Supreme Court

No Service Tax Applicable on User Development Fee collected From Passengers by Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad International Airports: Supreme Court

Case Title: Central GST Delhi – III vs Delhi International Airport Ltd

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 457

The Supreme Court has ruled that the “user development fee” (UDF) levied and collected by the airport operation, maintenance, and development entities from passengers departing the concerned airports, is a statutory levy, and thus, it is not subjected to levy of service tax under the provisions of the Finance Act, 1994.

Credit Note Issued By Automobile Manufacturer To Dealer, In Consideration Of Replacement Of Defective Part, Attracts Sales Tax: Supreme Court

Case Title: M/S. Tata Motors Ltd. vs The Deputy Commissioner Of Commercial Taxes (SPL) & Anr.

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 443

The Supreme Court has ruled that a credit note issued by an automobile manufacturer to a dealer of automobiles, in consideration of the replacement of a defective part done by the dealer pursuant to a warranty agreement, is exigible for sales tax.

In 'Works Contract', Assessee Liable To Pay Service Tax On Service Element & Sales Tax On Goods Transferred : Supreme Court

Case Title: CC and CE and ST, Noida vs M/s Interarch Building Products Pvt Ltd

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 393

The Supreme Court has ruled that the value of the service portion in the execution of the works contract has to be determined as per Rule 2A of Service Tax (Determination of Value) Rules, 2006, or as per the Works Contract (Composition Scheme for Payment of Service Tax) Rules, 2007 (Composition Scheme), if adopted by the assessee, and that the assessee has to pay service tax on the service element and can claim CENVAT Credit only on the said amount.

Mere Broad-Basing Of Entries Under Central Excise Tariff Act, Cannot Justify Re-Classification, Without Change In Nature, Character Or Use Of The Product: Supreme Court

Case Title: Commissioner of Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax, Hyderabad vs Ashwani Homeo Pharmacy

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 397

The Supreme Court has ruled that the classification of a product under the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985, cannot be changed merely on the ground of change of tax structure or tariff entries, without showing a change in the nature and character of a product or a change in the use of the product(Commissioner of Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax, Hyderabad vs Ashwani Homeo Pharmacy).

Prickly Heat Powder Is Not A ‘Medicine’ For The Purpose Of Sales Tax In Kerala & Tamil Nadu: Supreme Court

Case Title: Heinz India Limited v The State of Kerala

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 411

The Supreme Court Bench has held that prickly heat powders fall under the category of ‘medicated talcum powder’ and not ‘medicine’ for the purpose of sales tax under Kerala General Sales Tax Act, 1963 (“KGST Act”). Whereas, under the Tamil Nadu General Sales Tax Act, 1959 (“TNGST Act”), prickly heat powder would be taxed as a cosmetic.

Can Tax Exemption Be Claimed Based On Doctrine Of Legitimate Expectation? Supreme Court Delivers Split Verdict

Case Title: M/s K.B. Tea Product Pvt Ltd & Anr vs Commercial Tax Officer, Siliguri & Ors

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 428

The Supreme Court bench comprising Justices M.R. Shah and Krishna Murari has rendered a split verdict on the issue concerning the applicability of the doctrine of legitimate expectation where a tax holiday/ sales tax exemption granted to the appellant- manufacturer was stopped pursuant to the amendments made to the West Bengal Sales Tax Act, 1994.

Supreme Court Upholds Withdrawal Of Customs Notification Granting Concession On Import Of Printing Machinery, On The Ground Of Indigenous Angle

Case Title: Union of India & Ors. vs A. B. P. Pvt Ltd & Anr.

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 430

The Supreme Court has upheld the withdrawal of a customs notification which granted customs duty concession to “Rotary Printing Machine” of ‘single width two plate variety’, on the ground of indigenous angle, i.e., availability of the equipment in India. The top court remarked that the same cannot be characterized as an irrelevant factor for withdrawing tax concession.

Income Tax Act - Carrier of Goods Not An ‘Owner’; Bitumen Not A ‘Valuable Article’ Under S. 69A :Supreme Court

Case Title: M/s. D.N. Singh vs Commissioner of Income Tax, Central, Patna & Anr.

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 451

The Supreme Court has ruled that bitumen cannot be treated as a ‘valuable article’ under Section 69A of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The bench comprising Justices K.M. Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy made the observation while dealing with an appeal filed against the decision of the Patna High Court, who had upheld the additions made by the Assessing Officer (AO) towards the bitumen lifted by the assessee as a carriage contractor, which was allegedly not delivered by it to the consignee- the Road Construction Department of the Government of Bihar, as instructed.

Same Activity Can Be Taxed As ‘Goods’ & ‘Services’ : Supreme Court Upholds Levy Of Service Tax On “Engineering Design & Drawings”

Case Title: Commissioner of Customs, Central Excise & Service Tax v M/S Suzlon Energy

Citation : 202LiveLaw(SC) 298

The Supreme Court has held that the import of “Engineering Design & Drawings” falls under the category of “design services” under section 65(35b) read with Section 65(105) (zzzzd) of the Finance Act, 1994, and are subject to levy of service tax. On the sole ground that “Engineering Design & Drawings” prepared and supplied by sister company were shown as ‘goods’ under the Customs Act and in the bill of entry, such services cannot be excluded from the definition of “design services” under the Finance Act, 1994.

Issuance Of Corporate Guarantee On Behalf Of Group Companies Without Consideration Is Not A Taxable Service: Supreme Court

Case Title: Commissioner Of CGST And Central Excise Versus M/S Edelweiss Financial Services Ltd.

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 281

The Supreme Court has held that the issuance of a corporate guarantee on behalf of group companies without consideration is not a taxable service.

The division bench of Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice Manoj Misra has observed that, as there is no consideration involved, no service tax would be assessed on the corporate guarantees given by a parent company to its subsidiaries.

Mortein Spray, Harpic & Lizol Cleaner- Not Classifiable as ‘Insecticide’ Under KVAT; Dettol A 'Medicament': Supreme Court

Case Title: M/s Reckitt Benckiser (India) Ltd. vs. Commissioner Commercial Taxes & Ors.

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 306

The Supreme Court bench comprising Justices M. R. Shah and Krishna Murari has ruled that Mosquito Mats, Coils and Vaporizers, Mortein Insect Killers, Harpic Toilet Cleaner and Lizol Floor Cleaners, are not be classifiable under Entry 44(5) of the 3rd Schedule to the Kerala VAT Act (KVAT), 2003 as ‘insecticides’.

Sabka Vishwas Scheme : Supreme Court Grants Relief To Company Which Missed Deadline Due To IBC Moratorium

Case Title: Shekhar Resorts Limited vs Union of India

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 15

No one can be expected to do the impossible, the Supreme Court remarked while granting relief to a company which could not avail the benefit of settlement of tax dues under “Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019, due to moratorium imposed on it.

Supreme Court Sets Aside Bail Condition To Deposit Rs 70 Lakhs In Case For Wrongfully Claiming ITC

Case Title: Subhash Chauhan Versus UOI

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 61

The Supreme Court has overturned a bail condition imposed by the High Court that a person accused of illegally claiming Input Tax Credit must deposit Rs. 70 lakhs, the alleged amount of improperly claimed ITC.

'Premature For High Court To Opine On Tax Evasion': Supreme Court Sets Aside HC Order Which Quashed Notice Under Section 130 CGST Act

Case Title: State of Punjab Versus Shiv Enterprises Civil Appeal No. 359 of 2023

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 56

Observing that it was "premature" on the part of the High Court to quash a show-cause notice issued under Section 130 of the Central Goods and Service Tax Act by invoking Article 226 jurisdiction, the Supreme Court recently set aside an order passed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The Supreme Court noted that there were allegations about evasion of tax and hence it was premature on the part of the High Court to opine anything on whether there was any evasion of the tax or not. The same was to be considered in an appropriate proceeding for which the notice under Section 130 of the Act was issued.

Supreme Court Stays Madras High Court’s Order Directing Payment of Tax On Manufacture Of Water Borehole Drilling Rigs

Case Title: M/s. Paranthaman Hydraulics and Equipments Versus State Of Tamil Nadu

The Supreme Court has stayed the order passed by the Madras High Court directing the payment of a minimum 4% tax on the manufacturing of the water borehole drilling rigs.

The division bench of Justice Krishna Murari and Justice C.T. Ravi Kumar has observed that tax at the rate of 4% has already been deposited by the petitioner. The direction in the order to pay another 4% shall remain in abeyance until the next date of listing.

KVAT Act | Dealer Claiming Input Tax Credit Must Prove Transaction Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Supreme Court

Case Title: State of Karnataka v. M/s. Ecom Gill Coffee Trading Private Limited

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 187

The Supreme Court has held that under Section 70 of the Karnataka Value Added Tax Act, 2003, a dealer claiming Input Tax Credit on purchase ought to prove and establish an actual physical movement of goods and the genuineness of the transaction. It noted that in order to establish the same, the dealer should furnish the name and address of the selling dealer, details of the vehicle which has delivered the goods, payment of freight charges, acknowledgment of taking delivery of goods, tax invoices and payment particulars, etc.

Only Retail Sale Can Claim Assessment Benefits Under Section 4A Of Central Excise Act :Supreme Court

Case Title: Commissioner Of Central Excise & Service Versus M/S. A.R. Polymers Pvt. Ltd. Etc.

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 223

The Supreme Court has held that mere affixation of MRP does not make goods eligible for central excise duty exemption, and what is required along with the affixation is a mandate of law that directs the seller to affix such MRP.

Central Excise Act - To Be "Related Person", Buyer & Seller Must Have Direct Or Indirect Interest In Each Other’s Business : Supreme Court

Case Title: M/S Bilag Industries P. Ltd. & Anr. Versus Commr. Of Cen. Exc. Daman & Anr.

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 257

The Supreme Court while ascertaining who is the “Related Party” under the Central Excise Act for the purpose of valuation held that before the clause in Section 4(4)(c) could be used, the buyer and seller had to be interested in one another's businesses. Since two-way traffic is required, there shouldn't be any one-way traffic.

Delhi High Court

Show Cause Notice Lacks Reasons In Detail For Denial Of Refund Of ITC To Mcdonald’s India: Delhi High Court

Case Title: M/S Mcdonalds India Pvt. Ltd. Versus Additional Commissioner

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 479

The Delhi High Court has held that the show cause notice lacks reasons in detail for the denial of refund of Input Tax Credit (ITC) to Mcdonald's India.

Delhi High Court Quashes SCN For Being Devoid Of Reasons, Restores GST Registration

Case Title: Rishiraj Aluminium Private Limited Versus Goods And Service Tax Officer

The Delhi High Court has quashed the show cause notice as it was devoid of reasons and restored the GST registration.

Rule 89(4) Under CGST Rules Inapplicable On Refund Of Integrated Tax Paid On Zero-Rated Supply: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Ohmi Industries Asia Private Limited Versus Assistant Commissioner

The Delhi High Court has held that Rule 89(4) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017 is inapplicable to cases of refund of integrated tax paid on zero-rated supply.

No Justification For Not Adjudicating The Notice For More Than 13 Years After Its Issuance: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Nanu Ram Goyal Versus Commissioner Of CGST And Central Excise, Delhi

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 332

The Delhi High Court has held that there is no justification for not adjudicating the notice for more than thirteen years after its issuance.

The bench of Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Amit Mahajan has observed that the larger public interest requires that the Revenue Department and its officials adjudicate the show cause notice expeditiously and within a reasonable time.

Refund Claim Embedded In Return, No Need To File Fresh Claim: Delhi High Court Directs Dept. To Pay 6% Interest

Case Title: Commissioner Of Trade And Taxes Versus Corsan Corviam Construction S.A.-Sadbhav Engineering Ltd.

The Delhi High Court has held that since the claim for a refund made by the assessee was embedded in its return and the assessee was not required to file a fresh claim.

The division bench of Justice Rajiv Shakdher and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju has directed the Department to pay interest within 4 weeks.

Attachment Of Bank Accounts Is A Draconian Step, Attachment Is Subject To The Condition Mentioned U/s 83 Of GST Act: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Sakshi Bahl Versus The Principal Additional Director General

The Delhi High Court has held that attachment of bank accounts is a draconian step and the action can only be taken in case conditions specified in Section 83 of the GST Act, are fully satisfied.

Services Provided By EY India To Overseas EY Entities Not “Intermediary Services”: Delhi High Court Directs IGST Refund To EY India

Case Title: M/s Ernst and Young Ltd vs. Additional Commissioner, CGST Appeals & Anr.

The Delhi High Court has ruled that the services provided by M/s Ernst and Young Limited (India), the Indian Branch Office of UK based company, M/s Ernst & Young Limited (E&Y Ltd), to overseas EY Entities, is not an “intermediary service”.

Delhi High Court Quashes Service Tax Demand of Rs. 56.61 Crores Against MTNL

Case Title: Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. Versus Union Of India

The Delhi High Court has quashed the service tax demand of Rs. 56.61 crores against Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).

The bench of Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Amit Mahajan has observed that MTNL had received the compensation during the financial year 2015-16, which was prior to May 14, 2016, i.e., the date on which the Finance Act, 2016, came into force and Clause (j) was introduced in Section 66E of the Act. Thus, the surrender of any right to use the spectrum by MTNL prior to the said date would not be chargeable to service tax.

Allegations Of Availment Of Fake Credit Cannot Be A Ground For Rejecting The Refund Applications Unless It Is Established: Delhi High Court

Case Title: M/S Balaji Exim Versus Commissioner, CGST

The Delhi High Court has held that allegations of availing of fake credit cannot be a ground for rejecting the refund applications unless it is established that the petitioner has not received the goods or paid for them.

Fraudulent GSTN Registration: Delhi High Court Directs Petitioner To Reveal Details Of His Friend Who Obtained It

Case Title: Anil Kumar Versus The Gst Commissioner, Cgst, And Central Excise And Ors.

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 253

The Delhi High Court has ordered the petitioner to reveal the name of the friend who fraudulently obtained a GSTIN using his credentials at the department.

The division bench of Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Amit Mahajan has directed the petitioner to disclose the identity of his friend, to whom he claims to have handed over his identity documents, to the police authorities as well as to the state GST authorities. The petitioner shall fully cooperate with the concerned authorities and provide them with all the information as required.

Issuance Of SCN in Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations, Contemplates Dispatch Of Notice And Not Its Receipt: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Commissioner of Customs (Airport & General) vs M/s R.P. Cargo Handling Services

The Delhi High Court has ruled that the expression ‘issuance of show cause notice’ in Regulation 20(1) of the Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations, 2013 (CBLR), merely contemplates the dispatch of the notice and not its receipt by the Customs Broker, within the stipulated period.

Applications For Refund Of ITC Cannot Be Denied On Mere Suspicion: Delhi High Court

Case Title: M/s Balaji EXIM vs Commissioner, CGST and Ors.

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 227

The Delhi High Court has held that applications for refund of Input Tax Credit (ITC) cannot be rejected merely on suspicion and without any cogent material.

Refund Claim Embedded In Return, No Need To File Fresh Claim: Delhi High Court Directs Dept. To Pay 6% Interest

Case Title: Commissioner Of Trade And Taxes Versus Corsan Corviam Construction S.A.-Sadbhav Engineering Ltd.

The Delhi High Court has held that since the claim for a refund made by the assessee was embedded in its return and the assessee was not required to file a fresh claim.

The division bench of Justice Rajiv Shakdher and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju has directed the Department to pay interest within 4 weeks.

Attachment Of Bank Accounts Is A Draconian Step, Attachment Is Subject To The Condition Mentioned U/s 83 Of GST Act: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Sakshi Bahl Versus The Principal Additional Director General

The Delhi High Court has held that attachment of bank accounts is a draconian step and the action can only be taken in case conditions specified in Section 83 of the GST Act, are fully satisfied.

Payment Of Tax And Penalty To Release Detained Goods Can’t Be Treated As “Admission” On The Part Of Assessee: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Ram Prakash Chauhan Versus Commissioner of Delhi (GST)

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 78

The Delhi High Court has held that the payment of tax and penalty to release the detained goods shall not be treated as "admission" on the part of the assessee.

The division bench of Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Amit Mahajan has observed that the petitioner had paid the tax and penalty for the release of the goods and that the said payment was not voluntary. Neither the show-cause notice nor the order of demand clearly sets out the reason for imposing the tax liability as well as the penalty.

CAAR Not Barred From Giving Ruling On The Ground Of Preliminary Exercise Being Done By Customs Officer: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (Hqrs.) versus M/s Spraytec India Ltd

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 82

The Delhi High Court has ruled that merely because an officer of customs contemplates that a question may arise for consideration, does not mean that the question is “pending” consideration so as to bar the Customs Authority for Advance Ruling (CAAR) from deciding the issue in an application for advance ruling, under Clause (a) of the proviso to Section 28-I (2) of the Customs Act, 1962.

No Provision In GST Act for Confiscating Currency From The Premises: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Arvind Goyal CA Versus UOI

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 83

The Delhi High Court ruled that there is no provision in the GST Act that would allow for the forcible removal of currency from the premises of any person.

The division bench of Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Amit Mahajan has observed that the powers of search and seizure are draconian powers and must be exercised strictly in terms of the statute and only if the necessary conditions are satisfied.

VAT Department Not To Initiate Coercive Measures Against PSU Pawan Hans: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Pawan Hans Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Trade and Taxes

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 65

The Delhi High Court has granted a stay to helicopter charterer PSU Pawan Hans Ltd. against a VAT demand of Rs. 176 crores.

The division bench of Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Amit Mahajan has observed that the issue needs consideration and directed the VAT department not to initiate coercive measures for recovery of the VAT demand confirmed by the Delhi VAT Tribunal in the interim.

Budgetary Support Under GST Regime Can’t Be Denied To Eligible Unit: Delhi High Court

Case Title: M/s Special Cables Pvt Ltd versus Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs & Ors.

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 120

The Delhi High Court has directed the revenue authorities to grant budgetary support to a manufacturing unit under the “Scheme of Budgetary Support under Goods and Services Tax (GST) Regime”, available to ‘eligible units’ located in specified States. The Court took note that the petitioner was eligible for exemption from Central Excise Duty prior to 01.07.2017, i.e., before the introduction of the GST regime in India, and thus, in terms of the scheme, it was entitled to avail budgetary support.

Notification Under S. 5 of FTDR Act Can’t Be Applied Retrospectively To Refuse Advance Authorization To Importer: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Jindal Exports and Imports Pvt Ltd vs. Director General of Foreign Trade & Ors.

The Delhi High Court has ruled that a notification issued under Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 (FTDR Act), which empowers the Central Government to formulate and announce the foreign trade policy, cannot be applied retrospectively by the Central Government.

Show Cause Notice Bereft Any Specific Allegation, Delhi High Court Quashes GST Registration Suspension Order

Case Title: Fayiz Nangaparambil Versus Union Of India

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 469

The Delhi High Court has held that the Show Cause Notice was short of the necessary requirements as it did not contain any specific allegation.

Dept. Initiated Reassessment By Deviating From Prior View Without Any Cogent Reasoning: Delhi High Court Quashes Reassessment Notices

Case Title: Prem Kumar Chopra Versus ACIT

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 468

The Delhi High Court has quashed the reassessment notices on the grounds that the department has initiated reassessment by deviating from prior views without any cogent reasoning.

Non-Supply Of Survey Report, Delhi High Court Stays Reassessment Proceedings Against Centre For Policy Research

Case Title: Centre For Policy Research Versus Deputy Commissioner Of Income Tax

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 466

The Delhi High Court has stayed the reassessment proceedings against the Centre for Policy Research

Case Title: Ideal Broadcasting India Pvt. Ltd Versus Union Of India

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 467

The Delhi High Court has held that taxpayers filing declarations under the Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme Rules, 2019 (SVLDR Scheme) cannot quantify the duty under indirect taxes.

Taxpayers Filing Declaration Under SVLDR Scheme Can’t Quantify The Duty Under Indirect Taxes: Delhi High Court

Faceless Assessment Is Not A Fundamental Right: Delhi High Court Dismisses Gandhis, Aam Aadmi Party's Pleas

Case Title: Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Trust Versus Commissioner Of Income Tax (Exemption) & Ors.

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 446

The Delhi High Court, while dismissing the plea of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and the Aam Aadmi Party, has held that neither the e-assessment nor the faceless assessment scheme in any manner modifies the power to transfer cases from one Assessing Officer under a Principal Commissioner of Income Tax to another Assessing Officer under another Principal Commissioner of Income Tax who are holding non-concurrent charges.

Rejection Of Application Under SVLDR Scheme Without A Hearing Is Violative Of Principles Of Natural Justice: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Carpet Export Promotion Council Versus Union Of India

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 434

The Delhi High Court has held that the summary rejection of the application under the Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019 (SVLDR Scheme) without affording the opportunity to be heard would violate the principles of natural justice.

Delhi High Court Quashes Penalty Order Under BMA On Failure Of Dept. To Consider Assessee’s Email

Case Title: Prateek Chitkara Versus JCIT

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 408

The Delhi High Court has quashed the penalty order under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 (BMA) for non-consideration of the assessee’s email.

Delhi High Court Allows Appeal Of Poor Daily Wage Earners Against Seizure Of Goods Without Pre-Deposit

Case Title: Mohammed Akmam Uddin Ahmed & Ors. Versus Commissioner Appeals Customs And Central Excise

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 357

The Delhi High Court has allowed the appeals of poor daily wage earners against the seizure of goods without insisting on the requirement of pre-deposit.

Bombay High Court

Bombay High Court Upholds The Validity of Provisions Dealing With Place Of Supply Under IGST

Case Title: Dharmendra M. Jani Versus Union of India

The Bombay High Court has upheld the validity of Section 13(8)(b) and Section 8(2), which deal with place of supply under the Integrated Goods and Service Tax Act, 2017 (IGST Act).

Excise Commissioner Is Duty Bound To Cancel Liquor Licence On The Application Of Legal Heirs Of The Deceased: Bombay High Court

Case Title: Dattaram Govind Naik Versus State Of Goa

The Bombay High Court, Goa Bench has held that when the legal heirs of the deceased license holder applied for cancellation, the excise commissioner was duty-bound to cancel it.

Bombay High Court Upholds The Validity Of Goa Tax on Entry of Goods Act, 2000

Case Title: M/s Bharti Telemedia Ltd. Versus State of Goa

The Bombay High Court has upheld the validity of the Goa Tax on Entry of Goods Act, 2000.

