Assessment order quashed for ignoring documents and breaching natural justice; treated as SCN; submit documents within two weeks

HC set aside the impugned assessment order for non-application of mind and violation of natural justice where the respondent confirmed the proposal without considering documentary material. The petitioner agreed to furnish hard/physical copies of the relied documents. The impugned order is treated as a Show Cause Notice; the petitioner must submit replies/objections and supporting documents within two weeks of receiving a copy of the order. Petition disposed.

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Issues:
Challenging an impugned order based on lack of documentary evidence supporting contentions in a tax assessment.

Analysis:
The petitioner challenged an impugned order dated 31.08.2024, arguing that the respondent proceeded to confirm the proposal without considering the documentary evidence filed in support of the petitioner's contentions. The discrepancies found in the petitioner's Books of Accounts included differences in turnover reporting, credit note turnovers, tax payments, ITC claims, and other financial details. The Assistant Commissioner issued a Show Cause Notice to the petitioner, who responded with detailed objections and supporting documents. The petitioner communicated with the tax authority via email, providing additional time and sharing necessary data due to size limitations for uploading on the GST portal. However, the respondent passed the impugned order without considering the documentary evidence provided by the petitioner, leading to allegations of non-application of mind to the material on record.

The learned counsel for the petitioner contended that the impugned proceedings lacked proper consideration of the documentary evidence submitted, which rendered the assessment order flawed. In response, the learned Additional Government Pleader representing the respondent agreed to re-do the assessment, acknowledging the voluminous nature of the documents. Both parties consented to furnishing hard copies of the documents for review. Consequently, the High Court set aside the impugned order and directed the petitioner to treat it as a Show Cause Notice, requiring them to submit their reply and supporting documents within two weeks. The respondent was instructed to consider the petitioner's submissions and pass appropriate orders after providing a reasonable opportunity for a hearing. Failure to submit the required documents within the stipulated time would result in the restoration of the impugned assessment order.

In conclusion, the High Court disposed of the writ petition with the aforementioned directions, emphasizing the importance of considering documentary evidence in tax assessments and providing both parties with an opportunity to present their case effectively. No costs were awarded, and connected miscellaneous petitions were closed accordingly.

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