About the book This book deals with the general rules of Interpretation and topics covered by the four main enactments pertaining to indirect taxes namely Customs, Central Excise, Services Tax and GST. It also covers the general provisions relating to taxation such as classification, valuation and demand pertaining to short recovery and refund of the excess payment. It also covers the topics such as strict liability, Res judicata, other general concepts of law, relating to taxation such as rule of stare decisis and exceptions to the rule of stare decisis. Key features Concepts of interpretation of tax statutes lucidly explained Exclusive chapter on: - GST - Service Tax Exhaustive coverage on Natural Justice and theory of precedent Special emphasis on the decisions of the CESTAT on all the topics Comprehensive coverage of cases on: - Levy of Customs, Central Excise, Service tax and GST - Classification of goods and services - Exemptions - Valuation of goods and services - CENVAT Credit/Input Tax Credit - Recovery of Tax dues - Refund/Rebate - Small Scale Exemption

This book is an authoritative guide to understanding the complex legal landscape of India's Goods and Services Tax (GST). It provides an in-depth examination of the most contentious areas of GST law that have sparked disputes between taxpayers and government authorities. It analyses the critical aspects, such as constitutional challenges, procedural complexities, and evolving legal controversies, which shape the GST litigation framework. The book is structured into four comprehensive sections: • Constitutional Foundation of GST • Key Transactional Disputes • Core GST Concepts • Robust Enforcement and Recovery Mechanisms Each section is supported by a detailed analysis of landmark judgments, statutory provisions, and practical insights into the law's application. It also addresses how technology-driven compliance systems like the GST Network (GSTN) have introduced new challenges. This book is helpful for GST practitioners, including Chartered Accountants, lawyers, students, and department officers. It analyses legal issues, enforcement actions, and the remedies available. The Present Publication is the 2nd Edition, amended by the Finance (No. 2) Act 2024. It covers the recommendations of the 54th GST Council Meeting held on 9th September 2024, and it is authored by Shankey Agrawal, with the following noteworthy features: • [Comprehensive Overview of GST Litigation] This book thoroughly examines GST law, focusing on areas that have sparked disputes between taxpayers and authorities. It covers both current legal controversies and anticipates future issues, providing a thorough understanding of the evolving GST litigation landscape in India • [Constitutional and Legal Framework] The book analyses the constitutional background that shaped GST, providing a detailed analysis of contentious legal provisions. It discusses key transactions that have led to disputes, covering areas like classification, valuation, and input tax credit eligibility • [Landmark Judgments and Advance Rulings] A significant feature of this book is its detailed analysis of landmark court judgments that influenced GST law. It also covers the role of Advance Rulings, explaining how they have clarified, and sometimes complicated, the interpretation of GST provisions. Key cases such as Mohit Minerals and Calcutta Club are discussed to provide readers with a legal perspective on the disputes • [Enforcement and Recovery Provisions] The book discusses the aggressive enforcement mechanisms under GST, including anti-evasion measures, search and seizure, provisional attachment, and arrest powers. It also explains the remedies available to taxpayers, such as bail proceedings and judicial intervention, making it a practical guide for those dealing with enforcement challenges • [Technology and GST Compliance] A unique feature is its examination of the role of technology in GST compliance, particularly the challenges posed by the GST Network (GSTN). The book discusses how technology-driven compliance has revolutionised tax administration but also led to technical glitches that have become a source of litigation • [Core GST Concepts and Practical Guidance] The book explains fundamental GST concepts like input tax credit, place of supply, and composite vs. mixed supplies. It offers practical guidance on procedural aspects such as registration, return filing, audits, and appeals The structure of the book is as follows: • Background and Overview of GST Litigation o Introduction to GST Litigation – Provides a historical and constitutional background of GST, setting the stage for understanding the nature of disputes that have emerged o Administrative Supervision – Discusses the authorities responsible for overseeing GST litigation and how the litigation process has evolved since GST's introduction o Trends of GST Litigation – A detailed examination of litigation trends, from early challenges to current and future legal disputes in the GST framework • Controversial Transactions and Legal Provisions o Transactions Leading to Legal Disputes – This section analyses specific types of transactions that have sparked legal controversies, such as classification of goods and services, valuation issues, and input tax credit eligibility o Landmark Judgments and Resolutions – Analysis of key court decisions that have shaped GST law, including the legal provisions that have been subject to significant litigation o Corrective