Court upholds National Anti-Profiteering Authority legality, directs deposit in instalments amid COVID-19. Stay on interest/penalty.

The Court upheld the constitutionality and legality of the National Anti-Profiteering Authority and related provisions challenged by the petitioner. Despite objections, the Court directed the petitioner to deposit the principal profiteered sum and allowed payment in six monthly instalments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Interest and penalty proceedings were stayed, and parties were instructed to submit written arguments before the next hearing on 24th August 2020.

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Issues: Challenge to the constitutionality and legality of National Anti-Profiteering Authority, jurisdiction of respondent no. 2, breach of natural justice, violation of Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, deposit of tax amount, permission for instalment payments, grant of instalments, stay on interest amount and penalty proceedings, submission of written arguments.

Constitutionality and Legality of National Anti-Profiteering Authority: The petitioner challenged the constitutionality and legality of the National Anti-Profiteering Authority, along with Section 171 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act and Rules 122, 126, 127, and 133 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Rules. The petitioner also contested the order passed by respondent no. 2 in Case No. 16/2020, alleging lack of jurisdiction, statutory non-compliance, and a conflict of interest issue where respondent no. 2 acted as both complainant and adjudicating authority.

Breach of Natural Justice and Violation of Constitutional Articles: The petitioner argued that the absence of a methodology in proceedings before the National Anti-Profiteering Authority violates natural justice and infringes upon Articles 14 and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. Citing previous cases where the Court issued notices in similar matters, the petitioner highlighted concerns regarding procedural fairness and fundamental rights.

Deposit of Tax Amount and Instalment Payment: The petitioner expressed willingness to deposit ten percent of the remaining tax amount in accordance with Section 107(6)(b) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. Alternatively, the petitioner requested permission to deposit the entire principal profiteered amount in instalments due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation, referencing precedents allowing such payment arrangements.

Court Direction on Deposit and Instalments: The Court directed the petitioner to deposit the principal profiteered sum, despite objections from respondent nos. 1 and 3 regarding granting instalments. In consideration of the pandemic, the Court allowed the petitioner to pay the amount of Rs. 75,08,64,019 in six equated monthly instalments starting from 15th August, 2020. Additionally, the Court stayed the interest amount and penalty proceedings initiated by the respondents until further orders.

Submission of Written Arguments and Next Hearing: The learned counsel for the parties were instructed to submit short written submissions not exceeding five pages each at least one week before the next hearing scheduled for 24th August 2020. The Court ordered the uploading of the order on the website immediately and directed the distribution of the order to the counsel via email.

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