The HC upheld the constitutional validity of Rule 86A of the...

The HC upheld the constitutional validity of Rule 86A of the CGST Rules, 2017, and the related CBIC Circular, which permit blocking of Input Tax Credit (ITC) without prior hearing when there is reason to believe the credit was fraudulently availed or is ineligible. The Court recognized that immediate blocking is necessary to prevent irrecoverable loss, and the absence of pre-decisional hearing does not render the provision unconstitutional due to the availability of post-decisional hearing under Rule 86A(2). The petitioner's objection under this sub-rule must be decided expeditiously by the Commissioner, who may lift the blocking if satisfied. The Court directed the competent authority to pass a reasoned order on the lifting of ITC blocking within 15 days, thus disposing of the writ petition.

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