Intermediary Can’t Be Penalized Without Proof of Fraud Intent”: CESTAT Sides with Logistics Firm

The Ahmedabad CESTAT set aside penalties imposed on M/s Aeromar Logistics in an export misdeclaration case. Customs had penalized the firm for allegedly facilitating overvalued exports by M/s Fusion Overseas. The tribunal found Aeromar merely acted as an intermediary forwarding documents between shipping agencies and customs brokers, with no evidence [...]

CESTAT Closes Sequent Scientific’s Tax Appeal Under Sabka Vishwas Scheme

The Bangalore bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has dismissed the service tax appeal of Sequent Scientific Ltd. after confirming the company’s participation in the Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019. The tribunal noted the Department’s acceptance of the settlement and the issuance of [...]

CESTAT Dismisses SAAJ Group’s Appeal Under Sabka Vishwas Scheme, Citing Discharge Certificate

The Bangalore bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has dismissed the service tax appeal filed by M/s. SAAJ Group after verifying that the company had successfully availed the benefits under the Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019. The tribunal noted that the Designated Committee [...]

CESTAT Rules in Favor of Carpenter Classics: Works Contract Service Not Taxable Pre-2007

The Customs, Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) Bangalore has allowed Carpenter Classics India Pvt. Ltd.’s appeal, quashing a service tax demand under ‘Erection, Commissioning, or Installation Service’ for the period 2006–2007. The Tribunal held that the company’s activity—designing, supplying, and installing modular kitchens—qualified as a works contract service, which was not taxable before June 1, 2007, as per the Supreme [...]

CESTAT Remands Service Tax Case on GTA Exemption for Single Consignee

The Customs, Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has remanded a service tax dispute involving Precttech Enclosures Systems Pvt. Ltd., directing re-examination of exemption eligibility under Notification No. 34/2004-ST. The case centered on whether freight charges of ₹1,000 per trip for a single consignee (M/s Delta Power Solutions) within a 2-3 [...]

CESTAT Condones 1-Day Delay in Tax Appeal, Cites ‘Justice Over Technicality’

The CESTAT allowed a time-barred service tax appeal, ruling that a 1-day delay in filing was excusable due to bona fide procedural confusion. The appellant, misdirected by the department’s instructions, initially filed in Meerut instead of Dehradun. Citing Section 14 of the Limitation Act, the tribunal excluded the abortive proceeding period, emphasizing liberal interpretation for justice. The case is remanded for merit-based adjudication. M/s.Harshit [...]

CESTAT Denies Refund Claim: No Relief for Renting Motor Vehicles Without Challenging Assessment

The CESTAT dismissed a refund claim of ₹8.43 lakh filed by a motor vehicle rental service provider, citing Supreme Court rulings (ITC Ltd. case). The tribunal held that refund claims cannot be entertained unless the original self-assessment is challenged or modified. The appellant had paid service tax on 60% value but failed to contest the assessment. The decision reinforces strict procedural compliance for tax [...]

CESTAT Quashes Double Taxation on Tour Operators: No Reverse Charge for Taxi Services

The CESTAT ruled that tour operators cannot be taxed under reverse charge mechanism for taxi services used in inbound tourism. The tribunal held this would amount to double taxation, as taxi operators already paid service tax. Citing Notification No.30/2012-ST, it clarified that similar line of business exemptions apply. The decision sets aside a ₹5.4 lakh demand, offering relief to travel operators. M/s. Incredible Indian Moments P. [...]

PVR Wins Service Tax Case: Food Sales in Cinemas Not ‘Service,’ Rules CESTAT

The CESTAT ruled that PVR Cinemas’ sale of food and beverages does not qualify as a taxable service under the Finance Act, 1994. The tribunal upheld that transactions involve mere sale of goods, not services, as customers buy packaged/reheated items without added service elements. The decision aligns with earlier rulings, distinguishing it from Gold Class services (where waiters serve). Service tax demand was quashed, reinforcing industry relief. M/s. PVR Limited VERSUS [...]

Arcelormittal Projects India Limited VERSUS C.C.-Mundra

Customs, Excise & Service Tax  Appellate Tribunal West Zonal Bench At Ahmedabad   REGIONAL BENCH-COURT NO. 3 Customs Appeal No. 10312 of 2015- DB (Arising out of OIA-MUN-CUSTM-000-011-14-15 dated 25/11/2014 passed by Commissioner of CUSTOMS-MUNDRA)   Arcelormittal Projects India Limited VERSUS C.C.-Mundra   APPEARANCE: Shri Manish Jain, Advocate appeared for the Appellant Shri Tara Prakash, Deputy Commissioner (AR) for the Respondent CORAM: HON’BLE MEMBER (JUDICIAL), MR. RAMESH NAIR HON’BLE MEMBER (TECHNICAL), MR. C.L.MAHAR   Final Order No. A/ 11307 /2023   RAMESH NAIR DATE OF HEARING: 23.02.2023 DATE OF DECISION: 21.06.2023     This appeal [...]

Messrs Hari Om Marketing VERSUS C.C.E.  & S.T.-Vadodara-i

Customs, Excise & Service Tax  Appellate Tribunal West Zonal Bench At Ahmedabad   REGIONAL BENCH-COURT NO. 3 Service Tax Appeal No. 13071 of 2013 –DB (Arising out of OIA-PJ-626-VDR-I-2012-13 dated 28/03/2013 passed Commissioner of Central Excise, Customs and Service Tax-VADODARA-I) Messrs Hari Om Marketing VERSUS C.C.E. & S.T.-Vadodara-i   APPEARANCE: Shri Amal Dave, Advocate for the Appellant Shri Ajay Kumar Samota, Superintendent (AR) for the Respondent   CORAM: HON’BLE MEMBER (JUDICIAL), MR. RAMESH NAIR HON’BLE MEMBER (TECHNICAL), MR. C.L.MAHAR   Final Order No. A/ 11302 /2023           RAMESH NAIR DATE OF HEARING: 03.03.2023 DATE OF DECISION: 21.06.2023     The issue involved in [...]

Basf India Ltd VERSUS C.C.E. &  S.T.-Surat-ii

Customs, Excise & Service Tax  Appellate Tribunal West Zonal Bench At Ahmedabad   REGIONAL BENCH- COURT NO. 3 Service Tax Appeal No. 11873 of 2013-DB (Arising out of OIO-5/ST/COMMR/SURAT-II/2013 dated 22/03/2013 passed by Commissioner of Service Tax-SURAT-II) Basf India Ltd ……..Appellant VERSUS C.C.E. & S.T.-Surat-ii ……Respondent   APPEARANCE: Shri. Jigar Shah& Shri Amber Kumrawat, Advocates for the Appellant Shri Ajay Kumar Samota, Superintendent (AR) for the Respondent   CORAM: HON’BLE MEMBER (JUDICIAL), MR. RAMESH NAIR HON’BLE MEMBER (TECHNICAL), MR. C.L. MAHAR Final Order No. A/ 11304 /2023   DATE OF HEARING: 03.03.2023 DATE OF DECISION: 21.06.2023 [...]