HC determined that the service tax demand against the government...

HC determined that the service tax demand against the government contractor was invalid. The court found the services were exempted under Mega Exemption Notification No. 25/2012, and the respondent could not invoke the extended limitation period under Section 73 of the Finance Act, 1994. The show cause notice was time-barred, and there was no evidence of fraud or intentional tax evasion. The court quashed the show cause notice and the consequent demand order, effectively ruling in favor of the petitioner and dismissing the tax liability.