Summary of Landmark judgment of Maruti Enterprise vs. Union of India, Gujarat High Court- (May 1, 2026)
The Gujarat High Court in Maruti Enterprise Vs Union of India & Ors. upheld the constitutional validity of Section 16(2)(c) of the CGST Act and ruled that Input Tax Credit (ITC) can be denied where the supplier fails to deposit tax with the government. The Court observed that ITC is a conditional benefit and not a vested right. It further noted that GST is a destination-based consumption tax and distinguished the present matter from the On Quest Merchandising case under the DVAT regime, stating that GST law contains remedial provisions such as Section 41(2) and Rule 37A. The judgment highlights the need for businesses to adopt strict supplier compliance checks, monitor GSTR-2B regularly, and include indemnity clauses in purchase agreements to safeguard against ITC losses arising from supplier non-compliance.
Key Aspects of the Judgment:
1. Constitutional Validity: Section 16(2)(c) is upheld; ITC is not a vested right but a conditional benefit.
2. Supplier Default: ITC can be denied if the supplier defaults in tax payment.
3. Destination-Based Tax: The court emphasized that GST is a destination-based consumption tax.
4. Distinction from DVAT: The court distinguished this from the On Quest Merchandising case, stating GST provisions (Section 41(2)/Rule 37A) provide remedial mechanisms.
Action plant For Professionals and Business:–
(i) Implement a strict “Know Your Supplier” (KYS) process. Before onboard, check a vendor’s GST filing history and compliance rating.
(ii) Monitor GSTR-2B meticulously to ensure ITC eligibility before taking credit.
(iii) Ensure all purchase agreements have a robust indemnity clause specifically covering any loss of ITC, interest, or penalties due to the supplier’s non-compliance.
Author View:– Though this judgement is contradictory to other high court’s judgments which are in favors of Bona fide buyer. In my opinion ITC will be allowed . There is a settle principle of “Lex Non Cogit Ad Impossibilia” that mean A taxpayer cannot be penalized for the “default of a third party” over whom they have no administrative control. Forcing a recipient to ensure the supplier deposits tax into the government exchequer—an act purely within the supplier’s and the tax department’s domain—is an impossible condition.
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