2010 (3) TMI 1043 - HC - VAT and Sales Tax

Court affirms jurisdiction to assess additional turnovers under Haryana Sales Tax Act

The court affirmed the revising authority's jurisdiction under section 40 of the Haryana General Sales Tax Act to assess turnovers not initially included ... - Issues:1. Jurisdiction of revising authority under section 40 of the Haryana General Sales Tax Act, 1973.2. Assessment of turnover of purchase of goods not part of gross turnover or taxable turnover.3. Levy of interest under section 25(5) of the Haryana General Sales Tax Act.Jurisdiction of Revising Authority (Section 40):The judgment addresses the first issue concerning the revising authority's jurisdiction under section 40 of the Haryana General Sales Tax Act, 1973. The court refers to a previous case, State of Haryana v. Swastika Metal Works, Jagadhari, where it was established that the Commissioner has revisional power under this section. The Commissioner can call for the record of any case, pending or disposed of, to ensure a just and fair decision. This clarification from the previous case provides a clear understanding of the revising authority's powers under section 40.Assessment of Turnover of Purchase of Goods:Regarding the assessment of turnover of purchase of goods not included in the gross turnover or taxable turnover, the court's judgment in response to the first question provides a significant insight. By relying on the decision in the State of Haryana v. Swastika Metal Works case, the court concludes that the revising authority does have the jurisdiction to tax such turnover. This ruling clarifies that even if the turnover was not part of the initial assessment, the revising authority can still assess it within the limitations specified in section 31 of the Act. Therefore, the revising authority can address such turnovers for taxation purposes.Levy of Interest under Section 25(5):The final issue pertains to the revising authority's justification for levying interest under section 25(5) of the Haryana General Sales Tax Act on the tax assessed on a turnover that was not reported in the returns but not disputed by the dealer. However, since the court's response to the first question resolves the matter by affirming the revising authority's jurisdiction to tax such turnovers, the subsequent questions regarding the levy of interest and the limitations under section 31 do not hold relevance. Consequently, the court rules in favor of the dealer, indicating that the reference is answered against the Revenue.In conclusion, the judgment provides a comprehensive analysis of the revising authority's powers under section 40 of the Haryana General Sales Tax Act, affirming its jurisdiction to assess turnovers not initially included in the assessment. The ruling clarifies the authority's ability to levy taxes on such turnovers within the specified limitations, thereby addressing the issues raised in the reference and guiding future interpretations of the relevant legal provisions.