11-Year Delay in Show Cause Notice Adjudication Violates Due Process Rights and Warrants Quashing of Proceedings

The HC quashed Orders-In-Original issued after an 11-year delay in adjudicating a Show Cause Notice, holding that inordinate delay constituted sufficient ground for quashing proceedings. The court rejected respondents' justifications based on CGST implementation, COVID-19, and alleged delays by petitioners. Relying on Vos Technologies India precedent, the court emphasized that authorities are obligated to conclude adjudication expeditiously, and that matters with financial or penal consequences cannot remain unresolved for years. The statutory flexibility cannot be construed as sanctioning indolence or used routinely without justification. The HC ordered release of bank guarantees furnished by petitioners. .....

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