New GST order on Input tax Credit Reversal based on Letter of GST Officer
Facts of the Case
GST Officer issued letter stating that the petitioner had availed input tax credit on the basis of invoices issued by certain suppliers/firms. It is stated in the said letter that the investigations conducted by the departmental officials reveal that the said suppliers/firms are fictitious and are issuing fake invoices with an intent to pass on input tax credit, and it appears that the said credit was availed by the petitioner in a fraudulent manner without receiving any material, and the petitioner was requested to reverse the input tax credit of more than Rs 1 Crore/- availed on such invoices immediately.
Held
No tax demand can be issued or raised when investigation is still in progress. The respondents cannot be allowed to put the cart before the horse and collect any tax, interest or penalty before they determine, in an enquiry, after putting the petitioner/assessee of notice, and we are of the opinion that their action is wholly arbitrary and without jurisdiction