Case Law Details
Vodafone Mobile Services Limited Vs Union of India (Gujarat High Court)
Introduction: In a significant legal development, the Gujarat High Court has delivered a ruling in the case of Vodafone Mobile Services Limited vs Union of India, addressing the issue of the rejection of GST (Goods and Services Tax) refund applications without providing proper reasons. This case highlights the importance of transparency and adherence to procedural norms in administrative actions related to GST refunds.
Analysis: The crux of the matter revolved around the validity of an order rejecting the petitioner’s GST refund claim without offering any justifiable reasons for the decision. The court observed that the absence of reasons in an administrative decision undermines the essence of accountability and fairness. Referring to similar cases across different High Courts, where comparable orders were set aside, the Gujarat High Court reiterated the necessity of providing valid reasons for administrative decisions, particularly in matters of tax refunds.
While the respondent authorities argued that the petitioner should seek an alternative remedy through an appeal, the court emphasized that the provision of proper reasoning within the initial decision is of paramount importance. This stance reinforces the principle that administrative actions must be transparent, well-founded, and adhere to the established legal procedures.
Conclusion: The Gujarat High Court’s verdict in the Vodafone vs Union of India case serves as a reminder of the significance of procedural integrity and transparency in administrative actions, especially concerning GST refunds. By quashing the rejection order and instructing the petitioner to reapply in accordance with a specific circular, the court underscores the significance of complying with legal requirements and providing justifiable reasons for administrative decisions. This ruling contributes to upholding the principles of fairness, accountability, and transparency in the context of GST-related matters.
Argued by Adv. Bharat Raichandani i/b UBR Legal
FULL TEXT OF THE JUDGMENT/ORDER OF GUJARAT HIGH COURT
1. Draft amendment is granted. It is to be carried out.
2. Rule returnable forthwith. Mr. Priyank Lodha, learned Senior Standing Counsel waives service of notice of Rule for and on behalf of the respondent No.1, while Mr.Raj Tanna, learned AGP waives service of notice of Rule for and on behalf of the respondent Nos.2 to 4.
3. With consent of the learned advocates for the respective parties, the matter is taken up for final hearing today as the issue is now settled by several decisions of the Coordinate Benches of several High Courts.
4. Heard Mr. Bharat Raichandani, learned counsel assisted by Mr. Aditya Parikh, learned advocate for the petitioner, Mr. Priyank Lodha, learned Senior Standing Counsel for and on behalf of the respondent No.1 and Mr. Raj Tanna, learned Assistant Government Pleader for and on behalf of the respondent Nos.2 to 4.
5. Challenge in this petition is to the legality and validity of the order No.13990 dated 27.2.2020 passed by the respondent authorities.
6. The facts in brief would indicate that the petitioner who was engaged in providing telecommunication services across India was merged with the Idea Cellular Limited vide order dated 30.8.2018 passed by the National Company Law Tribunal. With the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax, the petitioner migrated to GST regime and was registered under the provisions of the CGST / GGST Act, 2017. On having so migrated with effect from August, 2017, taxes were paid in respective States wherever liability was supposed to be discharged and compliances including filing of GSTR-3B & GSTR-1 were streamlined. There were instances where, excess payment of tax was made in the State of Gujarat. The petitioner applied for refund of excess tax after having made good the short payment of tax through the annual returns. Applications for refund were made.
7. By the impugned order, as is evident from the text of the order itself the order rejecting the claim for refund under Section 54(5) of the CGST Act, 2017 is without any reasons.
8. Bharat Raichandani, learned counsel for the petitioner would rely on orders passed by the High Court of Madhya Pradesh, the High Court of Calcutta and the High Court of Telangana in the case of the petitioner itself. Reading the orders passed by several High Courts, it is clear that the Court shall quash the orders under challenge and observed that if the petitioner makes a fresh application for refund of excess tax paid by the petitioner, the same shall be dealt with, in accordance with law, afresh.
9. Raj Tanna, learned Assistant Government Pleader for the respondent – State would contend that rather than entertaining the present petition, the petitioner ought to be relegated to an alternative remedy of filing an appeal under Section 107 of the CGST Act.
10. Considering the various orders passed by this Court in the case of the petitioner itself, the petitioner is directed to make a fresh application for refund in terms of Circular No.125/44/2019-GST dated 18.11.2019 issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, GST Policy Wing, within a period of three weeks from today. On such application being made, the authorities shall dispose of the same on merits in accordance with law as early as possible, preferably within a period of four weeks thereafter.
11. In view of above, the impugned order dated 27.2.2020 is hereby quashed and set aside. The petition stands allowed, accordingly. Rule is made absolute to the aforesaid extent. Direct Service is permitted. No order as to costs.
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