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Home e-Newsletters Index Year 2025 May Day 27 - Tuesday

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TMI Tax Updates - e-Newsletter
May 27, 2025

Case Laws in this Newsletter:

GST Income Tax Customs PMLA Central Excise Indian Laws



Articles

1. THE EXEMPTION UNDER SECTION 11 OF THE INCOME TAX ACT, 1961 IS NOT TO BE DENIED FOR THE DELAY IN UPLOADING FORM 10B

   By: DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN

Summary: A public trust filed an income tax return claiming exemption under Section 11, but faced challenges due to a minor delay in uploading Form 10B. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) ruled that the three-day delay was procedural and technical, not substantive. The tribunal held that legitimate exemption should not be denied based on such technicalities, emphasizing that procedural requirements are directory in nature and substantial compliance is sufficient.

2. AMNESTY SCHEME UNDER SECTION 128A AND GSTN ADVISORIES

   By: Dr. Sanjiv Agarwal

Summary: The article discusses a new amnesty scheme under Section 128A of the CGST Act for Financial Years 2017-18 to 2019-20. The scheme provides a conditional waiver of interest and penalty for tax demands issued under Section 73, allowing taxpayers to settle outstanding dues by March 31, 2025. Taxpayers must pay the full tax amount and withdraw any pending appeals to avail the benefits, with specific forms and procedures outlined by the GST Network for implementation.

3. Notice cannot be issued comparing particulars at which Assessee has sold its goods with that of prevalent market price

   By: Bimal jain

Summary: The Jharkhand High Court quashed GST notices issued under Section 61 of the CGST Act, ruling that tax authorities cannot compare an assessee's selling price with market prices during return scrutiny. The court held that such notices exceed jurisdictional limits, as Section 61 is intended for identifying return discrepancies, not price benchmarking. The ruling emphasizes that selling goods below market rate does not automatically warrant tax proceedings unless transactions are proven fraudulent.

4. Clarifying Penalty under Section 129(3) of the U.P. GST Act: Allahabad High Court’s Ruling on Non-Filling of Part-B of E-way Bill

   By: YAGAY andSUN

Summary: The Allahabad High Court ruled on a GST penalty case involving an incomplete e-way bill. The court found that a technical violation without evidence of tax evasion does not warrant a penalty under Section 129. The judgment emphasized that authorities must demonstrate intentional tax evasion before imposing penalties, protecting businesses from disproportionate punitive measures for minor procedural errors in tax documentation.

5. How the Government of India can Use Tourism as a Diplomatic Tool to Counter Terrorism and Highlight Unfriendly Nations.

   By: YAGAY andSUN

Summary: The article explores how India could potentially use tourism as a diplomatic tool to counter terrorism and highlight unfriendly nations. It proposes a hypothetical rating system categorizing countries into tiers based on their diplomatic relations and stance on terrorism. The government could leverage tourism through travel advisories, economic pressure, and public sentiment to influence international relations and national security objectives without implementing a formal rating system.

6. What I Observe While Riding a Bicycle in My City (Faridabad)?

   By: YAGAY andSUN

Summary: A cyclist documents systemic urban challenges in Faridabad, highlighting critical infrastructure and behavioral issues. Key observations include rampant traffic violations, poor waste management, road safety concerns, and disregard for traffic regulations. The analysis emphasizes the need for improved civic awareness, stricter law enforcement, and urban planning to create safer, more sustainable city environments for cyclists and pedestrians.

7. Preventing Industrial Accidents in the Manufacturing Sector: The Role of Predictive Analysis and Preventive Measures.

   By: YAGAY andSUN

Summary: Predictive analysis and preventive measures are crucial for mitigating industrial accidents in manufacturing. By leveraging data from sensors, historical records, and real-time monitoring, companies can identify potential risks before they escalate. Key strategies include condition-based maintenance, advanced safety systems, employee training, and proactive risk management. This approach shifts safety from reactive to preventive, protecting workers, minimizing financial losses, and creating a culture of workplace safety.

8. Comprehensive Guide to Legal and Regulatory Requirements for Storage of Chemicals in Warehouses and Godowns in India.

   By: YAGAY andSUN

Summary: Chemical storage facilities in India require comprehensive legal and regulatory compliance across multiple government levels. Operators must obtain various permits from central, state, and local authorities covering environmental safety, fire protection, industrial regulations, and tax requirements. Key approvals include PESO licenses, environmental clearances, pollution control NOCs, GST registrations, and local municipal permissions. Strict safety protocols, documentation, and periodic audits are essential for legal and safe chemical warehouse operations.

