2025 (7) TMI 1065 - HC - GST

Challenge to summary order - barred by time limitation or not - levy of penalty beyond permissible limits prescribed u/s 122(1) of the Central Goods and Services Act 2017. Time Limitation - HELD THAT - The Court prima facie is of the opinion that the same is not barred by limitation. Levy of penalty being beyond what is permissible limit prescribed under Section 122 of CGST Act - HELD THAT - The same is a ground that can be raised in appeal by the Petitioner - This Court has in M/S. SHEETAL AND SONS SUNNY JAGGA M/S. VIKAS TRADERS VERSUS UNION OF INDIA ANR. 2025 (5) TMI 1609 - DELHI HIGH COURT has already dealt with similar issues concerning the main firm in this case namely SR Impex and SR International and has held that considering that it relates to fraudulent availment of Input Tax Credit writ jurisdiction would not be liable to be exercised. There is no reason to treat the present petitions differently. Accordingly the impugned order being an appealable order under Section 107 of the CGST Act the Petitioners are permitted to avail of the appellate remedy before the Appellate Authority. If the appeals are filed by 15th July 2025 requisite pre-deposit in terms of Section 107 of CGST Act the same shall not be dismissed as being barred by limitation. Petition disposed off.

Summary

ISSUES:

• Whether the issuance of the summary order in FORM GST DRC-07 dated 22nd February, 2025 is barred by limitation.
• Whether the penalty imposed exceeds the permissible limits prescribed under Section 122(1) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.
• Whether writ jurisdiction is appropriate in cases involving allegations of fraudulent availment of Input Tax Credit under the CGST Act.
• Whether the petitioners can be permitted to avail appellate remedy under Section 107 of the CGST Act despite the limitation period.

RULINGS / HOLDINGS:

• On limitation, the Court held prima facie that the issuance of the summary order in FORM GST DRC-07 is not barred by limitation, based on proof of service via email on registered addresses.
• Regarding penalty, the Court stated that the contention of penalty being imposed beyond permissible limits under Section 122(1) of the CGST Act is a ground that can be raised in appeal by the Petitioner.
• The Court reaffirmed that in cases involving fraudulent availment of Input Tax Credit, writ jurisdiction would not be liable to be exercised, consistent with prior rulings.
• The Court permitted the petitioners to avail the appellate remedy under Section 107 of the CGST Act, directing that if appeals are filed by the stipulated date with requisite pre-deposit, they shall not be dismissed as being barred by limitation and shall be adjudicated on merits.

RATIONALE:

• The Court relied on the statutory framework of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, particularly Sections 107 and 122.
• Service of the impugned order by email to registered addresses was accepted as valid proof of communication, negating limitation objections at this stage.
• Precedent was followed wherein writ jurisdiction was declined in matters involving fraudulent Input Tax Credit claims, emphasizing the availability of statutory appellate remedies.
• The Court emphasized the principle that appellate authorities must decide appeals on merits without being influenced by interim observations, thereby ensuring procedural fairness.
• No dissent or doctrinal shift was noted; the decision aligns with established jurisprudence on limitation and appellate remedies under the CGST Act.