Petition dismissed; s.168 CGST only empowers binding instructions, non-compliance makes orders invalid unless adjudicated, delay not excused

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....The HC dismissed the petition and declined to interfere with the impugned assessment orders, which remain effective until set aside by a court or competent authority. The court held that s.168 CGST confers only a power to issue binding instructions to tax authorities; non-compliance renders consequent orders invalid but not void ab initio. Consequently, declaration of invalidity requires adjudication by an appropriate forum, which must also consider laches. The HC rejected claims of non-service via the GST portal and refused condonation of delay, finding the statutory portal service method adequate; anonymous petitioners' asserted unawareness of portal service did not justify relief.....