GST route deviation alone cannot justify detention or penalties where goods travel with valid documents and no evasion evidence.

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....GST law does not require a transporter to declare or follow a particular route. Transporting goods by a longer route for logistical safety reasons, while carrying valid documents, does not establish mala fide intent to evade tax without material showing an intended diversion or other tax evasion. Route-based obligations under earlier VAT regimes do not apply under the GST Acts or Rules. Accordingly, detention of goods and penalty under section 129 were unsustainable solely because a longer route was used; the detention-penalty orders were quashed and refund of the penalty paid under protest was directed in accordance with law.....