M/S. Layalee Global Cuisine Restaurant, v. The Superintendent,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 17.04.2024
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY W.P.
No.10180 of 2024 and W.M.P.Nos.11228 & 11229 of 2024 M/s.Layalee Global Cuisine Restaurant, Represented by its Partner, Mr.Shaji Melam Veetil, S/o.Moidu MV, No.12A, Indstrial Estate, Ekkattuthangal, Guindy, Chennai-600 032.
... Petitioner -vsThe Superintendent, Ekkattuthangal, Chennai South Commissionerate, Range-1, Guindy Division, Chennai-600 032.
... Respondent PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records in order bearing Reference No.ZA3306220250734 dated 06.06.2022 on the file of the respondent and quash the same and further direct the respondent to restore the GST registration No.33AAGFL9467Q1ZG of the petitioner. For Petitioner : Mr.I.Dinesh 1/6
for Mr.G.Baskar For Respondent : Mr.M.Santhanaraman, learned senior standing counsel,
ORDER
The petitioner challenges an order of cancellation of GST registration dated 06.06.2022 and seeks revocation thereof.
2. The petitioner states that a show cause notice was issued on 04.05.2022 stating that the petitioner had not filed GST monthly returns for a continuous period of six months. The cancellation order was issued thereafter on 06.06.2022. The present writ petition was filed in the said facts and circumstances.
3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner was unable to file returns or pay taxes on account of COVID 19 pandemic. In support of restoration of registration, learned counsel relies upon the judgment of this Court in Suguna Cutpiece v. The Appellate Deputy Commissioner (ST)(GST) and others, W.P.Nos.25048 of 2021 batch (Suguna Cutpiece).
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4. Mr.M.Santhanaraman, learned senior standing counsel, accepts notice on behalf of the respondent. He submits that the order issued in Suguna Cutpiece was a conditional order and that the petitioner should be directed to comply with all conditions stipulated therein.
5. The reason set out in the order of cancellation is non filing of returns for a continuous period of six months. In Suguna Cutpiece, this Court directed restoration of GST registration subject to several terms and conditions. The said judgment was followed thereafter in many cases. In order to maintain consistency, I am inclined to follow the said judgment.
6. In the operative portion thereof, the following directions were issued:
"i. The petitioner is directed to file her returns for the period prior to the cancellation of registration, together with tax dues along with interest thereon and the fee fixed for belated filing of returns within a period of forty five (45) days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 3/6
ii. It is made clear that such payment of tax, interest, fine / fee and etc. shall not be allowed to be made or adjusted from and out of any Input Tax Credit which may be lying unutilized or unclaimed in the hands of the petitioner.
iii. If any Input Tax Credit has remained unutilized, it shall not be utilised until it is scrutinized and approved by an appropriate or competent officer of the Department.
iv. Only such approved Input Tax Credit shall be allowed to utilized thereafter for discharging future tax liability under the Act and Rules. v. The petitioner shall also pay GST and file the returns for the period subsequent to the cancellation of the registration by declaring the correct value of supplies.
vi. If any Input Tax Credit was earned, it shall be allowed to be utilised only after scrutinising and approving by the respondents or any other competent authority.
vii. On payment of tax, penalty and uploading of returns, the registration shall stand revived forthwith.
viii. The respondents shall take suitable steps by instructing GST 4/6
Network, New Delhi to make suitable changes in the architecture of the GST Web portal to allow the petitioner to file the returns and to pay the tax / penalty / fine.
ix. The above exercise shall be carried out by the respondents within a period of thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order."
7. The restoration of the GST registration is subject to and conditional upon fulfilling the above conditions.
8. Accordingly, W.P.No.10180 of 2024 is disposed of on the same terms without any order as to costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.
17.04.2024 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No kj SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY,J kj 5/6
To The Superintendent, Ekkattuthangal, Chennai South Commissionerate, Range-1, Guindy Division, Chennai-600 032.
W.P.No.10180 of 2024 and W.M.P.Nos.11228 & 11229 of 2024 17.04.2024 6/6