Shocking Rulings: High Court Decisions on GST Physical Verification

Introduction

In recent times, court cases have shed light on the critical role of physical verification in the process of GST registration. Rule 25 of the GST law allows for physical verification of a business’s premises under certain circumstances, with specific procedures to be followed before, during, and after the verification process.

Understanding Rule 25

Rule 25 of the GST law outlines the conditions under which physical verification of a business’s premises can be conducted. It is essential to comprehend the provisions of this rule to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal consequences.

Noteworthy Court Cases

Several court cases have emphasized the significance of adhering to the prescribed procedures for physical verification under GST law. These cases provide valuable insights into the consequences of non-compliance and highlight the need for strict adherence to regulatory requirements.

Bimal Kothari – Delhi High Court

Introduction

In a recent case adjudicated by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi, concerning the cancellation of GST registration based on physical verification, the court rendered a significant judgment. The case underscores the pivotal role of procedural adherence in tax law matters and highlights the consequences of non-compliance with statutory provisions.

Facts of the Case

The petitioner, Bimal Kothari, initiated a writ petition challenging the order dated 17.12.2018, wherein the respondent authority had revoked the petitioner’s GST registration. The basis of cancellation was the alleged non-existence of the petitioner at the address provided, a fact not contested by the respondents. The petitioner had been served with a show cause notice on 04.12.2018, summoning them to appear before the concerned authority.

Issue

The central issue pertains to the cancellation of GST registration without adhering to the procedural requirements outlined in Rule 25 of the CGST rules, particularly the absence of a notice to the petitioner under the said rule.

Held

Upon meticulous consideration of submissions, facts, and relevant legal provisions, the Hon’ble Court arrived at several key findings:

The petitioner’s reply dated 07.12.2018 indicated a relocation of the business premises, as both the old and new addresses were mentioned. Rule 25 mandates that physical verification, if deemed necessary, must be conducted in the presence of the assessee. However, no notice was issued to the petitioner for their presence during the verification process. Additionally, the verification report in Form GST REG – 30 was not uploaded on the common portal within the stipulated timeframe of 15 days following the physical verification. The court referred to prior judgments, affirming the necessity of procedural compliance in such matters, and concluded that the cancellation of the petitioner’s GST registration was unsustainable. Consequently, the writ petition was disposed of, and the petitioner’s GST registration was reinstated. The respondents were directed to grant the petitioner eight weeks to file returns for the period of cancellation.

This ruling by the Delhi High Court reaffirms the significance of adherence to procedural norms in tax law proceedings and serves as a guiding precedent for future cases.

Gupta Enterprises – Punjab & Haryana High Court

Introduction

In the legal landscape, the meticulous adherence to procedural norms holds paramount importance, especially in tax law matters. A recent case adjudicated by the court sheds light on the criticality of procedural compliance in the cancellation of GST registration based on physical verification. Let’s delve into the details of the case and its implications.

Facts of the Case

The petitioner contended that the premises under scrutiny were his brother’s residential house, devoid of any connection to the partnership firm’s operations. Despite this, discrepancies noted during physical verification led to the cancellation of GST registration. The petitioner argued that the civil consequences of such cancellation outweighed procedural irregularities.

Issue

The central issue revolved around the balance between procedural compliance and the civil consequences of cancellation in the context of physical verification discrepancies.

Held

The court, after careful consideration, quashed the order cancelling the GST registration. It emphasized that the civil consequences of cancellation outweighed the procedural irregularities. The authorities’ technical approach failed to account for the unique circumstances of the petitioner’s case, where the premises in question were a residential house and not directly linked to the partnership firm’s operations.

Balaji Enterprises – Delhi High Court

Introduction

The case of M/S Balaji Enterprises vs. Principal Additional Director General, Directorate General of GST Intelligence & Ors. raises crucial questions about the cancellation of GST registration and the adherence to procedural norms. This article explores the facts of the case, the central issue, and the court’s verdict.

Facts of the Case

The petitioner, M/S Balaji Enterprises, challenged the cancellation of its GST registration by the respondents through a writ petition filed before the Hon’ble High Court. The cancellation order, dated 04.05.2022, initiated under Section 29(2) of the CGST Act 2017, cited an ongoing inquiry by DGGI, Chennai, regarding the supply of spurious goods. The registration cancellation was based on a physical verification report indicating sealed premises, without prior notice to the petitioner.

Issue

The central issue addressed by the court pertained to the procedural irregularities in the cancellation of GST registration, particularly concerning the absence of a proper show cause notice (SCN) and the violation of Rule 25 of the CGST.

Held

After evaluating the submissions, the court found that the SCN lacked any reference to fraud, wilful misstatement, or suppression of facts by the petitioner, as required for registration cancellation. Despite the petitioner’s compliance and response to the SCN, the registration was summarily cancelled without due process. The court highlighted the absence of notice under Rule 25 and the failure to upload the physical verification report, rendering the cancellation unsustainable. The order was set aside, and the respondents were directed to restore the petitioner’s registration.