The bench of Justice M. S. Sonak & Justice Valmiki Sa Menezes relied on the decision of the 9-judge bench of the Supreme Court in the case of Jindal Stainless Limited and another vs. State of Haryana and ors. which upheld the constitutional validity of entry taxes imposed by states on goods coming in from other states.

Bombay High Court Directs Sales Tax Commissioner To Determine Applicability Of VAT On Road Tax, Insurance Premium, Octroi Duty

Case Title: Modi Car Agencies Pvt. Ltd. Versus The State of Maharashtra and Ors.

The Bombay High Court has directed the sales tax commissioner to determine the applicability of VAT on road tax, insurance premiums, and octroi duty.

Bombay High Court Directs Dept. To Issue A Fresh Form-3 Under DTVSV After Giving Credit Of The Amount Paid Under The IDS

Case Title: Sunil Wamanrao Sakore Versus Union Of India

The Bombay High Court has held that the money lying in the corpus of the revenue had simply to be adjusted by way of a mathematical exercise and benefit accorded to the petitioner under the Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Act, 2020 (DTVSV).

Department Adjusting The Refund Amount Under Amnesty Scheme Without Notice Violates Principles of Natural Justice: Bombay High Court

Case Title: TML Business Services Limited Versus The Deputy Commissioner of State Tax

The Bombay High Court has held that the action of the department in making the adjustment of a refund due to the petitioner while considering the application under the Amnesty Scheme without notice to the petitioner is in utter disregard of the well-established principles of natural justice and has caused grave prejudice to the petitioner.

Bombay High Court Quashes Reassessment Triggered On A Change Of Opinion As To The Calculation Of Tax Payable By The Assessee

Case Title: Chanchal Bhagwatilal Gokhru Versus Union of India

The Bombay High Court has quashed the reassessment proceedings triggered by a change of opinion as to the calculation of tax payable by the assessee.

Constitutionality Of Taxing Intermediary Services Under GST: Bombay High Court Upholds Validity Of Section 13(8)(b) Of IGST Act

Case Title: Dharmendra M. Jani Versus UOI

The Bombay High Court has upheld the constitutionality of taxing intermediary services under the IGST Act.

Goa Value Added Tax (12th Amendment) Act, 2020 Defies The Doctrine Of Separation Of Powers: Bombay High Court

Case Title: Rohan Lobo Versus State Of Goa

The Bombay High Court has held that the Goa Value Added Tax (12th Amendment) Act, 2020, is an impermissible judicial override defying the doctrine of separation of powers.

Clause Contained In The Tax Invoice Amounts To An Arbitration Clause: Bombay High Court

Case Title: Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd Versus MAD (India) Pvt.Ltd

The Bombay High Court has held that the clause contained in the invoices, which clearly stipulates a reference to arbitration, deserves to be construed as an arbitration clause.

The single bench of Justice Bharati Dangre has observed that any document in writing exchanged between the parties that provide a record of the agreement and in respect of which there is no denial by the other side would squarely fall within the ambit of Section 7 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, and would amount to an arbitration clause.

GST Act Can’t Be Interpreted To Deny Right To Carry Trade And Commerce By Citizens: Bombay High Court

Case Title: Rohit Enterprises Versus The Commissioner State GST Bhavan

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Bom) 108

The Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court has held that the provisions of the GST enactment cannot be interpreted so as to deny the right to carry on trade and commerce to any citizen or subject.

Constitute GST Tribunal To Reduce Needless Litigations In The Form Of Filing Writ Petitions: Bombay High Court Advises CBIC

Case Title: Rochem India Pvt. Ltd. Versus CBIC

The Bombay High Court has advised the Central Board of Indirect Taxes (CBIC) to construct GST tribunals to reduce needless litigation in the form of filing writ petitions.

Bombay High Court Directs Release Of Seized Gutka And Pan-Masala On Furnishing The Bank Guarantee Of Rs. 27.84 Lakhs

Case Title: State of Maharashtra Versus Mahabal Enterprises

The Bombay High Court has directed to release the Gutka and Pan-Masala, which were banned in the state of Maharashtra, after furnishing the bank guarantee of Rs. 27,84,000.

Who Is The Proper Authority To Decide IGST Refund? Bombay High Court Directs The Dept. To Decide

The Bombay High Court has directed the department to decide who has the proper authority to decide on an IGST refund.

The division bench of Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Abhay Ahuja has noted that the customs authorities claimed that the GST authority is the proper officer for processing refund claims, whereas the GST authorities claim that it is the customs officer.

Madras High Court

Madras High Court Upholds The Cancellation Of Customs Duty Exemption Certificate Issued To Apollo Hospitals

Case Title: M/s. Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd. Versus Union of India

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Mad) 139

The Madras High Court has cancelled the cancellation of the customs duty exemption certificate (CDEC) issued to the Apollo Hospitals.

Assessee Was Given Only 13 Hours Time To Reply To The Show-Cause Notice: Madras High Court Quashes Assessment

Case Title: Sundaresan Suresh Kumar Versus Assessment Unit

The Madras High Court has quashed the assessment as the assessee was given only 13 hours to reply to the show-cause notice.

Expiry Of E-way Bill Does Not Create Any Scope For Tax Evasion: Madras High Court Imposes Minor Penalty

Case Title: Tvl.Thiruvannamalaiyar Transport Versus The Deputy State Tax Officer

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Mad) 24

The Madras High Court has imposed a minor penalty and held that the expiry of the E-way bill does not create any scope for evasion.

The single bench of Justice M. Sunder has observed that assuming there was no breakdown and assuming the portal was active, the maximum penalty would be Rs. 5,000.

No Promissory Estoppel Involved In Grant Of Temporary Reprieve From Service Tax On Works Contract; Madras High Court

Case Title: M/s. Raju Construction & Ors. versus The Government of India & Ors.

The Madras High Court has dismissed a batch of writ petitions challenging Notification No.6/2015-Service Tax, dated 01.03.2015, which withdrew service tax exemption on services in nature of works contract, as granted under the Mega Exemption Notification No.25/2012-Service Tax, dated 20.06.2012.

Entities Evading Tax Payment Are Liable To Be Punished Under Criminal Charges With Penalties: Madras High Court

Case Title: M/s.Tirupur Sree Annapoorna Versus Tamil Nadu Sales Tax Appellate

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Mad) 3

The Madras High Court, while analysing the growing trend of tax evasion, has stated that companies, firms, or entities that evade tax payments are liable to be punished under criminal charges with substantial penalties.

Refund Or Carry Forward The ITC To GST Regime Is Dealer’s Choice: Madras High Court

Case Title: Easwaran Brothers India Private Limited Versus The Assistant Commissioner (ST) (FAC)

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Mad) 4

The Madras High Court has held that the dealer has two options: refund or carry forward the ITC to the GST regime.

The single bench of Justice M. Sundar has observed that the dealer cannot be compelled to opt for one of the two, i.e., refund or carry forward the ITC to the GST regime. It is, after all, an option given to the dealer. The provisional refund order issued by the department and the issuance of what is known as "Form-P" clearly defined the entitlement of the dealer.

Can the Writ Court Condone Delay Beyond Time Limit Under GST Act: Madras High Court Refers Issue To DB

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Mad) 27

The Madras High Court has referred to the division bench the issue of the power of the high court under Article 226 to condone the delay beyond the maximum time limit stipulated under the GST Act.

The single bench of Justice Abdul Quddhose has observed that there were two contradictory views expressed by two judges of the Madras High Court.

Madras High Court Dismisses Plea By AR Rahman, GV Prakash and Santhosh Narayan Challenging GST Department’s Order Claiming Service Tax

Case Title: M/s. Amirta International Institute of Hotel Management v. The Principal Commissioner of CGST & Central Excise

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Mad) 41

The Madras High Court has recently dismissed the pleas filed by music composers AR Rahman, GV Prakash and Santhosh Narayan challenging the proceedings initiated by the Commissioner of the GST Department levying service tax on transfer of copyright in musical work for the period between 2013 and 2017.

State GST Authority Can’t Prosecute If The Central Authority Has Already Initiated Action: Madras High Court

Case Title: Tvl Metal Trade Incorporation Versus The Special Secretary

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Mad) 51

The Madras High Court has held that the State Authority cannot prosecute the petitioner once again as the Central Authority has already initiated action against the petitioner in respect of the very same subject matter.

Errors Committed Are Inadvertent, Rectification Would Enable Proper Reporting Of The Turnover And ITC: Madras High Court

Case Title: Deepa Traders Versus Principal Chief Commissioner of GST & Central Excise

The Madras High Court has held that errors committed are inadvertent and, the rectification would, in fact, enable proper reporting of the turnover and input tax credit (ITC) to enable claims to be made in an appropriate fashion by the assessees.

Kerala High Court

GST Act Has An Inbuilt Mechanism And Impliedly Excludes The Application Of The Limitation Act: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Penuel Nexus Pvt. Ltd. Versus The Additional Commissioner Headquarters (Appeals)

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Ker) 280

The Kerala High Court has held that Section 107 of the CGST Act is an inbuilt mechanism and has impliedly excluded the application of the Limitation Act.

Presence Of Gold In Pocket Without The Appropriate Documentation Raises Suspicions Of Tax Evasion: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Sasi Pathirakunnath Versus Assistant State Tax Officer

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw(Ker) 21

The Kerala High Court has held that the presence of gold in your pocket without the appropriate documentation raises suspicions of tax evasion.

The bench of Justice Gopinath P. has observed that there is no satisfactory explanation for the fact that there was a discrepancy in the number of documents produced by the petitioner in the evening before the department and the quantity of gold actually recovered from the petitioner.

Extension Of Limitation To Issue Order Under S. 73 Of CGST Act Would Also Extend Time Limit To Issue SCN: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Pappachan Chakkiath versus Assistant Commissioner & Ors.

The Kerala High Court has ruled that when the time limit for issuing an order under Section 73(10) of the CGST Act stands extended by a notification, the time limit for issuance of show cause notice under Section 73(2) would also stand extended.

Karnataka High Court

Karnataka High Court Issues Directions To Determine Tax Difference Calculation For Pre-GST Works Contract

Case Title: B S Kumar Swamy Versus State Of Karnataka

The Karnataka High Court has issued directions determining the tax difference calculation for pre-GST works contracts.

Dept. To Reconsider The Application Under Karasamadhana Scheme: Karnataka High Court Quashes Recovery From The Banker

Case Title: M/s. GE T & D India Ltd. Versus State Of Karnataka

The Karnataka High Court has quashed the recovery from the banker and directed the department to reconsider the application under the Karasamadhana Scheme.

Online Rummy Games Played Are Not Taxable As ‘Betting’ And ‘Gambling: Karnataka High Court Quashes GST Intimation Notice Demanding Rs. 21,000 Crores Against Gameskraft

Case Title: Gameskraft Technologies Private Limited Versus Directorate General Of Goods

The Karnataka High Court has quashed the GST Intimation Notice to the tune of Rs 21,000 crore and held that online/electronic/digital Rummy games and other Online/Electronic/Digital games played on Gameskraft’s platforms are not taxable as "betting" and "gambling".

Rule Whittling Down Input Taxes Refund Paid In Course Of Making A Zero-Rated Supply Is Ultra Vires: Karnataka High Court

Case Title: M/S Tonbo Imaging India Pvt Ltd Versus Union Of India

The Karnataka High Court has an amendment to Rule 89(4) (C) of the CGST Rules by Notification 16/2020-CT dated 23.03.2020 is illegal, arbitrary, unreasonable, irrational, unfair, unjust, and ultra vires Section 16 of the IGST Act and Section 54 of the CGST Act.

Circular Regarding Mismatch Of ITC Is Applicable For 2019-20 In Case Of Identical Errors: Karnataka High Court

Case Title: M/s Wipro India Ltd. Versus Assistant Commissioner Of Central Tax

The Karnataka High Court has held that the circular regarding the mismatch of input tax credit (ITC) is applicable for 2019–20 in the case of identical errors.

No GST Applicable On Supply Of Vouchers: Karnataka High Court

Case Title: M/s Premier Sales Promotion Pvt Ltd versus Union of India & Ors.

The Karnataka High Court has ruled that vouchers do not fall under the category of goods and services and therefore, the issue and supply of vouchers would not attract GST.

Charger Sold Along With Mobile Phone Can’t Be Differently Taxed: Karnataka High Court

Case Title: The State of Karnataka Versus The Index Technologies India Ltd.

The Karnataka High Court has held that the charger, which is sold along with the mobile phone in one set, is taxable at the rate of 5%.

DGFT Has No Authority To Violate The Foreign Trade Policy, Power Lies Only With Central Govt: Karnataka High court

The Karnataka High Court has held that only the Central Government can make provision for prohibiting, restricting, or regulating the import or export of goods or services, or technology and not the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Rule Whittling Down Input Taxes Refund Paid In Course Of Making A Zero-Rated Supply Is Ultra Vires: Karnataka High Court

Case Title: M/S Tonbo Imaging India Pvt Ltd Versus Union Of India

The Karnataka High Court has an amendment to Rule 89(4) (C) of the CGST Rules by Notification 16/2020-CT dated 23.03.2020 is illegal, arbitrary, unreasonable, irrational, unfair, unjust, and ultra vires Section 16 of the IGST Act and Section 54 of the CGST Act.

Gujarat High Court

Sales Tax or VAT Dues Payable Can't Be Claimed As Priority Over Dues Of Secured Creditor: Gujarat High Court

The Gujarat High Court has held that Sales tax or VAT dues payable cannot be claimed as priority over dues of the secured creditor.

The division bench of Justice N.V. Anjaria and Justice Bhargav D. Karia has observed that the charge in respect of the property in question created for sales tax dues is of no avail and has no efficacy in law.

Reversal of ITC At Midnight During Search And Seizure Operation Can't Be Treated As Voluntary Payment: Gujarat High Court Directs Refund

Case Title: Shree Ganesh Molasses Trading Company Versus Superintendent

The Gujarat High Court has held that the reversal of input tax credit (ITC) at midnight during search and seizure operations can't be treated as a voluntary payment.

The division bench of Justice Sonia Gokani and Justice Sandeep S. Bhatt has directed the department to reverse the ITC to the tune of Rs. 37,68,300 along with 6% interest.

'Provide Specific Reasons': Gujarat High Court Quashes Order Cancelling Firm's GST Registration Based On Cryptic Show Cause Notice

Case Title: Sona Metals Versus State Of Gujarat

The Gujarat High Court has quashed an order cancelling the Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration of Sona Metals, citing a lack of detailed reasons for the cancellation.

GST Payable Only On The Cost of Construction and Not On The Cost Of Land: Gujarat High Court

Case Title: Munjaal Manishbhai Bhatt Versus Union Of India

The Gujarat High Court, while giving major relief to the buyers, has held that GST is payable only on the cost of construction and not on the cost of land.

SGST Dept. Can Initiate Proceedings Against The Unit Situated In SEZ: Gujarat High Court Imposes Rs.10K Cost

Case Title: RHC Global Exports Private Limited Versus Union Of India

The Gujarat High Court has held that the state GST department can initiate proceedings against the unit situated in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Allahabad High Court

Allahabad High Court Stays Rs.1,081 Crores GST Demand Against Paytm

Case Title: One 97 Communications Limited Versus UOI

The Allahabad High Court has stayed the Goods and Service Tax (GST) demand of Rs. 1,081 crores against Paytm.

"The amount of tax due on the transaction has already been paid, and the only dispute is whether it is to be treated as an intra-state sale or an inter-state sale; recovery of the demand raised shall remain stayed till the next date of hearing," the division bench headed by Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice J.J. Munir said while listing the matter for hearing on April 27, 2022.

'Refrain From Issuing Service Tax /GST Notices To Lawyers Rendering Legal Services': Allahabad HC Directs Lucknow GST Commissionerate

Case title - Pankaj Khare vs. Union Of India Thru. Secy. Deptt. Of Custom And Cgst, Ministry Of Finance, New Delhi And Others 2023 LiveLaw (AB) 187 [WRIT TAX No. - 148 of 2023]

Case Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (AB) 187

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the Commissioner, GST to issue clear direction to the GST Commissionerate in Lucknow that no notices regarding payment of service tax /GST are issued to the lawyers rendering legal service falling in the negative list so far as service tax is concerned.

Rajasthan High Court

‘Pizza’ And ‘Sandwiches’ Are ‘Cooked Foods’: Rajasthan High Court Allows Exemption Of Payment Of VAT In Excess Of 5%

Case Title: M/s Devyani International Limited Versus The Additional Commissioner

The Jaipur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court has held that the sale of ‘pizza’ and ‘sandwich’ would qualify as the sale of ‘cooked food’ and the sale shall be eligible for the exemption of payment of Value Added Tax (VAT) in excess of 5%.

Burden To Prove That A Specific Product Falls Within A Particular Tariff Is Always On The Department: Rajasthan High Court

Case Title: M/s Compuage Infocom Limited Versus The Assistant Commissioner

The Jaipur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court has held that the burden to prove that a specific product falls within a particular tariff is always on the revenue, more so when the revenue is trying to classify products in the residual entry as against the specific entry.

VAT Leviable On Entire ‘Entry-Coupon’ Amount Charged By Chokhi Dhani Resort Is Adjustable Against Food: Rajasthan High Court

Case Title: Commercial Taxes Officer Versus Chokhi Dhani Resorts Pvt. Ltd.

The Rajasthan High Court, Jaipur Bench, has held that Value Added Tax (VAT) is leviable on the entire ‘entry-coupon’ amount charged by Chokhi Dhani Resort, which is adjustable against food.

Entitlement Of ITC After Cancellation Of GST Registration Can Be Considered During Revocation: Rajasthan High Court

Case Title: M/s R.K. Jewelers Versus The Union of India

The Rajasthan High Court has held that the assessee is entitled to lodge an ITC claim when the department considers the issue of revocation of GST registration cancellation.

Rajasthan High Court Upholds GST Demand On Royalty Paid To The Mining Department Towards Mining Lease

Case Title: Rajasthan Granite Mining Association Versus Union of India

The Rajasthan High Court has upheld the GST demand on royalty paid to the Mining Department towards mining lease.

Rajasthan High Court Grants Bail To Accused On The Payment Of GST Evasion Amount

Case Title: Vikas Bajoria Versus Union Of India

The Rajasthan High Court has granted bail to the accused as he has already paid the amount of alleged GST evasion.

The single bench of Justice Mahendra Kumar Goyal has released the accused on bail on furnishing a personal bond of Rs. 1,00,000 together with two sureties in the sum of Rs. 50,000 each to the satisfaction of the trial court.

Taxpayer Cannot Be Compelled To Pay Tax On The Services Rendered By It Twice: Rajasthan High Court

Case Title: M/s. Skylark Infra Engineering Pvt. Ltd. Versus UOI

The Rajasthan High Court has held that the taxpayer cannot be compelled to pay tax on the services rendered twice.

The division bench of Justice Pankaj Mittal and Justice Subha Mehta ruled that the petitioner's supply of manpower to a company in Rajasthan is either an inter-state transaction subject to CGST+RGST or an intra-state transaction subject to IGST. The petitioner has deposited 18% of the IGST, and the respondents or department has recovered 35% of the CGST and RGST by attaching the petitioner's accounts.

Online Gaming Not Betting/Gambling; Rajasthan High Court Grants Interim Relief to Myteam 11

Case Title: Myteam11 Fantasy Sports Private Limited versus Union of India

The Rajasthan High Court has observed that the issue regarding the nature of gaming services provided online is no longer res-integra, adding that such gaming services have been held to be games of skill and not games in nature of betting or gambling.

Orissa High Court

Different Amount Mentioned In Tax Invoice And E-Way Bill: Orissa High Court Orders Issuance Of Fresh Assessment Order

Case Title: M/s. Jena Trading and Co. Versus CT and GST Officer

The Orissa High Court has held that the different amounts mentioned in the tax invoice and e-Way Bill indicate a palpable error in the waybill, which may be construed as a human error. The bench of Justice B.R. Sarangi and Justice M.S. Raman quashed the assessment order and remitted the matter back to the assessing authority for reconsideration in accordance with the law.

Vedanta Claimed Unutilized ITC Refund, No Scope For Supplementary Refund Application Based On Fresh Calculation: Orissa High Court

Case Title: Vedanta Limited, Jharsuguda Versus Union of India

The Orissa High Court has held that Vedanta has claimed the refund of the unutilized input tax credit on account of zero-rated supplies by clubbing up all the transactions relating to three units. There is no scope to insist on consideration of a supplementary refund application based on a fresh calculation made by taking individual unit-wise transactions into account.

GST Tribunal Not Constituted: Orissa High Court Condones Delay And Stays GST Demand

Case Title: M/s. Laxman Barik Versus Joint Commissioner of State Tax (Appeals)

The Orissa High Court stayed the Goods and Service Tax (GST) demand subject to deposit of tax as the GST Tribunal is not constituted.

Mosquito Repellent ‘Good Knight’ Is An Insecticide, 4% VAT Applicable: Orissa High Court

Case Title: State of Odisha Versus M/s. Godrej Sara Lee Ltd.

The Orissa High Court has held that the mosquito repellent "Good Knight" sold by Godrej Sara Lee Ltd. is an insecticide.

Kinley Water Falls Within Water, Not Aerated Or Mineral Water, Comes Within Tax Free List: Orissa High Court

Case Title: State of Odisha Versus M/s. Hindustan Coca-Cola

The Orissa High Court held that the sale of packaged drinking water under the brand name Kinley Water falls within the expression "water but not aerated or mineral water sold in bottles or sealed containers," which is covered under Entry No.39 of the Tax-Free List.

Chokad Is Not An Industrial Input: Orissa High Court Quashes Order Imposing 4% VAT

Case Title: M/s. Kamadhenu Cattle & Poultry Feed Unit versus The State of Odisha

The Orissa High Court has quashed the order imposing a 4% value-added tax (VAT) on the wheat bran (chokad) as it is not an industrial input.

Unrealistic To Expect GST Return Filing Without Actual Commencement Of Business: Orissa High Court Directs Dept. To Process Licence Application

Case Title: M/s. Galaxy Bar and Restaurant, Nayagarh Versus State of Odisha and others

The Orissa High Court has held that the license application should not be rejected only because a GST return has not been filed yet, since it is unrealistic to expect that to happen without the actual commencement of its business.