Legislative Measures – Outlines legislative actions and amendments introduced to address these contentious areas • Core GST Concepts o Basic Concepts of GST – Covers essential concepts every GST practitioner needs to know, including place of supply, composite and mixed supplies, and valuation provisions o Procedural Aspects – Discusses the procedural requirements for compliance, such as registration, return filing, assessments, audits, and appeals o Legal Issues Surrounding Basic Concepts – In-depth look at the controversies around fundamental GST concepts, supported by case laws, departmental circulars, and legal provisions • Enforcement and Recovery Mechanisms o Anti-evasion Provisions – Examines the government's enforcement strategies to combat tax evasion, including search and seizure operations, arrest powers, and provisional attachment of property o Legal Challenges in Enforcement – Discusses the litigation that has arisen from the aggressive enforcement of anti-evasion measures and the legal remedies available to taxpayers o Bail and Judicial Remedies – Provides an overview of legal procedures for dealing with arrests and detentions under GST, including bail applications and judicial intervention • Role of Technology in GST Compliance o Impact of GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network) – Analysis of how technology plays a role in GST compliance, the challenges taxpayers face due to GSTN glitches, and how these issues have contributed to litigation • Advance Rulings and Judicial Trends o Advance Ruling Authorities – Explores the role of Advance Ruling Authorities in providing clarity on ambiguous GST provisions and how divergent rulings have sometimes added to legal confusion o Judicial Trends in GST – A review of significant judicial trends that have emerged, focusing on how courts have interpreted and applied GST law over time • Landmark Judgments and Case Studies o Notable Court Rulings – Detailed analysis of landmark cases such as Mohit Minerals Pvt. Ltd. (on ocean freight services) and Calcutta Club Ltd. (on mutuality), among others, offering insights into their implications on GST litigation o Practical Case Studies – Provides practical case studies to help readers understand how GST provisions have been challenged in courts and the outcomes of these legal battles • Legislative Amendments and Future Controversies o Future Legal Controversies – Speculates on upcoming areas of litigation based on emerging trends and evolving GST provisions o Corrective Measures and Amendments – Discusses recent legislative amendments aimed at resolving long-standing controversies and their potential to reduce future litigation • Enforcement Remedies and Recovery o Search, Seizure, and Arrest Provisions – A comprehensive guide to enforcement provisions under GST, with detailed discussions on search and seizure operations, arrest procedures, and recovery mechanisms. o Remedies for Taxpayers – Provides analysis of the available legal remedies, including bail, appeals, and interim relief options for taxpayers facing enforcement actions • Additional Topics of Interest o Input Tax Credit – Detailed discussion on input tax credit provisions and related challenges o Composite and Mixed Supplies – Clarification on the distinction between composite and mixed supplies under GST law o Import and Export of Goods and Services – Explanation of how GST applies to import and export transactions, including issues related to zero-rated supplies and deemed exports • Appendices and Supplementary Material o Appendices – Includes important judgments, provisions, circulars, and rules that are relevant to the understanding of GST litigation o Supplementary Resources – Provides additional resources such as statutory guidelines, commentaries, and case laws that provide a deeper insight into specific aspects of GST law • Conclusion o Closing Remarks – Summarises the key issues discussed in the book and provides the author's perspective on the future of GST litigation in India

This Book Contains:  6 Digits Service Account Codes (SAC) for all the Services.  Service-wise Index to all the Services liable to Service Tax under GST Act,2017.  Index to Explanatory Notes to the Scheme of Classification of Services Annexure (Service Description, Service Code (Tariff) (Chapter, Section, Heading/Group) Published by the CBIC.  All Amendments made in respect of Entries and Rate of Taxes and Exemptions from July, 2017 upto 1st April, 2022.  Meanings to all the words and definitions referred in Service Tax Notifications.  Case laws rendered by Hon’ble Supreme Court and the Hon’ble High Courts and various Advance Ruling Authorities(AAR), Appellate Advance Ruling Authorities(AAAR) from July, 2017 upto 1st April, 2022. Most useful to all the Tax Practitioners, Chartered Accountants, Bar and Bench, GST Departmental Officers & Service Providers as well throughout India.

1. Overview of GST, 2. Important Definitions, 3. Supply under GST, 4. Levy and Collection of Tax, 5. Exemption from GST, 6. Composition Levy, 7. Nature and Place of Supply, 8. Time of Supply, 9. Value of Supply, 10. Input Tax Credit, 11. Registration, 12. Tax Invoice, Credit and Debit Notes, 13 . E-Way Bill, 14 . Payment of Tax, 15. Return, 16. Job Work, 17. Tax Deduction and Tax Collection at Source, 18. Account, Assessment and Audit, 19. Refunds, 20 . Anti-Profiteering Measure, 21. Avoidance of Dual Control, 22. Appendix (True/False and Fill in the Blanks Type Questions).

