Failure to consider a taxpayer's reply to a GST show-cause...

Failure to consider a taxpayer's reply to a GST show-cause notice and to provide a hearing before an adverse determination breaches statutory requirements and principles of natural justice. Section 75(4) requires an opportunity of hearing where an adverse decision is contemplated, even without a written request. The GST determination, related demand proceedings and consequential appellate rejection were therefore set aside as unsustainable. The assessing authority may issue an appropriate notice and proceed in accordance with law.