Andhra Pradesh High Court

Life Tax On Vehicle Should Be On The Cost, Excluding GST And Cess: Andhra Pradesh High Court Directs Refund

Case Title: Valluru Pavan Chand Versus State of AP

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that life tax is to be collected from the vehicle owner upon sale based on the net invoice price of the vehicle and not the ex-showroom price of the vehicle.

Tax Not Payable On Motor Vehicles Exclusively Used for Contract Inside Central Deposit Yard: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case Title: Tarachand Logistics Solutions Limited Versus State of Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that the motor vehicles exclusively used for the petitioner's contract inside the Central Deposit Yard of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) are not liable for taxation and are entitled to exemption.

GST Dept. Can’t Retain Disputed Amount Paid Due To Inadvertent Error: Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case Title: Varshan Enterprises Versus Office of GST Council

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that the GST department cannot retain the disputed amount that is paid to them due to an inadvertent error.

The division bench of Justice C. Praveen Kumar and Justice A.V. Ravindra Babu has observed that the amounts that were paid by the assessee or petitioner who furnished the incorrect details cannot be taken as a tax due from the department or respondents, legally. The department cannot contend that the claim, if any, of the petitioner is barred by limitation.

Since Investigation By DGGI Started Prior To Filing Of Application, AAR Order Is Invalid :Andhra Pradesh High Court

Case Title: M/s Master Minds versus AAAR (GST)

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (AP) 6

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has ruled that the term ‘any proceedings’ referred to in the proviso to Section 98(2) of the CGST Act/ Andhra Pradesh GST Act (APGST Act), includes within its ambit the investigation initiated against the applicant under the said Act.

Telangana High Court

Subsumption Of Service Tax Will Not Absolve Liability To Pay GST If Service Tax Was Agreed To Be Paid In Agreement : Telangana High Court

Case Title: Smt K. Himabindu v. TSRTC

In a Writ Petition, the Telangana High Court ordered that the Petitioner is liable to pay the GST on the license fee in place of service tax as the Petitioner was paying service tax separately under the terms of Deed of License.

Search And Seizure Of Cash And Jewellery By ED Without Recording The ‘Reasons To Believe’: Telangana High Court Quashes Seizure

Case Title: M/s. Musaddilal Gems and Jewels (India) Private Limited Versus UOI

The Telangana High Court has set aside the search and seizure of cash and jewellery by ED as it was done without recording the "reasons to believe."

Tripura High Court

GST ITC Available On Work Contract Services For The Construction Of Hotel Building: Tripura High Court

Case Title: M/S SR Constructions Vrs. The Union of India & Ors.

The Tripura High Court has held that in providing taxable work contract services for the said construction of a hotel building, the assessee is entitled to take an input tax credit on the goods and services being utilized for providing the taxable work contract services.

State Of Tripura Has No Jurisdiction To Levy VAT For Supply Of LPG Cylinder Under Work Orders Executed Outside The State: Tripura High Court

Case Title: M/s Maharaja Gas Agency versus State of Tripura & Ors.

The Tripura High Court has ruled that the State of Tripura has no jurisdiction to levy VAT under the Tripura Value Added Tax Act, 2004 (TVAT), on transport or supply of LPG cylinders to Tripura under the work orders executed outside the State. The bench of Acting Chief Justice T. Amarnath Goud and Justice Arindam Lodh held that that the situs of the sale would be the place where the contracts were executed.

Jammu & Kashmir And Ladakh High Court

GST Budgetary Support Scheme Can’t Be Interpreted Liberally: J&K And Ladakh High Court

Case Title: M/s Best Crop Science Industrial Area Versus Union of India

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (152)

The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Courts have held that the GST Budgetary Support Scheme cannot be interpreted liberally.

Units Located In J&K Entitled For Central Excise Duty Exemption Prior To 1st July 2017 Liable To Pay GST: J&K & Ladakh High Court

Case Title: Godrej Consumer Products Limited Versus Union of India

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (JKL) 4

The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court have held that units located in Jammu and Kashmir are entitled to central excise duty exemption prior to July 1, 2017, and are therefore liable to pay GST.

The division bench of Justice Tashi Rabsdan and Justice Mohan Lal has observed that in terms of the Central Excise regime, as it existed prior to July 1, 2017, the units located in Jammu & Kashmir and other states were eligible to avail exemption from payment of Central Excise duty in terms of area-based exemption notifications. While exemption was available to the units located in Jammu and Kashmir, who were required to pay Central Excise Duty and avail exemption by way of refund of the cash component of duty paid, under the GST regime there was no exemption, and the existing units availing exemption from payment of Central Excise Duty prior to July 1, 201,7 are required to pay CGST and SGST/IGST like a normal unit. Thus, no exemption is available to the units by way of either an ab initio exemption or a refund.

No Sales Tax On Supply Of Goods For Erecting Transmission Lines, Substations & Power Grids Before 15.05.1997: Jammu & Kashmir And Ladakh High Court

Case Title: M/S Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. Versus Assessing Authority Sales Tax Circle D Jammu

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (JKL) 105

The Jammu & Kashmir And Ladakh High Court has held that no sales tax is exigible for the supply of goods for erecting transmission lines, substations, and power grids.

Jharkhand High Court

Benefit Under SVLDRS Scheme Cant Be Denied Based On Dept. Decision To File Appeal: Jharkhand High Court

Case Title: M/s Om Prakash Kashyap Versus UOI

The Jharkhand High Court has held that the benefit under the Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019 (SVLDRS scheme), cannot be denied by the designated committee for the reason that the department has decided to file an appeal against the order.

Jharkhand High Court Allows Migration Of The TDS Amount Under GST

Case Title: M/s Subhash Singh Choudhary Versus The State of Jharkhand

The Jharkhand High Court has held that the unadjusted TDS amount has to be treated as an input tax credit amount and is required to be carried forward in the next succeeding months.

The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Deepak Roshan has observed that the unadjusted TDS amount would have been otherwise refundable to the petitioners if it were not allowed to be carried forward as excess input tax credit in the statutory format of a quarterly return (Form JVAT 200).

Jharkhand High Court Stays Show-Cause Notices Issued By Two Different Authorities In Respect Of The Same Subject Matter

Case Title: M/s Ambey Mining Pvt. Ltd. Versus Commissioner of State Tax

The Jharkhand High Court has stayed the show-cause notices issued by two different authorities in respect of the same subject matter as being outside its jurisdiction.

Patna High Court

Patna High Court

Power To Collect Entertainment Tax No Longer Vest In The State After 101st Amendment: Patna High Court

Case Title: M/s DEN Networks Limited Versus The State of Bihar

The Patna High Court has held that the power to collect entertainment tax would no longer vest in the state after the 101st Amendment.

GST Registration Cancelled Without Granting Opportunity Of Personal Hearing: Patna High Court Quashes Order

The Patna High Court has held that the GST registration was canceled without granting him the opportunity of a personal hearing.

The division bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Partha Sarthy has quashed the GST cancellation order and held that the authority ought to have at least referred to the contents of the show cause and the response thereto, which was not done. Not only is the order non-speaking, but it is also cryptic in nature, and the reason for cancellation is not decipherable.

Madhya Pradesh High Court

Failure Of Kia Motors To Furnish Information For The Entry Of Demo Car Into Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh High Court Upholds GST Levy

Case Title: M/S Kia Motors India Private Ltd. Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has held that in the absence of information given, the entry of a demo car into the state of Madhya Pradesh renders it exigible to GST.

VAT Act, Madhya Pradesh High Court Directs Dept. To Refund Pre-Deposit With 6% Interest

Case Title: Mount Everest Breweries Ltd. Versus State of Madhya Pradesh

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the state/commercial tax department to refund the pre-deposit amount paid during the appeal with 6% interest to the assessee.

The division bench of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice Prakash Chandra Gupta has observed that even though there is no provision for payment of interest on the refund of amounts so collected under the VAT Act, the petitioner would be eligible for 6% interest per annum w.e.f. April 17, 2017, until the date of refund.

Calcutta High Court

GST Registration Cancellation With Retrospective Effect Can’t Be A Ground To Deny GST ITC To The Buyer: Calcutta High Court

Case Title: M/s. Gargo Traders Versus The Joint Commissioner, Commercial Taxes

The Calcutta High Court, while noting that at the time of the transaction, the name of the supplier as a registered taxable person was already available with the government record, and the buyer/petitioner had paid the amount of the purchased articles as well as tax through the bank and not in cash, remanded the matter back to the department.

Writ Court Can’t Classify Products Under Customs Tariff Act, Technical Analysis Is Required: Calcutta High Court

Case Title: M/s Harsh Polyfabric Versus UOI

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Cal) 18

The Calcutta High Court has held that a writ court cannot answer the classification of products under the Customs Tariff Act as it requires technical analysis.

GST Dept. Empowered To Detain Vehicle And Seize The Goods: Calcutta High Court Upholds Penalty

Case Title: Ashok and Sons (HUF) Vs. Joint Commissioner

The Calcutta High Court has held that the GST department was lawfully permitted to impose a penalty under Section 129 as well as the SGST as the goods were found to be detained in the territory of the state.

The bench of Justice Bibek Chaudhuri has observed that Section 129 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, empowers the statutory authority to detain the vehicle and seize the goods. The goods shall be released only upon payment of a penalty equal to 200% of the tax payable on the goods.

Classification Of Polypropylene Bags Can’t Be Changed Just To Avail Lower Tariff-Rate: Calcutta High Court Upholds AAAR’s Ruling

Case Title: Mega Flex Plastics Ltd. & Anr. Versus The Union of India

The Calcutta High Court, while upholding the ruling of the Orissa Appellate Authority, held that the classification of polypropylene bags cannot be changed just to avail a lower tariff rate.

The single Justice Md. Nizamuddin has observed that the polypropylene bags manufactured by the petitioner are made from plastic granules and cannot be treated as textile articles.

Transporting Goods In A Vehicle Without Proper E-Way Bill Is A breach, Reasons Irrelevant: Calcutta High Court Upholds Penalty

Case Title: Asian Switchgear Private Limited Versus State Tax Officer

The Calcutta High Court upheld the penalty and stated that there was no requirement in law to verify the reason for transporting goods in a vehicle without a proper e-way bill.

Dept. Vacillating Whether Goods Were In Transit Or In Godown: Calcutta High Court Directs Refund Of Penalty

Case Title: Sandip Kumar Singhal Versus Deputy Commissioner, Revenue, Bureau of Investigation North Bengal Headquarter & Ors.

The Calcutta High Court has directed the refund of the penalty and held that the department was vacillating between Sections 67 and 68 of the GST Act, depending on whether the goods are in transit or in the godown.

Punjab & Haryana High Court

Punjab And Haryana High Court Directs GST Dept. To Return Illegally Recovered GST Without Issuing SCN Along With 6% Interest

Case Title: M/s Samyak Metals Pvt. Ltd. Versus Union of India and others

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the GST Department to return illegally recovered GST without issuing a Show Cause Notice, along with 6% interest.

Punjab & Haryana High Court Impedes Coercive Actions Against Online Opinion Betting App In Respect Of Rs. 1500 Crore GST Notice

Case Title: Probo Media Technologies Versus Union of India

The Punjab and Haryana High Court impeded coercive actions against the online opinion betting app, Probo Media Technologies, in respect of the GST Notice demanding Rs. 1500 crore.

Punjab And Haryana High Court Directs To Refund Tax Collected Illegally With 6% Interest

Case Title: Diwakar Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. Versus Commissioner of CGST Citation: CWP-23788-2021

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has held that if the tax is collected without any authority of law, the same would amount to depriving a person of his property without any authority of law and would infringe on his right under Article 300 A of the Constitution of India.

Punjab And Haryana High Court Directs To Refund Tax Collected Illegally With 6% Interest

Case Title: Diwakar Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. Versus Commissioner of CGST

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has held that if the tax is collected without any authority of law, the same would amount to depriving a person of his property without any authority of law and would infringe on his right under Article 300 A of the Constitution of India.

Penalty For Non Appearance - Not Valid If No Attempt To Evade Tax Is Made Out: Punjab & Haryana High Court

Case Title: M/s. Punjab Wool Syndicate Versus The State of Punjab and another

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has held that non-appearance before the Information Collection Centre (ICC) cannot be made a ground to initiate penalty proceedings if no attempt to evade tax is made.

The division bench of Justice Ritu Bahari and Justice Manisha Batra has observed that the driver had produced the documents at I.C.C. and subsequently, at the time of checking, he showed all the invoices. There was no attempt to evade tax. Hence, the VAT appeal was allowed, and no case for the imposition of a penalty is made out under Section 51(7)(c) of the Punjab VAT Act, 2005.

Fabrication Of Bills Worth Rs.367 Crores, Accused In Custody For 18 Months: Punjab and Haryana High Court Grants Bail

Case Title: Vijay Garg Versus the State of Haryana and another

The Punjab and Haryana High Court granted bail to the person accused of forging bills worth Rs. 367 crores and evading GST payments worth Rs. 26 crores.

Gauhati High Court

Gauhati High Court Directs CIT (TDS) To Refund Income Tax Deducted From Salary Of Scheduled Tribe Officer Expeditiously

Case Title: Chyawan Prakash Meena Versus UOI

The Gauhati High Court has directed the Commissioner of Income Tax (TDS) to expeditiously process the request for a refund of income tax deducted from the salary of the DIG (Ops) of the Border Security Force, who is a member of the scheduled tribe.

Gauhati High Court Issues Notice On Contempt Plea Alleging Non-Compliance Of Direction To Refund Tax Deducted From BSF DIG’s Salary

Case Title: Dr. Chyawan Prakash Meena v. Raja Ghosh, IRS & 4 Ors.

The Gauhati High Court on Monday issued notice to the Income Tax Officials in a contempt petition filed by a DIG of Border Security Force alleging non-compliance of the court order directing the IT authorities to refund the tax deductions made from the officer's salary.

Chhattisgarh High Court

Chhattisgarh High Court Grants 3 Months Time To The Assessee For Depositing Pre-Deposit Before CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Nava Raipur Atal Nangar Vikas Pradhikaran Versus The Union Of India

The Chhattisgarh High Court grants 3 months time to the assessee for depositing pre-deposit before the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT).

CESTAT

Procedural Lapse Cannot Be The Basis To Deny Service Tax Refund, Defeating The Object Of SEZ: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Lupin Limited Versus Commissioner of Central Goods & Service Tax & Central Excise

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the beneficial object of establishing the SEZ tax-free, without any burden of duties, means that the procedural lapse, if any, cannot be the basis to deny the refund.

Freight And Handling Charges Shown Separately In The Invoice Is Not Includable In The Assessable Value Of The Excisable Goods: CESTAT

Case Title: Messrs Mira Industries Versus C.C.E.-Ahmedabad-ii

The Ahmedabad bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that freight and handling charges shown separately in the invoice of the appellant are also not includable in the assessable value of the excisable goods.

Cricket Player Providing Brand Promotion Services Not Liable To Pay Service Tax: CESTAT

Case Title: Ajitesh Kamlesh Argal Versus Commissioner of Central Excise & ST, Vadodara-I

The Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has quashed the demand for service tax on remuneration received by the cricket player from M/s. Nike India Pvt. for brand promotion.

CESTAT Allows Service Tax Refund On Construction Services Of Complex Provided By The Cooperative Housing Society

Case Title: Shantanu Co Operative Housing Society Limited Versus Commissioner of Central Excise & ST, Ahmedabad

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has allowed the service tax refund on the construction of complexes provided by the appellant’s cooperative housing society.

Suspension Of The Licence Of Broker Is Not Warranted After The Investigation And Issue Of Show Cause Notice: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s.India Transport & Travel Private Limited Versus Commissioner of Customs (Airport & ACC), Kolkata

The Kolkata Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that suspension of the license is not warranted after investigation and the issuing of a show cause notice.

Service Tax Exemption On Handling Of Agriculture Produce By A Cargo Handling Agency: CESTAT

Case Title: Elegant Surveyors Versus C.C.E. & S.T.-Rajkot

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that service tax is exempted from the handling of agricultural produce by a cargo handling agency.

Value Of Bought Out Items Supplied Along With Manufactured Goods Cannot Be Included In Assessable Value Of Manufactured Goods: CESTAT

Case Title: Transrail Lighting Limited Versus Commissioner of Central Excise & ST, Silvasa

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the value of bought-out items supplied along with manufactured goods cannot be included in the assessable value of the manufactured goods.

Service Tax Under RCM Not Payable By Company If Personal Property Rented Out By The Directors To The Company: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Cords Cable Industries Limited Versus Commissioner, Central Excise

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that service tax under the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) is not payable by the company if personal property is rented out by the directors to the company.

Breast Pump Is Not A Medical Device, Classifiable Under CTH 39269090: CESTAT

Case Title: M/S Mehar Healthcare Corporation Versus Commissioner, Customs-New Delhi

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that breast pumps have nothing to do with any medical or surgical procedures and are not used by any medical practitioner.

The two-member bench of Binu Tamta (Judicial Member) and P V Subba Rao (Technical Member) has observed that the manual breast pumps are classifiable under CTH 39269090.

Cenvat Credit Available On Books Of Account Cannot Be Rejected Without Following Due Procedure: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Saavn Media Private Limited Versus Commissioner of Central Goods & Service Tax-Mumbai East

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that unless CENVAT Credit availed by the appellant has not been recovered by way of the issue of a show cause notice invoking Rule 14 of the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004, CENVAT Credit available on the books of account cannot be rejected when it is accumulated on account of export of service.

CESTAT Allows CENVAT Credit Of Service Tax Paid On Corporate Membership Of Club

Case Title: M/s Emco Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Central Excise-Mumbai-III

The Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT), Mumbai, has allowed the CENVAT credit of service tax paid on corporate memberships of clubs.

The bench of Anil G. Shakkarwar (Technical) has observed that corporate membership of the club is utilized for business meetings and sales meetings, and therefore, for the period prior to April 1, 2011, service tax paid on corporate membership of the club was admissible for availment of CENVAT credit.

Allocation Of Area Development Charges By The State Government Cannot Be Treated As Consideration Towards A Service: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s. The Madhya Pradesh State Mining, Corporation Limited Versus Pr. Commissioner, CGST & Central Excise

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the allocation of area development charges by the state government cannot be treated as consideration for service.

Service Tax Not Leviable On Incentives For Achieving Sales Target: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Audi Motors Pvt. Ltd. Versus Commissioner CGST, Jodhpur

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the service tax is not leviable on incentives for achieving sales targets.

Order Prescribing Conditions Of Provisional Release Is Too Harsh: CESTAT Directs Release Seized Goods

Case Title: M/s. OSM Ecocar Pvt. Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Customs

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the order prescribing conditions of provisional release was too harsh and the assessee has already paid duty amounting to Rs. 1,18,94,536.

Higher Price Not Charged Than The Price Re-Fixed On The Rejected Footwear: CESTAT Quashes Excise Duty Demand Against Bata

Case Title: M/s. Bata India Limited Versus Commissioner of Central Excise, Kolkata-V

The Kolkata Bench of Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has allowed the concessional rate of excise duty to Bata as there was no allegation against Bata that it has charged a higher price than the price re-fixed on the rejected footwear.

Company Or Its Directors Not Liable To Pay Excise Duty If Job Workers Are Independent Contractors/Manufacturers: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s. Comet Technocom Pvt. Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Central Excise & S. Tax, Kolkata-II

The Kolkata Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT)has held that a company or its directors are not liable to pay excise duty if the job workers of the assessee company were independent contractors or manufacturers.

No Service Tax Payable On Construction Services Provided To Gujarat State Police Housing Corporation: CESTAT

Case Title: R D Contractor & Company Versus Commissioner of Central Excise & ST, Anand

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the service tax is not payable on the construction services provided to the Gujarat State Police Housing Corporation for the construction of a residential complex for the police staff.

Penalty Under Section 114 A Of The Customs Act Is Invariably Linked To The Quantum Of Duty Evaded: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Vanick Oils and Fats Pvt. Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Central Excise, Delhi- III, Gurgaon

The Chandigarh Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the penalty under Section 114 A of the Customs Act is invariably linked to the quantum of duty evaded.

Department Recovering Tax Without Any Authority Of Law Cannot Be Permitted To Retain The Amount: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Synergy Steels Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Customs

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that just as an assessee cannot be permitted to evade payment of rightful tax, the authority that recovers tax without any authority of law cannot be permitted to retain the amount merely because the taxpayer was not aware at that time.

Department Cannot Decide Title Of The Goods When No One Disputes Ownership: CESTAT

Case Title: Apca Power Private Limited Versus C.C.-Kandla

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the department cannot self-assign to itself the duty of declaring bad in law the certificate issued to the importer by the Ministry of Renewable Energy or decide the title to the goods, even when no one is disputing ownership.

Inspection Charges Received In Connection With The Sale Of Goods Are Not Includible In Assessable Value: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s.Viswa Industrial Company Limited Versus Versus Commissioner of Central Excise, Kolkata-V

The Kolkata Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that inspection charges received in connection with the sale of the goods are not includible in the assessable value in the absence of evidence.

No Excise Duty Payable On Amortization Cost Of The Cylinder: CESTAT

Case Title: Pvn Fabrics Versus C.C.E. & S.T.-Daman

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that no excise duty is payable on the amortization cost of the cylinder.

Rule 5 Of Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004 Cannot Be Invoked To Sanction The Refund Of Unutilized Cenvat Credit Lying With The Assessee: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Mahavir Metal Manufacturing Company Versus Commissioner (Appeals), Central Excise and CGST

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has observed that Rule 5 of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004 cannot be invoked to sanction the refund of unutilized cenvat credit lying with the assessee.

Department Has No Right To File Revision Application In Case Of Refund Of Service Tax On Export Of Services: CESTAT

Case Title: Commissioner of Service Tax, Mumbai-II Versus Mail Order Solutions (I) Ltd.

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the department has no right to file a revision application in case of refund or rebate of service tax on the export of services since no such provision has been made for Revenue to file a revision application.

Departmental Action Demanding Service Tax At Visakhapatnam Unit Does Not Warranted Any Action In Kolkata Unit: CESTAT

Case Title: Commissioner of Service Tax, Kolkata Versus M/s. Walzen Strips Private Limited

The Kolkata Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that departmental action demanding service tax at the Visakhapatnam unit does not warrant any action in the Kolkata unit.

