Criminal Proceedings Under CGST Act Require Prudent Evaluation of Evidence and Proportionality Before Arresting Taxpayers

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....HC held that CGST authorities must exercise prudence before initiating criminal proceedings against a taxpayer. In this case, the arrest for alleged fraudulent Input Tax Credit was premature and disproportionate, as no prior adjudication or quantified demand under Section 74 of CGST Act was established. The court emphasized that government authorities must balance revenue protection with protecting taxpayers' reputation and personal liberty. Considering the lack of evidence tampering risk and petitioner's cooperation, the court granted bail with two sureties of Rs. 10,000 each, subject to ACJM Siliguri's satisfaction, effectively ruling the arrest was unwarranted and procedurally flawed.....