A refund claim for an amount already adjusted against a disputed...

A refund claim for an amount already adjusted against a disputed tax demand was not entertained while the related assessment appeal remained pending. The High Court noted that the assessee had itself treated the adjustment as payment or set-off against outstanding liability and had relied on that position to obtain a stay of demand. In those circumstances, it was not appropriate to seek refund in writ proceedings before the appellate dispute was decided. The prayer for refund was declined at that stage, with liberty to revive the claim after disposal of the appeal, and the pending appeal was directed to be decided expeditiously.