Page 61 - GSTL_23rd July 2020_Vol 38_Part 4

2020 ] NEWS DESK J119
tween November, 2017 and March, 2019 profiteered by ` 63,14,901 by not passing
on to consumers the benefit of GST reduction (on Dettol hand wash) by reducing
its prices accordingly.
The GST reduction had come into effect from November 15, 2017.
Reckitt Benckiser, in its plea, has contended that it had passed on benefit
of GST reduction by way of “grammage increase”.
However, the NAA said the benefit has to be passed on to consumers in
monetary terms, the petition has said.
It has also contended that the investigation was ordered after the time-
limit — of two months from receipt of a complaint — for such an action had ex-
pired.
It has claimed that the complaint was filed in July, 2018 and the order for
investigation was issued in March, 2019, much beyond the two month statutory
limit.
According to the petition, the NAA has claimed the initial complaint of
July, 2018 was returned and thereafter, in February, 2019 another complaint was
made and on that an investigation was ordered.
Reckitt has contended that it was not provided with the second com-
plaint nor was it referred to in any of the notices issued to it so far or in the pro-
ceedings held before NAA.
[Source : https://www.deccanherald.com, dated 20-7-2020]

1,377 exporters who claimed IGST refunds untraceable
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has said that
more than 1,300 exporters, including ‘Star’ exporters, have fraudulently claimed
Integrated Goods & Services Tax (IGST) refunds amounting to over ` 1,800 crore.
“A total of 1,377 exporters, who have fraudulently claimed IGST refund
amounting to ` 1,875 crore, have been found untraceable at their principal place
of business,” a source informed, while adding that this number of risky exporters
also includes seven accredited as ‘Star’ exporters. In addition, adverse reports
have also been received on three ‘Star’ exporters, who have claimed IGST refund
of ` 28.9 crore deceitfully.
‘Risky’ assessees
According to sources, there are 7,516 exporters in the list of risky as-
sessees. Of these, IGST refund/drawback worth ` 1,363 crore has been suspend-
ed in respect of 2,830 risky exporters. Adverse reports have been received in re-
spect of 2,197 risky exporters.
Sources also informed that the field formations of CBIC have detected of-
fence cases amounting to ` 115 crore against identified risky exporters. Also, of
the 234 suppliers’ verification received so far, 82 suppliers do not exist at their
principal place of business.

GST LAW TIMES  23rd July 2020  61