28 Jun GST Appeal Deadline Extension
Introduction
In a recent ruling by the Hon’ble Madras High Court, the issue of condoning the delay in filing an appeal due to the filing and subsequent rejection of a rectification petition was deliberated upon, setting a precedent in GST law.
Facts of the Case
M/s. Tvl. SKL Exports (“the Petitioner”) received assessment orders and opted to file rectification petitions, which were initially rejected. Following this, the Petitioner proceeded to file an appeal before the appellate authority. However, the appeal was rejected on grounds of exceeding the statutory limitation period stipulated under Section 107 of the CGST Act.
Issue
The central question before the court was whether the delay in filing the appeal immediately after the rejection of the rectification petition could be justified and condoned by the appellate authority.
Held
The Hon’ble Madras High Court, in W.P. No. 6825 of 2024, ruled as follows:
- The court acknowledged that the delay in filing the appeal was directly attributable to the rejection of the rectification petition by the authority.
- It emphasized that the appeal was filed promptly after the rejection of the rectification petition, highlighting the continuity in the petitioner’s efforts to seek judicial review.
- Consequently, the court directed the appellate authority to proceed with the petitioner’s appeal on its merits, bypassing the issue of the appeal’s timeliness.
Conclusion
This judgment underscores the judiciary’s willingness to consider the practicalities faced by taxpayers navigating the complexities of GST assessments. It reaffirms the principle that procedural delays caused by legitimate attempts at rectification should not unduly prejudice a taxpayer’s right to a fair hearing.
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