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Central Sales Tax Act, 1956

218 judgments · newest first · showing 1–200

Ircon International Ltd.versusThe State of Bihar

DISMISSED

Ircon International Ltd. challenged a show‑cause notice and subsequent reassessment under Section 31 of the Bihar Value Added Tax Act, 2005, alleging that the steel superstructure supplied under a works contract should be taxed at the 5 % rate applicable to “iron and steel” under Section 14 of the …

Ircon International Ltd.versusThe State of Bihar

DISMISSED

Ircon International Ltd., a contractor for a rail‑cum‑road bridge, challenged a show‑cause notice and subsequent assessment under the Bihar Value Added Tax Act, 2005 (BVAT) that taxed its steel superstructure at 13.5% and disallowed deductions for fabrication, transportation and erection costs. The …

Ircon International Ltd.,versusThe State of Bihar

DISMISSED

Ircon International Ltd., a contractor for a rail‑road bridge, challenged a show‑cause notice and subsequent assessment under the Bihar Value Added Tax Act, 2005, claiming that the steel superstructure it supplied should be taxed at the 5% rate applicable to iron and steel under the Central Sales …

M/S ARISTO PRINTERS PVT. LTD.versusCOMMISSIONER OF TRADE TAX, LUCKNOW, U.P.

2025 INSC 1188Disposed off

M/s Aristo Printers Pvt. Ltd. prints lottery tickets for its customers and procures its own ink and processing chemicals. The Uttar Pradesh Trade Tax Officer levied tax under Section 3F(1)(b) of the Uttar Pradesh Trade Tax Act, 1948 on the value of the ink and chemicals, arguing that they were …

M/S UNITED SPIRITS LTD.versusTHE STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH & ORS.

2025 INSC 833Dismissed

United Spirits Ltd., a manufacturer of beer and Indian Made Foreign Liquor, challenged the levy of entry tax by the State of Madhya Pradesh for the period April 2007 to March 2008, arguing that the State Government warehouses, not the manufacturers, caused the entry of goods into the local area and …

C.T. KOCHOUSEPHversusSTATE OF KERALA AND ANOTHER ETC.

2025 INSC 661Dismissed

The appellants purchased goods from dealers who were exempt from sales tax under the Kerala General Sales Tax Act, 1963 and the Tamil Nadu General Sales Tax Act, 1959, and challenged the levy of purchase tax under s.5A of the Kerala Act and s.7A of the Tamil Nadu Act. The questions were whether such …

STATE OF RAJASTHAN & ORS.versusCOMBINED TRADERS

2025 INSC 496Dismissed

The State of Rajasthan challenged the validity of sub‑rule (20) of Rule 17 of the Central Sales Tax (Rajasthan) Rules, 1957, which allowed the cancellation of Form C declarations issued by dealers on grounds of fraud or misrepresentation. The High Court held that the State lacked authority to make …

M/S JSW STEEL LIMITEDversusPRATISHTHA THAKUR HARITWAL & ORS.

2025 INSC 401Disposed off

The Supreme Court considered a contempt petition filed by JSW Steel Ltd., which had become the successful resolution applicant for the insolvent Monnet Ispat and Energy Ltd. After the National Company Law Tribunal approved the resolution plan, the State of Chhattisgarh issued demand notices for …

THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA & ORS.versusPRISM CEMENT LIMITED & ANR

2025 INSC 199Dismissed

Prism Cement Ltd., a unit that had been granted an absolute tax exemption under the Package Scheme of Incentives 1993 (PSI 1993) through an Eligibility Certificate (20‑02‑1998) and an Entitlement Certificate (24‑03‑1998), challenged the Maharashtra State's attempt to withdraw that benefit after the …

M/S BHARTI AIRTEL LTD.versusTHE COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, PUNE

2024 INSC 880Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined whether mobile service providers (MSPs) could claim CENVAT credit on excise duties paid for mobile towers and prefabricated buildings (PFBs) used in their networks. The dispute arose from conflicting decisions of the Bombay High Court, which held the towers and PFBs to be …

COMMISSIONER OF TRADE AND TAXESversusFEMC PRATIBHA JOINT VENTURE

2024 INSC 364Dismissed

The respondent, FEMC Pratibha Joint Venture, claimed refunds of excess VAT credits for the 4th quarter of 2015‑16 and the 1st quarter of 2017‑18, filing revised returns in 2017 and 2019. The Commissioner of Trade and Taxes failed to refund the amounts and, in 2022, issued an adjustment order that …

M/S TRIMURTHI FRAGRANCES (P) LTD. THR. ITS DIRECTOR SHRI PRADEEP KUMAR AGRAWALversusGOVT. OF N.C.T. OF DELHI THROUGH ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY (FINANCE) AND ORS.

2023 INSC 487Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined whether pan masala and gutkha, products containing betel nut and sometimes tobacco, could be taxed under various state sales‑tax statutes despite being listed as exempt under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956. The Court analysed the classification of these products under the …

THE STATE OF TRIPURA & ANRversusCHANDAN DEB & ORS.

2023 INSC 284Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Tripura issued a 1992 memorandum requiring ONGC, GAIL and FCI to deduct 4% sales tax at source when paying vehicle suppliers who had hired the vehicles. The suppliers challenged the validity of sub‑rule (2) of Rule 3A of the Tripura Sales Tax Rules, claiming it was ultra vires the …

TATA MOTORS LIMITEDversusCENTRAL SALES TAX APPELLATE AUTHORITY & OTHERS

2022 INSC 992Disposed off

Tata Motors sold buses through its RSO in Vijayawada to the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, a transaction that was held to be an inter‑state sale liable to central sales tax (CST) in the State of Jharkhand. Tata Motors, treating the sale as a stock transfer, paid the CST to the …

THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND OTHERSversusGREATSHIP (INDIA) LIMITED

2022 INSC 991Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Maharashtra challenged a Bombay High Court order that had set aside a tax assessment and demand notice issued to Greatship (India) Ltd. under the Maharashtra Value Added Tax Act, 2002 and the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956. The assessee had filed a writ petition under Article 226 of the …

M/S TRIMURTHI FRAGRANCES (P) LTD. THROUGH ITS DIRECTOR SHRI PRADEEP KUMAR AGRAWALversusGOVERNMENT OF N.C.T. OF DELHI THROUGH ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY (FINANCE) & ORS.

2022 INSC 975Disposed off

The appellant, Trimurthi Fragrances, challenged the levy of sales tax by Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on pan masala containing tobacco and gutka, arguing that the product is covered by an entry in the First Schedule of the Additional Duties of Excise (Goods of Special Importance) Act, 1957 …

M/S S.S. ENGINEERSversusHINDUSTAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION LTD. & ORS.

2022 INSC 1309Dismissed

M/S S.S. Engineers, an operational creditor, filed a petition under Section 9 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) to initiate a Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.'s subsidiary, HPCL Biofuels Ltd (HBL). The National Company Law Tribunal …

M/S VELLANKI FRAME WORKSversusTHE COMMERCIAL TAX OFFICER, VISAKHAPATNAM

2021 INSC 20Dismissed

M/s Vellanki Frame Works imported timber and claimed exemption from Central Sales Tax under Section 5(2) of the CST Act, arguing that the goods were sold on the high seas to end‑buyers before crossing India’s customs frontiers, making the sale a "sale in the course of import". The Commercial Tax …

M/S. ULTRATECH CEMENT LTD. & ANR.versusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN & ORS.

2020 INSC 456Case Partly allowed

The Supreme Court examined whether Ultratech Cement Ltd. was entitled to a 75% capital investment subsidy under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme, 2003 (RIPS-2003) for its Kotputli cement plant. The Court held that the scheme’s sub‑clauses (vi) and (vii) granting 75% subsidy were deleted …

COMMERCIAL TAXES OFFICERversusM/S. BOMBAY MACHINERY STORE

2020 INSC 368Dismissed

The Commercial Taxes Officer challenged the exemption claimed by M/s Bombay Machinery Store under Section 6(2) of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, arguing that the State’s circulars imposed a 30‑day time‑limit after which goods retained by a carrier were deemed to be constructively delivered, …

NIRMAL KUMAR PARSANversusCOMMISSIONER OF COMMERCIAL TAXES & ORS.

