Form F declarations may be submitted before assessment for stock transfer exemption, with fresh consideration required on merits.

A High Court-directed procedural opportunity permits a taxpayer to submit Form F declarations and supporting records before the assessing authority for consideration of exemption on stock transfers under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956. The assessing authority must receive the materials, examine the exemption claim on merits, and pass fresh orders in accordance with law. The request was allowed in the absence of opposition from the respondents, with the dispute confined to whether the declarations could still be placed for consideration.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner should be permitted to produce Form F declarations and supporting documents before the assessing authority for consideration of exemption of stock transfers under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956.

Analysis: The petitioner sought an opportunity to place the Form F declarations and connected records before the assessing authority, as the request was made after the appellate proceedings and before expiry of the assessment-related time limit was disputed by the department. The respondents did not oppose the grant of such an opportunity. In these circumstances, the Court found it appropriate to direct the assessing authority to receive the declarations and supporting materials and to consider the claim for exemption on merits and in accordance with law.

Conclusion: The petitioner was permitted to submit the Form F declarations and relevant documents, and the assessing authority was directed to pass fresh orders on the claim in accordance with law.

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