GST

TRT-2025-

GTL Infrastructure Limited

Date:-20-08-25

In:-

Issue Favourable to Tax Payer ?:-

Order: 20 Aug 2025 
Parties: M/s GTL Infrastructure Limited v. State of Jharkhand & Ors.

Facts -

  • The petitioner deposited statutory pre-deposit under Section 107 CGST/JGST Act while filing an appeal. Upon succeeding in appeal, refund was sought. Authorities rejected it as time-barred under Section 54 (two-year limitation).

Issue -

  • Whether refund of statutory pre-deposit is subject to Section 54 limitation.

Order -

  • The division bench of the Hon'ble High court held that Refund of pre-deposit is a statutory right upon success in appeal; limitation under Section 54 does not apply.
  • The word “may” in Section 54 is directory, not mandatory. Retaining such money amounts to unjust enrichment by the State, contrary to Article 265.
  • Therefore, the Writ is allowed; refund directed within four weeks, else 6% interest payable.
     

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