2019 (10) TMI 477 - HC - GST

Petitioner Allowed to Submit Form GST TRAN-1 After Technical Issues During Original Filing Period.

LANTECH PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, SRIKAKULAM Versus THE PRL COMMISSIONER VISAKHAPATNAM

The HC directed the respondents to allow the petitioner to submit Form GST TRAN-1 either electronically or manually by a specified deadline, following the ... Failure to file Form GST TRAN-1 - carry forward of Input Tax Credit - technical glitches - whether the respondents can be directed to either open the portal to enable the petitioner to now file FORM GST TRAN-1 electronically or to permit the petitioner to submit manually, the typed Form GST TRAN-1 for acceptance by the respondents? HELD THAT:- It is beneficial to refer to the decision of the High Court of Delhi in UNINAV DEVELOPERS PVT. LTD., V. UNION OF INDIA & OTHERS [2019 (8) TMI 85 - DELHI HIGH COURT] wherein the facts are as follows: - “On account of technical glitches, the petitioner therein was unable to claim CENVAT credit in Form TRAN-1; and, the petitioner could not file TRAN-1 electronically due to technical glitches of GST Portal; and, when the matter was placed before ITGRC, it concluded that the present case falls under the category of B2, that is, ‘Cases in which TRAN-1 filing attempted for the first time or revision was attempted but no error/no valid error reported.’ - Thus, in the absence of evidence, the re-filing of the form by the petitioner was not allowed. The petitioner therein contended that the petitioner was unable to connect to the portal to submit the return in the first place and that the portal reflected the message ‘error occurred in submission’. Thus, the petitioner’s request merits consideration. The Writ Petition is disposed of directing the respondents to either open the Portal to enable the petitioner to again file the Form GST TRAN-1electronically or in the alternative accept the Form GST TRAN-1 presented manually, on or before 31.08.2019. It is needless to say that thereafter the petitioner’s claim shall be processed in accordance with law. Issues:Challenging refusal to forward input tax credit carry forward request to IT Grievance Redressal Committee.Analysis:The writ petition sought a Writ of Mandamus to declare the proceedings of the 1st respondent as illegal and unconstitutional for refusing to forward the petitioner's request to carry forward input tax credit. The petitioner faced technical glitches while attempting online submission of Form GST TRAN-1. Despite submitting representations and letters, the petitioner's request was denied due to lack of evidence of being prevented from filing on time. The respondents argued that the petitioner failed to avail the extended filing deadline and did not make alternative arrangements. The main issue was whether the petitioner's request could be considered and if the respondents could be directed to reopen the portal for electronic filing or accept manual submission of Form GST TRAN-1.The petitioner claimed that technical issues hindered filing, while the respondents contended that the petitioner was negligent and did not provide evidence of attempting to file before the deadline. The court considered precedents where technical glitches prevented filing and held that expecting compliance in such situations was burdensome for taxpayers. Citing a Delhi High Court decision, the court found merit in the petitioner's request and directed the respondents to allow electronic or manual submission of Form GST TRAN-1 by a specified date.In conclusion, the court disposed of the Writ Petition by directing the respondents to facilitate electronic or manual submission of Form GST TRAN-1 by a specified deadline, emphasizing that the petitioner's claim should be processed in accordance with the law. No costs were awarded, and pending petitions were dismissed as a result of the judgment.