2025 (5) TMI 464 - HC - GST

Blocking of ITC - blocking of credit ledger beyond a period of one year - non-existent firm - Rule 86A of the CGST Rules 2017 - HELD THAT - A plain reading of the provision of Rule 86 (A) (3) makes the statutory position abundantly clear. Accordingly in view of the fact that more than one year has elapsed since the imposition of restriction the blocking of the Input Tax Credit (ITC) shall stand lifted. This is however independent of any other action that the adjudicating authority may have taken in accordance with law against the Petitioner. Petition disposed off.

Summary

1. ISSUES PRESENTED and CONSIDERED

The core legal questions considered by the Court are:

(a) Whether the impugned order dated 28th March 2024 passed by the Deputy Director, Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), blocking the Petitioner's Input Tax Credit (ITC) is legally sustainable;

(b) Whether the subsequent Order-in-Original dated 12th February 2025 denying ITC and imposing penalties on the Petitioner is valid;

(c) Whether the blocking of ITC can be continued beyond the statutory period of one year as prescribed under Rule 86A(3) of the CGST Rules, 2017;

(d) Whether the Petitioner's contention that the blocking of ITC violates the law laid down by the Delhi High Court in Best Crop Science Pvt. Ltd. v. Pr. Commissioner, CGST is tenable;

(e) The extent of the Petitioner's entitlement to relief pending the appeal against the Order-in-Original dated 12th February 2025.

2. ISSUE-WISE DETAILED ANALYSIS

Issue (a) and (b): Legality of Blocking of ITC and Denial of ITC with Penalties

Relevant legal framework and precedents: The blocking of ITC is governed by provisions under the CGST Act and Rules, particularly Rule 86A of the CGST Rules, 2017. The Petitioner invoked the precedent set by the Delhi High Court in Best Crop Science Pvt. Ltd. v. Pr. Commissioner, CGST, which presumably deals with the legality and conditions under which ITC can be blocked.

Court's interpretation and reasoning: The Court noted that the DGGI had blocked ITC amounting to Rs. 3,91,23,722/- on 15.01.2024, which resulted in the Petitioner's electronic credit ledger reflecting a negative balance. Subsequently, a show cause notice was issued, and an Order-in-Original passed on 12.02.2025 denied ITC of Rs. 29,13,246/- and imposed penalties.

The Petitioner challenged both the blocking and the denial of ITC. While the Court acknowledged the Petitioner's right to appeal the Order-in-Original, it did not expressly rule on the merits of the denial or the penalties imposed. The focus was primarily on the legality of the blocking period.

Key evidence and findings: The Petitioner submitted that the blocking was contrary to the law and that the ITC ledger was in negative due to the blocking. The Respondents argued that the blocking was justified due to allegations that the Petitioner was a non-existing firm.

Application of law to facts: The Court refrained from adjudicating on the merits of the denial of ITC and penalties, noting that the Petitioner was in the process of filing an appeal. The Court's analysis concentrated on whether the blocking itself was lawful in terms of duration.

Treatment of competing arguments: The Respondents conceded that the blocking period was for one year but justified the blocking on the ground of the Petitioner being a non-existent entity. The Petitioner argued that the blocking was unlawful and referred to judicial precedent.

Conclusions: The Court did not decide on the substantive denial or penalties but proceeded to address the statutory limitation on the blocking period.

Issue (c): Whether Blocking of ITC can exceed One Year under Rule 86A(3)

Relevant legal framework: Rule 86A(3) of the CGST Rules, 2017, states: "Such restriction shall cease to have effect after the expiry of a period of one year from the date of imposing such restriction."

Court's interpretation and reasoning: The Court observed that the statutory language is clear and unambiguous. The restriction on the use of ITC cannot continue beyond one year from the date of imposition. Since more than one year had elapsed since the blocking was imposed on 15.01.2024, the blocking must be lifted.

Key evidence and findings: The Petitioner demonstrated that as of April 2025, the ITC remained blocked despite the expiry of the one-year period.

Application of law to facts: Applying the plain language of Rule 86A(3), the Court held that the blocking of ITC beyond one year is impermissible and must be lifted immediately.

Treatment of competing arguments: The Respondents conceded the one-year limit but did not unblock the ITC. The Court rejected any justification for extending the blocking beyond the statutory period.

Conclusions: The Court ordered the immediate lifting of the ITC blocking, independent of other proceedings or actions taken by the adjudicating authority.

Issue (d): Applicability of Best Crop Science Precedent

Relevant legal framework and precedents: The Petitioner relied on the decision in Best Crop Science Pvt. Ltd. v. Pr. Commissioner, CGST, which presumably limits or regulates the conditions for blocking ITC.

Court's interpretation and reasoning: The Court acknowledged the Petitioner's reliance on this precedent but did not undertake a detailed analysis or distinguish it. Instead, the Court's decision rested on the statutory limitation under Rule 86A(3).

Key evidence and findings: The Petitioner contended that the blocking was contrary to the principles laid down in the precedent.

Application of law to facts: The Court's ruling on the one-year limit effectively supports the Petitioner's contention that indefinite blocking is unlawful.

Treatment of competing arguments: The Respondents did not dispute the precedent but relied on the non-existence allegation to justify the blocking.

Conclusions: The Court's order aligns with the principle that blocking must be time-bound and lawful, as reflected in the precedent.

Issue (e): Entitlement to Relief Pending Appeal

Relevant legal framework: The Petitioner sought relief from continued blocking pending appeal against the Order-in-Original dated 12.02.2025.

Court's interpretation and reasoning: The Court did not grant any interim relief with respect to the Order-in-Original but emphasized that the blocking itself cannot continue beyond one year.

Key evidence and findings: The Petitioner was in the process of filing an appeal, and the Court noted this fact.

Application of law to facts: The Court's directive to lift the blocking is independent of the appeal process and does not prejudge the appeal's outcome.

Treatment of competing arguments: The Respondents did not contest the Petitioner's right to appeal but maintained the blocking.

Conclusions: The Court's order ensures that the Petitioner's ITC is unblocked, preserving its rights pending appeal.

3. SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS

The Court held unequivocally that:

"A plain reading of the above provision makes the statutory position abundantly clear. Accordingly, in view of the fact that more than one year has elapsed since the imposition of restriction, the blocking of the Input Tax Credit (ITC) shall stand lifted. This is, however, independent of any other action that the adjudicating authority may have taken, in accordance with law, against the Petitioner