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2020 (6) TMI 678 - AAAR - GSTDetermination of value of second hand goods - Applicability of Rule 32(5) of CGST Rules,2017 - sale of Paintings bought from individual collectors and connoisseur - Antique jewellery, watches and books - Collectibles and Memorabilia - interpretation of statute - scope of phrase 'where no input tax credit has been availed on the purchase of such goods' - challenge to AAR decision - HELD THAT:- The only conclusion we can draw from the order of the AAR is that they seem to have been swayed by the fact that antique watches, painting and jewelry are valuable products which cannot be classified in the category of ‘second-hand or used’. Also the fact that there is a separate tariff heading for ‘Antiques’ in the form of tariff heading code 97060000 covering ‘Antiques exceeding 100 years’ seems to have influenced them. However, we wish to point out that the classification of the goods does not have anything to do with the application of rule 32 (5). The question of whether the rule will apply has to be decided independently of the fitment of the product. There is nothing in rule 32 (5) which says that it is not applicable to valuable or precious objects or objects having antique value. It is a settled principle of jurisprudence that when the words of a statute are unambiguous and only one reasonable meaning can be given to it, then the courts are bound to give effect to that meaning. Such words have to be interpreted in their natural and ordinary sense. Therefore, the term ‘second-hand and used’ has to be given its ordinary meaning and nothing more is to be attributed to it especially when the legislature has not chosen to expand or contract its meaning. Antique pieces are also second-hand and used by people before they come in the market. The paintings are bought by the appellant from individual art collectors. It presupposes that the art collectors have bought it second-hand or used and then sold it to the appellant. It would be an entirely different thing if the appellant has bought the paintings from the artists themselves. However, this is not the fact before us and we go entirely by the submissions of the appellant that they have bought it from individual art collectors. If such is the case, then there are no grounds to say that they are not second-hand or used. All the categories- valuable paintings, antique watches, antique jewelry, though falling under the category of valuable goods, are at the same time also ‘second hand or used goods’ and therefore they cannot be denied the benefit of rule 32(5). We feel that the term ‘antique books’ is evocative enough to describe what it contains and the appellant can apply Rule 32(E) to it. The AAR has not given any ruling on collectibles/memorabilia and collectible books; the reason being given is that no specific details of such goods are given. In the grounds of appeal presented before the AAR, the appellant has described such goods as only ‘collectibles’ and ‘memorabilia and collectibles’. They have not dwelt at length as to what commodities are covered in that category. The appellant has stated that ‘collectibles and memorabilia’ encompasses clothing, support equipment, spectacles, accessories etc. The above description is of general nature. The appellant has not given any further description as to whether they are bought from individual art collectors or not. Also, the appellant has asked for separate ruling on collectible books and antique books. It is not known whether they are same or not. Also no specific explanation is given as to what is the difference between collectible books and antique books. The ruling of AAR has to be upheld.
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