Section 16(2)(c) of the CGST Act constitutionally requires tax...

Section 16(2)(c) of the CGST Act constitutionally requires tax charged on a supply to be actually paid to the Government before input tax credit is available; invoice possession, receipt of supply and recipient payment do not substitute for this cumulative condition. The Supreme Court affirmed that a bona fide-purchaser exception cannot be read into the provision by relying on the distinct Delhi VAT framework. Section 41 and Rule 37A require reversal where supplier tax payment conditions are unmet, while permitting re-availment after subsequent compliance. Constitutional validity does not permit mechanical denial of credit: authorities must establish the relevant statutory facts, consider transaction-specific evidence, provide a hearing and issue reasoned findings.