9. Compliance Checklist and a corresponding Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for storage of chemicals in warehouses/godowns in India.

   By: YAGAY andSUN

Summary: A comprehensive compliance checklist and standard operating procedure for chemical storage in Indian warehouses, covering regulatory approvals from central and state governments, fire safety, municipal permissions, GST requirements, and operational safety protocols. The document provides a detailed framework for legal and environmental compliance, emphasizing systematic documentation, safety measures, and periodic audits across multiple regulatory domains.


News

1. Former municipal councillor arrested in UP's Unnao for helping Myanmar nationals obtain fake Aadhaar cards

Summary: A former municipal councillor was arrested in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly helping Myanmar nationals obtain fake Aadhaar cards and forged documents to illegally stay in India. The arrest followed an investigation into suspicious individuals living near the Ganga river. Three women from the group were previously sent to jail, and the councillor was found to have facilitated the creation of fake documents.

2. Liquidation of Bhushan Steel: SC orders status quo on proceedings pending before NCLT

Summary: The Supreme Court ordered a status quo on liquidation proceedings against Bhushan Steel and Power Ltd before the National Company Law Tribunal. The court's decision aims to preserve the potential review petition by JSW Steel Limited after previously setting aside their resolution plan. The bench emphasized maintaining the current state of proceedings without expressing a definitive opinion on the matter.

3. Aadhaar Card Download and UIDAI: A Comprehensive Guide

Summary: The Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification issued by UIDAI for Indian residents, serving as proof of identity and address. It enables access to government services and financial transactions. Users can download e-Aadhaar through official website or mobile app by entering personal details and verifying through OTP. The system offers multiple security features like password protection, masked Aadhaar, and virtual ID to ensure data privacy and prevent misuse.

4. IIFL Finance gets RBI approval to open branches in Jammu & Kashmir

Summary: A non-banking financial company received regulatory approval to open branches in Jammu & Kashmir, aiming to expand credit services in underbanked areas. The financial institution plans to provide tailored credit solutions to support local small businesses and households, complementing its existing community development programs in the region.

5. Trump's tariffs launched global trade wars, a timeline of how we got here

Summary: A detailed timeline of trade tensions initiated by the US president, involving escalating tariffs against multiple countries including China, Mexico, Canada, Colombia, and the European Union. The chronology spans from January to May, showcasing successive tariff impositions, retaliatory measures by trading partners, negotiations, temporary truces, and ongoing economic confrontations across various sectors like agriculture, automotive, technology, and energy.

6. India Participates in 9th BRICS Industry Ministers’ Meeting in Brasília

Summary: India participated in the 9th BRICS Industry Ministers' Meeting in Bras'ilia, focusing on strengthening Global South cooperation. The meeting launched the BRICS Startup Knowledge Hub to enhance cross-border collaboration. Ministers emphasized the importance of MSMEs, digital technologies, and inclusive growth, with participants from BRICS and newly inducted member countries discussing sustainable economic development and industrial resilience.

7. US futures jump while Asian shares slip after Trump delays tariffs on the EU

Summary: US futures rose and Asian markets experienced mixed performance after the president delayed proposed tariffs on European Union goods from June 1 to July 9. The decision came following a call with the European Commission president about potential negotiations. Stock markets showed varied reactions, with some indices climbing while others declined. The delay follows recent trade tensions and uncertainty surrounding potential tariff implementations on international companies and products.

8. Southeast Asian nations want to discuss tariffs with Trump as unified bloc, Malaysia PM says

Summary: Southeast Asian nations are seeking a unified approach to address economic challenges, particularly US tariffs affecting the region. The group aims to negotiate collectively with the US administration and explore strategies to mitigate trade impacts. They plan to launch a 20-year vision for economic integration and are attempting to address the ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar through diplomatic engagement, despite limited leverage in facilitating peace negotiations.

