Refund was rejected as time-barred under s.54(3) CGST Act by...

Refund was rejected as time-barred under s.54(3) CGST Act by treating a later revised application (filed after a deficiency memo) as the relevant date for limitation. The Court held that limitation must be computed from the date of the initial refund application, and a subsequent revised filing pursuant to a deficiency memo cannot shift the limitation start point; the contrary approach was erroneous and liable to be quashed. Consequently, the impugned orders were set aside and the matter was remitted for fresh consideration of the refund claim on merits in accordance with law, and the petition was allowed. - HC