High Court of KeralaDivision BenchRevisions dismissed; Tribunal’s orders upheld; ...

State of Kerala represented by the Deputy Commissioner (Law), Commercial Taxes, Ernakulam v Popular Vehicles & Services Ltd

Case / Petition Number:OT.Rev Nos. 130/2016; 115/2016; 118/2016; 119/2016; 120/2016; 122/2016; 125/2016; 131/2016 (connected with OT.Rev 130/2016); TAVAT Nos. 56/12 to 59/12 and 1557/11 to 1560/11

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • S. V. Bhatti
  • Basant Balaji
Judgment Date
2023-01-13
Court Decision / Holding
The substantial questions of law are answered against the revenue and in favor of the assessee; the revisions fail. The Tax Revisions are dismissed and the Tribunal’s common order in TA(VAT) Nos. 1557–1560/11 and 56–59/12 is upheld.
Final Disposition
Revisions dismissed; Tribunal’s orders upheld; relief to the assessee in line with the common order validated; revenue’s challenges rejected.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • State of Kerala represented by the Deputy Commissioner (Law), Commercial Taxes, Ernakulam

Respondents

  • Popular Vehicles and Services Ltd

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • GP M.M. Jasmin

Counsels for Respondents

  • • Sri P. Benny Thomas
  • • Sri M. Gopikrishnan Nambiar
  • • Sri K. John Mathai
  • • Sri Joson Manavalan
  • • Sri Kuryan Thomas
  • • Sri Rajan P. Kaliyath
  • • Sri P. Gopinath
  • • Sri Raja Kannan

Case Synopsis & Summary

This batch judgment of the Kerala High Court, delivered on 13 January 2023 by Justices S. V. Bhatti and Basant Balaji, consolidates OT.Rev Nos. 130/2016 and connected matters along with several companion revisions (OT.Rev Nos. 115/2016, 118/2016, 119/2016, 120/2016, 122/2016, 125/2016, 131/2016) and related TAVAT matters arising from assessments of Popular Vehicles & Services Ltd. The State challenges orders of the KVATA Tribunal in common order TA(VAT) Nos. 1557–1560/11 and 56–59/12, which largely allowed the dealer’s appeals and dismissed the revenue’s revisions. The core issues include the legality of deductions for credits passed through credit notes under KVAT Section 2(x/ix)(ii) (explanation III), the treatment of warranties and reimbursements, tax on repair charges and fixed assets, use of RC books, and admissibility of concessional rates for defence/distribution sales (CSD). The court canvassed authorities including Mohammed Ekram Khan and Sons, TVS & Sons Ltd, ABT Industries Ltd., GMMCO Ltd., and Prerana Motors, to determine whether the Tribunal’s findings require reversal. Ultimately, the revisions are dismissed and the Tribunal’s common order is upheld, with relief to the dealer while confirming several of the Tribunal’s factual and legal conclusions.

Provisions of Law Cited

Section 25 of the KVAT ActExplanation III of Section 2(x/ix)(ii) of the KVAT ActKerala Value Added Tax Act, 2003Circular No. 19 of 2006

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The State argued that the assessment revisions and the Tribunal’s common order must be tested against statutory provisions and case law; it contended that the deduction for credit notes (as ‘discount’) did not fall within explanation III to Section 2(x/ix)(ii) of KVAT Act and questioned the Tribunal’s approach to warranties, fixed asset tax, RC books and the use of circular No.19/2006. It urged reversal of the Tribunal’s findings and restoration of theRevenue’s assessments in several respects.

Contentions of Respondents

The dealer contended that credit notes are price adjustments, not discounts, and thus not barred under the statute; the warranty reimbursements were properly treated as relief guided by apex court decisions; it argued RC book evidence and concessions under Form 45 were properly considered; the Tribunal’s common order adopted lawful principles and directed recomputation where necessary.

