Restoration of GST registration on compliance with Rule 22(4) proviso; authorities must consider and restore within directed time.

Petitioner may seek restoration of GST registration by complying with the proviso to Rule 22(4) of the CGST Rules: furnish all pending returns, pay outstanding tax plus applicable interest and late fee, and file Form GST REG-20; on such compliance the cancellation proceedings under Section 29(2)(c) shall be dropped and the registration considered for restoration. The Court applied the statutory scheme and Coordinate Bench precedent and directed that authorities, on receipt of a compliant application, take necessary steps to restore registration in accordance with law within the time framed by the Court.

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Issues: Whether, in view of the proviso to Rule 22(4) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017, a petitioner whose GST registration has been cancelled under Section 29(2)(c) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 for non-filing of returns for six continuous months is entitled to have the registration restored upon filing pending returns and making payment of tax, interest and late fees.

Analysis: The Court applied the statutory framework under Section 29(2)(c) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 and the procedure in Rule 22 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017, in particular the proviso to sub-rule (4) which contemplates dropping cancellation proceedings where the person furnishes all pending returns and makes full payment of tax dues along with applicable interest and late fee, and the prescribed Form GST REG-20. The Court noted that the petitioner had been served with a show cause notice, subsequently furnished pending returns and deposited the outstanding tax, interest and late fee, and that Coordinate Bench decisions in identical circumstances have directed authorities to consider restoration applications filed in terms of the proviso to Rule 22(4). The respondent did not oppose issuing similar directions and the Court found the facts and legal position of the petitioner to be covered by the Coordinate Bench precedent.

Conclusion: The petitioner is entitled to approach the concerned CGST authority for restoration of GST registration; if the petitioner submits an application and complies with the requirements of the proviso to Rule 22(4) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017, the authority shall consider and take necessary steps to restore the GST registration in accordance with law within the time directed by the Court.

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