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2015 (11) TMI 1479 - AT - Service TaxPenalty u/s 76 & 77 & 78 - Enhancement of penalty - Held that:- Issue relating to applicability of service tax on MICR services was under dispute and this issue was taken up by the Indian Banks Association with the Ministry of Finance. CBEC vide its letter No.137/1/2005-CXA, dated 25.02.2005 replied that Indian Banks Association's representation had been rejected and that IBA should advise all the member Banks to pay service tax with interest at the earliest. It is seen that on receipt of the advice of the IBA, the respondent paid service tax and also the interest thereon. In the circumstances, we are of the clear view that there was no wilful misstatement or suppression of facts in this case and there was reasonable cause for failure to deposit the service tax initially. Indeed, as noted above, having regard to the facts and circumstances, CESTAT vide its order dated 12.01.2009 set aside the penalty under Section 76 ibid and for the reasons alike, the Commissioner (Appeals) was fully justified in invoking Section 80 for waiving penalty under Section 78 ibid. Further, when the facts and circumstances do not indicate any wilful mis-statement or suppression, penalty under Section 78 ibid is not attracted. - Decided against Revenue.
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