1. Refund under Section 54(3) read with Rule 89(5) is based on closing balance of ITC ledger relatable to inputs used for outward supplies during the refund period. The refund claim period is distinct from the time of ITC availment.
2. If no invoices of cancelled suppliers are included in the refund period, and those invoices were already availed in earlier valid periods (and not disputed under Section 73/74), refund cannot be denied merely because supplier’s registration was later cancelled.
3.Section 16(2)(a) requires supplier to be registered at the time of supply, not to remain registered forever. Subsequent cancellation does not invalidate past supplies.
4. No refund adjudication can travel beyond eligibility of ITC unless the ITC itself has been disputed and reversed through a separate proceeding (Rule 92(3)).
Judicial Precedents
Om Textile vs. Union of India (2023-VIL-403-GUJ): Refund cannot be denied merely on suspicion of supplier irregularity unless the ITC is first held ineligible by a proper proceeding under Section 73/74.
VKC Footsteps India Pvt. Ltd. vs. UOI 2021 (9) TMI 626 - Supreme Court – though on formula issue, reaffirmed that refund determination must follow Section 54(3) scope; department cannot enlarge conditions not in the law.
R.S. Enterprise vs. Asst. Commr. of State Tax (Calcutta High Court, 2023) – held that refund rejection on supplier’s later cancellation is unsustainable when ITC was taken during supplier’s valid registration period.
Bhagwati Components Manufacturing Co. vs. UOI (2024-VIL-61-Raj) – ITC cannot be denied unless proceedings are initiated against the buyer; refund rejection without such adjudication violates natural justice