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2023 (6) TMI 579 - MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURTCancellation of GST registration of petitioner - non-supply of relevant reasons and material while proposing cancellation of registration - denial of reasonable opportunity of defending himself and replying to the show cause notice thereby breaching the rule of natural justice (audi alteram partem). HELD THAT:- Affording of opportunity of being heard is a pre-condition for exercising the power of cancellation of registration. The expression “opportunity of being heard” has been explained time and again by various decisions of the Apex Court as well as this Court and other High Courts. Reverting to the facts herein, it is obvious at first glance that the show cause notice did not contain sufficient reasons to enable the assessee-petitioner to file a reply and, therefore, reasonable opportunity of being heard was denied to the petitioner. By saying that the registration has been obtained by fraud/wilful misstatement/suppression of facts, is not sufficient. Such terms need to be supported by reasons as to why, how and under what circumstances the registration was obtained by fraud/wilful misstatement/ suppression of facts. More so, such reasons ought to be supported by at least some fundamental supporting material, which, in the instant case is conspicuously missing. This Court has no manner of doubt that the impugned show cause notice dated 28.01.2022 (Annexure P/2) and the consequential order of cancellation of registration dated 11.02.2022 (Annexure P/4), rejection of application for revocation of cancellation of registration dated 30.03.2022 and the appellate order dated 13.06.2022 (Annexure P/9) are vitiated in law for being vague and having been issued in violation of principles of natural justice (audi alteram partem). The impugned order of cancellation of registration dated 11.02.2022 (Annexure P/4), the order of rejection of application for revocation of cancellation dated 30.03.2022 and appellate order dated 13.06.2022 (Annexure P/9) are quashed - petition allowed.
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