The SC held that under Section 129(3) of the CGST Act, the...

The SC held that under Section 129(3) of the CGST Act, the proper officer is mandatorily required to pass a reasoned final order after issuing a show cause notice, even if tax and penalty have been paid under protest. The deemed conclusion of proceedings under Section 129(5) does not dispense with this requirement nor imply waiver of the right to challenge the levy. The absence of a formal adjudication order deprives the taxpayer of the statutory right to appeal under Section 107. Payment under protest coupled with filed objections necessitates a speaking order to ensure procedural fairness and compliance with natural justice. The HC's refusal to direct the passing of such an order was set aside. The SC directed respondent authorities to pass a reasoned final order in Form GST MOV-09, grant an opportunity of hearing, and upload a summary in Form GST DRC-07 within one month, thereby restoring the appellant's right to appeal. The appeal was allowed.