2020 INSC 60Dismissed

The appellants imported cigarettes, stored them in a bonded warehouse in West Bengal and sold them to the master of a foreign‑going ship as ship stores without paying customs duty. They claimed the sales were "in the course of import" and therefore exempt from West Bengal sales tax under the 1954 …

STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ANR.versusM/S. BIRLA CORPORATION LIMITED

2019 INSC 1268Dismissed

The State of Uttar Pradesh rescinded a 1998 notification that granted a tax rebate to cement manufacturers using fly ash, by issuing a 2004 notification. Birla Corporation Ltd. and Jai Prakash Associates Ltd., which had set up units and begun production before the 2004 rescission, claimed that the …

STATE OF WEST BENGAL & ORS.versusCALCUTTA CLUB LIMITED

2019 INSC 1111Disposed off

The Calcutta Club, a Section 25 company operating as a members' club, was served with a notice for non‑payment of sales tax on food and drinks supplied to its permanent members. The Club argued that, under the doctrine of mutuality, no sale occurred because the supplier and the buyer were the same …

STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND OTHERSversusLAFARGE DEALERS ASSOCIATION AND OTHERS

2019 INSC 734Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined whether sales‑tax exemption/deferment granted to cement manufacturers under the Madhya Pradesh Commercial Tax Act, 1994, would continue to apply after the bifurcation of the erstwhile State of Madhya Pradesh into the reorganised State of Madhya Pradesh and the new State of …

M/S. TVS MOTOR COMPANY LTD.versusTHE STATE OF TAMIL NADU AND OTHERS

2018 INSC 965Leave Granted & Disposed off

The appellants, registered dealers under the Tamil Nadu Value Added Tax Act, challenged the denial of input tax credit (ITC) on inter‑state sales where Form C was not filed, contending that Section 19(5)(c) of the Act and Rule 10(9)(a) of the Rules were unconstitutional. The Supreme Court held that …

STATE OF KARNATAKA AND ANR.versusM/S DURGA PROJECTS INC

2018 INSC 205Dismissed

M/s Durga Projects Inc, a civil works contractor registered under the Karnataka Value Added Tax (KVAT) Act, 2003 and the Central Sales Tax Act, sought clarification from the Authority for Advance Clarification and Ruling on the tax rate applicable to works contracts before 1 April 2006. The AAR held …

INDIAN OIL CORPORATION LIMITEDversusSTATE OF BIHAR & ANR.

2017 INSC 1109Disposed off

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) imports crude oil into Bihar, refines it and sells petroleum products to two oil marketing companies (BPCL and HPCL) and to local retailers. IOCL pays Entry Tax when the products enter the Patna local area but claims that Value Added Tax (VAT) should be set off …

STATE OF KERALA AND OTHERSversusFR. WILLIAM FERNANDEZ ETC. ETC.

2017 INSC 1014Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined whether State entry‑tax statutes could levy tax on goods imported from abroad once they entered a local area for consumption, use or sale. It held that the import of goods ends when they cross India's customs frontier and are released for home consumption, after which the …

M/S SHANTI FRAGRANCESversusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2017 INSC 971Hearing Adjourned

The appeal concerned the taxability of pan masala containing tobacco (gutka) under the Delhi Sales Tax Act, 1975, the U.P. Trade Tax Act, 1948 and the Tamil Nadu General Sales Tax Act, 1959. The central issue was whether the specific entry introducing "Pan Masala and Gutka" in the rate schedule …

M/S LARSEN & TOUBRO LTD.versusSTATE OF JHARKHAND AND ORS.

2017 INSC 1274Appeal(s) allowed

Larsen & Toubro Ltd. filed returns under the Bihar Finance Act, 1981 for AY 1991‑92 and received an assessment order in 1996. An audit by the Auditor General identified an exemption of Rs 3.12 crore for consumables that, in the auditor’s view, should have been taxed, leading to a show‑cause notice …

M/S. SOUTHERN MOTORSversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA AND OTHERS

2017 INSC 55Appeal(s) allowed

M/S Southern Motors, a registered dealer under the Karnataka Value Added Tax Act, 2003, issued tax invoices for vehicle sales and later granted post‑sale discounts through credit notes, retaining only the net amount. The Assessing Authority disallowed deduction of these discounts from total …

M/S. PATEL BROTHERSversusSTATE OF ASSAM AND ORS.

2017 INSC 24Dismissed

Patel Brothers, a registered dealer, faced reassessment orders after providing false exemption claims and subsequently filed revision petitions under Section 81 of the Assam Value Added Tax Act, 2003, more than 335 days after the prescribed 60‑day limit. The petitions sought condonation of delay …

JINDAL STAINLESS LTD. & ANRversusSTATE OF HARYANA & ORS

2016 INSC 1019Directions issued

The Supreme Court, by a 9-judge bench, answered a reference on the interpretation of Articles 301-304 of the Constitution concerning the validity of entry taxes levied by states. The majority held that taxes simpliciter are not within the contemplation of Part XIII of the Constitution, and the word …

J. K. LAKSHMI CEMENT LTD.versusCOMMERCIAL TAX OFFICER, PALI

2016 INSC 877Dismissed

J.K. Lakshmi Cement Ltd. appealed against the Commercial Tax Officer, Pali, contending that it could claim a dual benefit – the partial exemption under Notification dated 06.05.1986 and the reduced 6% tax rate under Notification dated 21.01.2000 – relying on a 1994 circular that had been withdrawn …

HINDUSTAN LEVER LTD.versusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2016 INSC 846Dismissed

Hindustan Lever Ltd., a tea manufacturer, claimed exemption from entry tax on packing materials used for tea under a 1993 notification and a reduced rate under a 1998 notification. The issue was whether packing material could be classified as "raw materials, component parts or inputs" within Entry …

SMT. B. NARASAMMAversusDEPUTY COMMISSIONER COMMERCIAL TAXES KARNATAKA & ANR.

2016 INSC 591Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined whether iron and steel reinforcement used in building works contracts retains its identity as "declared goods" under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, and consequently whether it is taxable at the restricted 4% rate prescribed in Section 15. The Court held that the 46th …

M/S RAVI PRAKASH REFINERIES (P) LTD.versusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2016 INSC 363Case Partly allowed

M/s Ravi Prakash Refineries (P) Ltd. sold Sunflower De‑oiled Cake (SF DOC) in inter‑State trade and claimed a reduced central sales tax rate of 2% by producing Form C under Notification No. FD 119 CSL 2002(2). The assessing officer initially accepted the claim, but a later officer reopened the …

COMMISSIONER, DELHI VALUE ADDED TAXversusM/S. ABB LTD.

2016 INSC 297Dismissed

The Commissioner of Delhi Value Added Tax appealed against the Delhi High Court's order that exempted M/s ABB Ltd. from VAT on sales made to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) under Sections 7(a) and (c) of the Delhi Value Added Tax Act, 2004. The issue was whether the import of goods and their …

M/S. CASIO INDIA CO. PVT. LTD.versusSTATE OF HARYANA

2016 INSC 279Appeal(s) allowed

Mis. Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd., a manufacturer of radio pagers in Haryana, claimed exemption from Central Sales Tax (CST) on inter‑state sales of goods it purchased from another dealer holding a valid exemption certificate under Rule 28A. The State of Haryana rejected the claim, contending that the …

STATE OF JHARKHAND & ORS.versusTATA STEEL LTD. & ORS.

2016 INSC 160Disposed off

Tata Steel Ltd. had been granted an eight‑year sales‑tax exemption under the Bihar Industrial Policy (1995‑2000) and enjoyed the benefit from August 2000 to March 2006. When the Jharkhand Value Added Tax Act, 2005 came into force, the exemption was withdrawn and the company applied to convert the …

LLOYD ELECTRIC AND ENGINEERING LIMITEDversusSTATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH AND OTHERS

2015 INSC 632Appeal(s) allowed

Lloyd Electric & Engineering Ltd. claimed a 1% concessional Central Sales Tax (CST) rate under Himachal Pradesh's 2004 Industrial Policy, which was originally applicable up to 31‑03‑2009. The Council of Ministers decided to extend this concession to 31‑03‑2013 or until CST is phased out, and the …

PRADIP NANJEE GALAversusSALES TAX OFFICER & ORS.

2015 INSC 368Dismissed

The appellant, a partner in a firm assessed under the Bombay Sales Tax Act, 1959, claimed that a settlement with the State Minister for Finance had discharged his individual liability for the firm’s tax dues, and that the Commissioner had acted on this settlement. The Revenue contested the existence …

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, ERNAKULAMversusHINDUSTAN URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE LTD. AND ORS.

