Notification Vs Press Release

[Krishna Murthy]

Sir, recently CBIC has issued a notification NN 63/2020 on 25-08-2020 stating that the amended Sec 50 would be applicable wef 01-09-2020 prospectively. Later, on 26-08-2020 CBIC came out with a press release stating that though NN 63/2020 was issued prospectively, no recoveries shall be made for the past period as well. My question is does such Press Release have legal force and does the Proper Office is bound to accept the Press Release inspite of the notification being prospective.

AI Summary

Press Release on GST Lacks Legal Authority Compared to Official Notification, Clarification Issued on Amendments A participant in a discussion forum raised a question about the legal validity of a press release compared to an official notification regarding Goods and Services Tax (GST). The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued a notification stating an amendment would apply prospectively from September 1, 2020, but a subsequent press release suggested no recoveries for the past period. Respondents clarified that press releases lack legal authority, with changes in law requiring official notifications. They noted the press release aimed to reassure stakeholders, and a retrospective amendment is anticipated after formal procedures.