Anticipatory Bail Sought in GST Probe: Petitioner Challenges Potential Arrest, HC Issues Notice for Further Proceedings

HC addressed a writ petition challenging potential arrest in a GST investigation. The petitioner sought to prevent arrest and expressed concerns about potential incarceration. After hearing arguments from both parties, the HC issued a notice, allowing three weeks for a reply and scheduling the matter for further hearing on November 28, 2023.

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The Delhi High Court, presided over by HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE TUSHAR RAO GEDELA, addressed a writ petition (W.P.(CRL) 3137/2023) filed under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, alongside Section 482 of the Cr.P.C., 1973. The petitioner sought a writ of Mandamus to prevent arrest in connection with an investigation (DGGI/INV/GST/3370/2023-INV-O/OPRDG-DGGI-HQ-DELHI) and was summoned to appear before authorities on October 3, 2023.

The petitioner's counsel, Mr. Ashish Mohan, argued there was a "real apprehension" of arrest due to the co-Director's prior arrest and subsequent release in Surat, Gujarat, after four months of incarceration. Despite the petitioner's willingness to cooperate with the investigation, the counsel expressed concerns about potential arrest.

Conversely, Mr. Harpreet Singh, representing the respondent, contended that the petitioner had not appeared in response to the summons on the specified date, and instead, a counsel appeared seeking more time. He argued that the petitioner's apprehension was "misplaced" as no statement had been recorded under Section 70 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.

The court issued a notice, with Mr. Harpreet Singh accepting it, and allowed three weeks for a reply. The matter is scheduled for listing on November 28, 2023.

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