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2020 (6) TMI 342 - HC - Service TaxClaim of interest with refund of Pre-deposit made - Rate of interest - amount was deposited under protest - HELD THAT:- We do not find the petitioner entitled to interest at any higher rate than @ 6% per annum from the date of deposit i.e. 27th October, 2006 till the end of May, 2018 i.e. 31st May, 2018. However, we do not find any justification for the respondents retaining the said amount thereafter and find the respondents liable for interest with effect from 1st June, 2018 onwards and till date @ 7.5% per annum. While so enhancing the rate of interest, we have also taken into consideration the noncompliance by the respondents of the orders of this Court as detailed above, leading to a contempt notice being issued to the respondents and in response whereto Ms. Niharika Gupta, Assistant Commissioner in the Office of Division-Nehru Place, Central GST, Delhi East Commissionerate is present in the Court. The respondents are expected to at least now, on or before 15th July, 2020 refund the amount of ₹ 2,38,00,000/- with interest @ 6% per annum from 1st November, 2006 to 31st May, 2018 and with interest @ 7.5% per annum from 1st June, 2018 till the date of refund on or before 31st July, 2020. However, if the said amount is not refunded by 15th July, 2020, the rate of interest with effect from 1st August, 2020 shall stand enhanced to 12% per annum. No purpose will be served in proceeding with the contempt proceedings and the contempt notice issued vide order dated 3rd March, 2020 is discharged - respondents having however indulged in frivolous litigation, are burdened with costs of ₹ 25,000/- payable to the petitioner along with the amounts with respect whereto mandamus has been issued. Petition disposed off.
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