Once The Importers/Exporters Are Granted Immunity From Prosecution, Fine, Penalty It Is Unfair To Continue The Proceedings: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s.Evergreen Shipping Agency India Pvt. Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Customs

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that once the importers and exporters have been granted immunity from prosecution, fines, and penalties, and proceedings against them have come to an end, it is discriminatory and unfair to continue the proceedings against the co-notices.

Bank Officials Failed To Detect Fake Documents, How Can One Expect From CHA To Unearth The Dubious Plan Of Exporter: CESTAT

Case Title: M/S Kvs Cargo Versus Commissioner, Customs (Export)- New Delhi

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the bank officials, despite verification, are not able to detect the fraudulent nature of the documents. How can one expect a Customs House Agent (CHA), who is not even a public official, to unearth the dubious plan of the exporter?

CESTAT Allows Income Tax Deduction On Account Of Octroi And Additional Sales Tax

Case Title: M/s Fresenius Kabi Oncology Limited Versus The Commissioner of Central Excise

The Chandigarh Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has allowed the income tax deduction on account of octroi and additional sales tax.

Service Tax Paid On Insurance Of Plant, Machinery For Manufacture Is Admissible As Cenvat Credit: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Bhaurao Chavan SSK Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Central Excise & Customs, Aurangabad

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the service tax paid on the insurance of plant, machinery, and equipment required for manufacture is admissible as CENVAT Credit.

Godrej Zymegold Contains Can Be Characterised As Fertilizer, Classified Under CTH 3101: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s. Godrej Agrovet Ltd. Versus Commissioner of CGST, Kolhapur

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that Godrej Zymegold, which contains nitrogen and chlorine, suffices to characterize the product as fertilizer, classified under CTH 3101.

CESTAT Allows Refund Claim For Services Provided To The Regional Cancer Centre

Case Title: M/s Fresenius Kabi Oncology Limited Versus The Commissioner of Central Excise

The Chandigarh Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has allowed the income tax deduction on account of octroi and additional sales tax.

The Bench of S. S. Garg (Judicial Member) and P. Anjani Kumar (Technical Member) has observed that the gist of the SCNs was to deny the deduction on account of Octroi and Additional Sales Tax for the reason that the same is claimed on an equal basis, even though paid on some non-excisable goods.

CESTAT Appeal Abates From The Date Of Approval Of The Resolution Plan By The NCLT: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Jet Airways (India) Limited Versus Commissioner of Service Tax-V, Mumbai

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that from the date of approval of the resolution plan by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLT), the appeal filed by the applicant has abated, and CESTAT has become functus officio in the matters relating to the appeal filed by Jet Airways.

Refund Cannot Be Denied To Any Person Who Has Borne The Incidence Of Tax: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Quality Builders & Contractor Versus Commissioner of Central Excise, Jaipur-II

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that a refund cannot be denied to any person who has borne the incidence of tax.

Penal Provision Of Central Excise Rules, 1944 Cannot Be Invoked Against The Accountant: CESTAT

Case Title: Nitin M Dhandhukia Versus C.C.E.-Ahmedabad-ii

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the penal provision of Rule 209 A of the Central Excise Rules, 1944, cannot be invoked against a person who is only involved in maintaining the accounts of the company.

Department Should Not Have Invoked The Extended Time Period For Issuance Of Second Show Cause Notice Demanding Service Tax: CESTAT

Case Title: Messrs Aarvee Denims & Exports Ltd Versus C.S.T.-Service Tax - Ahmedabad

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the second show cause notice should have been for a normal period of demand and the department should not have invoked the extended time period for demanding service tax.

No Service Tax Payable On Education Services By Way Of Pre-School Education And Education Up To Higher Secondary School: CESTAT

Case Title: Mody Education Foundation Versus Commissioner of Central Excise

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that service tax is not payable on education services by way of preschool education and education up to higher secondary school.

CESTAT Allows Interest On Auction Sale Proceeds From The Date The Amount Has Been Received By The Customs Dept., Till The Date Of Disbursal

Case Title: M/s.Oriental Trimex Limited Versus Commissioner of Customs (Import)

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has allowed interest on the auction sale proceeds from the date the amount was received by the Customs Department until the date of disbursal.

Excise Duty To Be Demanded From Job Worker, Not From Principal Manufacturer, When Transaction Is On Principal To Principal Basis: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Commissioner of Central Goods And Service Tax, Excise Customs, Udaipur Versus Sonex Marmo Grani Pvt Ltd

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that there has to be excise duty demanded from the job worker and not from the principal manufacturer when transactions between the two are on a principal-to-principal basis.

Value Of Sale Of Books Cannot Be Included In The Value Of Coaching Services, No Service Tax Payable: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s. Kanhaiya Singh Vision Classes Private Limited Versus Commissioner of CGST & CX, Patna-I Commissionerate

The Kolkata Bench of Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the value of the sale of books cannot be included in the value of coaching services and service tax is not payable.

Bagasse Is An Agricultural Waste: CESTAT Quashes Excise Duty

Case Title: M/s. Vithal Corporation Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Customs Excise & Service Tax

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT), while quashing the excise duty, held that bagasse, being an agricultural waste or residue, could not be manufactured.

CENVAT Credit Is Not Admissible On Input Services Attributable To Trading Activity: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Woodward Governor India Limited Versus Commissioner of Central Excise

The Chandigarh Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that CENVAT credit is not admissible on input services attributable to trading activity.

‘Input Service’ Include Any Service Received In Or In Relation To Setting Up, Modernisation, Renovation Or Repair Of The Factory Premises: CESTAT Allows Cenvat Credit

Case Title: M/s Rico Auto Industries Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Excise

The Chandigarh Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the construction services and other services that are necessary for the renting of the business fall under the definition of ‘input service’ as provided under Rule 2(l) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004.

Demand Under Service Tax On RCM, Has To Be Worked Out And Calculated Transaction-Wise And Invoice-Wise: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s. M.P. Audyogik Kendra Vikas Nigam Versus Principal Commissioner of Central Goods & Service Tax and Central Excise

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that demand under service tax on reverse charge mechanisms has to be worked out and calculated transaction-wise and invoice-wise.

Excess Service Tax Paid Can Be Adjusted Towards Service Tax Liability For The Succeeding Month Or Quarter: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s B.L. Kashyap & Sons Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Service Tax

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that excess service tax paid can be adjusted towards service tax liability for the succeeding month or quarter.

Profit Made On Transportation Charges Need Not Be Included In The Assessable Value, No Excise Duty Payable: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s. Concrete Products and Construction Co. Versus Commissioner of GST & Central Excise

The Chennai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT)has held that profit made on transportation charges need not be included in the assessable value and the excise duty is not leviable.

Accumulated Cenvat Credit Lying Unutilized Does Not Carry Any Interest: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s. Ad2Pro Global Creative Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Versus The Commissioner of Service Tax

The Chennai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that accumulated CENVAT credit lying unutilized does not carry any interest.

Manufacturing Without Proper Manufacturing Facilities: CESTAT Upholds Excise Duty Demand, Penalty

Case Title: Orkay Gears Versus C.C.E.-Ahmedabad-i

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that manufacture and clearances made by the four units availing the benefit of Notification No. 8/2003-CE have to be clubbed together as these units are one and the same. Their operations are under common management/family members and financial control, and they have mutual financial interests with each other.

Certificates Issued By Qualified Professionals Like CAs Can’t Be Brushed Aside Merely For Lack Of Corroborative Evidence: CESTAT

Case Title: Rajashree Polyfil Versus Commissioner of Central Excise & ST

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has observed that certificates issued by qualified professionals like cost accountants, chartered accountants, and chartered engineers should not be brushed aside merely with the statement that corroborative evidence was not produced.

Services Rendered By Indian Commission Agent To Foreign Principal Will Qualify As Export Of Service: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s. Arcelor Mittal Stainless (I) P. Ltd. Versus Commissioner Service Tax

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the services rendered by Indian commission agents to foreign principals will qualify as "export of service.

CESTAT Allows Service Tax Refund On Advance Amount Returned To The Buyer, Upon The Cancellation Of The Flats Booking

Case Title: Guardian Landmarks LLP Versus Commissioner of Central Excise & Service Tax

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has allowed service tax refunds on advance amounts returned to the buyer upon cancellation of the flat booking.

No Service Tax Payable On Administrative Charges Received From Coal Mine Companies By Coal Mines PF Organization: CESTAT

Case Title: Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization Versus Commissioner of Central Excise & Service Tax, Dhanbad

The Kolkata Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that service tax is not payable on administrative charges received from coal mine companies by the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation.

Service Tax Not Payable On Fixed Facility Charges For Providing Liquid Gas Storage Tanks: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s.Inox Air Products Ltd. Versus The Commissioner of GST & Central Excise

The Chennai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that service tax is not payable on fixed facility charges (FFC) for providing liquid nitrogen gas storage tanks.

Interest On Delayed Service Tax Refund Payable On Expiry Of 3 Months From Application: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Champion Flavours, Meerut Versus Commissioner CGST, Jammu

The Chandigarh Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that interest on delayed service tax refunds is payable on the expiration of 3 months from the date of application.

Road Construction Services Are Excluded From The Taxable Service: CESTAT Quashes Service Tax Demand

Case Title: Apollo Construction Projects Pvt Ltd. Versus C.S.T.-Service Tax – Ahmedabad

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has quashed the demand for service tax and held that the service provided for road construction is excluded from the taxable service, namely "Commercial or Industrial Construction Service."

When The Test Reports Are On Record, No Need To Go To The Websites And Wikipedia: CESTAT

Case Title: Pradipkumar P. Patel Versus C.C.

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that when the test reports are available on record, there is no need to go to the website or Wikipedia.

No Excise Duty Payable On Manual Segregation Of Scrap: CESTAT

Case Title: The Commissioner, Central Excise & CGST, Alwar Versus M/s R.P. Industries

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that excise duty is not levied on manual segregation of scrap.

CESTAT Allows Service Tax Refund To Developer Of Residential Flats On Cancellation Of Booking

Case Title: M/s Ratnawat Infra Construction Company Versus Commissioner, Central Excise & CGST-Jaipur I

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has allowed the service tax refund to the developer of residential flats on cancellation of the booking.

Authorised Dealer Not Liable To Pay Service Tax On Incentives Out Of Dealership Agreement: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Veer Prabhu Marketing Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Central Excise

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the authorized dealer was not liable to pay service tax on various incentives that it received from Tata as per the dealership agreement.

Deputy Commissioner Not Empowered To Reassess After The Goods Were Cleared For Home Consumption: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Holy Land Marketing Private Limited Versus Commissioner of Customs

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the Deputy Commissioner had the power to reassess the goods under Section 17(5) of the Customs Act, 1962, after the goods had been cleared for home consumption.

Service Tax Refund Can’t Be Denied On Input Services Wholly Consumed Within SEZ: CESTAT

Case Title: Vishay Semiconductor India Pvt. Ltd. Versus Commissioner of CGST & Central Excise

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that service tax refunds cannot be denied on input services that are wholly consumed within the SEZ.

Haldiram Not Liable To Pay Service Tax On Take-Away Of Food Items: CESTAT

Case Title: Haldiram Marketing Pvt. Ltd. Versus Commissioner, Central Goods and Service Tax, GST Delhi East Commissionerate

The Delhi bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that no service tax can be levied on the activity of takeaway food items.

CESTAT Allows Cenvat Credit To Delhi Metro Rail Corporation On Consulting Engineer’s Services

Case Title: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. versus Principal Commissioner, Service Tax, Delhi-I

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has granted Delhi Metro Rail Corporation a cenvat credit for consulting engineer services.

No Excise Duty Payable On Empty Barrels Used Only For Packing Material: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Cairn India Limited Versus Assistant Commissioner

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that no excise duty is payable on empty barrels used only for packing material.

Stadium Provided By Tamil Nadu Cricket Association For IPL Matches, Not Taxable As ‘Infrastructural Support Service’ To BCCI: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s. Tamil Nadu Cricket Association versus Commissioner of Service Tax

The Chennai Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has ruled that the Chepauk Stadium provided by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association for conduct of the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, does not attract service tax. The Tribunal dismissed the Revenue Department’s contention that the same was in the nature of infrastructural support service provided to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which fell within the definition of ‘Support Services of Business or Commerce’ under Section 65(104c) of the Finance Act, 1994.

Customs Broker Is Not Liable For Undervaluation Of Exported Goods: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s. Sri Velavan Logistics Services Private Limited Versus The Commissioner of Customs

The Chennai Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that customs brokers cannot be held liable for the undervaluation of exported goods.

The bench of P. Dinesha (a judicial member) has observed that the valuation of any goods could never be the domain of a customs broker as it depends upon the contract between the exporter and the importer, in which the customs broker has no say.

Decision Of CG Not To Impose Anti-Dumping Duty, Quasi-Judicial In Nature; Principles Of NJ Must Be Followed: CESTAT

Case Title: Chemical and Petrochemicals Manufactures Association (CPMA) versus Union of India & Ors.

The New Delhi bench of the Customs, Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has reiterated that the decision taken by the Central Government to not impose an anti-dumping duty under Section 9A of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, is quasi-judicial in nature and not legislative, and thus, the requirement of a reasoned order must be compiled with.

Once The Flat Buyer Cancels The Booking Builder Not Liable To Pay Service Tax: CESTAT

Case Title: Credence Property Developers Pvt. Ltd. Versus Commissioner of CGST & Central Excise

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that once the buyer cancelled the booking and the consideration for service was returned, the service contract got terminated, and once it is established that no service is provided, then refund of tax for such service becomes admissible.

Service Tax Not Payable On Intermediary In The Sale Of Space or Time For Media Agency On Commission Basis: CESTAT

Case Title: Drishty Communication Private Limited Versus C.C.E. & S.T.-Rajkot

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that service tax is not payable on intermediaries in the sale of space or time for media agencies on a commission basis.

Responsibility Of Assessee To Know The Eligibility Before Making Export Benefits Claim: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Cipra Enterprises Versus Commissioner of Customs

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the appellant made a wrong claim of export benefit under MEIS, having been misadvised by the Customs House Agent (CHA).

Clinical Establishments Providing Health Care Services Are Exempted From Service Tax: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s. Maharaja Agrasen Hospital Charitable Trust Versus

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has observed that clinical establishments providing health care services are exempt from service tax.

Notice Under Customs Act Can Be Issued Only After The Assessment Is Modified On Appeal: CESTAT

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that once an assessment is made, it stands unless it is reviewed under Section 28 of the Customs Act or modified in an appeal.

The two-member bench headed by Justice Dilip Gupta (President) and P.V. Subba Rao (Technical Member)has observed that any assessment can be modified in two ways: first, through an appeal, and second, through a process of review under Section 28.

Gold Balas Are Gold Ornaments Having Definite Shape To Be Worn By The Local People: CESTAT

Case Title: Sailendra Narayan Panda Versus Pr. Commissioner of CGST & CX, Bhubaneswar

The Kolkata Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has released the gold balas from custody and held that gold balas are gold ornaments having a definite shape to be worn by the local people.

The bench of P.K. Choudhary (Judicial Member) has observed that the Gold Control Act of 1968 has already been repealed since 1990. Under the new fiscal policy, the possession of gold is not an offense.

Onus is On The Customs Department To Prove That The Goods are Smuggled: CESTAT

Case Title: Dharmesh B. Bhavsar Versus Principal Commissioner, Customs

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the onus is on the Customs Department to lead evidence in support of an allegation as to the smuggled nature of goods.

The bench of Anil Choudhary (a judicial member) has directed the department to release the goods within a period of 15 days. The appellant shall not be liable for payment of godown rent, detention charges, or demurrage.

“Activation Charges” Of Equipment/Software Features Covered Under The Activity Of Sales Of Goods, Not “Service”: CESTAT

Case Title: Black Box Limited Versus Commissioner of Central Excise & ST, Ahmedabad-iii

The Ahmedabad Bench of Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the “activation charges” of equipment/ software features are covered under the activity of sales of goods and not covered under the provisions of “Service”.

Excise Duty Not Payable On Test Production: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Tribhuvan Metal Industries Versus Commissioner of Central Excise

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that excise duty is not payable on test production.

The bench of Anil Choudhary (Judicial Member) has observed that the appellant/assessee has done only test production prior to November 11, 2010, and they have been doing mainly trading of finished goods as the factory was not fully set up at the testing stage.

No Case Is Made Out By Customs For Confiscation Of Goods Meant For Export: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Medista Overseas Versus Commissioner, Central Excise & Central Goods and Service Tax

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is not required from the Drug Controller in respect of an export consignment filed for the export of drugs to Liberia.

Promotional Activities Undertaken By Cricketers Are Not Covered Under Business Support Service: CESTAT Quashes Service Tax Demand Against Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan

Case Title: Yusufkhan M Pathan Versus C.C.E. & S.T.-Vadodara-ii

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has quashed the service tax demand against the international cricketers, Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan.

The two-member bench of Ramesh Nair (judicial member) and Raju (technical member) has observed that the apparel that the appellant had to wear was team clothing, which bears the brand names and marks of various sponsors. The appellants were not providing any service as independent individuals. It cannot be said that the appellants were rendering any services that could be classified as business support services.

Payments Made Through Cenvat Account Is Liable To Be Re-Credited If Excise Duty Is Paid In Cash: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Mideast Integrated Steels Ltd. Versus Commissioner of CGST & Excise

The Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that once the duty has been paid in cash, earlier payments made through the Cenvat Account are liable to be re-credited to the Account and no objection that such re-credit was not on the basis of any eligible document can be adopted by the department.

The bench of P.K. Choudhary (Judicial Member) has observed that the suo motu credit of Cenvat reversed earlier involved only an account entry reversal and, in the process, no outflow of funds from the assessee, and accordingly, filing of a refund claim under Section 11B of the Central Excise Act, 1944, is not required.

CESTAT Allows Interest On Refunded Amount Deposited During Investigation

Case Title: M/s Leading Point Powertronics Pvt Ltd Versus Commissioner, Central Excise & CGST- Delhi South

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has allowed interest on the amount refunded, which was deposited during the investigation.

CESTAT Allows Interest On Refunded Amount Deposited During Investigation

Case Title: M/s Leading Point Powertronics Pvt Ltd Versus Commissioner, Central Excise & CGST- Delhi South

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has allowed interest on the amount refunded, which was deposited during the investigation.

Cenvat Credit Allowable On The Service Of Repair & Maintenance During Warranty Period: CESTAT

Case Title: C.C.E. & S.T.-Rajkot Versus Falcon Pumps Private Limited

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that cenvat credit is allowable on the service of repair and maintenance during the warranty period.

Service Tax Not Payable On The Amount Collected From The Member Units For Treatment Of Effluent Water: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s. Perundurai Common Effluent Treatment Plant Versus The Commissioner of Central Excise and Service Tax

The Hyderabad Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that service tax is not payable on the remuneration collected from the member units for the activity of treating effluent water.

CESTAT Allows Cenvat Credit On Service Tax Paid By Automotive Dealers

Case Title: ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd.

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has allowed the cenvat credit on service tax paid by automotive dealers.

Builder/Developer/Promoter Not Liable To Pay Service Tax On Construction Of Complex Service Or Works Contract Prior To July 2010: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s. South India Shelters Private Limited Versus The Commissioner of Central Excise

The Chennai Bench of Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that no liability for paying tax under ‘construction of complex service’ or ‘works contract’ would lie on the builder, developer, or promoter during the period prior to July 2010.

Imported Coal Does Not Attract Customs Education Cess And Higher Education Cess: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s. Chemplast Sanmar Ltd. Versus The Commissioner of Customs

The Chennai Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that imported coal would not attract the Customs Education Cess and the Higher Education Cess.

Service Provider Deploying Employees In Manufacturing Premises For Specified Job Works Can’t Be Held As Manpower Supply Services: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Donypolo Udyog Ltd Versus Commissioner, Central Excise & Service Tax, Indore

The Delhi bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has ruled that where the service provider has deployed his employees in the assessee's manufacturing premises for specific job works, it cannot be considered manpower supply services.

Excise Duty Not Payable On Scrap Sent To The Job Workers For Manufacture Of Angles And Channels: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s.Tansi Pump Unit Versus The Commissioner of GST & Central Excise

The Chennai Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that excise duty is not payable on the scrap that has been sent to the job workers for the manufacture of intermediate products such as angles and channels.

Service Tax Not Payable On The Service Charges For Prepayment Of Loan Amount By The Customer: CESTAT

Case Title: Rajasthan Financial Corporation Versus Additional Commissioner

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that service charges for pre-payment or foreclosure of loan amounts by the customer cannot be treated as taxable services and are not chargeable to service tax.

Both Sales Tax And Service Tax Cannot Be Made Applicable On The Same Transaction: CESTAT

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has observed that both sales tax and service tax cannot be made applicable on the same transaction.

Cooperative Banks Qualified As Cooperative Societies : CESTAT Allows Section 80P Deduction On Interest Received From Co-Operative Banks

Case Title: M/s.Laxmi Bachat Sharafi Sahkari Mandali Ltd. Versus ITO

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that cooperative banks qualified as cooperative societies and the interest received from cooperative banks by the assessee in the present case qualified for deduction under section 80P(2)(d) of the Income Tax Act.

CESTAT Rejects The Refund Claim Of Krishi Kalyan Cess Worth Rs. 5 Lakhs Paid On Services Received For Manufacturing Of Goods

Case Title: M/s Lupin Limited Versus Commissioner of Central Tax & Customs (Appeals), Guntur

The Hyderabad Bench of Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has rejected the refund claim of Krishi Kalyan Cess (KKC) worth rs. 5 lakhs paid on services received for manufacturing of goods.

Mere NBFC Registration Not Enough Under Provision Of Service Tax For Levy: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Qualcomm India Pvt ltd Versus Commissioner of Customs & Central Excise, Hyderabad-IV

The Hyderabad Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that mere registration as an NBFC is not enough under the provision of service tax to levy.

CESTAT Allows Cenvat Credit Of Service Tax Paid On Services Of Toilets Located In Port User Building

Case Title: M/s Jawaharlal Neharu Port Trust Versus Commissioner of Central Tax - Raigad

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has allowed the CENVAT credit of service tax paid on services of toilets located in port-user buildings.

