C. Chakrabarty , Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India on July 26, 2013 during the National Conference on Financial Fraud organized by ASSOCHAM at New Delhi)

Summary: The banking sector in India has seen a significant rise in financial fraud, with the amount involved increasing from Rs. 2038 crore in 2009-10 to Rs. 8646 crore in 2012-13. Despite a decrease in the number of fraud cases, the financial impact has grown, particularly in large-scale advance-related frauds. Public sector banks are primarily affected, accounting for 83% of the total fraud amount. Technology-related frauds are prevalent but involve smaller amounts. The Reserve Bank of India emphasizes the need for robust fraud management, improved corporate governance, and timely reporting to mitigate these risks.

7. Prime Minister's Council on Trade & Industry

Summary: The Prime Minister's Council on Trade and Industry convened to address India's economic challenges, focusing on the Current Account Deficit, industrial growth slowdown, Rupee depreciation, skill development, and industrial corridors. Attendees included government officials and industry leaders. Discussions centered on boosting growth to 8% or more, with suggestions such as raising duties on luxury goods, reducing gold imports, easing FDI conditions, and accelerating infrastructure projects. The Prime Minister emphasized converting decisions into actions and requested a report within a month on actionable steps for the next few months. Key areas included software exports, agriculture, and renewable energy.

8. Auction for Sale (re-issue) of Government Stocks

Summary: The Government of India announced the sale of four government stocks through a price-based auction, totaling Rs. 15,000 crore. The stocks include 7.28% Government Stock 2019, 7.16% Government Stock 2023, 8.28% Government Stock 2032, and 7.40% Government Stock 2035. The auctions, conducted by the Reserve Bank of India on August 2, 2013, will use a uniform price method. Up to 5% of the stocks will be allocated to eligible individuals and institutions via non-competitive bidding. Bids are to be submitted electronically, with results announced on the same day and payments due by August 5, 2013.


Notifications

Central Excise

1. 22/2013 - dated 29-7-2013 - CE

Seeks to exempt central excise duty on the scheduled formulations as defined under the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO), 2013 and which are subjected to re-printing, re-labeling, re-packing or stickering, in pursuance of the provisions contained in the said Order, in a premises which is not registered under the Central Excise Act, 1944 or the rules made thereunder

Summary: The notification exempts central excise duty on scheduled formulations under the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO), 2013, when they undergo re-printing, re-labeling, re-packing, or stickering at unregistered premises. Conditions include ensuring the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) does not exceed the ceiling price within 45 days, resulting in a downward MRP revision, and submitting prior intimation and subsequent details to the jurisdictional excise authorities. The exemption is valid for 45 days from the ceiling price notification, extendable to 90 days. This notification was rescinded effective July 1, 2017.

Income Tax

2. 56/2013 - dated 29-7-2013 - IT

Notifies rate of interest in respect of rupee denominated bond of an Indian company - section 194LD(2)

Summary: The notification issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes specifies the rate of interest for rupee-denominated bonds of Indian companies under section 194LD of the Income-tax Act, 1961. For bonds issued before July 1, 2010, the interest rate must not exceed 500 basis points over the State Bank of India's Base Rate as of that date. For bonds issued on or after July 1, 2010, the rate must not exceed 500 basis points over the Base Rate applicable on the bond's issue date.


Highlights / Catch Notes

    Income Tax

  • Assessee Avoids Penalty: Voluntary Disclosure u/s 271(1)(c) of Income Tax Act Accepted by Department.

    Case-Laws - AT : Penalty u/s 271(1)(c) - it was admitted by the Department that the information came from the assessee without any suggestion or detection from the Department - no penalty - AT

  • Court Rules No Violation of Tax Provisions in Property Purchase u/ss 10(23C)(iv) and 11 of Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - HC : Deduction u/s 10(23C)(iv) and 11 - Property purchased in name of individual - It is not a case of diversion of funds for purchasing the property for the benefit of the director. - HC

  • Interest-Free Loans to Unregistered Societies Don't Qualify as Deposits or Investments u/s 11(5) Income Tax Act.

    Case-Laws - HC : Benefit u/s 11 an 12 - Loan given to society not registered u/s 12AA - Where both the societies have similar objects and are registered under Section 12AA and have approvals under Section 80G, interest free loan cannot be treated as deposit or investment so as to attract Section 11 (5) of the Act - HC

  • Court Rules No Benefit Entitlement u/s 42 for Mineral Oil Prospecting Based on Letters Alone.

    Case-Laws - HC : Benefit u/s 42 - business for prospecting, etc., for mineral oil - no legal right on the basis of the letters accrues/arises - no statement or promise that advantage u/s 42 would be available to the successful bidder was promised or made - HC

  • Court Rules Power Subsidy as Taxable Revenue Receipt, Not Capital Receipt, in Income Computation.

    Case-Laws - HC : Whether the power subsidy received by the assesse is taxable as a revenue receipt in the computation of the income - the amount of power subsidy/rebate is certainly a trading receipt not a capital receipt - HC

  • Court Rejects Petition Against Authority's Exercise u/s 153C for Reassessment of Already Assessed Period.

    Case-Laws - HC : Notice u/s 153C - It is not open for the petitioner to contend before the writ court that the exercise of power, which admittedly exists in the authority, will expose the petitioner to assessment for the same period on which assessing authority has already recorded satisfaction - HC

  • Assessee Ineligible for Tax Exemption u/ss 10(23C)(iiiab) and 11 Due to Extra Charges Beyond Admission Fees.