2015 INSC 26Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined whether an Official Liquidator, appointed to wind up Premier Cable Company Ltd., qualifies as a "dealer" under the Kerala General Sales Tax Act, 1963 and consequently bears sales tax liability on the auction sale of the company's assets. The Court held that the liquidator, …

STATE OF JHARKHAND & ORS.versusM/S.LAOPALAR.G. LTD.

2014 INSC 213Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Jharkhand issued Notification S.O. No.25 on 25 June 2001 reducing the Central Sales Tax rate to 3% for the "sale of all types of glass and glass sheets" in interstate trade. M/s Laopalarg Ltd., a manufacturer of glassware, claimed that its products fell within the "types of glass" and …

STATE OF JHARKHAND & ORS. ETC.versusM/S. SHIVAM COKE INDUSTRIES, DHANBAD, ETC.

2011 INSC 569Disposed off

The respondents, manufacturers of coke, were assessed for tax under the Bihar Finance Act, 1981 and the Deputy Commissioner issued revised assessment orders. After a change in the Deputy Commissioner, the new officer highlighted irregularities and informed the Joint Commissioner, who then exercised …

M/S. BANSAL WIRE INDUSTRIES LTD. AND ANR.versusSTATE OF U.P. AND ORS.

2011 INSC 330Dismissed

M/s Bansal Wire Industries Ltd., a manufacturer of stainless steel wire, challenged the assessment that taxed its product at 4% under the Central Sales Tax Act, arguing that stainless steel wire is a "declared commodity" within the "iron and steel" category of Section 14(iv) and thus eligible for …

STATE OF TAMIL NADU AND ANR.versusINDIA CEMENTS LTD. AND ANR.

2011 INSC 322Dismissed

The State of Tamil Nadu introduced an interest‑free sales‑tax deferral scheme for expansion or diversification units under GO No. 119 dated 13 April 1994, requiring manufacturers to meet a Base Production Volume (BPV) and a Base Sales Volume (BSV) before enjoying deferral. India Cements Ltd. claimed …

COMMISSIONER OF TRADE TAX, U.P.versusM/S. KARTOS INTERNATIONAL ETC.

2011 INSC 274Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, Commissioner of Trade Tax, Uttar Pradesh, challenged the respondent M/s Kartos International's claim that its scientific and biological equipment—such as biosafety cabinets, laminar flow cabinets, fume hoods, and clean room garments—were exempt from trade tax under Notification No. …

M/S HYDERABAD ENGINEERING INDUSTRIESversusSTATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

2011 INSC 184Dismissed

The appellant, M/s Hyderabad Engineering Industries, claimed exemption from Central Sales Tax on goods moved from its Hyderabad factory to its out‑of‑state godowns, arguing that the transfers were merely stock movements between branches and not inter‑State sales. The State of Andhra Pradesh …

STATE OF HARYANA & OTHERSversusM/S. MAHABIR VEGETABLE OILS PVT. LTD.

2011 INSC 145Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Haryana withdrew the sales‑tax exemption for solvent‑extraction plants by placing the industry in a negative list on 16‑12‑1996, after Mahabir Vegetable Oils Pvt. Ltd. had invested in setting up such a plant based on an earlier promise of exemption. The respondent claimed entitlement to …

MIS. SARAF TRADING CORPORATION ETC. ETC.versusSTATE OF KERALA

2011 INSC 42Dismissed

The appellants, exporters of tea, bought tea at open auction from planters and exported it, claiming exemption from sales tax under section 5(3) of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956. The assessing authority accepted the exemption claim as genuine but denied a refund of tax paid to the seller, holding …

M/S. UNITED RICELAND LTD.versusSTATE OF HARYANA AND ANR.

2011 INSC 21Case Partly allowed

United Riceland Ltd., a dealer engaged in purchasing and dehusking paddy for export, was assessed purchase tax for the assessment year 1990-91 under the Haryana General Sales Tax Act, 1973. The dealer challenged the assessment, arguing that the exemption under Section 9(1)(b) should remain effective …

THE INDURE LTD. AND ANOTHERversusCOMMERCIAL TAX OFFICER AND ORS.

2010 INSC 623Appeal(s) allowed

Indure Ltd. was awarded a turnkey contract by NTPC to erect an ash‑handling plant. To fulfil the contract it imported MS pipes and other components, which were sold to NTPC. The company claimed exemption from sales tax under Section 5(2) of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, arguing that the sale was …

STATE OF KARNATAKAversusAZAD COACH BUILDERS PVT.LTD. & ANR.

2010 INSC 607Dismissed

Azad Coach Builders was contracted by an exporter to fabricate bus bodies according to a foreign buyer’s specifications, after which the bodies were mounted on chassis and exported as complete buses. The assessee claimed exemption from State sales tax under Section 5(3) of the Central Sales Tax Act, …

COMMISSIONER OF SALES TAX, U.P.versusM/S. SANJIV FABRICS

2010 INSC 601Appeal(s) allowed

The dealers, M/s Sanjiv Fabrics, were registered under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 and authorized to issue Form ‘C’ for importing cotton and cotton yarn. They used Form ‘C’ to import cotton waste, polythene, sutli and tat, which were not covered by their registration certificate. The revenue …

M/S. INDIA METERS LTD.versusSTATE OF TAMIL NADU

2010 INSC 575Dismissed

India Meters Ltd., a dealer in electric meters, collected freight and insurance charges separately from its customers but omitted them from its declared turnover. The assessing authority treated 50% of these charges as part of the sale price and levied sales tax. The dealer appealed, arguing that …

STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ORS.versusM/S. VAM ORGANIC CHEMICALS LIMITED

2010 INSC 125Disposed off

The respondents, manufacturers of notified chemicals, were granted Recognition Certificates under Section 4‑B of the Uttar Pradesh Trade Tax Act, 1948, allowing them to purchase high‑speed diesel oil (HSD) at a concessional tax rate. In 2000 the State issued a circular and show‑cause notices …

M/S. BECILversusARRAYCOM INDIA LTD. & ORS.

2009 INSC 1187Appeal(s) allowed

Prasar Bharati issued a tender for two 1 MW transmitters. BECIL and Arraycom submitted technically qualified bids. Arraycom’s financial bid of Rs 51.57 crore stated that Central Sales Tax (CST) was inclusive but also required concessional forms C/D, creating ambiguity. BECIL’s lower bid of Rs 47.35 …

RAVI GUPTAversusCOMMISSIONER SALES TAX, DELHI AND ANR.

2009 INSC 416Disposed off

Ravi Gupta, a dealer registered under the Delhi Sales Tax Act, 1975 and the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, faced a tax demand of about Rs.8.3 crore for failing to furnish mandatory declaration forms. He appealed before the Appellate Tribunal (VAT Delhi) and sought relief under Section 43(5) of the …

M/S. DCM LIMITEDversusCOMMISSIONER OF SALES TAX, DELHI

2009 INSC 275Dismissed

M/s DCM Ltd sold chemicals to three purchasing dealers in Delhi under contracts that assigned each dealer an exclusive territory outside Delhi and obliged them to move the goods to those territories for sale. The Assessing Authority treated the transactions as local sales, but the Sales Tax Tribunal …

M/S. A & G PROJECTS & TECHNOLOGIES LTD.versusSTATE OF KARNATAKA

2008 INSC 1417Appeal(s) allowed

M/s. A & G Projects & Technologies Ltd., a dealer registered under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, entered into three contracts for supplying capacitor banks to Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd. (KPTCL). The goods were procured from a manufacturer in Tamil Nadu via an EPC contractor …

COMMISSIONER OF TRADE TAX, U.P.versusM/S. NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION LTD.

2008 INSC 1376Dismissed

The respondents, M/s National Industrial Corporation Ltd., used paddy husk as fuel and were assessed sales tax under various Uttar Pradesh Trade Tax notifications. They contended that paddy husk was first included as a taxable commodity only by the notification dated 6 June 1996, and that earlier …

M/S KANPUR EDIBLES PVT. LTD.versusCOMMISSIONER, TRADE TAX, U.P.

2008 INSC 1223Appeal(s) allowed

M/s. Kanpur Edibles Pvt. Ltd. challenged the Commissioner of Trade Tax, U.P.'s orders under Section 10‑B of the U.P. Sales Tax Act, 1948, which were issued in 2006 to revise a 2003 order cancelling re‑assessment notices. The Tribunal held that the 10‑B notices were beyond the limitation period, but …

STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH ORS.versusLARSEN AND TOURBO LTD. AND ORS.

