1992 (1) TMI 321 - HC - VAT and Sales Tax

Court rules air-conditioner installation not taxable as composite works contract. Charges for fixing separate.

The Court upheld the Tribunal's decision that the works contract executed by the petitioner, involving the supply and installation of air-conditioners, ... - Issues:- Whether the works contract executed by the petitioner was liable to taxRs.- Whether the works contract executed by the petitioner involved independent sales and incidental worksRs.Analysis:The judgment pertains to two revision cases arising from a common order of the Sales Tax Appellate Tribunal regarding the assessment years 1980-81 and 1981-82. The Tribunal partially allowed the appeals in favor of the assessee but held that the sale price of air-conditioners in question was taxable turnover. The main issue raised was whether the works contract executed by the petitioner was subject to taxation based on the nature of the transactions. The Tribunal concluded that the charges for fixing the air-conditioners in the buildings were divisible from the total consideration and represented works incidental to the supply of air-conditioners. The Tribunal referenced the Supreme Court decision in Sentinel Rolling Shutters & Engineering Company Pvt. Ltd. v. Commissioner of Sales Tax [1978] 42 STC 409 to support its decision.The Deputy Commissioner and the Tribunal found that the air-conditioners were supplied as standard units without the need for manufacturing as per specific contract specifications. The additional components like wires, ducts, and installation services were considered incidental to the sale of the air-conditioners. Unlike the case referenced by the assessee's counsel, where fabrication, supply, erection, and installation were integral parts of the contract, in the present case, the air-conditioners were already fully manufactured units supplied to customers. The Tribunal's decision was based on the understanding that the supply of additional components and installation services were ancillary to the main sale of air-conditioners and did not constitute a composite works contract.The Court, after examining the facts and legal principles, upheld the Tribunal's decision, stating that there was no error in the order. It was determined that the supply of ancillaries and installation services were incidental to the sale of air-conditioners and did not amount to a composite and indivisible works contract. Consequently, the revision cases were dismissed, and no costs were awarded. The judgment provides a detailed analysis of the contractual terms, the nature of the transactions, and the application of relevant legal precedents to determine the tax liability in the context of works contracts involving the supply and installation of air-conditioners.