Order Overturned: Invalid Show Cause Notice Fails to Uphold Service Tax Demand on Design Services in Comprehensive Contract.

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....Impugned order unsustainable due to vague, non-specific, and invalid show cause notice (SCN). SCN alleged taxability under two categories - Design Services and Commercial and Industrial Construction Services - simultaneously, which is impermissible. No independent design or drawing services provided by foreign entity; consideration paid for gamut of indivisible services integral to contract. Revenue failed to establish design and drawings as independent contractual aim, and attempt to artificially segregate supply cannot be sustained. Observations and findings in impugned order went beyond scope of SCN, which did not allege classification under Design Services. Demand of service tax under reverse charge mechanism for Design Services cannot be upheld. Appeal allowed by Appellate Tribunal.....