9. Trump says he'll delay a threatened 50% tariff on EU until July

Summary: A U.S. president delayed a threatened 50% tariff on European Union goods from June 1 to July 9, following a call with the European Commission president. Both parties expressed willingness to negotiate and resolve trade tensions, with the EU seeking time to advance talks and reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

10. ASEAN must deepen integration, stay united to tackle US tariffs, Malaysia says

Summary: ASEAN foreign ministers convened to address economic challenges from US tariffs and global trade disruptions. The bloc emphasized the need for deeper regional economic integration and unity to mitigate external shocks. They also discussed the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, calling for ceasefire and humanitarian aid while maintaining a neutral stance in superpower rivalries. The meeting highlighted ASEAN's strategic approach to navigating complex international economic and geopolitical tensions.

11. Project Management Group, DPIIT reviews Mega Infrastructure Projects in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu

Summary: A high-level project monitoring group reviewed 9 infrastructure projects valued at Rs.4,904 crore in two states. The meeting addressed critical implementation challenges, focusing on land acquisition and clearance issues for key projects like a multi-product pipeline and 5G/4G network expansion. Senior government officials discussed resolving inter-ministerial bottlenecks to accelerate project development and digital connectivity in underserved regions.

12. Data User’s Conference on the Results of the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2023–24 and the Forward-Looking Survey on Private Sector Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Investment Intentions

Summary: National Statistics Office is organizing a Data User's Conference on May 27, 2025, at the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad. The event will bring together approximately 200 participants including researchers, economists, and policymakers to discuss findings from the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises and Private Sector Capital Expenditure Investment Intentions survey. The conference aims to create synergy between data producers and consumers through technical sessions, panel discussions, and open interactions.

13. GST largest marginal contributor to rising poverty in Pakistan: World Bank

Summary: A World Bank study reveals that General Sales Tax (GST) significantly contributes to poverty increase in Pakistan, with households paying over 7% of pre-tax expenditure. The study highlights that monthly cash transfer programs positively impact inequality reduction. Recommendations include improving domestic revenue mobilization, enhancing public expenditure efficiency, and prioritizing social expenditures to address fiscal inequities.


Notifications

DGFT

1. 12/2025-26 - dated 26-5-2025 - FTP

Amendments to Para 4.41(5) of FTP-2023

Summary: A government notification amends paragraph 4.41(5) of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, modifying the name of an organization from "International Gemmological Institute (India) Pvt. Ltd." to "International Gemmological Institute (India) Limited" located in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai. The amendment is issued under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, with immediate effect.

2. 11/2025-26 - dated 26-5-2025 - FTP

Restoration of RoDTEP for Advance Authorisations (AAs) holders, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export-Oriented Units (EOUs) from 01.06.2025

Summary: The government restores the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme for Advance Authorisation holders, Special Economic Zones, and Export-Oriented Units effective 01.06.2025. The scheme's rates are available in Appendix 4RE with updated HS codes, providing export support for specified manufacturing entities under the Foreign Trade Policy.

3. 10/2025-26 - dated 26-5-2025 - FTP

Alignment of RoDTEP Schedule consequent to changes in the First Schedule of Customs Tariff Act w.e.f. 01.05.2025

Summary: A government notification aligns the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) schedule with changes in the Customs Tariff Act, effective May 1, 2025. The amendment updates RoDTEP rates and schedules to reflect recent modifications, with detailed rates available on the official trade portal. The changes aim to synchronize export duty calculations with current tax regulations.

GST - States

4. 23/2024-State Tax - dated 22-5-2025 - Delhi SGST

Waiver of late fee for late filing of NIL FORM GSTR-7

Summary: A government notification waives late fees for registered persons failing to file FORM GSTR-7 tax deduction returns from June 2021 onwards. The waiver limits late fees to a maximum of 1,000 rupees, with daily late fees not exceeding 25 rupees. The notification applies specifically to tax deduction at source and becomes effective from November 1, 2024, superseding a previous notification from 2021.


Highlights / Catch Notes


Case Laws:

  • GST

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1733
    HC analyzed a tax law dispute involving procedural challenges to an administrative order under CGST Act, 2017. The court determined that a writ petition was not maintainable due to an existing statutory appeal mechanism under Section 107. The petitioner was directed to utilize the alternative remedy of appeal, which provides opportunity for hearing and addressing procedural irregularities. The court emphasized the importance of exhausting statutory remedies before seeking extraordinary writ jurisdiction.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1732
    HC allowed writ petition challenging tax rectification application rejection. Remanded matter to proper officer, directing reconsideration of application with personal hearing and decision within six weeks. Court set aside both appellate and original orders without examining merits, emphasizing need for complete departmental adjudication process before appellate proceedings.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1731
    SC granted regular bail in a tax fraud case involving alleged fraudulent input tax credit transactions. The Court found insufficient direct evidence linking the accused to fake firms, noting the trial had not commenced and confessional statements required judicial scrutiny. Bail was granted subject to trial court conditions, emphasizing the accused's right to liberty and the need for a fair investigation. The decision balanced investigative interests with individual rights, allowing provisional release pending trial.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1730
    HC dismissed the petition challenging GST registration cancellation. The court held that the Department was justified in revoking the prior cancellation based on Anti-Evasion Commissionerate's findings about the firm being non-existent. The petitioner was directed to file an appeal before the appellate authority under Section 107 of CGST Act within the extended timeline, with all rights preserved for merits-based adjudication.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1729
    HC ruled that GST proceedings post-demerger must be conducted against the resulting company, not the demerged company. The court found the manual appeal filing justified due to technical portal issues and directed remand for fresh adjudication. The order emphasized procedural fairness, mandating correct party identification and proper order uploading on the petitioner's GST portal.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1728
    The SC examined a GST registration cancellation case involving non-filing of returns. Despite procedural defaults, the court permitted belated return filing after tax payment, conditional on compliance with legal requirements. The ruling balanced statutory obligations with practical considerations, allowing the petitioner to rectify the registration cancellation by filing pending returns and settling outstanding tax liabilities within a specified timeframe.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1727
    HC quashed tax recovery order against 100% Export Oriented Unit (EOU) due to procedural non-compliance. The order was set aside for failing to issue a proper show cause notice under Sections 73 and 74 of CGST Act, 2017. Revenue was directed to initiate fresh proceedings by providing a detailed notice specifying recovery amounts and grounds, while preserving the petitioner's right to challenge Rule 96(10)'s validity in subsequent proceedings.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1726
    HC allowed writ petition challenging refund order. Despite refund sanction for Rs. 68,66,238/-, the order contained contradictory directions for payment. Court directed tax authorities to reconsider refund payment mode for closed business, ensuring direct bank transfer, and complete reconsideration within six weeks with opportunity of hearing.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1725
    The SC reviewed a tax assessment order challenging procedural fairness and appeal time limitations. The Court found no violation of natural justice, as the petitioner received adequate notices and hearing opportunities. While acknowledging the expired statutory appeal deadline, the SC granted liberty to file an appeal within 30 days upon payment of 25% of disputed tax amount, balancing procedural compliance with substantive justice.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1724
    The HC ruled that service of a show cause notice exclusively through the GST Portal is invalid when the taxpayer's registration is cancelled, violating principles of natural justice. The court set aside the assessment order, directing authorities to explore alternative service modes under Section 169 of the GST Act. The petitioner was granted liberty to deposit 10% of disputed tax and have bank attachment lifted upon fresh consideration of the case.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1723
    Gujarat HC addressed a petition challenging a GST Act order challenging goods confiscation. The petitioners argued procedural irregularities in document issuance and incorrect statutory section application. The HC issued notice, questioning the validity of the original confiscation order and the legal basis for invoking Section 130 versus Section 129 of the GST Act.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1722
    HC ruled against petitioner in GST return rectification case. The court found insufficient documentary evidence to support claimed corrections in tax returns. Assessing authority's rejection of rectification application was upheld due to lack of substantive proof. The court emphasized taxpayers must provide concrete evidence when seeking amendments to GST filings, and declined to interfere with the original tax assessment order.