2008 INSC 982Dismissed

Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T) executed works contracts in Andhra Pradesh and subcontracted portions to registered VAT dealers. The State of Andhra Pradesh assessed tax on L&T by adding the turnover of the subcontractors, treating the arrangement as two deemed sales – one from the subcontractor to L&T …

COMMNR. OF SALES TAX, U.P.versusM/S HIND LAMPS LTD.

2008 INSC 884Case Allowed

The Commissioner of Sales Tax, Uttar Pradesh, appealed against a judgment of the Allahabad High Court which had allowed M/s Hind Lamps Ltd. to adjust alleged refundable tax amounts against tax payable for April, May and August 1977. The dealer claimed refunds for assessment years 1968-69 to 1971-72 …

M/S. STEEL AUTHORITY OF INDIA LTD.versusSALES TAX OFFICER, ROURKELA-1 CIRCLE AND ORS.

2008 INSC 799Case Allowed

Mis. Steel Authority of India Ltd, a public sector undertaking engaged in manufacture and inter‑state sale of iron and steel, was assessed under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 for the year 2001‑02 with a demand of Rs 19.25 crore. The company appealed the assessment before the Assistant Commissioner …

STATE OF KARNATAKA AND ORS.versusM/S SRI CHAMUNDESWARI SUGAR LTD.

2008 INSC 464Case Allowed

M/s Sri Chamundeswari Sugar Ltd., a sugar manufacturer, purchased sugarcane from growers and paid the Statutory Minimum Price fixed by the Central Government together with the State Advised Price (SAP) fixed by Karnataka. The assessing authority levied purchase tax on the total amount, including …

COMMISSIONER OF TRADE TAX, U.P.versusM/S. J.U. PESTICIDES & CHEMICAL P. LTD.

2008 INSC 254Case Allowed

The Commissioner of Trade Tax, U.P. sought revision of a seizure order on agro‑chemical drums, alleging that the goods loaded in a truck differed from those declared in the transit pass. The departmental authorities and the Trade Tax Tribunal found that the goods were indeed different and upheld the …

NATIONAL ALUMINIUM CO. LTD.versusTHE STATE OF A.P. & ORS.

2008 INSC 220Case Partly allowed

National Aluminium Co. Ltd., a government company with its corporate office in Odisha and a mercantile office in Visakhapatnam, exported aluminium via Visakhapatnam port and earned Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) credits. It auctioned these credits to bidders from other states, treating the …

STATE OF KERALA & ORS.versusM/S KURIAN ABRAHAM PVT. LTD. & ANR.

2008 INSC 158Dismissed

M/s Kurian Abraham Pvt. Ltd. purchased raw field latex in Kerala, processed it into centrifuged latex in Tamil Nadu and sold the product. For assessment years 1997‑98 and 1998‑99 the assessee relied on Circular No. 16/98 issued by the Kerala Board of Revenue under s.3(1A)(c) of the Kerala General …

M/S. PADINJAREKARA AGENCIES LIMITEDversusSTATE OF KERALA

2008 INSC 159Appeal(s) allowed

M/s Padinjarekara Agencies Ltd., a dealer under the Kerala General Sales Tax Act and the Central Sales Tax Act, manufactures centrifuged latex from field latex (raw rubber) and claimed exemption under Government Notification SRO No. 1003/91 (later replaced by SRO No. 1727/93), which exempts "goods" …

M/S I.D.L. CHEMICAL LTD.versusSTATE OF ORISSA

2007 INSC 1160Dismissed

M/s IDL Chemicals Ltd., a manufacturer of explosives, supplied goods to Coal India Ltd.'s collieries in several states through its consignment agents. The company claimed that dispatches from its Rourkela factory to the agents were merely stock transfers and not inter‑State sales under the Central …

ICI INDIA LTD. AND ANR.versusSTATE OF ORISSA AND ORS.

2007 INSC 989

ICI India Ltd purchased ammonium nitrate liquor for making "Bulk Premix" at its Rourkela plant and declared in Form IV to obtain a concessional tax rate of 4% under the Orissa Sales Tax Act, 1947. The bulk premix, an intermediate product, was not sold but transferred to the company's other units in …

COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, KERALAversusM/S. TARA AGENCIES

2007 INSC 729Appeal(s) allowed

The Commissioner of Income Tax, Kerala appealed against the High Court’s order allowing Tara Agencies to claim a weighted deduction under Section 35B(IA) of the Income Tax Act for export‑related expenses. Tara Agencies purchased various grades of tea, blended them, and exported the blended product. …

RASHTRIYA AUDYOGIK SANSTIIANversusCOMMISSIONER OF TRADE TAX, U.P.

2007 INSC 334Disposed off

The assessee challenged a trade tax demand under the Uttar Pradesh Trade Tax Act, 1948, and obtained relief from the Tribunal. The revenue department filed revision petitions under section 11 of the Act, which the Allahabad High Court allowed, setting aside the Tribunal's orders. The assessee …

FEDERAL BANK LTD. AND ORS.versusSTATE OF KERALA AND ORS.

2007 INSC 328Dismissed

Federal Bank Ltd. and other banks challenged notices issued by the Kerala tax department demanding sales tax on the auction sale of gold and other valuables pledged as security for loans. The banks argued that such sales were not "sales" within the meaning of the Kerala General Sales Tax Act, 1963 …

COMMNR. OF SALES TAX, ORISSA AND ORS.versusCROWN RE-ROLLER (P) LTD. AND ORS.

2007 INSC 257Case Partly allowed

Crown Re‑roller (P) Ltd., a re‑rolling mill in Orissa, purchased iron and steel scrap from registered dealers. The State of Orissa, under an industrial policy, exempted raw material purchases from sales tax, but a 1989 notification shifted the taxable event to the first point of sale. The company …

COMMNR. OF SALES TAX, ORISSA AND ORS.versusCROWN RE-ROLLER (P) LTD. AND ORS.

2007 INSC 258Appeal(s) allowed

Crown Re-roller (P) Ltd., a re‑rolling mill, purchased iron and steel scrap from registered dealers after the State of Orissa issued a 1989 notification making such material taxable at the first point of sale. The company claimed a refund of sales tax under Section 14 of the Orissa Sales Tax Act, …

M/S. MAHIM PATRAM PRIVATE LTD.versusUNION OF INDIA & ORS.

2007 INSC 205Dismissed

Mahim Patram Private Ltd., a contractor printing examination papers for entities outside Uttar Pradesh, was assessed sales tax on its works contracts for AY 2002‑03 and 2003‑04. The Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 had been amended to bring works contracts within the definition of "sale" but no Central …

M/S KUMAR MOTORS, BAREILLYversusCOMMISSIONER OF SALES TAX, U.P. LUCKNOW

2007 INSC 96Dismissed

M/S Kumar Motors, Bareilly purchased auto‑rickshaw chassis and bodies separately and assembled them before sale. The issue was whether this assembly amounted to "manufacture" under Section 2(e‑1) of the U.P. Sales Tax Act, 1948 and consequently attracted purchase tax under Section 3‑AAAA despite the …

M/S SUPRA MARKETING AGENCIESversusCOMMERCIAL TAX OFFICER, HYDERABAD AND ORS.

2006 INSC 841Appeal(s) allowed

Supra Marketing Agencies, a dealer registered under the Andhra Pradesh General Sales Tax Act, 1957 and the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, entered into a supply agreement with the Andhra Pradesh Backward Classes Cooperative Finance Corporation for the Adarna project. The State Commercial Tax Department …

M/S. JHUNJHUNWALA AND ORS.versusSTATE OF U.P. AND ORS.

2006 INSC 649Disposed off

The appellants, commission agents dealing in timber harvested by farmers, challenged assessments that treated them as "manufacturers" under the Uttar Pradesh Trade Tax Act, 1948 after an amendment to Section 2(ee). The State relied on a circular issued by the Commissioner of Trade Tax, which …

M/S RAPTI COMMISSION AGENCYversusSTATE OF U.P. AND ORS.

