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2015 (12) TMI 419 - HC - Service TaxAttachment of property and bank accounts - Violation of principle of natural justice - Held that:- we find from a reading of the affidavits and impugned notice as well as the order directing attachment of the property and perusal of the satisfaction recorded in the original that without waiting for a reply to the show cause notice, and without giving any opportunity and without giving any notice, the bank accounts were attached in gross violation of Rule 3 of the Rules of 2008 read with paragraph 2 (iii) of the Circular dated 1st July, 2008. It is mandatory for the authority to issue a notice giving 15 days' time to reply before attaching a property. In the instant case, we find that the proposal submitted by the Deputy Commissioner, Respondent No. 3 clearly indicated that first the property should be attached and thereafter notice should be issued. This proposal was approved by the Commissioner without any application of mind and without considering the provision of the Rules and the circular. No cogent reason has been given justifying the action for attaching the property. Only a cursory remark has been indicated namely that there is fair possibility of the funds getting dissipated. In our opinion, cogent and sufficient justification was found lacking in the satisfactory note. The attachment proceedings could not be initiated on such ground. - action of the respondents was not malafide and consequently considering this fact, we issue only a warning to respondents 2 and 3 that they need to be careful while resorting to exercise the powers contemplated under Rule 3 of the Rules of 2008. Such exercise of power has to be resorted to with utmost circumspection and with maximum care and caution. - impugned orders are quashed - Decided in favour of assessee.
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