  • Income Tax

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1721
    SC dismissed SLP filed by Revenue due to 825-day delay in filing, which was not satisfactorily explained. The court rejected the petition on procedural grounds, emphasizing the importance of timely legal proceedings. All pending applications were also disposed of, effectively terminating the legal challenge.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1720
    The SC upheld the ITAT's decision, rejecting the Revenue's challenge to the deletion of a Rs. 20.24 crore addition for alleged bogus transactions. The Court found that the AO's addition would result in double taxation since the income was already declared. The Court emphasized that merely identifying bogus transactions does not automatically justify rejecting accounting books or imposing additional tax. The Revenue's appeal was dismissed, affirming the principle against taxing the same income twice.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1719
    HC invalidated a tax reassessment notice under Section 153C for AY 2019-20. The court found the Assessing Officer's satisfaction note lacked material evidence connecting the discovered information to the specific assessment year. The sole transaction referenced related to FY 2014-15, which could not justify reopening the assessment for AY 2019-20. Consequently, the notice was deemed legally unsustainable and set aside.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1718
    The HC examined the validity of an income tax return scrutiny for AY 2016-17. The court found the selection invalid due to lack of prior administrative approval as mandated by CBDT Instruction No. 5/2017. Despite Revenue's arguments, the HC upheld the ITAT's decision, ruling that procedural non-compliance renders the assessment proceedings unsustainable. The assessment order was set aside, emphasizing strict adherence to prescribed scrutiny selection guidelines.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1717
    SC held that the AO's assessment order was erroneous and prejudicial to revenue due to lack of verification of sundry creditors. The PCIT's revisionary powers under Section 263 were justified in directing a fresh assessment. The ITAT's reasoning was rejected, and the Court affirmed the PCIT's authority to order further inquiry beyond the original assessment's limitation period, based on statutory provisions allowing reassessment following Section 263 orders.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1716
    HC quashed criminal prosecution under Section 276C(1) of Income Tax Act for alleged income concealment. The court found penalty proceedings invalid due to defective notices and lack of Assessing Officer's satisfaction. Since penalty and prosecution arose from same factual matrix, continuing prosecution was deemed an abuse of court process. The ruling emphasized natural justice principles and procedural fairness in tax-related legal proceedings.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1715
    The SC examined the validity of Section 245HA(1)(iv) of the Income Tax Act, focusing on automatic abatement of Settlement Commission applications. The Court held that the cut-off date was arbitrary and read down the provision to limit abatement only to delays attributable to applicants. The HC's order was set aside, and the matter was remanded to the Settlement Commission for fresh consideration, ensuring procedural fairness and opportunity for the applicants to present their case.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1714
    The Tribunal quashed the PCIT's revision order under section 263, finding no specific errors or prejudice to revenue in the AO's original assessment. The court held that general verification directions without concrete error findings are impermissible. The revision order was invalid as it amounted to an unauthorized change of opinion, and the AO had already conducted detailed inquiries and applied mind to the assessment.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1713
    The SC analyzed section 68 of Income-tax Act regarding unsecured loans. The Tribunal found the assessee had sufficiently proved the identity, creditworthiness, and genuineness of loans from a corporate entity and its director. Despite procedural irregularities during assessment, the Tribunal deleted the tax additions, emphasizing substantive evidence over strict procedural compliance. The appeal was allowed, rejecting the Revenue's arguments of non-compliance.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1712
    The SC/ITAT resolved a tax computation dispute involving excise duty's treatment in turnover calculation. The Tribunal ruled that excise duty must be excluded when determining tax rate applicability. With net turnover of Rs. 226.49 crores (after excluding excise duty), the company qualified for the lower 25% tax rate. The Tribunal overturned the lower authorities' decision, allowing the assessee's appeal and rectification petition.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1711
    HC analyzed the taxability of amounts received by trustees upon relinquishing trusteeship in an educational trust. The court determined that the trustees' en bloc resignation and asset transfer were illegal and void. Consequently, the amounts received were not capital receipts but taxable as income from other sources. The tribunal rejected arguments for capital gains treatment, emphasizing the absence of legal authority for unilateral trusteeship relinquishment.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1710
    SC ruled that the revisionary order under section 263 was invalid due to defective show cause notice and lack of conclusive findings on assessment erroneousness. The court found the AO conducted adequate enquiry during reassessment proceedings. The addition under section 68 was not justified as the assessee provided sufficient evidence about share capital transactions. The appeal delay was condoned, and the appeal was ultimately allowed, setting aside the tax authority's order.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1709
    Tribunal resolved tax dispute involving payments from Indian Permanent Establishment to US Head Office. Determined payments constituted fees for technical services (FTS) under Income Tax Act and India-US DTAA. Ruled payments were taxable in India, subject to tax deduction at source (TDS) under section 195. Rejected assessee's arguments about reimbursement, upheld disallowance of expenses under section 40(a)(i). Appeal dismissed, confirming tax liability and demand.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1708
    The SC/Tribunal examined the revisional powers under Section 263 of Income Tax Act, focusing on the doctrine of merger. The court held that when CIT(A) deleted an addition of alleged bogus share capital, the PCIT cannot initiate revision proceedings on related commission expenses. The revisional jurisdiction is restricted to matters not previously considered and decided in appeal, preventing conflicting quasi-judicial decisions. The appeal was allowed, quashing the PCIT's revisional order.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1707
    AT allowed taxpayer's appeal, deleting transfer pricing adjustments totaling Rs. 68.38 crore across multiple issues. Key rulings include: validating internal comparable for interest rates, rejecting mechanical disallowances under R&D expense provisions, upholding depreciation on amalgamation-related goodwill, and confirming non-taxability of commission paid to non-resident agents. The decision substantially favored the taxpayer across transfer pricing, expense allocation, and tax deduction matters.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1706
    ITAT addressed penalty levy under section 271(1)(c) for alleged bogus accommodation entries. The Tribunal upheld CIT(A)'s deletion of penalty, ruling that penalties cannot be imposed on estimated income additions, despite prima facie evidence of tax evasion involving paper companies. The SC and ITAT precedents support that estimated additions do not constitute deliberate concealment warranting penalty. Revenue's appeal was maintainable under CBDT circular for organized tax evasion cases.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1705
    Legal Case Summary:The SC/Tribunal addressed key tax issues regarding derivative trading and speculative transactions under Income Tax Act, section 43(5). The court ruled that hedging transactions by traders are not speculative, covering both purchase and sale contracts. The tribunal rejected revenue's restrictive interpretation, finding the derivative transactions genuine hedging against price fluctuations. Compensation charges were deemed allowable business expenses. The decision affirmed broader interpretation of proviso (a), extending protection to merchants and manufacturers alike for hedging transactions.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1704
    The SC/Tribunal addressed multiple tax-related issues involving an entertainment company's financial claims. Key outcomes include: (1) non-compete fee denied depreciation as an intangible asset, (2) TV serial production costs allowed as revenue expenditure, (3) film software library recognized for 25% depreciation, (4) section 14A disallowance to be recalculated, (5) marketing expense provisions remanded for verification, and (6) subscription revenue shortfall addition upheld. The Tribunal emphasized evidence-based assessment and strict adherence to accounting principles.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1703
    Tribunal ruled that AO's addition of Rs. 37.84 crores as bogus purchases was unjustified. The assessee provided extensive documentary evidence proving purchase genuineness, including invoices, transport receipts, and bank statements. Non-response to section 133(6) notices was insufficient grounds for treating purchases as bogus. CIT(A)'s deletion of the addition was upheld, emphasizing that the onus to prove bogus purchases lies with the Revenue, not the assessee.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1702
    The SC resolved a tax exemption dispute for an educational institution, holding that non-filing of income tax return does not disqualify exemption under section 10(23C)(vi) for AY 2017-18, as the mandatory return filing proviso was introduced only from AY 2023-24. The Court directed the Assessing Officer to allow exemption after considering the society's losses and agreed disallowances, and not apply section 115BBE.