 F.R. Trade Links – Kerala High Court

Introduction

In the case of F.R. Trade Links, the petitioner contested the cancellation of their GST registration certificate, highlighting procedural irregularities and the absence of a proper enquiry by GST authorities. This article delves into the facts of the case, the central issue, and the court’s verdict.

Facts of the Case

The petitioner, a registered person, challenged the cancellation of their GST registration certificate and the rejection of their application for revocation of cancellation. The cancellation was based on a notice issued in FORM GST REG-17, prompted by a report from an intelligence officer, without the proper conducting of an enquiry as required by Rule 25.

Issue

The central issue addressed by the court pertained to the validity of the cancellation of the petitioner’s GST registration certificate in the absence of a proper enquiry by GST authorities, as mandated by Rule 25.

Held

The court found that the proper officer had issued a cancellation notice without conducting a proper enquiry, as required by Rule 25. The petitioner had provided evidence, including a receipt of building tax from the local authority, to support their claim. However, the registering authority failed to consider this document and cancelled the registration on inadequate grounds not contemplated under Section 29(2) of the CGST/SGST Act.

Additionally, the application for revocation of cancellation was rejected without proper enquiry. Consequently, the court directed the respondents to restore the registration of the petitioner.

KPM Enterprises – Delhi High Court

Introduction

In the realm of taxation and regulatory compliance, the cancellation of registration holds immense significance for businesses. The recent judgment by the Delhi High Court sheds light on the procedural lapses leading to the annulment of GST registration.

Facts of the Case

M/s KPM Enterprises, a registered entity under the GST Act, faced the cancellation of its registration by the respondents. The cancellation order, dated 02.11.2022, was challenged through a writ petition. The petitioner also contested a show cause notice dated 27.09.2022, which suspended its registration.

The petitioner, engaged in the trade of betel nuts, had procured goods from a supplier in Karnataka. However, the consignment was seized in Jaipur by the Assistant Commissioner-II without proper justification. Subsequently, an alleged inspection was conducted in Delhi, resulting in the suspension of the petitioner’s registration.

Issue

The primary contention raised in the case was the validity of the cancellation of registration. The petitioner argued that the cancellation lacked merit as it was executed without adherence to Rule 25 of the CGST Rules, 2017, which mandates prior intimation and documentation, including photographs during inspection.

Held

After thorough consideration of the submissions and facts presented, the Hon’ble Court concluded that the cancellation based on the purported inspection was untenable. Notably, the respondents failed to provide prior intimation to the petitioner as required by Rule 25. Moreover, no photographs were taken and uploaded during the inspection, further violating procedural norms.

In light of these findings, the Court allowed the writ petition, setting aside the impugned order and show cause notice. However, the respondent authorities were granted the liberty to conduct further inquiries in accordance with the law. It was clarified that the judgment did not express any opinion on whether the petitioner was actively conducting business at the time in question.

Micro Focus Software Solution India Pvt. Ltd. – Delhi High Court

Introduction

The cancellation of registration under GST law is a significant matter for businesses, impacting their legal standing and operations. The recent ruling by the Delhi High Court emphasizes the necessity for authorities to adhere to procedural fairness, particularly in cases involving show cause notices.

Facts of the Case

Micro Focus Software Solutions India Private Limited filed a writ petition challenging the cancellation of its registration and the dismissal of its application for revocation. The petitioner received a show cause notice dated 11.11.2020, alleging non-functionality at the registered address.

The petitioner responded to the notice on 23.11.2020, outlining reasons for the continued registration. However, despite the reply and a request for a personal hearing, the registration was cancelled on 09.12.2020. Subsequent appeals for revocation were also dismissed.

Issue

The primary issue at hand was the validity of the cancellation order in light of procedural irregularities. The petitioner argued that the authorities failed to consider its response to the show cause notice and conducted physical inspections without prior notice, violating Rule 25 of the CGST Rules.

Held

After thorough examination of submissions, the Court concluded that the cancellation order was unsustainable due to procedural lapses. The authorities did not acknowledge the petitioner’s reply to the SCN and conducted inspections without adhering to Rule 25.

The Court observed that the petitioner had sought an extension to respond to the notice, which was not considered. Additionally, the inspection was carried out without proper notice, further undermining procedural fairness.

In light of these findings, the Court set aside the cancellation order and directed the authorities to reinstate the petitioner’s registration. It emphasized the importance of procedural adherence and fairness in regulatory actions.

Importance of Compliance

These court cases underscore the critical importance of adhering to the prescribed procedures for physical verification under GST law. Non-compliance can lead to legal challenges, cancellation of registration, and other adverse consequences for businesses.

Conclusion

The cases mentioned above serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the importance of strict compliance with the procedures outlined in Rule 25 of the GST law regarding physical verification. Businesses must ensure proper documentation, notice, and adherence to legal requirements to avoid potential legal pitfalls.