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2014 (11) TMI 871 - HC - Service TaxInvocation of extended period of limitation - No allegation of fraud, collusion, willful misstatement or suppression of facts - Exemption under Notification No. 34/2004-S.T., dated 3-12-2004 - Held that:- Only on the examination of accounts maintained by the assessee, the proceedings themselves emanated on the allegation of short payment. It is not denied by the Revenue, that the assessee originally placed reliance on the Exemption Notification, not remitting Service Tax on the freight charges exceeding ₹ 750/-. Further on the allegation that the Exemption Notification would not apply to the case, there is no allegation of fraud, collusion, willful misstatement or suppression of facts. Thus, on the allegation of non-payment arising from the examination of accounts, we do not find that the Revenue would be justified in placing reliance on the extended period for limitation as provided for under Section 73(1) proviso of Finance Act. The proviso under Section 11A of Central Excises and Salt Act, 1944, contains the phrase “with intent” to evade payment of duty in such person. The provision under Section 73(1) of the Finance Act, is no different from what is contained under Section 11A of Central Excises and Salt Act, 1944; thus, with the requirement of ‘with intent’ to evade payment of Service Tax, indicating element of deliberate avoidance or evasion, the show cause notice must contain materials to have the benefit of extended limitation. Thus, when the notice contains no such allegation, the Revenue’s case cannot be brought under the extended time limit to hold that the proceedings are saved by the extended limitation. In the circumstances, we hold that the notice issued on 16-10-2007, for the period from November, 2005 to May, 2006, is without any jurisdiction. Consequently, any demand of tax, penalty of interest in this case, is without jurisdiction. - Decided against Revenue.
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