The High Court held that an appellate authority should not decide an appeal on merits when the appellant is absent. The appeal was restored to ensure a fair opportunity of hearing.
The Court ruled that a wrong PIN code in the e-way bill, when the address is correct and documents are valid, cannot justify seizure. The key takeaway is that minor clerical errors do not trigger Section 129 proceedings.
The High Court held that jewellery seized during a search cannot be retained once tax liability is fully settled under the Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme. Continued detention after issuance of Form-5 was declared illegal.
The High Court ruled that authorities cannot block an electronic credit ledger beyond the ITC actually available. Negative balances created under Rule 86A were held to be without jurisdiction.
The Court noted that no show cause notice had been issued and the tax demand was not finally quantified. It allowed limited operation of the bank account to ensure business continuity.
The Tribunal upheld duty and interest on use of a fraudulently enhanced duty credit scrip but ruled that penalty under section 114AA cannot be imposed without proof of knowledge or intent. The key takeaway is that mens rea is mandatory for section 114AA penalties.
The Court examined detention of a gold bar where no show cause notice was issued after seizure. Relying on Supreme Court precedent and the petitioner’s undertaking, release was directed upon payment of duty, fine, and penalty.
The Court ordered payment of statutory interest after refund was sanctioned belatedly. The ruling underscores that interest follows delayed refunds under the CGST framework.
The court set aside GST registration cancellation after finding that the authorities passed templated orders without reasons. The ruling stresses that replies and documents must be properly considered before cancelling registration.
The Court examined a reassessment initiation where the assessee was given less than 24 hours to respond. Holding this to be contrary to Section 148A(b) and natural justice, the order and notice were quashed.
