Time Period For Availement Of ITC - Goods and Services Tax - GST

Dear Experts, This is regarding GSTR-3B of a tax period is filed after the last date of the availment of ITC in respect of any invoices /Debit note as per Section 16(4) of CGST Act . We have received a scruity notice for the period 2018-19 in which the department has asked us to pay the availed ITC due to time period limitation by quoting section 16(4) even the said ITC is reflecting in our 2A. The GSTR-3B returns for the said period has been filed in 2023-24. Is there any scope to defend the department in this regard. Further the said GST number is under Suo moto cancellation.