Whether Deputy Commissioner can attach the bank account of another taxable person just because summon is issued to him?

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Gehna Trading LLP Vs Union of India (Bombay High Court)

 

Facts of the case:

On 6 December 2019 the Deputy Commissioner, Central Goods and Service Tax (CGST) informed the Branch Manager where the Petitioner holds a bank account that in view of the proceedings filed against one Yusuf Fauzdar Shaikh, proprietor of M/s. Fashion Creations, proceedings have been launched against the said taxable person and the Respondents were of the belief that amounts were being transferred to various persons, including the Petitioner. Hence, a direction was issued to the bank not to allow any debit.

Issue:

Whether Deputy Commissioner can attach the bank account of another taxable person just because summon is issued to him?

 

Findings and Held:

  1. In the order though nothing is specified regarding any provision of the laws under which bank account is attached by the officer, counsel of the petitioner has submitted the following points:
  • The learned Counsel for the Petitioner submitted that there are no proceedings under sections 62, 63, 64, 67, 73 and 74 against the Petitioner as mentioned under section 83 of CGST Act, which is necessary if attachment under section 83 is to be levied.
  • Section 83 read with Rule 159(1), and the form GST DRC-22, lay down a scheme as to how provisional attachment in certain cases is to be levied. Section 83 though uses the phrase ‘pendency of any proceedings’, the proceedings are referable to section 62, 63, 64, 67, 73 and 74 of the Act and none other. The bank account of the taxable person can be attached against whom the proceedings under the sections mentioned above are initiated. Section 83 does not provide for an automatic extension to any other taxable person from an inquiry specifically launched against a taxable person under these provisions.
  • Section 83 read with section 159(2), and the form GST DRC-22 show that a proceeding has to be initiated against a specific taxable person, an opinion has to be formed that to protect the interest of Revenue an order of provisional attachment is necessary.
  • Power to provisionally attach bank accounts is a drastic power. Considering the consequences that ensue from provisional attachment of bank accounts, the Courts have repeatedly emphasized that this power is not to be routinely exercised.
  • Under section 83, the legislature has no doubt conferred power on the authorities to provisionally attach bank accounts to safeguard government revenue, but the same is within well-defined ambit. Only upon contingencies provided therein that the power under section 83 can be exercised. This power is to be used in only limited circumstances and it is not an omnibus power.
  1. The Petitioner is entitled to succeed. Accordingly the Writ Petition is allowed. The order passed by the Respondent dated 6 December 2019 attaching the bank account of the Petitioner, details of which have been given in the Petition is quashed and set aside.

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