  • Customs

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1736
    Case Summary:The Tribunal examined penalties under the Customs Act related to EPCG scheme import conditions. It ruled that penalty under section 114A was improperly imposed due to lack of statutory ingredients and absence of duty determination under section 28. The Tribunal found no evidence of collusion or wilful misstatement, and emphasized that misrepresentation must be a patent distortion of facts. The appeal was allowed, setting aside the penalty, and the bond enforcement request was dismissed.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1735
    SC ruled that imported goods (Crucible Pot, Pot Ring, Abrasive Belt, PVA Wheels, Bevelling Cone, and Refractories) qualify as 'capital goods' under Customs Notification No. 104/2009-Cus. The Tribunal found these items essential for manufacturing process and allowed utilization of Status Holder Incentive Scrips beyond the 10% limit. Consequently, the customs duty demand, interest, and penalty were set aside, and deposited amounts were deemed unwarranted.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1734
    Tribunal examined the conversion of an export Bill from DFIA to DEPB scheme. Held the conversion legally valid, as previously approved by Customs Commissioner. Rejected penalties under Sections 112(a)(ii) and 114AA due to lack of evidence of fraud or misstatement. Found no suppression of facts or fabricated documents. Applied res judicata principle, barring re-litigation. Appeal allowed, penalties set aside.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1695
    SC resolved key customs duty drawback issues for merchant exporters. The Court held that Customs Circular No. 35/2010-Cus. has retrospective effect, allowing exporters to claim 1% All Industry Rate (AIR) duty drawback on customs component even after availing central excise duty rebate. The Circular was deemed clarificatory, not creating new rights, and applicable to claims from 2008 onwards. The High Court's previous dismissal was overturned, affirming exporters' entitlement to the drawback.