2006 INSC 488Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, an agent purchasing mentha oil in Uttar Pradesh for principals outside the state, was detained by the State Revenue for not deducting tax under Section 8‑E of the Uttar Pradesh Trade Tax Act, 1948. The agent filed a writ petition challenging the constitutional validity of Section 8‑E, …

M/S. SONEBHADRA FUELSversusCOMMISSIONER, TRADE TAX, U.P. LUCKNOW

2006 INSC 483

M/S Sonebhadra Fuels, which manufactures coal briquettes (coal tikli), sought exemption/rebate of sales tax on the basis that the briquettes were the same commodity as coal, which had already been taxed. The Assessing Authority, Appellate Authority and the Sales Tax Tribunal rejected the claim, …

M/S. JAI BEVERAGES PVT. LTD.versusSTATE OF J & KAND ORS.

2006 INSC 320Appeal(s) allowed

Jai Beverages Pvt. Ltd. set up a soft‑drink bottling plant in Jammu with a capital outlay of over Rs 27 crore and sought exemption from General Sales Tax and Central Sales Tax under the Jammu & Kashmir New Industrial Policy (1998‑2003) which offered special incentives to "prestigious units" having …

JINDAL STAINLESS LTD. AND ANR.versusSTATE OF HARYANA AND ORS.

2006 INSC 224Reference answered

The Supreme Court examined the constitutional validity of the Haryana Local Area Development Tax Act, 2000, which imposed an entry tax on goods entering local areas. The key issue was whether such a tax qualified as a "compensatory tax" and therefore fell outside the prohibition of Article 301 of …

MAHABIR VEGETABLE OILS PVT. LTD. AND ANR.versusSTATE OF HARYANA AND ORS.

2006 INSC 152

The Supreme Court examined whether the doctrine of promissory estoppel can operate against a State's legislative action granting sales‑tax exemption under Haryana's industrial policy. Mahabir Vegetable Oils and other appellants had invested heavily in solvent‑extraction plants based on Rule 28A, …

STATE OF KARNATAKAversusAZAD COACH BUILDERS PVT. LTD. ETC.

2006 INSC 86Directions issued

The State of Karnataka challenged the claim of exemption under Section 5(3) of the Central Sales Tax Act by Azad Coach Builders, a bus‑body manufacturer that supplied completed bus bodies to exporters (TATA/Ashok Leyland) for subsequent export of whole buses. The department argued that the sale was …

M/S. VADILAL CHEMICALS LTD.versusTHE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ORS.

2005 INSC 325Appeal(s) allowed

Mis. Vadilal Chemicals Ltd. set up a small‑scale unit in Medak to produce liquor ammonia and to refill anhydrous ammonia into cylinders. It obtained a final eligibility certificate under the 1993 Government Order granting a five‑year sales‑tax holiday. The Deputy Commissioner of Commercial Taxes …

STATE.OF H.P. AND ORS.versusGUJARAT AMBUJA CEMENT LTD. AND ANR.

2005 INSC 298Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court upheld the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s decision allowing a writ petition under Article 226 despite the existence of statutory remedies. Gujarat Ambuja Cement Ltd. was held to be a "prestigious cement industrial unit" entitled to sales‑tax exemption from the date it commenced …

M/S. TATA IRON AND STEEL CO. LTD.versusSTATE OF JHARKHAND AND ORS.

2005 INSC 168Dismissed

Tata Iron and Steel Co. Ltd., a dealer under the Bihar Finance Act, operated a Hot Rolled Mill (HRM) and later set up a Cold Rolled Mill (CRM) as a diversification. The CRM received tax exemption under Bihar's 1995 Industrial Policy notifications 478/479, which was later withdrawn but restored by …

GODFREY PHILLIPS INDIA LTD. AND ANR.versusSTATE OF U.P. AND ORS.

2005 INSC 44

The Supreme Court examined the constitutional validity of luxury‑tax statutes enacted by Uttar Pradesh (1995), Andhra Pradesh (1987) and West Bengal (1994) which imposed tax on the supply of tobacco and other goods described as "luxuries". The central issue was whether Entry 62 of List II of the …

ASSOCIATED CEMENT COMPANIES LTD.versusSTATE OF BIHAR AND ORS.

2004 INSC 562Appeal(s) allowed

Associated Cement Companies Ltd., a cement manufacturer, was granted sales‑tax exemption on incremental production under Bihar's 1995 Industrial Policy (effective 1‑Apr‑1998 to 31‑Mar‑2007). The company had been adjusting entry tax paid under the Bihar Entry of Goods into Local Areas Act, 1993, …

STATE OF RAJASTHAN AND ANR.versusJ.K. UDAIPUR UDYOG LTD. AND ANR.

2004 INSC 559Appeal(s) allowed

The Rajasthan government introduced a Sales Tax Exemption Scheme for industries under its Fourth Industrial Policy, classifying cement units under different categories. Two sick cement manufacturers applied for exemption claiming parity with new units, but while their applications were pending the …

GODAWAT PAN MASALA PRODUCTS I.P. LTD. AND ANR.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

2004 INSC 413Case Allowed

The appellants, manufacturers of pan masala and gutka, challenged state notifications issued under Section 7(iv) of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 that prohibited the manufacture, sale, storage and distribution of these products in the interest of public health. The questions before …

M/S. MONGA RICE MILLversusSTATE OF HARYANA AND ANR.

2004 INSC 264Dismissed

Monga Rice Mill, a Haryana-based miller, bought paddy, processed it into rice and sold the rice to an exporter who exported it. The miller claimed exemption from purchase tax on the paddy under Article 286 of the Constitution and Sections 5(3) and 15(ca) of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, arguing …

ASHOK LEYLAND LTD.versusSTATE OF TAMIL NADU AND ANR.

2004 INSC 22Disposed off

Ashok Leyland Ltd., a manufacturer of commercial vehicles, filed Form F under Section 6A(2) of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 claiming that transfers of goods to its regional offices were stock transfers, not inter‑State sales. The Tamil Nadu assessing authority accepted the Form F, but later …

JINDAL STRIPE LTD. AND ORS.versusSTATE OF HARYANA AND ORS.

2003 INSC 516

The petitioners, manufacturers in Haryana, challenged the constitutional validity of the Haryana Local Area Development Tax Act, 2000, alleging it violated Article 301 of the Constitution and was not saved by Article 304(b). They argued that the Act imposed an entry tax on goods moving into local …

STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND ANR. ETC. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ANR. ETC. ETC.

2003 INSC 55Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Uttar Pradesh appealed against the High Court’s order that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) was not liable to Uttar Pradesh Trade Tax on rentals collected from telephone subscribers. The Supreme Court examined whether the DoT qualifies as a "dealer" under Section 2(c) of the …

STATE OF A.P.versusNATIONAL THERMAL POWER CORPORATION LTD. AND ORS.

2002 INSC 215Case Partly allowed

The Supreme Court examined whether the sale of electricity by National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd. (NTPCL) to electricity boards in other states constituted an inter‑State sale and could be taxed by the states under their Electricity Duty Acts. It held that electricity is a "good" and that its …

SEA PEARL INDUSTRIES AND ORS., ETCversusCOMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX, COCHIN

2001 INSC 10Dismissed

Sea Pearl Industries, a processor of seafood, entered into an agreement with an eligible export house to export its processed products. The export house opened a Letter of Credit in its own name, which was later endorsed to Sea Pearl and the foreign exchange credited to its account. Sea Pearl …

STATE OF HARYANAversusM/S MARUTI UDYOG LTD. AND ORS.

2000 INSC 437Disposed off

The State of Haryana appealed against the Haryana Sales Tax Tribunal’s order directing Maruti Udyog Ltd. to deposit the full tax, interest and penalty before its appeal could be entertained. Maruti argued that the proviso to sub‑section (5) of Section 39 of the Haryana General Sales Tax Act, 1973, …

20TH CENTURY FINANCE CORPORATION LTD. AND ANR.versusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA

2000 INSC 304

The appellants, leasing companies, entered into master lease agreements for equipment and were taxed by several states on the transfer of the right to use the goods. The states relied on explanations in their sales tax statutes that deemed the taxable event to occur where the goods were used, …

STEEL AUTHORITY OF INDIAversusSTATE OF ORISSA

2000 INSC 101Appeal(s) allowed

The Steel Authority of India entered into a works contract for an oxygen furnace plant, paying a contractor for design, engineering, supply and installation. Under the amended Section 13‑AA of the Orissa Sales Tax Act, the owner was required to deduct 4% sales tax on all payments, but it omitted …

COMMISSIONER OF SALES TAX, M.P.versusMADHYA BHARAT PAPERS LTD.

