Tax authorities withheld a refund despite an appellate order...

Tax authorities withheld a refund despite an appellate order allowing it, citing that further appeals were contemplated. Applying the rule that administrative authorities must implement appellate orders unless stayed or set aside, the court held that mere intention to appeal cannot justify non-compliance, as such withholding undermines the rule of law. Since the appellate order remained operative, the authority was bound to give effect to it. The authority was directed to refund the sanctioned amount within 10 days of uploading of the order; the petition was allowed. - HC