Architect Service, Telephone Expenses For Construction Of Hotel Are Input Services: CESTAT Allows Cenvat Credit On Service Tax

Case Title: M/s Asrani Inns & Resorts Pvt. Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Central Goods & Service Tax Navi Mumbai

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Tribunal (CESTAT) has allowed the Cenvat Credit on Service Tax paid on architect services; telephone expenses, etc. for construction of hotel are input services.

Central Excise Duty Not Payable On Capital Subsidy Received From State Government In Form Of Sales Tax Challan 37B: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Harit Polytech Pvt. Ltd. Versus Commissioner, Central Excise & CGST- Jaipur I

The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has observed that central excise duty is not payable on capital subsidies received from the state government in the form of sales tax challan 37b.

Amount Deposited In The Personal Ledger Account Until It Is Not Debited Towards Duties Is Property Of The Assessee: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s Hariwansh Packing Products Versus Commissioner of CGST & Central Excise Nagpur-I

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that the amount deposited in the Personal Ledger Account (PLA) until such time as it is not debited towards duties is the property of the appellant.

AAAR

AAAR

Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam Is Not A Local Authority: AAAR Denies Concessional Rate Benefit On Works-Contract Services

Appellant’s Name: Indian Hume Pipes Company Ltd

The Uttar Pradesh Appellate Authority of Advance Ruling (AAAR) has held that Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (UPJN) is not a local authority and 18% GST is payable on the works-contract services.

Vouchers Are Neither Goods Nor Services, No ITC Available To Myntra: AAAR

Applicant’s Name: Myntra Designs Private Limited

The Karnataka Appellate Authority of Advance Ruling (AAAR) has held that input tax credit (ITC) is not available on the vouchers and subscription packages procured by Myntra from third-party vendors.

Permit Issued By Forest Dept. For Coal-Transit Taxable As "Public-Administrative-Services": AAAR

Appellant’s Name: Singareni Collieries Company Limited

The Telangana Appellate Authority of Advance Ruling (AAAR) has ruled that the permit issued by the forest department for coal transit is taxable as public administrative services.

18% GST Applicable On Services Of Project Management Consultancy Services: Maharashtra AAAR

Applicant’s Name: M/s. Worley Services India Pvt. Ltd.

The Maharashtra Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling (AAAR) has ruled that project management consulting services are subject to 18% GST.

The two-member bench of D.K. Srinivas and Rajiv Kumar Mittal has upheld the AAR’s ruling and observed that services provided through their professionals are in the nature of professional and technical services as the services provided require technically qualified and trained professionals and staff. Thus, the services provided by the appellant will merit classification under SAC 998349 with the description "Other technical and scientific services."

Administering Of COVID-19 Vaccine By Hospitals Attracts 5% GST: AAAR

The Andhra Pradesh Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling (AAAR) has ruled that hospitals must pay 5% GST when administering the COVID-19 vaccine.

The two-member bench of Sanjay Pant and M. Girija Shankar has observed that the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine is not an exempt supply as it is not covered under the definition of "healthcare services." Further held, it is a composite supply wherein the principal supply is the "sale of vaccines" and the ancillary supply is the "service of administering vaccines."

Movement Of Goods Between Branches In Different States Taxable Under 'Lease Rental Service': AAAR

Appellant’s Name: CHEP India Private Limited

The Maharashtra Appellate Authority of Advance Ruling (AAAR) has ruled that the movement of goods between branches in different states is taxable under 'lease rental service'.

18% GST Payable On Target-Based Incentive Received By Intel Reseller: AAAR

Appellant’s Name: M/s MEK Peripherals India Private Limited Versus

The Maharashtra Appellate Authority of Advance Ruling (AAAR), while upholding the Order of the AAR, ruled that 18% GST is payable on target-based incentives received by Intel resellers.

PPF Funds Management Service Prior To 10.9.2004 Not Liable To Pay Service Tax: CESTAT

Case Title: M/s State Bank of India, Mumbai Versus Commissioner of Service Tax

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that service tax is payable on the operation of PPF accounts after September 10, 2004.

Salary Is Out Of The Purview Of Service Tax: CESTAT Quashes Service Tax Demand Against Kellogg

Case Title: M/s. Kellogg India Pvt. Ltd. Versus Commissioner of CGST & CE, Belapur

The Mumbai Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has quashed the service tax demand against Kellogg India and held that salary is out of the purview of service tax.

Charging Higher Fees By Charitable Institution Will Not Make It Commercial; CESTAT Allows Refund To Adani Institute Of Medical Sciences

Case Title: Gujarat Adani Institute Of Medical Sciences Versus C.C.E. & S.T.-Rajkot

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has allowed the refund to Gujarat Adani Institute Of Medical Sciences and held that merely by charging a higher fee, an institution cannot be treated as a commercial institute.

AAR

GST Payable On Monthly Rental, Night Charges, Fuel On Mileage Basis In Availing Motor Vehicle Rental Services: AAR

Applicant’s Name: Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority

The Uttarakhand Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that GST is payable on monthly rental, night charges, and fuel on a mileage basis when availing motor vehicle rental services.

GST Is Payable On Substance Use Disorder As It Is Out Of Ambit Of Health Care Services: Rajasthan AAR

Applicant’s Name: M/S Sanjeevani Psychiatric Clinic

The Rajasthan Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that Goods and Service Tax (GST) is payable on substance use disorder as it is outside the ambit of health care services.

‘Duty Credit Scrips’ To Be Excluded From The Value Of Exempt Supply To Compute ITC Reversal: AAR

Applicant’s Name: M/s. Kaveri Exports, TSAAR Order No.12/2023

The Telangana Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that "duty credit scrips" shall be excluded from the value of exempt supply.

Full Credit Available On GST Charge In The Tax Invoice Issued By The Supplier: AAR

Applicant’s Name: M/s. Vedmutha Electricals India Private Limited

The Andhra Pradesh Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that full credit of the GST charge is included in the tax invoice issued by the supplier even if later commercial or financial credit notes are issued.

ITC Not Allowable On Construction Of Shed Using Prefabricated Technology: Telangana AAR

Applicant’s Name: M/s. Sanghi Enterprises

The Telangana Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that input tax credit (ITC) is allowed for the construction of sheds using prefabricated technology.

Inter-State Supply Of Ambulances To Tripura Government Attracts 28% IGST: AAR

Applicant’s Name: Raminfo Limited

The Telangana Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that the supply of ambulances to the Tripura government attracts 28% IGST as it is an interstate supply.

12% GST Payable On Accommodation Building Located Outside The Boundary Of The Religious Place: AAR

Applicant’s Name: Nandini Ashram Trust

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that GST is payable on accommodation buildings located outside the boundary of the religious place.

18% GST Payable On The Commission If Commission Is Deducted On The Bonus Amount As An Intermediary: AAR

Applicant’s Name: M/s. Foodsutra Art Of Spices Private Limited

The Telangana Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that 18% of the commission will be deducted from the bonus amount as an intermediary.

GST Exemption On Architectural Consultancy Service Provided To Surat Municipal Corporation: AAR

Applicant’s Name: Ajit Babubhai Jariwala

The Gujarat Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that the "Architectural Consultancy Service" provided to Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) for the construction of SMIMER Hospital and College Campus is exempt from GST.

No GST On The Difference Between Purchasing, Selling Price Of Second Hand Gold Jewellery: AAR

Applicant’s Name: White Gold Bullion Private Limited

The Karnataka Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that purchasing second-hand gold in the form of jewellery and parts of jewellery from unregistered individuals and selling it to registered or unregistered dealers after melting it in the form of lumps of gold cannot be subject to GST on the margin difference between the sale price and purchase price as stipulated in Rule 32(5) of the CGST Rules, 2017.

Supply Of Ice Cream From The Outlets Cannot Be Considered As Supply Of “Restaurant Services”: AAR

Applicant’s Name: HRPL Restaurants P. Ltd.

The Gujarat Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that the supply of ice cream from the outlets cannot be considered as the supply of restaurant services.

Building And Fabricating Tipper Body If Chassis Is Owned, Supplied By The Customer Attracts 18% GST: Punjab AAR

Applicant’s Name: Raj Agro AIDS

The Punjab Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that the building and fabricating of a tipper body if the chassis is owned and supplied by the customer attracts 18% GST.

Purchaser Is Not Entitled To ITC On The Purchases Made From The Seller Who Had Discharged Its Tax Liability: AAR

Applicant’s Name: Vimal Alloys Ltd.

The Punjab Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that the purchaser is not entitled to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on the purchases made by it from the seller, who had discharged its tax liability.

GST Under Reverse Charge Mechanism Is Applicable On Services Of Renting Residential Premises as Guest House: AAR

Applicant’s Name: Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys Limited

The Odisha Authority of Advance Ruling has held that GST under the reverse charge mechanism is applicable to services by way of taking residential premises on rent for use as its guest house.

5% GST Payable On RCM Basis On Purchase Of Tobacco Leaves/Bhukko From The Agriculturist: Gujarat AAR

Applicant’s Name: M/s. JCP Agro Process P Ltd.

The Gujarat Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that 5% GST on reverse charge mechanisms (RCM) shall be applicable on the purchase of tobacco leaves/bhukko from the agriculturist.

28% GST Payable On Supply PVC Floor Mats For Cars: AAR

Applicant’s Name: Manishaben Vipulbhai Sorathiya

The Gujarat Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that 28% GST is payable on the supply of PVC floor mats for cars.

The two-member bench of Amit Kumar Mishra and Milind Kavatkar has observed that the floor mats used for four-wheel motor vehicles (cars) supplied by the applicant are principally for use in motor vehicles.

Supply Of Goods To The Overseas Customer Is Neither A Supply Of Goods Nor A Supply Of Services: Karnataka AAR

Applicant’s Name: Marubeni India Private Limited

The Karnataka Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that the supply of goods to an overseas customer is treated neither as a supply of goods nor as a supply of services.

Transaction Of Transfer/Sale Of One Of The Independent Running Business Divisions Attracts 18% GST: AAR

Applicant’s Name: PICO2FEMTO Semiconductor Services Private Limited

The Karnataka Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that the transfer or sale of one of the independently running business divisions attracts 18% GST.

Supply Of The Aircraft Type Rating Training Is Exigible To GST: AAR

Applicant’s Name: CAE Flight Training (India) Private Limited

The Karnataka Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that the supply of aircraft-type rating training is eligible for GST.

Salted, Flavoured Potato Chips, Chivda, Sev, Hing Bhujiya Attracts 12% GST: Gujarat AAR

Applicant’s Name: Prajapati Keval Dineshbhai

The Gujarat Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has observed that 12% GST is applicable on salted and flavoring potato chips, chivda, sev, and hing bhujiya.

Readily Available Food, Beverages Sold Over Counter Is A Supply Of Goods, Does Not Qualify As “Restaurant Services”: Gujarat AAR

Applicant’s Name: Ridhi Enterprise

The Gujarat Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that readily available food and beverages that are not prepared in the restaurant and sold over the counter are supplies of goods that are liable to GST and do not qualify as "restaurant services."

The two-member bench of Amit Kumar Mishra and Milind Kavatkar relied on the ruling of the Appellate Authority of Advance Ruling, Uttrakhand, pronounced in the case of M/s Kundan Mishthan, in which it was ruled that sales of sweets, namkeens, cold drinks, and other edible items from sweet shop counters will be treated as supplies of goods with applicable GST rates of the items being sold and input credit will be allowed on supplies.

Supply Of Sharpener Along With Pencils Is A Mixed Supply: Gujarat AAR

Applicant’s Name: Doms Industries Pvt. Ltd.

The Gujarat Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that the supply of sharpeners along with pencils is covered under the category of "mixed supply."

The two-member bench of Amit Kumar Mishra and Milind Kavatkar has observed that a mixed supply containing more than two supplies shall be treated as a supply of the particular supply that attracts the higher rate of tax in the mixed supply. The applicant is required to use the HSN code of the particular supply, which attracts a higher rate of tax among all the taxable supplies contained in a pack or box.

GST Exemption On Hiring Of Goods Transportation Vehicle By GTA: Chhattisgarh AAR

Applicant’s Name: Prahallad Ray Rekhraj Agrawal Bazar Neora

The Chhattisgarh Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that GST is not payable on the hiring of goods transportation vehicles by the Goods Transportation Agency (GTA).

The two-member bench of Sonal K. Mishra and Rajesh Kumar Singh has observed that the service by way of giving on hire a means of transportation of goods to the applicant GTA is exigible for the nil rate of GST as stipulated under Notification number 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated June 28, 2017. When no tax is payable, the question of taking any input tax credit does not arise.

Training, Coaching Services Does Not Come Under ‘Educational Institution’, No GST Exemption Available: Kerala AAR

Applicant’s Name: Tutor Comp Info Tech Private Limited

The Kerala Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that training and coaching services do not come under the definition of "educational institution" to claim GST exemption.

The two-member bench of S.L. Sreeparvathy and Abraham Renn S has observed that institutions providing services by way of education as a part of the curriculum for obtaining a qualification recognised by any law for the time being in force and those engaged in providing education as a part of an approved vocational education course are covered by the definition of "educational institution."

No GST Payable On Afforestation Carried Out By Charitable Organisation: Gujarat AAR

Applicant’s Name: M/s. Vikas Centre For Development

The Gujarat Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that the afforestation carried out by the charitable organisation is exempt from GST.

The two-member bench of Amit Kumar Mishra and Milind Kavatkar observed that the activities of mangrove plantations are covered under charitable activity. The applicant is registered under Section 12AA of the Income-tax Act, 1961, as a charitable trust, and thus the service of planting mangroves by the applicant is eligible for exemption from the payment of GST.

Medical Monitoring Services To Senior Citizens At Door Step Attract 18% GST: West Bengal AAR

Applicant’s Name: Snehador Social & Health Care Support LLP

The West Bengal Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that services of regular medical monitoring, along with other logistical support, provided by the applicant to senior citizens at their doorsteps, attract 18% GST.

Supply Of Services For Right To Use Car Parking Space Attracts 18% GST: West Bengal AAR

Applicant’s Name: Eden Real Estates Private Limited

The West Bengal Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that the supply of services for the right-to-use car parking spaces attracts 18% GST.

The two-member bench of Brajesh Kumar Singh and Joyjit Banik has observed that the supply of services for the right to use a car parking space is a separate supply and not to be construed as a composite supply of construction of residential apartment services.

18% GST Payable On The Composite Supply Of Welding Services On Railway Tracks Along With Labour Services: West Bengal AAR

Applicant’s Name: Purple Distributors Pvt. Ltd.

The West Bengal Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that the conversion of short weld rails (SWR) to long weld rails (LWR) by flash butt welding on the railway tracks along with the supply of labour services shall be treated as composite supplies.

Contract For Construction Of New Railway Siding Is Covered Under “Works Contract”, Attracts 12% GST: West Bengal AAR

Applicant’s Name: Triveni Engicons Private Limited

The West Bengal Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that the contract for the construction of new railway siding is covered under the definition of a "works contract" and attracts 12% GST.

Treated Water Obtained From CETP Attracts 18% GST: Gujarat AAR

The Gujarat Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has observed that treated water obtained from the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) attracts 18% GST.

The two-member bench of Amit Kumar Mishra and Milind Kavatkar has observed that the applicant is also a common effluent treatment plant engaged in collecting, conveying, treating, and disposing of effluents from its member dyeing and bleaching units and obtaining water by the process of reverse osmosis. The treated water is not used for drinking purposes by the public at large but is supplied to industries for their use.

18% GST Payable On The Forest Permit Fee: Telangana AAR

Applicant: M/s Singareni Colleries Company Ltd.

The Telangana Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that 18% GST is payable on the forest permit fee.

The two-member bench of B.P. Naga Siva Kumari observed that the permit fees collected by the forest department are used by forest officials to monitor mining activity, assess the quantity and type of mineral being quarried, conduct surveys, and keep a constant eye on the movement of the produce, and are unrelated to social or farm forestry.

GST Not Payable On Reimbursement Of Tree Cut Compensation Paid To Farmers By Pure Agent: Karnataka AAR

Applicant’s Name: Sree Subha Sales

The Karnataka Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that a pure agent is not liable to pay GST on reimbursement of compensation amounts paid to farmers and landowners.

The two-judge bench of M.P. Ravi Prasad and Kiran Reddy T. has ruled that reimbursement of land compensation amounts paid to farmers and landowners during the course of work is subject to GST if the applicant does not qualify as a pure agent.

Works Contract Services Of Construction Of Railway Under Bridge Exigible To 18% GST: Karnataka AAR

Applicant’s Name: S K Swamy and Company

The Karnataka Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that Indian Railways' contract services for the construction of the railway under the bridge are subject to 18% GST.

GST ITC Available On Trading Of Meat Products, Packed Cold Cuts Spices, Masala Powder: Karnataka AAR

Applicant’s Name: Meat Mart Unit of the New Bangalore Ham Shop

The Karnataka Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that the GST Input Tax Credit (ITC) is available for the trading of meat products, packed cold cuts, spices, and masala powder.

The two-member bench of M.P. Ravi Prasad and Kiran Reddy T. has observed that input tax credit has to be availed of in terms of sections 16 and 17 of the CGST Act 2017 read with Rule 42 of the CGST Rules 2017.

5% GST Payable On Pre-Packaged And Labelled Jaggery: Karnataka AAR

Applicant’s Name: Prakash and Company

The Karnataka Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has held 5% GST on pre-packaged and labeled jaggery.

Setting-Up Naval Communication Network By Subcontractor For BSNL, Attracts 12% GST: Maharashtra AAAR

The Maharashtra Appellate Authority of Advance Ruling (AAAR) has ruled that 12% GST is applicable on setting up the Naval Communication Network as a subcontractor for the Indian Navy on behalf of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

5% GST Applicable On Value Of Part Of Gold Retained For Job Work: West Bengal AAR

Applicant’s Name: Aabhushan Jewellers Pvt. Ltd.

The West Bengal Advance Ruling Authority (AAR) has ruled that the value of 10 grams of gold is included in the value of job work services and is subject to 5% GST.

GST Exempted On Services Of Milling Of Food Grains Into Flour To Govt. Of West Bengal For PDS: AAR

Applicant’s Name: Somnath Flour Mills

The West Bengal Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has ruled that services by way of milling food grains into flour (atta) and supplying it to the Food & Supplies Department, Govt. of West Bengal, for distribution under the Public Distribution System, are eligible for GST exemption.

GST Exempted On Bouquet Made With Dry Parts Of Plants, Foliage, And Branches Of Plant: AAR

Applicant’s Name: Shopinshop Franchise Pvt. Ltd.

The West Bengal Authority of the Advance Ruling (AAR) has observed that bouquets made with dry parts of plants, such as foliage, flower buds, grasses, and branches of plants, are exempt from GST.

Selling Of Alcoholic Liquor For Human Consumption Is A “Non-Taxable Supply”: AAR

Applicant’s Name: Karnani FNB Specialities Ltd.

The West Bengal Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has observed that the activities of selling alcoholic liquor for human consumption by the applicant would be treated as a "non-taxable supply" and therefore fall under the category of "exempt supply" under the GST Act.

Supply Of Ready To Eat And Ready To Cook Food Products Attracts 18% GST: Karnataka AAR

Applicant’s Name: SATS Food Solutions India Private Limited

The Karnataka Authority for Advance Ruling has ruled that 18% GST is applicable on the supply of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook food products.

The two-member bench of M.P. Ravi Prasad and Kiran Reddy T. has observed that all kinds of food mixes, including instant food mixes, soft drink concentrates, Sharbat, the betel nut product known as "Supari," sterilized or pasteurized millstone, ready-to-eat packaged food, and milk containing edible nuts with sugar or other ingredients, attract 18% GST.

GST Payable On Additional Surcharge Collected From Open Access Consumer Under Electricity Act: AAR

Applicant’s Name: Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited

The Karnataka Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that the additional surcharge collected from open-access consumers as per Section 42 of the Electricity Act, 2003, is taxable under the GST Act.

The two-member bench of M.P. Ravi Prasad and Kiran Reddy T. has observed that Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited cannot be considered either a "governmental authority" or a "local authority."

Supply Of Prepackaged And Labelled Rice Upto 25 Kgs, To The Factory Of Exporter Attracts 5% GST: Haryana AAR

Applicant’s Name: D D International Pvt. Ltd.

The Haryana Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that 5% GST is applicable on supplies of prepackaged and labelled rice up to 25 kg to the factory of the exporter.

The two-member bench of Sunder Lal and Kumud Singh has observed that the legislature's intention is that the supply of rice in packets of up to 25 kg, which are duly pre-packaged and labelled as per the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and the rules made thereunder, is a taxable event and it’s not an exempted or nil-rated supply.

Services Provided By Branch Office To Head Office And Vice Versa Will Attract GST: AAR

Applicant’s Name: Tvl.Profisolutions Private Limited

The Tamil Nadu Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) has held that the services, including those of common employees of a person, provided by branch offices to the head office and vice versa, each having a separate GST registration, will attract GST.

Wooden Ice Cream Sticks And Spoons Exigible To 12% GST: AAR

Applicant’s Name: Ragu Packaging

The Karnataka Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) ruled that 12% GST is exigible on wooden ice cream sticks and wooden ice cream spoons.

Direct Taxes

Supreme Court

Memorandum Issued By The Government To Deduct 4% TDS Is Not Ultra Vires To Tripura Sales Tax Act: Supreme Court

Case Title: The State Of Tripura Versus Chandan Deb

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 280

The Supreme Court has held that the liability to pay the tax shall be on the transferor who transfers the right to use any goods as per proviso to Section 3(1) read with Section 2(b) and 2(g) of the Tripura Sales Tax Act (TST Act).

Section 263 Income Tax Act | Erroneous Order Of Assessing Officer Causing Prejudice To Revenue Is Revisable By CIT : Supreme Court

Case Title: The Commissioner of Income Tax vs. M/s. Paville Projects Pvt Ltd

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 282

The Supreme Court has held that the Commissioner of Income Tax can exercise revision powers under Section 263 of the Income Tax Act over the orders of the Assessing Officer which cause prejudice to the interest of the revenue.

Mere Delay In Remittance Of TDS Doesn’t Attract Penalty Under S 271C Income Tax Act: Supreme Court

Case Title: M/s US Technologies International Pvt Ltd vs. The Commissioner of Income Tax

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 285

The Supreme Court has ruled that no penalty is leviable under Section 271C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 on mere delay in remittance of the tax deducted at source (TDS) after the same has been deducted by the assessee.

