Service Tax Refund Claim Dismissed: Strict Adherence to 30-Day Limitation Period Under Section 104 Proves Decisive

CESTAT addressed a service tax refund claim by SIPCOT, which was filed 31 days beyond the statutory time limit under Section 104 of the Finance Act, 1994. The tribunal upheld the refund rejection, finding that the time limitation is mandatory and cannot be interpreted as directory. Despite arguments about mistake and limitation period, the tribunal emphasized that the Finance Act is a self-contained code, and the Limitation Act does not apply. The refund claim was deemed time-barred as it was filed on 31.10.2017, beyond the 30.09.2017 deadline. Consequently, the appeal was rejected, confirming the original order's validity and maintaining the strict interpretation of procedural timelines in tax refund applications. .....

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