2000 INSC 21Dismissed

Madhya Bharat Papers Ltd., a new paper manufacturing unit in Madhya Pradesh, claimed exemption from sales tax on inter‑state sales under a State Government notification issued under Section 8(5) of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956. The notification required that a dealer be "registered under the …

SHREE DIGVIJAY CEMENT CO. LTD. AND ORS.versusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN AND ORS.

1999 INSC 567Dismissed

The petitioners, cement manufacturers in Gujarat, challenged a Rajasthan notification under Section 8(5) of the Central Sales Tax Act that reduced the inter‑state sales tax on cement to 4% and dispensed with the Form‑C/Form‑D requirement. They argued that the reduction created a local preference, …

STATE OF RAJASTHAN AND ANR.versusM/S. MAHAVEER OIL INDUSTRIES AND ORS.

1999 INSC 196Disposed off

The State of Rajasthan, under the Rajasthan Sales Tax Act, 1954, issued an incentive scheme in 1987 exempting new industrial units, including oil extraction and manufacturing, from sales tax. In 1990 the State withdrew this exemption for oil industries by a notification issued under both the …

M/S. BIRLA CORPORATION LTD.versusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN AND ORS.

1999 INSC 99Dismissed

Birla Corporation Ltd., a cement manufacturer, bought dumpers in Tamil Nadu and paid tax under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956. When the dumpers entered Rajasthan, the state demanded entry tax under the Rajasthan Tax on Entry of Motor Vehicles Into Local Areas Act, 1988. The assessee sought a rebate …

FERRO ALLOYS CORPORATION LTD. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1998 INSC 480Appeal(s) allowed

Ferro Alloys Corporation Ltd, a 100% export‑oriented unit manufacturing charge chrome, entered an off‑take agreement with Richco (Switzerland) and subsequently executed specific Charge Chrome Agreements for each shipment. The State of Orissa treated the sales for assessment years 1990‑91 and 1991‑92 …

MINERALS AND METALS TRADING CORPORATION OF INDIA LTD.versusSALES TAX OFFICER AND ORS.

1998 INSC 381Appeal(s) allowed

The Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation of India Ltd., acting as a canalising agent, placed a purchase order with a foreign exporter for tin mill black plate coils on behalf of the Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL). The coils were shipped on the high seas and the bill of lading was endorsed …

STATE OF M.P.versusINDORE IRON AND STEEL MILLS PVT. LTD.

1998 INSC 304Case Allowed

The State of Madhya Pradesh issued a 1978 notification exempting purchase tax on iron and steel provided the goods had "suffered" entry tax under the State Entry Tax Act before purchase. A 1977 notification later exempted new industries, like Indore Iron and Steel Mills, from paying entry tax. The …

TVL K.A.K. ANWAR AND CO. ETC.versusSTATE OF TAMIL NADU

1997 INSC 764Dismissed

The appellants, dealers in hides and skins, purchased raw hides and skins, paid sales tax on them, and later tanned them into dressed hides and skins which were sold inter‑state. They contended that under Section 14(iii) of the Central Sales Tax Act, raw and dressed hides constitute a single …

STATE OF KARNATAKAversusB.M. ASHRAF AND CO.

1997 INSC 698Appeal(s) allowed

The respondent, a registered dealer under the Karnataka Sales Tax Act, purchased fish oil from unregistered dealers and sold it within Karnataka to another dealer, Kalbhavi, who intended to export the oil. The issue was whether the purchase of the fish oil attracted purchase tax under Section 6 of …

SHRI DIGVIJAY CEMENT CO. ETC.versusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN AND ORS. ETC.

1997 INSC 305Leave Granted & Allowed

The appellants, Gujarat cement manufacturers, challenged three Rajasthan notifications that reduced the Central Sales Tax on inter‑state cement sales to 7% and later 4% and dispensed with the mandatory Form C declaration. They argued that the notifications were not issued in public interest, …

K. GOPINATHAN NAIR ETC.versusSTATE OF KERALA

1997 INSC 307

The appellants, processors of cashew nuts in Kerala and Karnataka, purchased raw cashew nuts imported by the Cashew Corporation of India (CCI), a canalising agency, and argued that these purchases were "in the course of import" and thus exempt from state sales tax under Section 5(2) of the Central …

STATE OF GOA AND OTHERSversusLEUKOPLAST (INDIA) LTD. ETC.

1997 INSC 202Case Allowed

Leukoplast (India) Ltd. manufactured plasters, dressings and bandages under a licence from the Drug Controller and paid Central and Goa local sales tax at the rates applicable before certain notifications exempted "drugs and medicines". The company claimed a refund, asserting its products fell …

ASHOK LEYLAND LIMITED ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

1997 INSC 164Dismissed

Ashok Leyland Ltd., a manufacturer of trucks, sold vehicles to state transport undertakings and other buyers through its regional sales offices (RSOs) across India. The company filed Form ‘F’ with the Tamil Nadu sales‑tax authority, claiming the movement of goods to RSOs was a transfer, not a sale, …

M/S JK SYNTHETICS AND ANR. ETC.versusCOMMERCIAL TAX OFFICER AND ANR

1997 INSC 69Disposed off

J.K. Synthtics Ltd., a manufacturer of tyre‑cord fabric, claimed exemption from sales tax under a 1957 notification issued under Section 8(5) of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956. The State of Rajasthan later issued notifications in 1980 and 1981, the latter stating that "all the notifications" issued …

PHOOIL CHAND GUPTAversusSTATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

1997 INSC 46

M/s. Phool Chand Gupta, a dealer in oilseeds, claimed exemption under Section 6(2) of the Central Sales Tax Act for the sale of Mohwa seeds purchased in transit and sold to dealers outside Andhra Pradesh. The Deputy Commissioner withdrew the exemption because the dealer had not furnished Form C, a …

FAG PRECISION BEARINGSversusSALES TAX OFFICER (I) AND ANR.

1996 INSC 1445Appeal(s) allowed

The Deputy Commissioner of Sales Tax stayed the appellant's assessments for the period 1 September 1976 to 31 August 1984, citing that the assessment was still in progress and would not be completed within the statutory time limit. The appellant challenged the stay, arguing that no show‑cause notice …

STATE OF KERALA AND ANR.versusBUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF IND!A AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1403Appeal(s) allowed

The Kerala General Sales Tax Act, 1963 introduced optional alternate taxation provisions (Section 7(7), 7A, 7B, 11, 12) allowing contractors to pay a fixed percentage of the contract value instead of tax under Section 5(1)(iv). Several contractors who had not opted for this scheme challenged the …

C.T. LTD. AND ANR.versusCOMMERCIAL TAX OFFICER AND ORS.

1996 INSC 1241Appeal(s) allowed

C.T. Ltd. and another, engaged in the tea trade, entered into a contract with the State Trading Corporation (STC) to supply unblended Assam tea to an Iranian buyer. To fulfil this contract they purchased tea from auction brokers. The sales tax authorities demanded payment of sales tax on these …

M/S DEWAN ENTERPRISESversusCOMMISSIONER OF SALES TAX, U.P.

1996 INSC 576Appeal(s) allowed

MIS Dewan Enterprises, a manufacturer of cycle rims, was assessed by the Uttar Pradesh Sales Tax Officer at an 8% rate, treating the rims as cycle parts. The company argued that under Section 14(iv)(xiv) of the Central Sales Tax Act, cycle rims are "declared goods" and, per Section 15, should be …

BHARAT HEAVY ELECTRICALS LTD. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS. ETC.

1996 INSC 544Disposed off

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), a public sector undertaking, manufactured boiler components in its Hyderabad unit and dispatched some to its Tiruchi unit and others directly to the work‑site at Angul, Orissa, for a NALCO power‑plant project. The Andhra Pradesh State began levying Central Sales …

COMORIN MATCH INDUSTRIES (PVT.) LTD.versusSTATE OF TAMIL NADU

1996 INSC 530Dismissed

Comorin Match Industries (Pvt.) Ltd. challenged Central Sales Tax assessments for the years 1957-58 to 1965-66 on the ground that the tax was levied on turnover that included excise duty, which the Madras High Court had held to be illegal. The High Court quashed the assessments, but the State of …

STATE OF RAJASTHAN AND ANR.versusSARVOTAM VEGETABLE PRODUCT ETC. ETC.