Income Tax Act | For A Company To Be A "Resident" In India, Domicile Or Registration Irrelevant; Test Is Where De Facto Control Lies : Supreme Court

Case Titled: Mansarovar Commercial Pvt Ltd vs. Commissioner of Income Tax, Delhi

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 291

The Supreme Court has ruled that under the Income Tax Act, 1961, the domicile or the registration of the company is not at all relevant, and the determinate test is the place where, the sole right to manage the company and the control of the company lies.

S. 80-IB Of Income Tax Act - Assessee Not Entitled To Deduction Under On Profit Derived From DEPB And Duty Drawback Schemes: Supreme Court

Case Title: M/s. Saraf Exports vs. Commissioner of Income Tax, Jaipur-III

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 299

The Supreme Court has ruled that the assessee is not entitled to deduction under Section 80- IB of the Income Tax Act, 1961 on the amount received / profit derived from the Duty Entitlement Pass Book Scheme (DEPB) and the Duty Drawback Schemes.

Transfer Pricing | High Courts Not Precluded From Scrutinising ITAT’s Determination Of Arm’s Length Price : Supreme Court

Case Title: SAP Labs India Private Limited vs Income Tax Officer, Circle 6, Bangalore

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 328

The Supreme Court has ruled that the High Court is not precluded from considering the determination of the arm’s length price determined by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), in exercise of its powers under Section 260A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Exemption Of Newspaper’s Income Utilised For Charity: Supreme Court Remands The Matter To AO

Case Title: PCIT Versus Servant of People Society

The Supreme Court has remanded the appeal in respect of the exemption of newspaper income used for charity.

S.153A Income Tax Act| Can Assessments Be Reopened If No Incriminating Material Is Found During Search? Supreme Court Reserves Judgment

Case Title: PR. COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX CENTRAL v. ABHISAR BUILDWELL P. LTD

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its judgment on whether in an assessment under section 153A of the Income Tax Act, besides the incriminating material found during search, such materials which the Assessing Officer has on hand and the third party records available can be relied on to assess total income, or whether the assessment has to confined only to the incriminating material seized during the search. The Court also discussed the issue whether there is no incriminating material seized during the search, then those assessments be reopened and reassessed under Section 153A.

Income Tax Act - For Block Assessment, Normals Procedure Not Applicable; Interest Can Be Levied Without Sec 158BC Notice : Supreme Court

Case Title: K.L. Swamy v. Commissioner of Income Tax And Anr.

2023 LiveLaw (SC) 54

The Supreme Court recently held that revenue was justified in levying interest under Section 158BFA(1) of the Income Tax Act for late filing of the return for the block period even in absence of any notice under Section 158BC of the Act and for the period prior to 01.06.1999.

A Bench comprising Justice M.R. Shah and Justice C.T. Ravikumar was considering a batch of petitions dealing with the same issue.

Non-Banking Finance & Leasing Companies Not Liable To Pay Interest Tax On Instalments Paid Under Hire Purchase Agreement : Supreme Court

Case Title: M/s. Muthoot Leasing And Finance Ltd. versus CIT

Citation : 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 7

The Supreme Court has held that non-banking finance and leasing companies are not liable to pay tax on the interest component included in the hire-purchase instalment paid under the hire purchase agreement.

Income Tax Act | Writ Petition Can Be Entertained To Examine If Conditions To Issue Section 148 Notice Are Satisfied : Supreme Court

Case Title: Red Chilli International Sales Versus ITO

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 16

The Supreme Court recently set aside an order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court which dismissed a writ petition filed by an assessee against a notice issued under Section 148A of the Income Tax Act 1961 for reopening assessment.

The High Court had dismissed the writ petition on the ground of availability of alternative remedy. Taking exception to the High Court's approach, the Supreme Court observed that writ petitions have been entertained to examine whether the conditions for the issuance of notice under Section 148 of the Income Tax Act have been satisfied.

Non-Service Of Assessment Orders Inconsequential If Assesee Had Knowledge About Them Otherwise : Supreme Court

Case Title: Commercial Tax Officer Versus Neeraja Pipes Pvt. Ltd.

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 199

Attachment orders issued by the revenue for tax arrears will not be vitiated merely because the assessment orders were not served on the assessee, if the assessee had otherwise got knowledge about the assessment orders, held by the Supreme Court recently.

Income Tax Act - Date Of Panchnama Last Drawn Starting Point Of Limitation For Completing Block Assessment Proceedings: Supreme Court

Case Title: Anil Minda and Others Versus Commissioner of Income Tax

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 246

The Supreme Court has held that the date on which the Panchnama was last drawn is the starting point of the two-year limitation for completing the block assessment proceedings under the Income Tax Act 1961.

Delhi High Court

Delhi High Court Directs Dept. To Reconsider Travelport UK’s Refund Adjustment

Case Title: Travelport International Operations Limited United Kingdom Versus Commissioner Of Income Tax International Taxation 3 N.Delhi & Ors.

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 506

The Delhi High Court has directed the department to reconsider Travelport UK’s refund adjustment on the basis of the contents of the writ petition.

Delhi High Court Directs AO To Provide Information To Vodafone Mauritius To Drive Out The Validity Of TRC

Case Title: VODAFONE MAURITIUS LIMITED Versus ACIT

The Delhi High Court has directed the AO to provide information to Vodafone Mauritius to determine the validity of the Tax Residency Certificate (TRC).

Assessment Order Cannot Be Directed Against Only One Of The Legal Heirs Of Deceased Assessee: Delhi High Court Sets Aside Rs. 10 Crores Demand

Case Title: Darpan Kohli Versus Assistant Commissioner Of Income Tax

The Delhi High Court held that an assessment order cannot be directed against only one of the legal heirs of a deceased assessee.

AO Unclear whether The Notice Is Issued To An Individual Or A Corporate Entity: Delhi High Court Quashes Reassessment Notice

Case Title: Home Credit India B.V. Versus ACIT

The Delhi High Court has quashed the reassessment notice for non-application of mind by the department.

Refund Can’t Be Withheld On The Ground That Assessee Is Selected For Scrutiny Assessment; Delhi High Court Sets Aside Order Withholding Refund Due To OYO

Case Title: OYO Hotels and Homes Private Limited vs Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax & Anr.

The Delhi High Court has set aside the Revenue Department’s order withholding a refund of over Rs. 33 Crores due to OYO Hotels and Homes Pvt Ltd, while directing the department to reconsider OYO’s representations seeking disbursal of the refund amount, bearing in mind the provisions of Section 241A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

ITO Can’t By-Pass SC Decision In ‘Engineering Analysis’ In The Name Of A Review Petition Filed By Dept: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Milestone Systems A/S vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 254

The Delhi High Court has set aside the Income Tax Department’s order rejecting the assessee’s application seeking a certificate for “NIL” rate of withholding tax under Section 197 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Income Tax Demand On OYO For 1,140 Cr: Delhi High Court Directs CIT To Give Personal Hearing

Case Title: OYO Hotels And Homes Pvt. Ltd. Versus DCIT

The Delhi High Court has directed the Commissioner of Income Tax (CIT) to accord a personal hearing to OYO for the stay on the income tax demand of Rs. 1,140 crores.

TDS Not Deposited By Employer, Can’t Be Adjusted Against Future Refund Due To Assessee: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Sanjay Sudan vs. Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax & Anr.

The Delhi High Court has ruled that the revenue department cannot adjust the withheld tax (TDS) which has not been deposited by the deductor (employer) in the Central Government Account, against the refund due and payable to the deductee/assessee.

Fee Earned By APMC For Regulating Poultry Market, Exempt Under S. 10(26AAB) of Income Tax Act: Delhi High Court

Case Title: PC Commissioner of Income Tax vs. M/s Fish Poultry and Egg Marketing Committee

The Delhi High Court has ruled that the income/ fee earned by an Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) for regulating the poultry market, would fall within the scope of Section 10(26AAB) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and thus the same would be exempt from income tax.

Delhi High Court Stays Reassessment Order Based On Internal Audit Objection

Case Title: Kum Kum Kohli Versus ACIT

The Delhi High Court has stayed the reassessment order based on an internal audit objection.

The division bench of Justice Rajiv Shadher and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju has observed that the expression "any audit objection" was introduced only by the Finance Act, 2022, although with effect from April 1, 2012. Prior to the amendment, the expression obtained in Explanation 1(ii) appended to Section 148 referred to the "Comptroller and Auditor General of India."

Department Can’t Go Behind TRC Issued By The Other Tax Jurisdictions: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Blackstone Capital Partners (Singapore) VI FDI Three Pte. Ltd. Versus ACIT

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 125

The Delhi High Court has quashed the reassessment and held that the department cannot go behind the Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) issued by the other tax jurisdiction.

The division bench of Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora has observed that the reason given for reopening the assessment, namely, to verify the nature and genuineness of the transactions of the assessee in the assessment year, was untenable in law as the return of income had been filed by the assessee within time with full particulars. The notice has been issued on borrowed satisfaction, which is impermissible in law.

Claim That Investment In Shares Was A Capital Account Transaction, Non-Application Of Mind By AO: Delhi High Court Quashes Reassessment Notice

Case Title: Blackstone Capital Partner Versus ACIT

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 92

The Delhi High Court has quashed the reassessment notice as the AO failed to apply his mind as to whether an investment in shares was a capital account transaction.

Explanation 2 To S. 37(1) of Income Tax Act, Which Bars Deduction of CSR Expenses, Is Prospective In Nature: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Pr. Commissioner of Income Tax versus M/s Steel Authority of India Ltd.

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 95

The Delhi High Court has reiterated that Explanation 2 to Section 37(1) of Income Tax Act, 1961, inserted by the Finance Act, 2014, which bars deduction of CSR expenses while computing income from business or profession, is prospective in nature.

The bench of Justices Rajiv Shakdher and Tara Vitasta Ganju remarked that deductibility of CSR expenses under Section 37(1), prior to its amendment by the Finance Act, cannot depend upon how the funds are spent by the recipient.

Information Triggering Reassessment Proceedings Needs To Be Furnished To The Assessee: Delhi High Court

Case Title: Charu Chains & Jewels (P) Ltd. Versus ACIT

The Delhi High Court has held that the underlying information or material that formed the basis for triggering the assessment or reassessment proceedings was required to be furnished to the assessee.

The division bench of Justice Rajiv Shakdher and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju has noted that the petitioner has indicated that it will file a further response once the information or material is provided, and even if the information or material is not provided, it will reserve its right to file a further response.

Assessment Order Issued Without DIN, Invalid; S. 292B Of ITA Not Applicable: Delhi High Court

Case Title: The Commissioner of Income Tax (International Taxation) vs Brandix Mauritius Holdings Ltd

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 329

The Delhi High Court has upheld the order of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) where it had set aside the assessment order issued by the Income Tax Department without quoting the Document Identification Number (DIN).

Bombay High Court

AO Can Make Reference To TPO Only After Selecting Case For Scrutiny Assessment: Bombay High Court

Case Title: Pr. Commissioner of Income Tax Versus Kimberly Clark Lever Private Limited

The Bombay High Court has held that the Assessing Officer (AO) can make reference to the Transfer Pricing Officer (TPO) under Section 92CA of the Income Tax Act only after selecting the case for scrutiny assessment.

Capital Gain To Be Taxed In Singapore: Bombay High Court Allows Capital Gains Exemption To FII

Case Title: CIT Versus M/s Citicorp Investment Bank

The Bombay High Court has granted the capital gains exemption to Foreign Institutional Investors (FII).

CBDT Circular Allowing Benefit Only To Cases Where Appeals Are ‘Dismissed In Limine’ Is Arbitrary: Bombay High Court

Case Title: Oerlikon Balzers Coating India Versus Union of India

The Bombay High Court has quashed FAQ 61 of the circular 21/2020 dated December 4, 2020, issued by the CBDT to the extent that it restricts appeals to those dismissed in limine’ on the ground that it was not only adverse to the interest of the assessee but also contrary to the object and reasons of the Direct Tax Vivad Se Viswas Act, 2020 (DTVSV-A).

Assessing Officer Has No Jurisdiction To Reopen Assessment If Dispute Is Settled Under Kar Vivad Samadhan Scheme: Bombay High Court

Case Title: Citibank N.A. Versus S.K. Ojha

The Bombay High Court has held that there is no jurisdiction for an assessing officer to reopen an assessment if a dispute is settled under the Kar Vivad Samadhan Scheme (KVSS).

Bombay High Court Allows BOCW Cess Refund On Supply Portion Of Contract

Case Title: GE T and D India Ltd Versus Union of India & Ors

The Bombay High Court has allowed the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare (BOCW) Cess refund on the supply portion of the contract.

Director Proves Lack Of Control On Financial Affairs: Bombay High Court Quashes Income Tax Recovery

Case Title: Prakash B. Kamat Versus Principal Commissioner of Income-tax

The Bombay High Court has quashed the income tax recovery against the Director of a company on the grounds that the Director has sufficiently discharged the burden cast upon him in terms of Section 179(1) of the Income Tax Act.

Material Triggering Reassessment Must Be Furnished To The Assessee: Bombay High Court

Case Title: Anurag Gupta Versus ITO

The Bombay High Court has held that providing information to the assessee without furnishing the material based upon which the information is provided would render an assessee handicapped in submitting an effective reply to the show cause notice.

Bombay High Court Quashes Income Tax Proceedings On The Ground That S. 148 Notice Was Served On Secondary Email Id Provided In PAN

Case Title: Lok Developers versus Deputy Commissioner of Income tax

The Bombay High Court has set aside the proceedings initiated by the revenue authorities against the assessee for non-compliance of the reassessment notice issued under Section 148 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, on the ground that the notice was served on the secondary email id registered with the PAN database instead of the registered primary email id or the updated email id mentioned by the assessee in its last Return of Income.

Bombay High Court Quashes Reassessment Proceedings Against Jetair

Case Title: Jetair Pvt Ltd vs. Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax & Ors.

The Bombay High Court has quashed the reassessment proceedings against Jetair Pvt Ltd, a group entity of Jet Airways (India) Ltd, and has set aside the notice issued by the revenue department under Section 148 of Income Tax Act, 1961 against Jetair, seeking to reopen the assessment for the relevant assessment year.

Reassessment Notice Issued By The AO Merely On The Basis Of Change Of Opinion: Bombay High Court Quashes Order

Case Title: Lakshdeep Investments & Finance Pvt. Ltd. Versus Assistant Commissioner of Income-tax

The Bombay High Court has quashed the reassessment order on the grounds that the only reason for issuing the notice under Section 148 of the Income Tax Act appeared to be that the Assessing Officer had come to a different opinion on the question of valuation than the one adopted by the petitioner.

Availability Of Interest-Free Surplus Fund To Make Investment: Bombay High Court Deletes Addition On Interest Expenditure

Case Title: Pr. Commissioner of Income-Tax Versus Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.

The Bombay High Court has upheld the CIT’s order in deleting the addition made on account of interest expenditure as the assessee, Godrej & Boyce, had sufficient interest-free surplus funds to make the investment.

No Reason For AO To Believe Income Chargeable To Tax Escaped Assessment: Bombay High Court

Case Title: Late Bharat Jayantilal Patel Versus Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax

The Bombay High Court has held that the development agreement permitted construction on the land only as a licensee, which did not have the effect of transmitting possession in favor of the licensee as per Section 53A of the Transfer of Property Act.

The division bench of Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Kamal Khata has observed that there was neither any tangible material nor any reason for the assessing officer to believe that "any income chargeable to tax had escaped assessment,". The action of the assessing officer, therefore, would be without jurisdiction.

Absence Of Material: Bombay High Court Quashes Reassessment Proceedings

Case Title: Konark Life Spaces Versus Assistant Commissioner of Income -Tax

The Bombay High Court has quashed the reassessment proceedings as the issue of "large loans and advances" was not only raised during the scrutiny assessment but also responded to by the assessee.

The division bench of Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Kamal Khata has observed that between the date of the order of assessment, which is sought to be reopened, and the date of the formation of the opinion, nothing new happened. There is neither new information on hand nor reference made to any new material on record.

CBDT Circular Disallowing Expenses Incurred On Granting Freebies To Doctors, Not Applicable To A/Y 2008-09: Bombay High Court

Case Title: Abbott India Ltd versus Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax & Ors.

The Bombay High Court has ruled that the CBDT Circular, dated 01.08.2012, as per which the expenses incurred in granting freebies to medical practitioners is inadmissible under Section 37 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, since it is prohibited by law, would not be applicable to the assessment year 2008-09.

Active PAN In Name Of Amalgamating Company, Would Not Justify Reassessment Proceedings Against It: Bombay High Court

Case Title: CLSA India Private Limited versus Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax & Ors.

The Bombay High Court has reiterated that once the revenue department is aware about the amalgamation and had knowledge regarding the non-existence of the amalgamating entity, an assessment order passed against such amalgamating entity would be void and not merely a procedural defect.

Assessment Can’t Be Reopened Based On Another Director’s Disclosure Of Income Differently Received: Bombay High Court

Case Title: Deepak Marda Versus The Income Tax Officer

The Bombay High Court has held that the fact that a different director of the same company disclosed the income received in a different way cannot be used as justification to reopen the assessment.

Assessee Not Entitled for Deduction without A Certificate Declaring The Warehouse as Part Of The Port: Bombay High Court

Case Title: Principal Commissioner of Income Tax Versus Maharashtra State Warehousing Corporation

The Bombay High Court has held that the assessee cannot claim the deduction under Section 80IA(4) of the Income Tax Act in the absence of a certificate declaring the warehouse to be part of the port.

Nothing New Happened Between The Date Of Reassessment Order And The Date Of Forming The Opinion By AO: Bombay High Court Quashes Reassessment Order

Case Title: Clear Media (India) Private Limited Versus Deputy Commissioner of Income-tax

The Bombay High Court has quashed the Reassessment Order and held that between the date of the order of assessment sought to be reopened and the date of the formation of an opinion by the Assessing Officer, nothing new has happened. There was no new information received, nor was there any mention of new material on file.

CBDT Circulars Can’t Prescribe Limitation To Decide Application For Compounding Of Offence: Bombay High Court

Case Title: Footcandles Film Pvt Ltd. & Anr. versus Income Tax Officer – TDS & Ors.

The Bombay High Court has ruled that orders, instructions or directions issued by the CBDT under Section 119 or under the Explanation to Section 279 (6) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, cannot put fetters on the power of income tax authorities under Section 279(2) to consider an application for compounding of offence, by prescribing a period of limitation.

The bench of Justices Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Valmiki SA Menezes, took note that Section 279 (2) of the Income Tax Act, which provides for compounding of certain offences, either before or after the institution of proceedings, does not provide any rule of limitation.

It Is A PAN Which Follows The Jurisdiction And Not The Jurisdiction Which Follows PAN: Bombay High Court

Case Title: PCIT Versus M/s Capstone Securities Analysis Pvt. Ltd.

The Bombay High Court ruled that the transfer of PAN is a result of the order transferring jurisdiction and that the PAN follows the jurisdiction rather than the other way around.

Bombay High Court Quashes Reassessment Order On Asian Paints In View Of Full Disclosure

Case Title: Asian Paints Ltd. Versus The Assistant Commissioner of Income-tax

The Bombay High Court has quashed the reassessment order as the assessee, Asian Paints, disclosed fully and truly all facts material and necessary for the assessment.

Reassessment Notice after 4 Years should have the Sanction Of PCIT: Bombay High Court

Case Title: MA Multi-Infra Development Pvt. Ltd. Versus ACIT

The Bombay High Court ruled that issuing a reassessment notice after four years is subject to the approval of the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income-tax (PCIT).

The division bench of Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Kamal Khata has ruled that the approval for the issuance of a notice under Section 148 ought not to have been obtained from the Additional Commissioner of Income Tax but from the authority specifically mentioned under Section 151(ii) of the Income Tax Act.

Failure To Adjust Interest Paid By NCPA Is Hyper-Technical, Should Not Affect Sabka Vishwas Scheme: Bombay High Court

Case Title: National Centre for the Performing Arts Versus Union of India

The Bombay High Court has held that failure to adjust interest paid by the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) was hyper- technical and should not come in the way of implementation of Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019 ( SVLDRS).

The division bench of Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Abhay Ahuja has observed that the object of the SVLDR Scheme should not be lost sight of, as the scheme has itself been formulated for the smooth settlement of disputes. The interpretation of the provisions should be to carry forward the object rather than to frustrate the it by giving rise to more litigation.

Madras High Court

Personal Hearing To Be Granted In All Matters Prior To Finalisation Of Assessment: Madras High Court

Case Title: SKS Builders and Promoters Versus Assistant Commissioner (ST)

The Madras High Court has held that personal hearings shall be granted in all matters prior to the finalization of assessments, except where the stand of the assessee is intended to be accepted by the department.

Madras High Court Quashes The Criminal Proceedings Against Guarantor Of Assessee, For Assessee’s Failure To Pay Tax; States It's Only Contractual Liability And Not Criminal

Case Title: Santhosh vs. The Commercial Tax Officer & Anr.

The Madras High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against the guarantor of the assessee for failing to pay the tax dues of the latter to the Commercial Tax Department.

The Commercial Tax Officer (CTO) filed a private complaint before the Judicial Magistrate against the assessee as well as the petitioner, who stood as a guarantor with respect to the tax arrears of the business done by the assessee.

Karnataka High Court

Notice And Assessment Order Passed In The Name Of Non-Existing Company Is Illegal And Without Jurisdiction: Karnataka High Court

Case Title: Coffee Day Resorts (Msm) Pvt. Ltd. Versus The Deputy Commissioner Of Income-Tax

The Karnataka High Court has held that a notice and assessment order passed in the name of a non-existing company is substantively illegal and is an order passed without jurisdiction.

Karnataka High Court Allows Tax Exemption On Voluntary Donation Received By Educational Institution

Case Title: Pr Commissioner Of Income-1 Tax (Exemptions) Versus M/S Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust

The Karnataka High Court has allowed a tax exemption on voluntary donations received by educational institutions.

Payroll Services By IBM Philippines Not FTS, TDS Not Liable To Be Deducted: Karnataka High Court

Case Title: Director of Income Tax Versus IBM India

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Kar) 65

The Karnataka High Court, while dismissing the appeal of the department, held that payroll services by IBM Philippines are not fees for technical services (FTS), and the TDS is not liable to be deducted.