  • PMLA

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1694
    The SC granted bail to the appellant in a PMLA case involving an alleged question paper leak and money laundering. Despite the ED's opposition, the Court relaxed Section 45's stringent bail provisions, noting the ongoing investigation and lack of direct evidence. Bail was granted with conditions, allowing the prosecution to seek modification if new incriminating evidence emerges. The decision balances investigative interests with the accused's rights.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1693
    HC dismissed anticipatory bail application under PMLA involving Rs. 18 crores financial transactions. Court applied strict Section 45 PMLA conditions, citing Supreme Court precedents on economic offences. Applicant's non-cooperation, substantial proceeds of crime, and ongoing investigation were key factors in rejecting bail. The ruling reinforces stringent judicial approach to anticipatory bail in money laundering cases.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1692
    HC analyzed the legal framework of money laundering prosecution under PMLA, focusing on key principles of prosecuting individuals not directly named in scheduled offences. The court held that PMLA prosecution is independent of the predicate scheduled offence, allowing prosecution of persons involved in concealing or utilizing proceeds of crime, even if not originally accused. The court emphasized that PMLA proceedings can continue if scheduled offence investigation is ongoing, rejecting arguments that non-inclusion in original charge-sheet precludes money laundering prosecution.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1691
    The SC/Tribunal addressed the conflict between SARFAESI Act and PMLA in a case involving fraudulent loans and property auction. The court upheld the secured creditor's rights to auction mortgaged properties prior to ED's attachment order. While confirming the fraudulent nature of loan proceeds, the tribunal maintained the auction sale and directed the creditor to deposit excess proceeds with ED for distribution to unsecured creditors.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1690
    The Appellate Tribunal upheld the Enforcement Directorate's order freezing assets and seizing records related to an offshore company. The tribunal found no violation of natural justice, determining that the appellants were aware of the complaint and had access to relevant documents. The order for asset retention was confirmed, subject to the final outcome of the ongoing prosecution, based on evidence of undisclosed foreign assets and beneficial ownership.

  • Central Excise

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1689
    The SC examined the validity of a Cenvat credit demand based on uncorroborated supplier statements. The court found the revenue's case unsustainable, ruling that the appellant, as a bona fide purchaser with proper documentation and statutory compliance, was entitled to credit. The court rejected the extended limitation period and emphasized the need for corroborative evidence, allowing the appellant's appeal and setting aside the original demand.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1688
    The Tribunal dismissed applications for rectification of a final order in a central excise case. The key issues involved penalty quantification, trademark ownership documentation, and the permissibility of rectification applications. The Tribunal found no error apparent on the record, ruling that the applications were impermissible attempts to review the original order. The penalty amounts were deemed proportionate, and the lack of detailed findings did not constitute a reviewable error.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1687
    The Tribunal allowed the appeal, holding that materials used to manufacture packing materials for export goods qualify as inputs under CENVAT Credit Rules. The appellant's use of MS Rounds, Tor, angles, and other materials to create export packaging was deemed legitimate. Despite using only 2,000 MT of inputs for 40,000 MT of exports, the Tribunal found no substantive grounds to disallow CENVAT credit, rejecting revenue's arguments and setting aside demands for credit recovery and penalties.

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1686
    The Tribunal ruled that Aluminium Dross is not excisable under the Central Excise Act, 1944. Despite being marketable and sold for monetary consideration, the waste product does not qualify as a manufactured good under Section 2(f). Relying on SC and HC precedents and CBEC Circulars, the Tribunal held that waste products arising during manufacture cannot be subjected to excise duty, thus dismissing the Revenue's appeal.

  • Indian Laws

  • 2025 (5) TMI 1685
    SC reviewed discharge orders in a criminal case involving allegations of conspiracy, cheating, and forgery in agricultural procurement. The court held that lower courts improperly considered defense-invited documents at the charge-framing stage under section 239 CrPC. The SC set aside discharge orders, directing the special court to reassess charges based solely on prosecution's original chargesheet, without conducting a mini-trial or evaluating defense evidence prematurely.

 

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