MADRAS HIGH COURT [ABI Constructions, Rep. By Its Proprietor Govintharaj Sammandham Vs The State Tax Officer, The Goods & Services Tax Network, Rep. By Its Nodal Officer, New Delhi ]
An order in original dated 30.10.2023 is assailed on the ground that the petitioner did not have a reasonable opportunity to contest the tax demand on merits. On examining the impugned order, it is evident that the tax proposal was confirmed because the tax prayer did not respond to the show cause notice by filing objections. The impugned order indicates that the personal hearing notice dated 10.03.2023, reminder dated 29.05.2023 were sent by RPAD and that the latter was received by the petitioner on 01.06.2023. In these circumstances, the explanation of the petitioner that he was unaware on account of notices being uploaded on the GST portal cannot be accepted. At the same time, it is apparent that the tax proposal was confirmed without the petitioner being heard and liability was imposed under Section 74 of applicable GST enactments. In these facts and circumstances, the interest of justice warrants that an opportunity be provided to the petitioner by putting the petitioner on terms. On instructions, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner agrees to remit 15% of the disputed tax demand as a condition for remand.