Penalty Payment Under Protest in GST Cannot Be Deemed Voluntary, Preserving Right to Appeal Section 129(3)

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....HC quashed rectification order concerning GST penalty u/s 129(3). Initial penalty of Rs. 22,37,220/- was imposed and paid by petitioner through DRC-03 under explicit protest. Authority subsequently attempted to rectify order making demand 'NIL' u/s 161. Court held that payment under protest cannot be deemed voluntary, and rectification cannot deprive appellant's statutory right to challenge original penalty order. Period between rectification order (08.10.2024) and present judgment excluded from limitation period for filing appeal against original order dated 06.10.2024. Rectification nullified, preserving petitioner's appellate rights against original penalty assessment.....