This book provides a concise commentary & practical guidance on the past & emerging jurisprudence as per the Orders of various High Courts & Ratio of judgements on the following: • Search, Seizure, Summons and Statements • Arrest, Bail, Provisional Attachment, Demands, Penalty & Confiscation The objective of this book is to sensitize both taxpayers and tax officers to their rights and obligations when: • Investigations are undertaken; • Records and documents are seized; • Officials from companies are summoned, and • Statements are recorded. This book will be helpful for taxpayers, departmental officers, members of the bar & bench, professionals and the judiciary to appreciate the intricate points and issues arising from the implementation of the relevant provisions conferring wide powers on the officers. The Present Publication is the 2nd Edition, amended by the Finance Act 2023 and updated till 28th April 2023. This book is authored by Dr. Gokul Kishore & R. Subhashree, with the following noteworthy features: • [Commentary/Practical Guide] This book is intended to serve as a commentary and also a practical guide to all stakeholders on the provisions and issues emerging from various orders passed by High Courts on search, summons, arrest, bail, provisional attachment, demands, penalty and confiscation • [Analysis of the Statutory Provisions featuring Landmark Cases & Recent Orders] Instances of the use of search and seizure powers have been increasingly visible. This book analyses the provisions along with the landmark cases on this subject and the recent orders under GST law. • [Analysis includes the Previous & Current Regime of Indirect-taxes] While arrest and prosecution powers have been in the statute book under the pre-GST tax laws, the frequency of invocation of such powers in the GST regime is high. Various orders on bail, conditions for bail and validity of arrest passed by High Courts have been discussed to comprehend the scope, limitations and interpretation of the provisions • [Threadbare Analysis with Established Jurisprudence & Principles Evolved over the Years] Proceedings for tax recovery commence with demand notice or show cause notice followed by an adjudication order, and the dispute is carried in an appeal if either party is aggrieved. The provisions under GST law on demands, adjudication, appeals, revision and recovery action have been subjected to threadbare analysis with the help of established jurisprudence and principles evolved over the years The structure of the book is as follows: • [Introduction] The first chapter provides an introduction to highlight the importance and relevance of this book in today’s context and also the jurisprudence on certain established principles laid down under pre-GST laws • [Inspection, Search and Seizure] The second chapter on inspection, search, and seizure provides easy-to-understand commentary on various sub-sections of Section 67 of the CGST Act along with departmental instructions, FAQs, landmark judgments and orders passed by High Courts under GST • [Summons for Attendance and Production of Documents] Process of issuance of summons to employees of companies/entities for either attendance before investigating officers for tendering statements and production of documents and records, the scope of the power, rights of taxpayers when such powers are exercised, and duties of the tax department are thoroughly discussed in the third chapter • [Audit and Access to Business Premises] The fourth chapter deals with the audit by officers of the tax department and access to business premises of taxpayers wherein besides analysis of the provisions, the statutory requirements to be complied with by taxpayers have been briefly explained • [Detention, Seizure and Release of Goods and Conveyances in Transit] Powers of the tax officers to detain vehicles and goods while in transit and remedies available to taxpayers for release of such detained/seized vehicles and goods form the subject of discussion in the fifth chapter • [Demands & Adjudication] Issuance of show cause notice for demand of tax not paid or short paid or wrongly availed input tax credit and passing of order after adjudication process have been subjected to in-depth examination supported by a large body of significant judgments in the sixth chapter • [Confiscation of Good or Conveyance and Penalty] The seventh chapter provides an essential understanding of the provisions on confiscation of goods and conveyances and penalties • [Appeals and Revision] Remedy of appeal before the first Appellate Authority and then appeal to GST Appellate Tribunal, High Court and the Supreme Court have been elaborately elucidated in the eighth chapter for the benefit of taxpayers, tax officers and tax practitioners • [Arrest, Bail and Prosecution] A nuanced analysis of extreme powers of arrest and criminal prosecution for specified offences along with bail provisions and compounding of offences and the principles laid down in significant judgments on the use of such powers form part of the ninth chapter • [Provisional Attachment & Recovery of Dues] Provisional attachment of property, including bank account and various modes contemplated under the law for recovery of tax dues, have been exhaustively explained in the tenth chapter • [Burden of Proof and Certain Procedures] Burden of proof and other provisions relevant to the subject covered in this book have been discussed in the eleventh chapter.