CESTAT adjudicated a complex service tax dispute, substantially...

CESTAT adjudicated a complex service tax dispute, substantially ruling in favor of the appellant. The tribunal set aside service tax demands on cheque bouncing charges, foreclosure charges, and various imported services, finding them either non-taxable or beyond the limitation period. The SC upheld CESTAT's order, rejecting departmental appeals. Key holdings include: equity share purchases are not taxable services, legal advisory services predating 2009 are exempt, medical reimbursements are non-taxable, and CENVAT credit utilization did not warrant interest. The tribunal comprehensively dismissed the demand on both substantive and procedural grounds, effectively exonerating the appellant from the proposed service tax liability.