The division bench of Justice P.S. Dinesh Kumar and Justice T.G. Shivashankare Gowda has observed that the work has been outsourced to IBM Philippines. IBM Philippines was carrying out the work described in the agreement between IBM India and P&G India. Hence, IBM Philippines was not rendering any technical service, and therefore, the income in the hands of IBM Philippines is a business income.

Karnataka High Court Permitted Superintendent of Central Tax To Pass Orders For Revoking Cancellation Of GST Registration On Filing Returns

Case Title: M/s S P Metals Versus Assistant Commissioner Of Commercial Taxes

The Karnataka High Court has permitted the Superintendent of Central Tax to pass suitable orders for revocation of the cancellation of the GST registration, if the petitioner/assessee files returns.

The single bench of Justice B. M. Shyam Prasad has observed that the cancellation of GST registration was without due opportunity and was arbitrary.

Calcutta High Court

TDS Not Deductible On Trade Discount Allowed By Newspaper Company To INS Accredited Advertising Agent: Calcutta High Court

Case Title: Commissioner Of Income Tax TDS, Versus ABP Private Limited

The Calcutta High Court has held that TDS is not deductible on trade discounts allowed by newspaper companies to Indian Newspaper Society (INS) accredited advertising agents.

Consideration For Advisory Services Not Taxable As Fees For Included Services Under India-US DTAA: Calcutta High Court

Case Title: Commissioner of Income Tax (International Taxation & Transfer Pricing) versus M/s. The Timken Company

The Calcutta High Court has reiterated that consideration for advisory services cannot be treated as Fees for Included Services under Article 12(4)(b) of the India-US Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). The Court thus upheld the ITAT’s order setting aside the additions made to the foreign assessee Company’s income for the compensation received by it for rendering advisory services to its Indian subsidiary.

Tribunal Being Fact-Finding Body, Unless Perversity Shown, High Court Can’t Interfere: Calcutta High Court

Case Title: PCIT Versus Britannia Industries Ltd.

The Calcutta High Court has held that unless and until the order passed by the Tribunal suffers from any perversity or ignores any vital fact in an appeal under Section 260A of the Income Tax Act, the Court is not expected to interfere with the order.

Section 50C Cannot Be Applied On Compulsory Acquisition Of A Capital Asset: Calcutta High Court

Case Title: PCIT Versus Durgapur Projects Ltd.

The Calcutta High Court has held that in cases of compulsory acquisition of a capital asset (land or building, or both), the provisions of Section 50C of the Income Tax Act cannot be applied as the question of payment of stamp duty for effecting the transfer does not arise.

AO Issued Income Tax Assessment Notice To Non-Existent Company: Calcutta High Court Imposes Cost

Case Title: Orbit Projects Private Limited Vs Income Tax Officer

The Calcutta High Court has imposed a fine of Rs. 20,000 on the assessing officer for issuing the income tax assessment notice to the non-existent company.

Calcutta High Court Quashes Income Tax Notices Issued In The Name Of Non-Existing Company

Case Title: S. K. Finserve Private Limited Vs Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax

The Calcutta High Court has quashed the income tax notice issued in the name of a non-existing company, in spite of the department having notice and knowledge of the non-existence of the company.

AO Has Reduced The Procedure To An Empty Formality, To Be Deprecated: Calcutta High Court

The Calcutta High Court had quashed the Assessment Order and held that the assessing officer has reduced the procedure to an empty formality, which has to be deprecated.

Gujarat High Court

Income Tax Assessment Can’t Be Reopened Without Any Foundation: Gujarat High Court

Case Title: Bimlakumari Lajpatraj Hurra Versus Income Tax Officer

The Gujarat High Court has held that when the foundation was missing, there could not have been the erection of ground to seek reopening of assessment.

Sale Consideration Out Of Transfer Of Capital Asset Is Liable To Capital Gain: Gujarat High Court

Case Title: Deepak Nitrate Versus DCIT

The Gujarat High Court has held that the detachable warrant has an existence of its own along with the debenture purchased by the assessee for a sum of Rs. 50. The realization would be a sale consideration arising out of the transfer of a capital asset and is subject to capital gain.

Gujarat High Court Quashes Reassessment Order Citing Inability Of Assessee To Secure Relevant Documents Amid Covid-19 Lockdown

Case Title: Kavita Krushna Kumar v. Union of India

The Gujarat High Court recently quashed a reassessment order and final notice of assessment issued against to an assessee after she failed to produce the relevant documents, particularly Form-F prescribed under Gujarat Value Added Tax Act, 2003 amid Covid-19 lockdown.

The division bench of Justice Sonia Gokani and Justice Sandeep N. Bhatt allowed the petition under Article 226 of the Constitution on the ground that not giving proper opportunity to the petitioner as per the law is a clear violation of principle of natural justice.

Assessee Entitled For Deduction On Export Benefits On Account Of The Refund Of Excise Duty: Gujarat High Court

Case Title: PCIT Versus M/s. Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare India Ltd.

The Gujarat High Court has upheld the tribunal’s order, by which it was held that the assessee was entitled to and eligible for deduction on export benefits on account of the refund of excise duty under Section 80IC of the Income Tax Act.

Once Assessee Shows Genuineness Of Transactions, No Additions Can Be Made: Gujarat High Court

Case Title: PCIT Versus M/s.Neotech Education Foundation

The Gujarat High Court has held that the assessee has discharged the primary onus to prove the creditworthiness of the transaction.

Reopening The Assessment Based On Change Of Opinion, Not Valid: Gujarat High Court

Case Title: Shahlon Silk Industries Pvt. Ltd. Versus ACIT

The Gujarat High Court has held that the Assessing Officer cannot have any jurisdiction to issue the notice for reopening the assessment when the assessment is sought to be reopened beyond a period of four years.

The division bench of Justice N.V. Anjaria and Justice Bhargav D. Karia has observed that there was a change of opinion by the Assessing Officer to reopen the assessment for the assessment year 2013-2014, more particularly when the issues raised in the reopening assessment were already considered during the assessment proceedings under Section 143(3) of the Act, 1961.

Failure Of Taxpayer To Disclose Fully: Gujarat High Court Refuses To Quash Reassessment

Case Title: Omni Lens Pvt. Ltd. Versus ACIT

The Gujarat High Court has refused to quash the reassessment because the taxpayer has not truly and fully disclosed the material.

The division bench of Chief Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Ashutosh Shastri observed that if the petitioner or assessee was not remedial and has now questioned the issuance of a notice, he is required by law to cooperate with the authority in the adjudication process. When the authority ultimately passes any adverse order, the entire remedy created under the special statute is very much available to the petitioner.

Practice Of Not Responding To Request Of Adjournment, To Take Matter Up At Anytime, When AO Deems Fit Is Not Endorsable: Gujarat High Court

Case Title: Shree Siddhi Foods Versus ACIT

The Gujarat High Court has held that the practice of not responding to the request for adjournment and thereafter taking the matter up at any time when the Assessing Officer deems it appropriate was not endorsable.

Difficult To Submit Complete Reply To The SCN In Less Than 12 Hours: Gujarat High Court Quashes Assessment Order

Case Title: Dineshkumar Chhaganbhai Nandani Versus Income Tax Officer

The Gujarat High Court quashed an assessment order made by the income tax authorities without granting the petitioner an opportunity to be heard. The court found that the show cause notice cum draft assessment order was issued with an extremely short deadline, leaving the petitioner less than 12 hours to respond.

Rajasthan High Court

Material Referred In “Reasons To Believe” Not Supplied To Assessee, Reassessment vitiated: Rajasthan High Court

Case Title: Micro Marbles Private Limited Versus Office of the Income Tax Officer

The Rajasthan High Court has held that the material referred to in the "reasons to believe" was not supplied to the assessee, and the entire proceedings for the reopening of the assessment and leading to the consequential assessment stand vitiated in law.

Orissa High Court

Appearance Of AR Not Enough For Presuming Service On Assessee Under S. 292BB Of ITA: Orissa High Court

Case Title: PCIT (Central) versus Narayan Kumar Khaitan

The Orissa High Court has deprecated the Income Tax Authority who, despite being informed that the assessee was in judicial custody, failed to serve a notice upon him through the Superintendent of the concerned jail, in the proceedings initiated against the assessee under Section 263 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Orissa High Court Allows Deduction To The Co-operative Society Involved In The Business Of Banking

Case Title: Cuttack Central Co-operative Bank Ltd. Versus Asst. Commissioner of Income Tax

The Orissa High Court has granted the deduction to the Co-operative Society engaged in the banking business.

The division bench of Chief Justice Dr. S. Muralidhar and Justice M. S. Raman has observed that the tribunal was justified in making further classification while interpreting Section 80P(4) of the Income Tax Act by treating it to be different from the primary agriculture rural development bank/co-operative societies.

Invalid Assumption Of Jurisdiction: Orissa High Court Quashes Reassessment Notices Against Vedanta

Case Title: Vedanta Resources Ltd. Versus ACIT

The Orissa High Court has quashed the reassessment notice issued against Vedanta Resources Ltd. (VRL) on the grounds of an invalid assumption of jurisdiction.

The division bench of Chief Justice Dr. S. Muralidhar and Justice M.S. Raman observed that under Section 127(2)(a), no transfer of jurisdiction can take place without affording the Assessee a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter.

Assesses Failed To File Affidavit Proving Repayment Of Loans: Orissa High Court Sustains Addition On “Unsecured Loan”

Case Title: M/s. Unideep Food Processing (P) Ltd. Versus ITAT

The Orissa High Court has sustained the addition of unsecured loans under Section 68 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Prior Approval Of The Superior Officer Before Passing Of The Assessment/Reassessment Order Pursuant To A Search Operation Is A Mandatory Requirement: Orissa High Court

Case Title: ACIT, Circle-1(2), Bhubaneswar Versus M/s. Serajuddin & Co. Kolkata

The Orissa High Court has held that the requirement of prior approval of the superior officer before an order of assessment or reassessment is passed pursuant to a search operation is a mandatory requirement of Section 153D of the Income Tax Act.

Allahabad High Court

Reassessment Proceedings For AY 2013-14, 2014-15 Initiated After 1 April 2021 Have To Be Closed Irrespective Of Income Escaping Assessment: Allahabad High Court

Case Title: Rajeev Bansal Versus Union Of India

The Allahabad High Court ruled that the Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain Provisions) Act, 2020 (TOLA) cannot be used to conduct the reassessment proceedings beyond March 30, 2021. The time limit outlined in Section 149(1)(b) (as amended beginning April 1, 2021) cannot be extended by the department after March 30, 2020.

Dealer Can’t Undervalue Goods To Escape Tax, Under The Garb of E-Way Bill Isn’t Required For Goods Below Rs. 50,000: Allahabad High Court

Case Title: M/s Radha Fragrance versus Union of India & Ors.

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that under the garb of the protection given under Rule 138 of CGST Rules, 2017, dispensing the requirement of an E-Way bill for the movement of goods valued below Rs.50,000, a dealer who is a manufacturer, cannot be allowed to send his goods to different consignees by undervaluing the same, and without the Taxing Authorities proceeding to take action against him under Section 129 of the CGST Act.

Taxing Authorities Can't Stop Assessee From Claiming Statutory Right: Allahabad High Court

Case Title: M/S Yash Kothari Public Charitable Trust Versus State Of U.P. And 2 Others

Case Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (AB) 64

The Allahabad High Court has held that the taxing authorities cannot, in the garb of technicality, stop any assessee from claiming his statutory right, as provided under the Income Tax Act.

The bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal has observed that, due to the mistake of the department or a technical glitch in the software, when an appeal of an assessee is not reflected on the portal, the department cannot deny the appeal filed offline on technical grounds.

Punjab and Haryana High Court

S. 124 of Finance Act, 2019 Not Violative of Article 14: Punjab & Haryana High Court

Case Title: M/s Schlumberger Asia Services Ltd versus Union of India & Anr.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has upheld the constitutional validity of Sections 124(2) and 130(2) of the Finance Act, 2019, which deal with the ‘Vivad se Vishwas Scheme’ (VSV Scheme), dismissing the contention that the said provisions were violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India since they deny refund to the assessee/ declarant even if the amount already deposited by it exceeds the amount payable under the Scheme.

Renting Dharamshala On Nominal Rent For Marriages Not Commercial, No Property Tax: Punjab and Haryana High Court

Case Title: Daulat Ram Khan Versus State of Haryana

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has held that if Dharamshala is provided at a nominal rent for conducting marriages, it will not amount to a commercial purpose.

Madhya Pradesh High Court

No Incriminating Material Found During Search: Madhya Pradesh High Court Dismisses Department’s Appeal

Case Title: PCIT Versus M/s Great Galleon Ventures Ltd.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court's Indore Bench dismissed the department's appeal, ruling that no incriminating documents were discovered during the search.

Kerala High Court

Land To Be Re-assessed For Fixing Basic Tax Rate After Change In The Nature Of Land: Kerala High Court

Case Title: K.R Santhosh Versus Revenue Divisional Officer

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Ker) 268

The Kerala High Court has held that as the nature of the land of the petitioner has been permitted to be changed pursuant to the passing of a statutory order under the Kerala Land Utilisation Order, 1967, the competent authority is bound to re-assess the rate of basic tax and to make necessary entries in the Basic Tax Register after verifying the veracity and genuineness of the permission obtained.

Claim Of Deduction Under Section 80P Is Conditional On Filing A Return Within The Due Date: Kerala High Court

Case Title: M/S. Nileshwar Rangekallu Chethu Vyavasaya Thozhilali Sahakarana Sangham Versus The Commissioner Of Income Tax

The Kerala High Court has held that the pre-condition for claiming the deduction under Section 80P of the IT Act has now been made more stringent by reducing the time available to an assessee for making the claim.

Jammu & Kashmir And Ladakh High Court

Jammu & Kashmir And Ladakh High Court Dismisses Writ Petition Challenging SCN Regarding Export Of Banned Yarn Shawls

Case Title: M/s Ali Shah through Arif Ahmad Shah Versus Union of India and others

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (JKL) 166

The Jammu & Kashmir And Ladakh High Court has dismissed a writ petition challenging a show cause notice regarding the export of banned yarn shawls.

ITAT

Bogus Long-Term Capital Gains From Transaction In Penny Stocks: ITAT Upholds Addition

Case Title: Hemil Subhashbhai Shah Versus DCIT

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has upheld the addition of bogus long-term capital gains from transactions in penny stocks.

Gift From Family Members Do Not Require Any Special Occasion: ITAT Deletes Addition

Case Title: Shri Hemant Pandya Versus ITO

The Indore Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has deleted that addition and held that gifts from family members do not require any special occasion.

Trust Created For Managing The Statutory Obligations Of Employees Of The Parent Trust: ITAT Grants Section 12AA Registration

Case Title: ICRW Group Gratuity Trust Versus ICLEI South Asia Group Gratuity Trust

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that any trust that has been created for the purpose of managing the statutory obligations of employees of the parent trust would certainly fall within the ambit of advancement of general public utility and, hence, be considered a charitable activity as defined under Section 2(15) of the Income Tax Act.

AO Can’t Sit On The Armchair Of Businessman Assessee To Replace His Business Strategy By His Own Whims And Fancies: ITAT

Case Title: ACIT Versus Ashish Bansal

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the Assessing Officer cannot sit on the armchair of a businessman assessee to replace his business strategy with his own whims and fancies.

Income Derived From Sale Of Agricultural Land Is Not A Capital Asset: ITAT

Case Title: ACIT Versus Kamlesh Kumar Rathi

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that income derived from the sale of agricultural land is not a capital asset.

Deemed Dividend Cannot Be Taxed In The Hands Of Non-Shareholders: ITAT

Case Title: DCIT Versus Aaryavart Infrastructure P. Ltd.

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that deemed dividends cannot be taxed in the hands of non-shareholders.

Provisions Of Section 44BB Not Applicable In Absence Of PE: ITAT

Case Title: Baker Hughes Energy Technologies UK Ltd. Versus ACIT

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the provisions of Section 44BB of the Income Tax Act are not applicable in the absence of a permanent establishment (PE).

Benefits Of India- Mauritius DTAA Available To Collective Investment Vehicles: ITAT

Case Title: Sapein Funds Ltd. Versus CIT(International Taxation)

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the benefits of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) are available to collective investment vehicles.

200% Penalty Can’t Be Levied Unless Dept. Specifies Misreporting: ITAT

Case Title: Saltwater Studio LLP Versus NFAC

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that a 200% penalty can’t be levied unless the department specifies misreporting.

Interest Income Received On Temporary FDs Is Eligible For Exemption: ITAT

Case Title: Allstate India Private Limited Versus Deputy Commissioner of Income-tax

The Banglore Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that interest income received on temporarily fixed deposits is eligible for exemption.

Joint Ownership Of The Property Is No Bar In Claiming Exemption Under Section 54F Of The Income Tax Act: ITAT

Case Title: Zainul Abedin Ghaswala Versus CIT(A), NFAC

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has allowed the deduction under Section 54F of the Income Tax Act on the grounds that the assessee is not the exclusive owner of multiple residential properties occupied by other family members.

Income Tax Not Chargeable On Interest Subsidy Received Under Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme: ITAT

Case Title: Dy. Commissioner of Income-tax Central Circle 1(4) Versus M/s Grasim Industries Ltd.

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that income tax is not payable on the interest subsidy received under the technology upgradation fund scheme.

Expenses For Community Development, Environment Health & Safety : ITAT Allows CSR Expenditure

Case Title: Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax Versus M/s. GMR Warora Energy Ltd.

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that once the expenditure has been accepted to be for community development and environmental health and safety expenses, the same cannot be held to have not been incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of business in the year under consideration.

Income From The Sale Of RECs Is Capital In Nature, Is Not Subject To Taxation: ITAT

Case Title: M/s Satia Industries Ltd. Versus NFAC

The Amritsar Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the income from the sale of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) is classified as capital in nature and is not subject to taxation.

ITAT Sustains Disallowance As Cash Payment Exceeds Rs. 20,000 To Single Party In Single Day

Case Title: Shri Kalimuthu Harichandran Versus ACIT

The Chennai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has sustained the disallowance under section 40A(3) of the Income Tax Act as a cash payment exceeds INR 20,000 to a single party in a single day.

Income From Domain Name Registration Not Taxable As “Royalty”; Registrar Merely An Intermediary: Mumbai ITAT

Case Title: PDR Solutions FZC versus DCIT

The Mumbai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has ruled that a domain name registrar does not have any right to the domain name, which is registered by it merely as a facilitator. Thus, the income received by it from domain name registration is not taxable as a “Royalty”, the ITAT ruled.

When AO Has Taken One Of The Possible Views The PCIT Is Prohibited From Adopting Different View: ITAT

Case Title: Prerak Goel Versus PCIT

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), while quashing the revision order, held that when the Assessing Officer (AO) has taken one of several possible views, the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax (PCIT) is prohibited from adopting a different view.

The two-member bench of Aby V. Varkey (Judicial Member) and B.R. Baskaran (Accountant Member) relied on the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Malabar Industrial Co., Ltd. v. CIT, in which it was ruled that if the AO has taken one of the possible views, then the assessment order cannot be considered to be prejudicial to the interests of revenue merely for the reason that the PCIT has a different view on the very same matter.

TDS Not Applicable To Salary/Commission Paid To Partners: ITAT

Case Title: ACIT Versus Dhar Construction Company

The Gauhati Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the TDS is not applicable to salary or commission paid to partners.

Impossible For A Company To Get Its Accounts Audited On 31st March And Get The Approval In AGM On The Same Date: ITAT Upholds Addition

Case Title: M/s Sagitarius Securities Pvt. Ltd. Versus I.T.O.

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that it is impossible for a company to get its accounts audited on 31st March and present the same for approval in the Annual General Meeting on March 31st.

Company’s Income Cannot Be Assessed Under ‘Salary’: ITAT

Case Title: Ducere Technologies Private Limited Versus DCIT

The Hyderabad Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that since the assessee is a company, its income cannot be assessed under the heading "salary."

The bench of K. Narasimha Chary (a judicial member) has restored the issue to the file of the Assessing Officer to verify the availability of brought-forward losses for the purpose of setting off the current year's income against losses.

Interest Income Earned By A Co-Operative Society Eligible For Deduction: ITAT

Case Title: Amore Commercial Premises Co-Op Society Ltd. Versus Central Processing Centre

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) held that interest income earned by a co-operative society on its investments held with co-operative banks would be eligible for claim of deduction under section 80P(2)(d) of the Income Tax Act.

The two-member bench of Kuldip Singh (Judicial Member) and S Rifaur Rahman (Accountant Member) found that the CIT(A) erred in upholding the assessee's denial of deduction under Section 80P(2)(d).

Hire Charges Received Under ‘Time Charter Agreement’ Not Taxable As Royalty, If Control Over Ship Remained With Owner: ITAT

Case Title: Nan Lian Ship Management LLC versus ACIT (Int. Tax)

The Mumbai bench of the ITAT has ruled that hire charges received by the owner of a ship for chartering its vessel under a ‘Time Charter Agreement’, is not taxable as ‘royalty’ under Section 9(1) (vi) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, if control and dominance over the ship remained with the assessee/ owner and not with the charterer.

2% TDS Deductible On Common Area Maintenance Charges: ITAT

Case Title: HV Global Pvt. Ltd. Versus ITO

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that 2% TDS is deductible on common area maintenance charges.

The two-member bench of C.M. Garg (Judicial Member) and Pradip Kumar Khedia (Accountant Member)has observed that the common area maintenance charges were not part of the actual rent paid to the owner by the assessee company. Payments of rent and common area maintenance charges have been made to distinct entities or companies; therefore, the authorities below were not right in creating the liability payable by the assessee firm.

Assessing Officer Not Justified In Rejecting Audited Books Of Accounts For Producing Photocopy Of Bills: ITAT

Case Title: Blue Stampings & Forgings Ltd. Versus Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the assessing officer was not justified in taking drastic action and rejecting books of account that are audited solely on the basis of general remarks that photocopies of the bills have been produced instead of original bills.

Merely Making Unsustainable Claim Will Not Amount To Furnishing Of Inaccurate Particulars Of Income: ITAT

Case Title: Galaxy Construction and Contractors Pvt. Ltd. Versus DCIT

Citation: ITA No.1402/PUN/2019

The Pune bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the mere making of a claim, which is not sustainable by the law itself, will not amount to furnishing inaccurate particulars of income.