    Case-Laws - AT : Eligibility for exemption u/s 10(23C) (iiiab) - The assessee is not entitled for exemption either u/s 11 or u/s 10(23C) in case it collected any money by whatever name it is called i.e., donation, building fund, auditorium fund etc. etc., over and above the prescribed fee for admission of students - AT

  • Assessing Officer Unfairly Dismisses Affidavits on Sale of Mother's 70-Year-Old Streedhan Ornaments Without Cross-Examination.

    Case-Laws - AT : Sale proceeds of ornaments - It is reiterated that the mother of the assesee was got married about 70 year ago and the ornaments sold were out of her 'Streedhan'. - AO is not justified in rejecting the affidavits of the assessee and of his mother without cross examination and without giving proper and sufficient opportunity in this regard. - AT

  • Customs

  • Customs Commissioner Error: Petitioner Entitled to Interest on Delayed Refund Due to Incorrect Adjudicatory Order.

    Case-Laws - HC : Interest on delayed refund – it was a mistake on the part of the Commissioner of Customs that he passed an incorrect or illegal adjudicatory order. Pursuant to the mistake committed by him, the writ petitioner was obliged to pay the amount assessed by him on account of redemption fine and penalty - interest allowed - HC

  • Court Declines to Support Litigation Over Show Cause Notice in Coal Classification Dispute.

    Case-Laws - HC : Challenge to the Show Cause Notice - Classification of the imported coal as steam coal or as bituminous coal - the court would not encourage litigation at the stage of show cause notice - HC

  • 'Relevant Date' in Customs Act Section 28(3): Defined by Clearance Order Date or Duty Payment Date.

    Case-Laws - HC : The 'relevant date' is defined in Section 28(3) of the Customs Act as the date on which the proper officer makes an order for the clearance of the goods or in any other case the date of payment of duty or interest. - HC

  • Service Tax

  • Export of Services Must Follow 2005 Rules; Subjective Interpretations Not Allowed.

    Case-Laws - AT : Export of services are to be determined strictly with reference to provisions of the 2005 Rules and not by any subjective assumption of what constitute export - AT

  • Private placement of unlisted shares classified as Merchant Banking activity under regulatory guidelines.

    Case-Laws - AT : The activity of private placement of shares which have not been listed in any recognized stock exchange - The activity comes under the category of Merchant Banking activity - AT

  • Executor's Duties Exempt from Service Tax: No Service Tax on Property Tax, Water, and Electricity Payments for Flat Owners.

    Case-Laws - AT : Appellant was obliged to discharge property tax, water and electricity tariff etc. on behalf of the flat owners and the appellant has undertaken these activity in the capacity of an executor - No service tax - AT

  • Central Excise

  • Head Office Permitted Cenvat Credit Despite Lack of Input Service Distributor Registration; No Dispute on Service Eligibility.

    Case-Laws - AT : Head office not registered as Input Service Distributor – Invoices issued by Service Provider in the name of Head Office registered in Delhi – There is no dispute about the eligibility of the Service covered under the invoices for Cenvat Credit. - Credit allowed - AT

  • Court Rulings Favor Assessee: Longer Limitation Period Not Allowed Due to No Suppression or Misstatement Found.

    Case-Laws - AT : If the expert bodies, judicial as well as quasi judicial, have interpreted the law in favour of the assessee, the assessee cannot be held guilty of any suppression or mis-statement etc., longer period of limitation is not allowed - AT

  • VAT

  • Court Orders Release of Goods Seized in Interstate Transit; No Need to Detain Until Adjudication Ends.

    Case-Laws - HC : Interception of the vehicle and the goods seized in the course of transit from outside the State - the goods need not be detained till the adjudication proceedings are over. - revenue directed to release the goods detained by them - HC


Case Laws:

  • Income Tax

  • 2013 (7) TMI 825
  • 2013 (7) TMI 824
  • 2013 (7) TMI 823
  • 2013 (7) TMI 814
  • 2013 (7) TMI 813
  • 2013 (7) TMI 812
  • 2013 (7) TMI 811
  • 2013 (7) TMI 810
  • 2013 (7) TMI 809
  • 2013 (7) TMI 808
  • 2013 (7) TMI 807
  • 2013 (7) TMI 806
  • 2013 (7) TMI 805
  • 2013 (7) TMI 804
  • 2013 (7) TMI 803
  • 2013 (7) TMI 802
  • 2013 (7) TMI 801
  • 2013 (7) TMI 800
  • Customs

  • 2013 (7) TMI 799
  • 2013 (7) TMI 798
  • 2013 (7) TMI 797
  • 2013 (7) TMI 796
  • Service Tax

  • 2013 (7) TMI 820
  • 2013 (7) TMI 819
  • 2013 (7) TMI 818
  • 2013 (7) TMI 817
  • 2013 (7) TMI 816
  • Central Excise

  • 2013 (7) TMI 795
  • 2013 (7) TMI 794
  • 2013 (7) TMI 793
  • 2013 (7) TMI 792
  • 2013 (7) TMI 791
  • 2013 (7) TMI 790
  • 2013 (7) TMI 789
  • 2013 (7) TMI 788
  • 2013 (7) TMI 787
  • 2013 (7) TMI 786
  • CST, VAT & Sales Tax

  • 2013 (7) TMI 822
  • 2013 (7) TMI 821
  • Indian Laws

  • 2013 (7) TMI 815
 

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