Refund adjustment against a disputed tax demand was held...

Refund adjustment against a disputed tax demand was held unsustainable during pendency of the first appeal where the taxpayer had already deposited more than 50% of the demand. The Court found that coercive recovery, including garnishee action and adjustment of refunds for other assessment years, could not continue until disposal of the appeal. The revenue was directed to release the recovered amount with interest under section 244A, and no further coercive steps were permitted for the relevant assessment year pending appellate disposal.