2015 (1) TMI 860 - HC - Service Tax

High Court upholds Tribunal's 50% pre-deposit for Service Tax demand, stresses consistency in decisions. Compliance time extended.

The High Court of Bombay dismissed the Appeals challenging the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal's interim orders. The Court upheld the ... Waiver of pre deposit - promotional exercise enabling the group companies to dispose of the immovable properties. - Business Auxiliary Service - Held that:- Tribunal found that three Appellants before us urged that they were not providing any service and that was mere cost sharing arrangement with eight companies. Whether, such arrangement was devised to circumvent the provisions of the Finance Act and to get over the definition of the term “business axillary service”, is the issue which is at the root of the matter and will be answered at the hearing of the Appeals. Presently, the Tribunal found that this was not a case of mere cost sharing arrangement as pleaded and urged. Prima facie this was found to be a modus oparendi to circumvent and get over the Act. Thus, prima facie the Appellants’ case cannot be equated with K. Raheja [2013 (6) TMI 564 - CESTAT MUMBAI] and Jetlite (2010 (12) TMI 40 - CESTAT, NEW DELHI) .There, prima facie, the distinct legal entities have either advised or assisted the concerned companies in disposing off or selling flats/immovable property. The condition of 50% deposit, therefore, does not appear to us to be completely unreasonable or arbitrary. The Tribunal has rather balanced the rights and equities. This is not a matter where we should decide any wider controversy or larger question. The Appeals have been brought before us at an interlocutory stage. In these circumstances we would be better advised not to render any final opinion on the contested issues. - However, extention of time to make the deposit is granted. - Decided partly in favour of assessee. Issues:1. Questioning the interim orders of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal under Section 35G of the Central Excise Act, 1944.2. Whether the Tribunal's discretion in imposing a 50% pre-deposit condition on Service Tax demand is justified.3. Whether the Appellants' activities fall within the definition of 'Business Auxiliary Service' under Section 65(90) of the Finance Act, 1994.4. Analysis of the Tribunal's decision in light of similar cases like K. Raheja Real Estate Services Pvt. Ltd. and Jetlite India Limited.5. Whether the Tribunal's orders were arbitrary or discriminatory.6. Consideration of the plea for waiver of pre-deposit and unconditional stay.7. Examination of the Tribunal's findings on the nature of services provided by the Appellants to group companies.8. Determination of whether the Appeals raise a substantial question of law warranting further consideration.9. Extension of time for compliance with the Tribunal's order.Analysis:1. The Appellants challenged the Tribunal's interim orders seeking a waiver of the pre-deposit condition. The Appellants argued that the Tribunal's discretion in imposing a 50% pre-deposit on the Service Tax demand was unjustified. They contended that their activities did not constitute 'Business Auxiliary Service' under the Finance Act, 1994, as they provided promotional staff and assistance to group companies for selling immovable properties.2. The Appellants relied on previous judgments involving K. Raheja Real Estate Services Pvt. Ltd. and Jetlite India Limited to support their claim for a complete waiver and unconditional stay. They argued that the Tribunal should not discriminate between litigants with similar cases at an interlocutory stage. The Appellants emphasized the need for consistency in the Tribunal's decisions and raised substantial legal questions regarding the Tribunal's exercise of discretion.3. On the other hand, the Revenue contended that the Tribunal's imposition of the pre-deposit condition was reasonable and aimed at preventing tax avoidance. The Revenue presented evidence suggesting that the Appellants' arrangements with group companies were designed to circumvent tax liabilities. They argued that the Tribunal's decision was fair and not arbitrary, citing the case of Empire Industries Ltd. v. Union of India as precedent.4. The Tribunal found that the Appellants' activities were not merely cost-sharing arrangements but potentially strategies to evade tax obligations. The Tribunal differentiated the Appellants' case from previous cases like K. Raheja Real Estate Services Pvt. Ltd. and Jetlite India Limited based on the nature of services provided and the potential circumvention of tax laws. The Tribunal upheld the 50% pre-deposit condition as a balanced measure considering the financial amounts involved and the equities at stake.5. Ultimately, the Court dismissed the Appeals, concluding that the Tribunal's orders were not arbitrary or discriminatory. The Court declined to delve into broader legal controversies at the interim stage and emphasized the need for consensus in granting interim orders, especially in fiscal matters involving indirect taxes. The Court extended the compliance time as requested by the Appellants but highlighted the importance of avoiding interim orders that could disrupt tax realizations and economic stability.This detailed analysis highlights the key legal arguments, precedents, and considerations involved in the judgment delivered by the High Court of Bombay.