Proceedings under Section 74 cannot be invalidated merely because Scrutiny Notice under Section 61 is not issued to point out deficiency in the returns

M/s Naarjuna Agro Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. Versus State of U.P. and another [Allahabad High Court]

Facts: Short question which is raised in the present petition is as to whether the department is enjoined to issue a notice under subsection 3 of Section 61 of Central Goods and Service Tax Act, 2017 once returns have been submitted by the assessee before initiating action under Section 74 of the Act or not ?

Held: The scrutiny proceedings of return as well as proceeding under Section 74 are two separate and distinct exigencies and issuance of notice under Section 61(3), therefore, cannot be construed as a condition precedent for initiation of action under Section 74 of the Act.

Merely because no notices were issued under Section 61 of the Act would mean that issues of classification or short payment of tax cannot be dealt with under Section 74 as exercise of such power is not dependent upon issuance of notice under Section 61. The argument is misconceived is thus, repelled.