GST officer's tax determination invalid due to improper show cause notice and denial of hearing opportunity under Section 73 and 75

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....The HC set aside the impugned order dated 19.12.2023, finding violations of natural justice principles and statutory requirements. The court held that the Proper Officer failed to issue a valid show cause notice under Section 73, as the summary in GST DRC-01 cannot substitute for a proper SCN. The determination of tax and attached order were deemed invalid due to lack of proper authentication by the Proper Officer, creating a regulatory gap requiring digital or e-signature authentication under Rule 26(3). The court found the order contravened Section 75(4) by denying reasonable opportunity of hearing, as the DRC-01 summary left hearing date fields blank and failed to provide personal hearing opportunity despite no reply submission. The petition was allowed.....