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2013 (10) TMI 1263 - AT - Service TaxConstruction of Road - contracts were on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis. The consideration for the services rendered under these contracts was recovered by collection of toll charges for a fixed tenure and appropriating the same towards the cost incurred. - The case of the Revenue is that collection of toll charges under the contracts comes within the purview of 'Business Auxiliary Services' - Held that:- The activity undertaken by the appellants herein is construction of roads. The same is excluded specifically from the scope of levy of service tax under the category of 'Commercial and Industrial Construction Service' under Section 65(105)(zzq) and 'Works Contract Service' under Section 65(105)(zzzzq). Further, under 'Maintenance and Repair Service' under Section 65(105)(zzg) the activity has also been exempted from levy of service tax and the same has been given retrospective effect from the date of inception of the levy. Thus, it is very clear that the construction and repair of roads have been specifically excluded from the scope of levy of service tax by the Government. The appellants have been providing services of construction of roads. To finance/compensate the cost of construction, the contractors have been allowed to collect toll charges and the toll charges have been collected on their own behalf and for themselves. If that be so, they cannot be said to have rendered any 'Business Auxiliary Service' for someone else. - Prima facie case is in favor of assessee - stay granted.
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