Invocation of s.161 confirming tax, interest and penalty breached natural justice by denying in-person hearing; deposit condition ordered

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....The HC held that the respondent's invocation of jurisdiction under s.161 of the GST enactments confirming tax, interest and penalty violated the principles of natural justice because the petitioner was not heard in person prior to the impugned order dated 23.08.2024, notwithstanding a written reply filed on 16.08.2024. The court nevertheless found that the petitioner had protracted litigation by invoking s.161 beyond its narrow remit to correct apparent errors on the face of the record. The petition was disposed of on condition that the petitioner deposit 100% of the disputed tax amounting to Rs. 11,33,488 within 30 days of receipt of the order.....