Unilateral appropriation without notice violates natural justice under CGST Act. Court grants partial relief.

The Court found that the unilateral appropriation of a refundable amount without notice to the Assessee under the Central Goods & Services Act, 2017, violated principles of natural justice. The Court granted partial relief, setting aside the appropriation and remitting the matter for reconsideration with the Assessee's opportunity to be heard. The responding respondent was directed to inform the Assessee of the reconsideration result promptly.

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Issues:
Unilateral appropriation of refundable amount against arguable dues without notice to the Assessee under the Central Goods & Services Act, 2017.

Analysis:
The petitioner challenged the unilateral appropriation of a part of the refundable amount against dues of other Assessment Year/s without prior notice. The Court acknowledged the petitioner's contention that such appropriation without notice to the Assessee goes against the principles of natural justice. The Court highlighted that the respondents, being statutory authorities, must act fairly towards citizens, and unilateral recovery through appropriation lacks fairness. The Court emphasized that while the Act empowers respondents to recover taxes, interest, and penalties, the exercise of such power should not exclude the Assessee's right to a hearing. Thus, the Court found that the impugned decision of appropriation should not have been made unilaterally.

The Court granted partial relief to the petitioner, setting aside the part of the impugned order that appropriated a portion of the refundable amount. The matter was remitted back to the responding respondent for reconsideration after giving the petitioner or their agent an opportunity to be heard within eight weeks. The respondents were permitted to request necessary information or documents from the petitioner for the fresh consideration, but unnecessary delays were discouraged. The Court emphasized that the responding respondent must inform the petitioner of the reconsideration result, failing which would be viewed seriously. No costs were awarded in the present judgment.

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