Case Law Details
Jagdish Bansal Vs Union of India & Anr. (Delhi High Court)
In the case of Jagdish Bansal vs Union of India & Anr., the Delhi High Court addressed the legality of cash seizure by authorities during a search and seizure operation. The petitioner sought a declaration that the seizure of cash was unlawful.
The crux of the matter was whether cash could be seized under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. The petitioner argued that cash, being excluded from the definition of “goods,” cannot be seized under the Act. Citing the judgment in K.M. Food Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. vs. Director General (DGGI), the court held that cash falls within the definition of “money” and is not considered goods.
The court emphasized that since cash does not qualify as goods, it cannot be seized under the provisions of the Act. The judgment provided clarity on the scope of seizure under the GST Act, limiting it to goods liable for confiscation.
Conclusion: In a significant decision, the Delhi High Court ruled in favor of the petitioner, Jagdish Bansal, holding that the seizure of cash was unlawful. The court directed the respondents to remit the seized cash along with interest to the petitioner. However, it clarified that the respondents could still take appropriate legal action under the Act.
This judgment establishes a precedent regarding the seizure of cash under the GST Act, reaffirming that cash, excluded from the definition of goods, cannot be seized by authorities.
FULL TEXT OF THE JUDGMENT/ORDER OF DELHI HIGH COURT
1. Mr. Sanjib Kumar Mohanty, learned counsel appearing for the respondent no.1 submits that he has been appearing in these proceedings through VC, however, his presence has not been noticed in orders dated 22.12.2023, 03.01.2024 and 11.01.2024 though he had appeared for respondent no.1.
2. In view of the above, the presence of Mr. Sanjib Kumar Mohanty, Advocate shall be read in orders dated 22.12.2023, 03.01.2024 and 11.01.2024 as having been appeared for respondent No.1.
3. Petitioner seeks a declaration that seizure of cash by respondent no.2 from the residential premises and office of the petitioner was unlawful.
4. A search and seizure operation was carried out at the premises of the petitioner (i.e. the residential premises as well as shop of the petitioner) on 30.11.2022 and cash in a sum of Rs. 65,00,000/- and Rs. 7,00,000/- was seized from the residential premises and office of the petitioner respectively.
5. Reference may be had to the judgment of this Court in K.M. Food Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. vs. Director General (DGGI) 2024: DHC:1081-DB wherein in similar circumstances this Court while interpreting provision of Section 67 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act 2017 (herein referred to as) has held that ‘cash’ is clearly excluded from the definition of the term ‘goods’ and would fall with the definition of ‘money’ as defined in Section 2 (75) of the Act. This Court has further held that since cash is not goods, it could not have been seized under the provision of the Act, as seizure is limited to the goods liable for confiscation.
6. The ratio of the said judgments squarely applied to the facts of the present case. Accordingly, we hold that there is no justification for resumption of cash and its continued retention by the respondents. Accordingly, the petition is allowed and respondents are directed to forfeit/remit the said cash seized from the premises of the petitioner to the petitioner along with interest. It is however clarified that respondents are not precluded from taking any action or instituting any other proceedings under the Act in accordingly with law.
7. This petition is disposed of in the above terms.
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