Section 128A permits waiver of interest and penalty where...

Section 128A permits waiver of interest and penalty where proceedings under Section 73 determine unpaid or short-paid self-assessed tax; direct recovery under Section 79 without Section 73 proceedings does not support a waiver application. Circular No. 238 cannot narrow that statutory scope. Rule 164 limits voidness of an approved waiver in Form GST SPL-05 or GST SPL-06 to specified failures to make additional payment; authorities lack power to issue void orders outside those circumstances. Rule 164 creates mandatory filing and disposal timelines. Failure to decide within the prescribed period may result in deemed approval, subject to fulfilment of Section 128A, whereas late applications or late payment cannot be cured through substantial compliance.