1996 INSC 499Appeal(s) allowed

The respondents, dealers in edible oils and stainless steel, made numerous inter‑state sales and furnished C‑forms obtained from their purchasers in their tax assessments. A survey revealed many of these C‑forms to be invalid or spurious, leading the tax authorities to issue notices for additional …

IMPERIAL CHIT FUNDS (P) LTD.versusINCOME TAX OFFICER, ERNAKULAM

1996 INSC 412Dismissed

Imperial Chit Funds Ltd., a company in liquidation, was served with a tax demand of Rs.1,027 by the Income Tax Officer after winding‑up proceedings had begun. The Official Liquidator argued that the tax claim could not be enforced until the claim was proved in the winding‑up process, invoking the …

STATE OF BIHARversusBIHAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1996 INSC 194Dismissed

The Bihar Legislature enacted the Bihar Tax on Entry of Goods into Local Areas for Consumption, Use or Sale Therein Act, 1993, imposing a tax of up to 5% on scheduled goods entering any local area in the State. The Patna High Court struck down the Act on grounds that it violated Article 301 of the …

COMMISSIONER OF INCOME-TAX, ORISSAversusM/S. KALINGA TUBES LTD.

1996 INSC 28Appeal(s) allowed

Kalinga Tubes Ltd., a steel tube manufacturer, was assessed for central sales tax for the year 1962-63. The Sales Tax Officer demanded Rs 11,02,698 in 1966, which the Sales Tax Tribunal reduced to Rs 2,22,161 in 1970. The assessee claimed this amount as a deduction under Section 37 of the Income‑Tax …

TATA ENGINEERING AND LOCOMOTIVE COMPANY LTD.versusTHE STATE OF BIHAR AND ANR.

1994 INSC 457Appeal(s) allowed

Tata Engineering & Locomotive Co. Ltd., a manufacturer of motor vehicles, purchased items such as tyres, tubes and batteries and claimed a concessional sales tax rate of 1% under Section 13(1)(b) of the Bihar Finance Act, 1981 and Notification S.O. 604. The Deputy Commissioner rejected the claim, …

THE STATE OF BIHAR AND ORS.versusMIS. UNIVERSAL HYDROCARBONS CO. LTD. AND ANR.

1994 INSC 318

Universal Hydrocarbons Co. Ltd. purchased raw petroleum coke (RPC) and, after a manufacturing process, produced calcined petroleum coke (CPC). Sales tax was levied on the sale of CPC under the Bihar Finance Act, 1981 and the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956. The company claimed a refund under Section …

STATE OF ORISSAversusMINERALS AND METALS TRADING CORPORATION OF INDIA LTD.

1994 INSC 266Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Orissa appealed against Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation of India Ltd. (MMTC), a government dealer that purchased mineral ore in Orissa, declared the ore for resale within the state, and then sold it to a Japanese buyer by delivering it at Paradeep port for export. The Sales Tax …

FRICK INDIA LTD. AND ANR.versusSTATE OF HARYANA AND ORS.

1994 INSC 210Case Allowed

Frick India Ltd. and another challenged the levy of interest on purchase tax under the Haryana General Sales Tax Act, 1973 (and the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956) through a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution. The petitioners argued that the interest collected was unlawful and should be …

THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, ETC.versusMODERN PROTEINS LTD.

1994 INSC 173

Modern Proteins Ltd., a dealer under the Andhra Pradesh General Sales Tax Act, dealt in groundnut products including deoiled cake and groundnut protein flour. For the 1977-78 assessment year, the Central Tax Officer taxed the flour at 4% under the Central Sales Tax Act, but the Assistant …

TELANGANA STEEL INDUSTRIES AND ORS.versusSTATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ORS.

1994 INSC 105Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, Telangana Steel Industries and others, challenged the levy of sales tax on iron wires produced from wire rods that had already been taxed. The issue was whether wires constitute a separate taxable commodity from the rods under Section 14(iv)(xv) of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, …

THE PRINTERS (MYSORE) LTD. AND ANR.versusASSTT. COMMERCIAL TAX OFFICER AND ORS.

1994 INSC 51Disposed off

Printers (Mysore) Ltd. and other newspaper publishers challenged the Central Sales Tax authorities' demand that they pay tax at the higher 10% rate on raw materials used for printing, arguing that the amendment to the definition of "goods" in the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 (which excluded …

BENGAL IRON CORPORATION AND ANR.versusCOMMERCIAL TAX OFFICER AND ORS.

1993 INSC 170

Bengal Iron Corporation, a manufacturer of cast‑iron pipes, man‑hole covers and similar items, claimed that its products fell under Item 2(i) of the Third Schedule of the Andhra Pradesh General Sales Tax Act, 1957, and were therefore liable to a single point tax of 4% only. The Commercial Tax …

HINDUSTAN PAPER CORPN. LTD. ETC. ETC.versusSTATE OF KERALA AND OTHERS

1993 INSC 118

Hindustan Paper Corporation Ltd. entered into an agreement with the Kerala Government in 1974 that exempted its newsprint turnover from Kerala's sales tax for two years from the start of production. The company sold most of the newsprint in inter‑state trade and claimed a corresponding exemption …

GANNON DUNKERLEY AND CO. A.ND ORS. ETC. ETC.versusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN AND ORS. ETC. ETC.

1992 INSC 312Appeal(s) allowed

The Supreme Court examined appeals by Gannon Dunkerley Co. and other contractors challenging the Rajasthan Sales Tax Act, 1954 and its rules which imposed tax on the transfer of property in goods used in works contracts. The Court held that Section 5(3) of the Act and sub‑rule (i) of Rule 29 of the …

BUILDERS' ASSOCIATION.OF INDIAversusSTATE OF KARNATAKA AND OTHERS

1992 INSC 315Dismissed

The Builders' Association of India, an association of contractors, challenged the Karnataka Sales Tax Act, 1957, specifically Explanation 3(c) to Section 2(t) and Section 5‑B with the Sixth Schedule, alleging that they converted inter‑state sales into intra‑state sales and imposed tax on the value …

HOTEL BALAJI AND OTHERS ETC. ETC.versusSTATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ORS. ETC. ETC.

1992 INSC 293Dismissed

The Supreme Court examined the constitutional validity of purchase‑tax provisions in three State sales‑tax statutes: Section 15B of the Gujarat Sales Tax Act, Section 3‑AAAA of the Uttar Pradesh Sales Tax Act, and Section 6‑A of the Andhra Pradesh General Sales Tax Act. The petitioners argued that …

POLAKI MOTORS AND ORS.versusSTATE OF ORISSA AND ORS.

1992 INSC 280Dismissed

The petitioners, registered dealers under the Orissa Sales Tax Act, 1947, challenged the constitutional validity of the Orissa Additional Sales Tax (Amendment and Validation) Act, 1983, which retrospectively validated assessments of an additional tax levied on gross turnover, allegedly violating the …

STATE OF U.P. AND ANR.versusM/S. SYNTHETICS AND CHEMICALS LTD. AND ANR.

1991 INSC 159Appeal(s) allowed

The Uttar Pradesh legislature amended its 1939 Motor Spirit, Diesel Oil and Alcohol Taxation Act to levy a purchase tax on industrial alcohol, which was challenged as unconstitutional because industrial alcohol is regulated by the Central Government under the Industries (Development and Regulation) …

MURLI MANOHAR AND CO. AND ANR.versusSTATE OF HARYANA AND ANR. ETC. ETC.

1990 INSC 324Appeal(s) allowed

The appellants, registered dealers in Haryana, bought raw materials without paying purchase tax under section 24 of the Haryana Sales Tax Act, used them to manufacture goods and sold the finished products to dealers who exported them. They claimed exemption from the purchase tax under section 9(1) …

STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND ANR.versusG.S. DALL AND FLOUR MILLS

1990 INSC 291Dismissed

The State of Madhya Pradesh issued a 1981 notification exempting certain classes of dealers from sales tax, but the Director of Industries denied certificates to flour and dal mill units on the ground that they were "traditional industries" excluded by earlier subsidy schemes. The assessees argued …

ANDHRA STEEL CORPORATIONversusCOMMISSIONER OF COMMERCIAL TAXES IN KARNATAKA

1990 INSC 115Appeal(s) allowed

Andhra Steel Corporation, a dealer under the Karnataka Sales Tax Act, purchased iron scrap both within and outside Karnataka to manufacture steel products. The Act's Section 5(4) together with Schedule IV, Item 2 and Explanation II (applicable before 1‑April‑1978) exempted sales of steel semis made …

SRI DOKI CHINA GURUVULU SON & CO. AND ANR.versusGOVT. OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ANR.

