CBEC Tax Recovery Circular is untenable, misconceived, wholly illegal and arbitrary

PML Industries Limited vs. UOI (P&H High Court)

The High Court had to consider two issues: (i) whether the revenue is justified in initiating recovery proceedings on the basis of Circular dated 01.01.2013, even when an application for waiver of pre-deposit is pending before the Appellate Authorities for the reason that on such application for stay or waiver of pre deposit, no orders have been passed? And (ii) whether the second proviso in sub-section (2A) of s. 35C is directory and that the Tribunal in appropriate circumstances can extend the period of stay beyond 180 days? HELD by the High Court:

(i) The Circular is purported to be issued in terms of the judgement in Krishna Sales (73) ELT 519 (SC). Though in Krishna Sales it was held that mere filing of an appeal does not operate as stay or suspension of the order appealed against, the Board has overlooked the fact that the assessee is not seeking stay only on account of filing of an appeal, but for the reason that the assessee has sought dispensing with the pre-deposit of duty and penalty and has a right to demand decision on such application, a right which is created by the Statute. Therefore, the very basis of the Circular is untenable, misconceived, wholly illegal and arbitrary. Therefore, the condition of recovery, if no stay is granted within 30 days, is illegal, arbitrary, unjustified and consequently set aside (Larsen & Tuobro (Bom) referred);