The bench of S.S. Vishwanethra (Judicial Member) has observed that the appellant cannot be held guilty of furnishing inaccurate particulars of income, and, therefore, the Assessing Officer was not justified in levying a penalty under Section 271(1)(c) of the Income Tax Act.

Delay By State To Issue Necessary Certificates: ITAT Quashes Revision Order

Case Title: Kusum Mehta Versus CIT

The Calcutta Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has quashed the revision proceedings initiated in the name of the deceased person.

The revenue department acted quickly after receiving the legal heir certificate, according to the two-member bench of George Mathan (Judicial Member) and Arun Khodpia (Accountant Member). However, there has been a delay at the level of the state government in issuing the necessary certificates. Fault cannot be placed on the revenue or the assessee.

Credit For TCS Available To Assessee In Whose Hand Income Is Assessed To Tax: ITAT

Case Title: M/s Hotel Ashok Garden versus ITO

The Bangalore Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has reiterated that credit for Tax Collected at Source (TCS) should be given to the assessee who is finally and lawfully assessed to tax in respect of the income on which TCS has been collected, irrespective of the person in whose name the TCS certificate has been issued.

Unmarried Daughter’s Jewllery And Mother’s Jewellery Can Be Kept In Family Home: ITAT Deletes Addition

Case Title: Shakun Devi Versus Joint Commissioner of Income Tax

The Allahabad Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has deleted the addition as the jewellery belonging to unmarried daughters will be kept along with the assessee’s jewellery in a family home where they are living together.

Section 14A Disallowance Not Warranted If No Exempt Income Is Earned: ITAT

Case Title: Indian Farmers Fertiliser Versus DCIT

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the disallowance under Section 14A of the Income Tax Act is not warranted if no exempt income is earned.

The two-member bench of Anubhav Sharma (Judicial Member) and Anil Chaturvedi (Accountant Member) has observed that Section 14A envisages that there should be actual receipt of income, and hence Section 14A of the Act will not apply where no exempt income is received or receivable during the relevant previous year.

Expenses Incurred During Regular Course Of Business Cannot Be Treated As Capital Expenses: ITAT

Case Title: ACIT Versus Drishti Soft Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that expenses incurred during the regular course of business cannot be treated as capital expenses.

The two-member bench of Yogesh Kumar US (Judicial Member) and Anil Chaturvedi (Accountant Member) has observed that the payment was made towards the professional fee, which includes monthly retainer fees for the professional services.

IBC Has Overriding Effect On All The Acts Including Income Tax Act: ITAT

Case Title: ACIT Versus ABW Infrastructure Ltd.

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has an overriding effect on all acts, including the Income Tax Act, as per Section 178(6) of the Income Tax Act, effective from November 1, 2016.

Misplacing FD Is Not The Ground For Deleting Addition Of Interest: ITAT

Case Title: Smiths Detection Asia Pacific Pte Ltd Versus The Dy. C.I.T

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has upheld the addition of interest on fixed deposits (FDs).

Jet Airways Fails To Comply With The Notices In spite Of Several Opportunities: ITAT Imposes Cost Of Rs. 25,000 Payable To PM Relief Fund

Case Title: M/s. Jet Airways (India) Limited Versus DCIT

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has observed that Jet Airways has failed to comply with the notices issued by the lower authorities in spite of several opportunities. Jet Airways was directed to pay a cost of Rs. 25,000 for being delinquent before the lower authorities which was to be paid to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund within 30 days.

ITAT Deletes Addition On Cash Deposits During Demonetisation

Case Title: Mrs. Usha Narayan Chaware Versus ITO

The Pune Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has deleted the addition of cash deposits during demonetization.

Amounts Paid By Google India To Google US For Seconded Employees Does Not Come Within ‘FTS’ or ‘FIS’: ITAT

Case Title: M/s. Google LLC Versus JCIT (OSD) (IT)/DCIT (IT)

The Banglore Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that amounts paid by Google India to Google US with reference to seconded employees do not come within the fees for technical services (FTS) or fees for included services (FIS) under the Income Tax Act or under the India-US Tax Treaty.

Centralized Processing Centre Not Authorized To Carry Out Adjustment For Disallowance Of Section 80P Deduction: ITAT

Case Title: Sai Prerana Co-op. Credit Society Ltd. Versus Income Tax Officer

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) was not authorized to carry out such adjustments for disallowance of deduction under section 80P of the Income Tax Act.

Payment Towards Employee’s Contribution To Provident Fund After Due Date Is Not Allowable As Deduction: ITAT

Case Title: Deutsche India Pvt. Ltd. Versus Asstt. Director of Income Tax

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that payment towards an employee’s contribution to the provident fund after the due date is not allowable as a deduction.

Lease Rent Paid For Acquiring Mining Rights Is Capital In Nature, Income Tax Deduction Not Allowable: ITAT

Case Title: ZF Steering Gear (India) Ltd. Versus DCIT

The Pune Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has observed that lease rent paid for acquiring mining rights is capital in nature and income tax deductions cannot be allowed.

Payment Received From Foreign Company On Account Of Business Support Services Not Taxable As FTS: ITAT

Case Title: Inteva Products Netherlands BV Versus ACIT

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that payments received from foreign companies on account of business support services are held to be taxable as fees for technical services (FTS).

Expenses Of Solid Waste Disposal Is An Accrued Liability As It Was Disposed At Temporary Site: ITAT Allows Claim Worth Rs. 7.77 Crores

Case Title: ACIT Versus The Green Environment Services Co-op Society Ltd.

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has allowed the assessee’s claim of Rs. 7,77,73,600 as a provision for expenses of solid waste disposal.

NFAC Bound By The Decision Of Jurisdictional High Court: ITAT

Case Title: Nagesh Consultants Versus The Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax

The Bangalore Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the National Faceless Appeal Centre (NFAC) was bound by the binding decision of the jurisdictional high court, where the AO was situated.

ITAT Upholds Income Tax Addition On Amount Received For Arbitration Settlement

Case Title: TGE Gas Engineering GmbH Versus DCIT

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has upheld the income tax addition on the amount received for arbitration settlement from Indian Oil Infrastructure & Energy Services.

An Order Is Not Prejudicial To The Interest Of Revenue U/S 263 If It Is Based On An Uncertain Issue Of Entitlement Of Treaty Benefit: ITAT

Case Title: M/s. Tata NYK Shipping Pte. Ltd. vs. Commissioner of Income Tax, International Taxation-3, New Delhi.

The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that an order by assessing officer on whether a particular entity is entitled to a treaty benefit or not is a highly contentious issue and cannot be considered to be erroneous and prejudicial to the interest of revenue under section 263 of Income Tax Act, 1961.

The Amount Which Is Lower Of Unabsorbed Depreciation And Business Loss Will Be Set-Off Against Book Profits: ITAT

Case title: M/s PVR Pictures Ltd. v. Dy. CIT, Circle 19(2), New Delhi

The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal has clarified the provisions of clause (iii) of Explanation-1 to Section 115JB (2) for computation of book profits for taxation. The Tribunal held that amount which is lower between unabsorbed depreciation and business loss deserves to be set off against the current Assessment Year (A.Y.) book profits in terms of the provisions of Income Tax Act.

No Disallowance Shall Be Made With Respect To Chargeable Sum Paid To A Foreign Company Without Deduction Of Tax: ITAT

Case Title: Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. v. DCIT International Taxation Circle, Noida

The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal has held that no disallowance shall be made to the assessee in regards to the chargeable sum paid by the assessee to a foreign company without deduction of tax.

Late Filing Of Return, Denial Of Section 80P Exemption Not Justified: ITAT

Case Title: Ambaradi Seva Sahkari Mandali Ltd. Versus DCIT

The Rajkot Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has ruled that denying the exemption under Section 80P of the Income Tax Act solely on the basis of the assessee's late filing of a return is not justifiable.

Income Earned From Offshore Supply Of Escalators And Elevators Is Not Taxable In India: ITAT

Case Title: Schindler China Elevator Company Ltd. Versus ACIT

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has observed that income earned by the assessee from the offshore supply of escalators and elevators is not taxable in India.

Confusion In Relation To The Service Of Intimation Through Email: ITAT Condones Delay Of 9 Years

Case Title: M.K. Hotels & Resorts Ltd. Versus Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax

The Amritsar Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) ruled that there was significant ambiguity regarding the service of notice under Section 143(1) to the assessee via email.

Employers Have To Deposit Employees' Contribution Towards EPF/ESI On Time To Avail Income Tax Deduction: ITAT

Case Title: The National Housing Bank Versus CIT(A), NFAC

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that employers have to deposit employees' contributions towards EPF/ESI on time to avail of income tax deductions.

Income Tax Disallowances Made On Ad Hoc Basis Without Specifying A Particular Mistake: ITAT

Case Title: Dynamix India Drill-Con Co. Versus ACIT

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has observed that disallowances have been done on an ad hoc basis without specifying a particular mistake.

ITAT Bangalore Holds Expenditure Incurred By Flipkart Towards ESOP Is Eligible For Deduction Under S. 37 Of ITAT

Case Title: Flipkart India Pvt Ltd vs. Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax

The Bangalore Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has allowed the appeal of Flipkart India against disallowance of over Rs.15.5 Crore of expenses claimed by it under Section 37 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, towards Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Failure Of Kidney A Reasonable Cause Which Prevented Assessee To Supply The Documents And Replies To The AO: ITAT

Case Title: Sunil Kumar Garg Versus ITO

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that failure of the kidney was a reasonable cause of ailment that prevented the assessee from supplying the documents and replies to the AO.

Reasons Recorded For Reopening The Reassessment To Be Examined On Standalone Basis To Determine The Validity Of Proceedings U/s 147: ITAT

Case Title: Jowheri Jalaluddin Mullick Versus ITO Versus Income Tax Officer

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has observed that the reasons, as recorded for reopening the reassessment, are to be examined on a standalone basis to determine the validity of proceedings under Section 147 of the Income Tax Act.

Assessee Not Responsible To Explain Recipients Of Receipts Shown In Form No. 26AS: ITAT

Case Title: M/s Travelport LP Versus The Dy. C.I.T

The Delhi Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the assessee is not responsible to explain the recipients of the receipts shown in Form No. 26AS.

Husband Entitled To TDS Credit On Interest Earned From Amount Gifted To His Wife: ITAT

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal's (ITAT), Pune Bench ruled that the husband is entitled to TDS credit on interest earned on the amount gifted to his wife.

Characterization Of Share Application Money By AO As Unexplained Cash Credit Is Devoid Of Necessary Verifications: ITAT

Case Title: Bhatia Energy and Minerals Pvt. Ltd. Versus ITO

The Raipur Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the characterization of the share application money of Rs. 25 lac by the AO as an unexplained cash credit under Section 68 of the Income Tax Act is clearly devoid and bereft of necessary verifications.

ITAT Allows Section 54F Deduction Though Capital Gain Scheme Account Was Not Opened

Case Title: T. Pandian Versus ITO

The Chennai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has allowed the deduction under section 54F though the capital gain scheme account was not opened.

In Absence Of Proper Show Cause Notice To The Assessee, There Is No Merit In Levy Of Penalty: ITAT

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal has held that where the initiation of penalty is one limb and the levy of penalty is another limb, then in the absence of proper show cause notice to the assessee, there is no merit in the levy of penalty.

Income Tax Exemption On The Voluntarily Payment Made By The Employer To The Employee Out Of Appreciation: ITAT

Case Title: Mahadev Vasant Dhangekar Versus The Asstt. CIT, NFAC, Delhi

The Pune Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the payment has been made voluntarily by them out of appreciation for the employee and thus falls outside the rigours of Section 17(3)(iii) of the Income Tax Act.

ITAT Quashes Penalty Notice Which Was Silent On Specification Of Charges

Case Title: M.A. Projects Private Limited Versus ACIT

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has quashed the penalty notice, which was silent on the specification of charges.

The bench of Astha Chandra (a judicial member) and Shamim Yahya (an accountant member) has observed that no specification of charge in the penalty notice leads to the same becoming void, and the penalty on that count is to be deleted.

Expenditure Made On Ice Boxes Are Capital Expenditure: ITAT Upholds Disallowance Against Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages

Case Title: M/s. Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. Versus DCIT

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the expenditure made on ice chests or ice boxes was made for acquiring or bringing into existence an asset for the enduring benefit of the business and was of the nature of capital expenditure.

ITAT Disallows Income Tax Deduction On Employees’ Contribution To PF & ESI Beyond The Due Dates

Case Title: M/s. Salasar Balaji Vs. ACIT

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has disallowed income tax deduction on employees’ contributions to PF and ESI beyond the due dates.

Adjustment Of Difference In Depreciation To The Profits Eligible For Income Tax Exemption: ITAT

Case Title: DCIT Versus M/s Zensar Technologies Ltd

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that adjustment of the difference in depreciation to the profits makes them eligible for income tax exemption.

AO Cannot Make Ad-Hoc Disallowance Of Expenses For Want Of Supporting For Each Expense, Without Pointing Defect In Vouchers: ITAT

Case Title: TPF Getinsa Euroestudios S.L. Versus ACIT

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the AO cannot make an ad hoc disallowance of expenses for want of support for each expense, without pointing to defects in vouchers on a sample basis furnished by the assessee.

Non-Resident Shareholders Can’t Take Benefit Of Lower Tax Rate Prescribed In DTAAs For Taxation Of Dividend Where DDT Is Applicable: ITAT

Case Title: Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax Versus Total Oil India Pvt. Ltd.

The Mumbai Special Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that non-resident shareholders cannot take advantage of the lower tax rate prescribed in Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) for taxation of dividends where Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) is applicable.

Without Corroborating Evidence, Addition Can’t Be Made On The Basis Of A Declaration Made U/s 132(4) Of The Income Tax Act: ITAT

Case Title: Agrim Infraproject Private Limited Versus Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax

The Guwahati Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that without corroborating evidence, an addition ought not to be made on the basis of a declaration made under Section 132(4) of the Income Tax Act.

Assessee Explained The Source Of The Excess Stock Found During The Course Of Survey: ITAT Deletes Addition

Case Title: M/s. Overseas Leathers Versus Deputy Commissioner of Income-tax

The Chennai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the assessee has explained the source of the excess stock found during the course of the survey.

Amount Declared As Turnover Can’t Be Concealed Income: ITAT

Case Title: Raj Kumar Versus ITO

The Amritsar Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that once the amount is declared as turn-over, it cannot be called concealed income and be taxed twice on the same amount.

Employee Remuneration, Legal Expenses, Board Meeting Expenses etc. , Can’t Be Attributable To Interest From FDs: ITAT

Case Title: Avantha Consulting Services Ltd. Versus DCIT

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), while refusing to allow the income tax deduction, has held that employee remuneration, salary, legal expenses, board meeting expenses, and director sitting fees cannot be attributable to the interest earned from the fixed deposits.

E-Filing Of “Audit Report” Beyond The Date, Violative Of CBDT Circular: ITAT Denies Section 11 Exemption to Trust

Case Title: Shri Jain Shwetamber Murtipujak Sangh Versus ITO (Exemption)

The Raipur Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) refused to grant the exemption under Section 11 of the Income Tax Act on the grounds that the trust e-filed the "audit report" in Form 10B beyond the date.

Relationship Between Consultant Doctor And The Hospital Can't Be seen As Employer Employee : ITAT Deletes Addition

Case Title: Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax Versus M/s. Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital Limited

The Chennai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has deleted the addition made towards short deduction of TDS and held that the relationship between a Professional Doctor consultant and the Hospital cannot be treated as an Employer-Employee relationship unless there exist specific Rules and Provisions in the contract of appointment between the consultant and Hospital.

NLU-Delhi Is Not Engaged In Business: ITAT Quashes Income Tax Penalty

Case Title: National Law University Versus Additional/Joint/Deputy/Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has quashed the penalty under Section 271B of the Income Tax Act on the grounds that the NLU-Delhi is not engaged in "business" and exists solely for educational purposes.

Income To Be Computed First After Making The Disallowance And Only 40% Resultant Income Has To Be Treated As Taxable Income: ITAT

Case Title: M/s. Stewart Holl (India) Limited Versus Assistant Director of Income Tax

The Kolkata Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the income of the assessee should be computed first after making the disallowance and whatever the resultant income only 40% of that income has to be treated as taxable income in terms of Rule 8(1) of the Income Tax Rules, 1962.

ITAT Allows Income Tax Deduction On Effluent Water Treatment

Case Title: Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax Vs. M/s. Viral Alkalis Ltd.

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has allowed the income tax deduction on effluent water treatment.

Dept. Failed To Prove Sundry Creditors To Be Bogus: ITAT Deletes Addition Against Buffalo Meat Trader

Case Title: ACIT Versus Al Nasir Agro Foods

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has deleted the addition against the buffalo meat trader as the department has failed to prove sundry creditors to be bogus.

Additions Can’t Be Made In Absence Of Incriminating Material: ITAT Deletes Income Tax Addition

Case Title: DCIT Versus Bhavya Pankaj Shah

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that the additions could not have been made in the absence of any incriminating material.

Once The Existence Of Goodwill Is Established, Depreciation On Goodwill Cannot Be Questioned: ITAT

Case Title: Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax, Circle 2 Versus Blujay Solutions (India) Private Limited

The Hyderabad Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has held that once the existence of goodwill is established, depreciation on goodwill cannot be questioned.

Agricultural Operations Cannot Be Dubbed As ‘Commercial Activity’ Merely For Commercially Selling Hybrid Seeds And Open Pollinated Seed Varieties: ITAT

Case Title: Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax Versus M/s. Pravardhan Seeds Pvt. Ltd.

The Hyderabad Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that when agricultural activity is conducted and seeds are produced, merely because the seeds were sold commercially, the basic agricultural operations also cannot be dubbed "commercial activities" and not ‘agricultural activities’.

ITAT Deletes Income Tax Addition Towards ESOP

Case Title: Unilever India Exports Limited Versus ACIT

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has deleted the income tax addition towards ESOP.

ITAT Imposes Cost On Assessee For Being Delinquent And Lethargic In Pursuing The case Before The Authorities

Case Title: Anilkumar Champalal Jain Versus ITO

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has imposed a fine of Rs. 2000 for being delinquent and lethargic in pursuing the matter before the tax authorities.

AO Can’t Make Addition On The Basis Of Statement Without Corroborating It With Any Other Material: ITAT

Case Title: DCIT Versus M/s. Parshwa Associates

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that an AO cannot make additions merely on the basis of a statement without corroborating it with any other material.

ITAT Deletes Additions On Long Term Capital Gains On The Purported, Notional, Fictitious Sale Of Jewellery

Case Title: Ballabh Prasad Aggarwal Versus ACIT

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has deleted the income tax addition on account of long-term capital gains on the purported, notional, and fictitious sale of jewellery.

Mere Payment By Account Payee Cheque Is Not Sacrosanct : ITAT Disallows Exemption On Penny Stock

Case Title: Sangeeta Devi Jhunjhunwala Versus ITO

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that mere payment by account payee check is not sacrosanct, nor can it make a non-genuine transaction genuine.

Co-Operative Banks Are Also Registered Co-Operative Societies: ITAT Allows Section 80P(2)(d) Deduction

Case Title: Manila Sahayak Gruh Udyogsaha Versus Asstt. Commissioner of Income Tax Anand Circle, Anand

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has allowed the income tax deduction under Section 80P(2)(d) of the Income Tax Act on the grounds that cooperative banks are also registered cooperative societies.

Customary Amongst Married Women To Keep On Changing The Jewellery As And When New Designs Come In The Market: ITAT Deletes Income Tax Addition

Case Title: Sh. Nirmal Kumar Minda Versus ACIT

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has deleted the addition and held that it is customary amongst married women to keep on changing the jewellery as and when new designs come on the market.

No Requirement Of Disallowing Part Of Director’s Remuneration And Depreciation When The Business Was Stopped Due To Temporary Lull: ITAT

Case Title: Shri Devkripa Textile Mills (P) Ltd. Versus ACIT

The Jodhpur bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that there is no requirement for disallowing part of the director’s remuneration and depreciation when the business is stopped due to a temporary lull.

ITAT Allows Income Tax Deduction On The Interest Income Received From The Co-Operative Bank

Case Title: Oberoi Spring Co–operative Versus Income Tax Officer

The Mumbai Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has allowed the income tax deduction under Section 80P(2)(d) of the Income Tax Act on the entire amount of interest income received from the Co-operative Bank.

Section 14A Disallowance Cannot Be More Than Exempted Income: ITAT

Case Title: Royal Twinkle Star Club Pvt. Ltd. Versus Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax

The Mumbai Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that section 14A disallowance cannot be more than exempted income.

AO Without Rejection Of Books Of Accounts Estimated The Income Based On Profit Margin Method: ITAT Deletes Addition

Case Title: DCIT Vs Sylvannus Builders and Developers Ltd.

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), while upholding the addition, has held that A.O. without rejection of books of accounts under Section 145 but estimated the income based on the Profit Margin Method.

Department Can Bring Expenditure Incurred In Earlier Years To Be Taxed In Subsequent Years On Grounds Of Bogus Expenditure: ITAT

Case Title: Sh. Pradeep Sawhney Versus ITO

The Delhi Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has observed that the department can bring expenditures incurred in earlier years to be taxed in subsequent years on grounds of bogus expenditure.

Payment Of Compensation To CSA Under Termination Agreement Is Not Taxable Under India-South Africa DTAA, BCCI Not Liable To Deduct TDS: ITAT

Case Title: The Board of Control for Cricket in India Versus Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax

The Mumbai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that payment of compensation to Cricket South Africa (CSA) under the Termination Agreement is not taxable under the provisions of the India-South Africa DTAA.

Any Adjustment Against Bad And Doubtful Debts Amounts To Actual Writing Off The Bad Debts: ITAT Deletes Addition

Case Title: Integra Engineering India Ltd Versus Asstt. Commissioner of Income-tax

The Ahmedabad bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has deleted the addition and held that any adjustment for bad and doubtful debts amounts to actual writing off the bad debts.

There Cannot Be Any Addition Of The Regular Items Which Were Disclosed By The Assessee In The Regular Books Of Accounts: ITAT

Case Title: DCIT Versus Shri Basant R. Agarwal

The Ahmedabad Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that there cannot be any addition of the regular items that were disclosed by the assessee in the regular books of accounts.