2000 (9) TMI 1020 - HC - VAT and Sales Tax

Retrospective cancellation of tax exemption certificate deemed invalid under West Bengal Sales Tax Act

The court held that the retrospective cancellation of an eligibility certificate for remission of sales tax under the West Bengal Sales Tax Act, 1994 was ... - Issues:Validity of retrospectivity of order cancelling eligibility certificate for remission of sales tax under West Bengal Sales Tax Act, 1994.Analysis:The writ application challenged the validity of a retrospective order cancelling an eligibility certificate for remission of sales tax granted under section 41 of the West Bengal Sales Tax Act, 1994. The petitioner, a registered company, had set up a small-scale industry for manufacturing rubber goods and had been granted remission of 70% of the sales tax amount invested. However, it was later discovered that the petitioner did not qualify for the exemption under the specific rules. The key question was whether the order cancelling the exemption could have retrospective effect.The authorities had the power to discontinue remission of tax if the dealer contravened any provisions of the Act or rules. However, the principle of rectification of orders made under a bona fide mistake was highlighted. The judgment referred to legal precedents emphasizing that an order may be void for one purpose but valid for another, and the court may refuse to quash it based on various legal reasons, even if it is technically a violation of the law.Several High Court decisions were cited, indicating that the withdrawal of an eligibility certificate cannot have retrospective effect. The judgment emphasized that public inconvenience would ensue if such concessions were withdrawn retrospectively. It was noted that the petitioner had not collected sales tax from customers or paid tax to sellers based on the exemption certificate, leading to a situation where the statutory duty under the Act was not fulfilled. The judgment concluded that the Tribunal erred in passing the impugned judgment, and the application was allowed without costs.In conclusion, the judgment delved into the legal principles governing the retrospective effect of orders, the authority's power to discontinue tax remission, and the implications of withdrawing exemptions granted under specific rules. The decision highlighted the importance of balancing legal requirements with considerations of justice and public interest in tax matters.