1989 INSC 377Dismissed

The appellants, dealers in tamarind in Andhra Pradesh, purchased tamarind from Orissa, paying tax there, and brought it into the state for sale. An amendment to the Andhra Pradesh General Sales Tax Act, 1957 (Act 19 of 1986) moved tamarind bought outside the state to the First Schedule, taxing it at …

GOODYEAR INDIA LTD. ETC. ETC.versusSTATE OF HARYANA & ANR. ETC. ETC.

1989 INSC 315Disposed off

The Supreme Court examined whether the Haryana General Sales Tax Act, 1973 (as amended) and the Bombay Sales Tax Act, 1959 (section 13‑AA) could levy a tax on the despatch of manufactured goods to a dealer’s own branches outside the State. It held that the taxable event under both statutes is the …

GUJARAT STEEL TUBES LTD. ETC.versusSTATE OF KERALA & ORS.

1989 INSC 182Appeal(s) allowed

Gujarat Steel Tubes Ltd., a manufacturer of black and galvanised steel tubes, challenged the Kerala tax authorities' assessment that its galvanised pipes were taxable under Entry 46 of the Kerala General Sales Tax Act. The company argued that the galvanised pipes were "declared goods" and should not …

BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA & ORS. ETC. ETC.versusUNION OF INDIA & ORS. ETC. ETC.

1989 INSC 112Disposed off

The Builders Association of India and other contractors challenged the levy of sales tax by several State governments on the turnover of works contracts after the Constitution (Forty‑sixth Amendment) Act, 1982 introduced clause 29A to Article 366, deeming the transfer of property in goods used in …

STATE OF TAMIL NADUversusMAHI TRADERS & ORS. ETC. ETC.

1989 INSC 41Dismissed

The respondents, dealers in hides and skins, claimed that leather splits and coloured leather fell within entry 14(1)(iii) of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 – "hides and skins, whether in a raw or dressed state" – and were therefore entitled to the concessions of section 15. The assessing authority …

STATE OF KERALAversusATTESEE (AGRO INDUSTRIAL TRADING CORPORATION)

1988 INSC 329Dismissed

The State of Kerala appealed against the Agro Industrial Trading Corporation, which claimed exemption from sales tax on PVC cloth under item 7 of the Kerala General Sales Tax Act, 1963. The issue was whether the definition of "cotton fabrics" referred to in the Act, taken from the Central Excises …

BHARAT GENERAL & TEXTILE INDUSTRIES LTD. & ORS.versusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA & ORS.

1988 INSC 289Dismissed

The petitioners, manufacturers of washed cottonseed oil, challenged the constitutional validity of Sections 41 and 41A of the Bombay Sales Tax Act, alleging that the State of Maharashtra’s power to grant tax exemptions to new units in backward areas and to withdraw those exemptions for edible‑oil …

MAHALAKSHMI OIL MILLS ETC. ETC.versusSTATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH & ORS.

1988 INSC 279Dismissed

Mahalaxmi Oil Mills and other assessees claimed that tobacco seed oil and tobacco seed cake were exempt from sales tax under Section 8 of the Andhra Pradesh General Sales Tax Act, 1957, which exempts "tobacco and all its products". The State of Andhra Pradesh contended that the definition of …

COFFEE BOARD, KARNATAKA, BANGALOREversusCOMMISSIONER OF COMMERCIAL TAXES

1988 INSC 163Disposed off

The Coffee Board challenged the levy of purchase tax on coffee it received from growers under the compulsory delivery provision of the Coffee Act, 1942, arguing that the transaction was a compulsory acquisition and not a sale. The Karnataka High Court held that an element of consensuality existed, …

STATE OF TAMIL NADUversusDHARANGADHARA TRADING CO. LTD.

1988 INSC 129Dismissed

The State of Tamil Nadu challenged the tax treatment of sales made by Dharangadhara Chemical Works Ltd. (the manufacturer) to Dharangadhara Trading Co. Ltd. (the trading company). The parties had a general agreement under which the trading company obtained orders from out‑of‑state buyers and the …

INDIAN CEMENT AND ORS.versusSTATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ORS.

1988 INSC 5Case Allowed

The petitioners, cement manufacturers and their stockists, challenged three tax notifications—two by Andhra Pradesh (under its General Sales Tax Act and the Central Sales Tax Act) and one by Karnataka—reducing the sales tax rate on cement. They argued that the notifications created discriminatory …

THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESHversusNAY SWADESHI OIL MILLS

1987 INSC 306Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Andhra Pradesh appealed against High Court decisions that set aside sales‑tax assessments made on returns filed after the prescribed filing date. The assessments were passed more than four years but within six years from the end of the assessment year. The Court examined the Andhra …

STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ORS.versusKASTURI LAL HAR LAL

1987 INSC 195Dismissed

The State of Uttar Pradesh assessed Central Sales Tax on coal transactions carried out by the respondent, Kasturi Lal Har Lal, who sold coal by endorsing railway receipts while the goods were moving from Bihar to Uttar Pradesh. The Sales Tax Officer in Lucknow held that the sales were inter‑State …

COMMISSIONER OF SALES TAXversusLEATHER FACTS CO.

1987 INSC 79Disposed off

Leather Facts Co., a dealer in hides and skins that exported its goods, filed purchases using Form III‑A under the Uttar Pradesh Sales Tax Act because no specific form existed for export transactions. The Commissioner held that purchases made against Form III‑A were liable to purchase tax, whereas …

GOVERNMENT MEDICAL STORE DEPOT, KARNALversusSTATE OF HARYANA AND ANOTHER

1986 INSC 158Appeal(s) allowed

The Government Medical Store Depot, Kamal, a central government department that supplies medical stores to government hospitals on a "no profit, no loss" basis, was assessed sales tax for the years 1964-65 to 1968-69 under the Punjab General Sales Tax Act, 1948. The tax authorities treated the depot …

MADRAS MARINE & CO.versusSTATE OF MADRAS

1986 INSC 142Dismissed

Madras Marine & Co., a ship‑chandler, imported goods, stored them in a customs‑bonded warehouse in Tamil Nadu and supplied them on board foreign‑going vessels. The State of Madras assessed sales tax under the Tamil Nadu General Sales Tax Act, 1959, contending the sales occurred within the state. The …

STATE OF TAMIL NADUversusKODAIKANAL MOTOR UNION (P) LID.

1986 INSC 102Appeal(s) allowed

The State of Tamil Nadu appealed against the Madras High Court’s decision that the penalty under section 10A(1) of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 should be calculated on the basis of the concessional tax rate applicable to goods covered by a ‘C’ form. The assessee had purchased motor spare parts …

VRAJLAL MANILAL AND CO. AND ANOTHERversusSTATE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND ANOTHER

1986 INSC 58Dismissed

The appellants, a bidi manufacturing partnership and dealers in tendu leaves, challenged the Madhya Pradesh General Sales Tax (Amendment) Act, 1968 and the 1971 amendment which re‑classified tendu leaves as non‑raw material and taxed them at a higher rate. They alleged violations of Articles 14, …

CHUNNI LAL PARSHADI LALversusCOMMISSIONER OF SALES TAX, U.P., LUCKNOW

1986 INSC 45Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, a dealer in cotton yarn, sold the yarn to registered dealers and obtained Form III‑A certificates indicating the goods were for resale. The Sales Tax Officer later alleged that the purchasers had consumed the yarn, reopened the assessment under s.21 of the Uttar Pradesh Sales Tax Act …

BAKUL CASHEW CO. & ORS.versusSALES TAX OFFICER QUILON & ANR.

1986 INSC 34Dismissed

The appellants, cashew processors in Kerala, claimed that a 12 Oct 1973 government notification granting a retrospective sales‑tax exemption for purchases of imported raw cashew nuts (Sept 1970‑Sept 1973) could not be withdrawn and that the State was estopped from levying tax because ministers had …

ONKARLAL NANDLALversusSTATE OF RAJASTHAN & ANR.

1985 INSC 201Appeal(s) allowed

The appellant, a registered dealer, purchased poppy seeds on a Form ST‑17 declaration stating they were for "resale within the State" and subsequently resold them in Bhawani Mandi. The Commercial Tax Officer held that because the resales were sales in the course of inter‑State trade, they could not …