Consolidation of separate tax periods into a single show cause...

Consolidation of separate tax periods into a single show cause notice under the CGST Act is impermissible: the statutory scheme ties tax liability and assessment to returns for each tax period and the limitation for demand and recovery runs year by year, so aggregating financial years collapses the legislated period-wise structure and prejudices the assessee; accordingly a consolidated notice and order covering multiple financial years were quashed. Allegations of fraudulent availment of input tax credit may extend the limitation window but do not authorize clubbing distinct tax periods into one proceeding; fresh notices may be issued year-wise in accordance with the statute.