Cited Precedents (5)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
TVS & Sons LtdCivil Appeal No. 14260/07PositiveTribunal relied on this apex court decision to grant relief to the assessee.
Mohammed Ekram Khan and Sons v. Commissioner of Trade Tax2004 (136) STC 515 (SC)PositiveCited to support relief to the assessee as guided by Supreme Court principles.
ABT Industries Ltd. v. State of KeralaTA Nos. 137 & 138 of 2008PositiveReferenced as part of the authority supporting relief in line with Supreme Court principles.
GMMCO Ltd. v. State of KeralaTA Nos. 137 & 138 of 2008PositiveCited to corroborate approaches in handling warranty and related tax issues.
Prerana Motors (P) Ltd.Civil Appeal No. 1821/07PositiveCited in support of the principles governing tax treatment in motor vehicle cases.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM** ## **PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.V.BHATTI** ## **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI FRIDAY, THE 13[TH] DAY OF JANUARY 2023 / 23RD POUSHA, 1944 OT.REV NO. 130 OF 2016** ## **TAVAT 58/2012 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM** ## **REVISION PETITIONER/S:** STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LAW) COMMERCIAL TAXES, ERNAKULAM. BY GP M.M. JASMIN ## **RESPONDENT/S:** POPULAR VEHICLES AND SERVICES LTD. ERNAKULAM, PIN- 682 011 BY ADVS. SRI.P.BENNY THOMAS SRI.M.GOPIKRISHNAN NAMBIAR SRI.K.JOHN MATHAI SRI.JOSON MANAVALAN SRI.KURYAN THOMAS SRI.RAJAN P.KALIYATH THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 13.01.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.115/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -2- # **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.V.BHATTI** **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI FRIDAY, THE 13[TH] DAY OF JANUARY 2023 / 23RD POUSHA, 1944 OT.REV NO. 115 OF 2016** **TAVAT 1557/2011 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM REVISION PETITIONER/S:** STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LAW) COMMERCIAL TAXES, ERNAKULAM. BY GP M.M. JASMIN ## **RESPONDENT/S:** M/S. POPULAR VEHICLES AND SERVICES LTD ERNAKULAM, PIN-682 011. BY ADVS.SRI.P.BENNY THOMAS SRI.M.GOPIKRISHNAN NAMBIAR SRI.K.JOHN MATHAI SRI.JOSON MANAVALAN SRI.KURYAN THOMAS SRI.RAJAN P.KALIYATH THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 13.01.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -3- # **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.V.BHATTI** **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI FRIDAY, THE 13[TH] DAY OF JANUARY 2023 / 23RD POUSHA, 1944 OT.REV NO. 118 OF 2016** **TAVAT 57/2011 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM REVISION PETITIONER/S:** STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LAW), COMMERCIAL TAXES, ERNAKULAM. BY GP M.M. JASMIN ## **RESPONDENT/S:** POPULAR VEHICLES AND SERVICES LTD. ERNAKULAM-682 011. BY ADVS.SRI.P.BENNY THOMAS SRI.M.GOPIKRISHNAN NAMBIAR SRI.K.JOHN MATHAI SRI.JOSON MANAVALAN SRI.KURYAN THOMAS SRI.RAJAN P.KALIYATH THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 13.01.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -4- # **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.V.BHATTI** **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI FRIDAY, THE 13[TH] DAY OF JANUARY 2023 / 23RD POUSHA, 1944 OT.REV NO. 119 OF 2016** **TAVAT 1559/2011 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM REVISION PETITIONER/S:** STATE OF KERALA REP. BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LAW) COMMERCIAL TAXES, ERNAKULAM BY GP M.M. JASMIN ## **RESPONDENT/S:** M/S POPULAR VEHICLES & SERVICES LTD ERNAKULAM, PIN- 682 011 BY ADVS.SRI.P.BENNY THOMAS SRI.M.GOPIKRISHNAN NAMBIAR SRI.P.GOPINATH SRI.K.JOHN MATHAI SRI.JOSON MANAVALAN SRI.KURYAN THOMAS SRI.RAJA KANNAN THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 13.01.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -5- # **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.V.BHATTI** **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI FRIDAY, THE 13[TH] DAY OF JANUARY 2023 / 23RD POUSHA, 1944 OT.REV NO. 120 OF 2016** **TAVAT 59/2012 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM REVISION PETITIONER/S:** STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LAW) COMMERCIAL TAXES, ERNAKULAM. BY GP M.M. JASMIN ## **RESPONDENT/S:** M/S.POPULAR VEHICLES & SERVICES LTD. ERNAKULAM, PIN: 682 011. BY ADVS.SRI.P.BENNY THOMAS SRI.M.GOPIKRISHNAN NAMBIAR SRI.P.GOPINATH SRI.K.JOHN MATHAI SRI.JOSON MANAVALAN SRI.KURYAN THOMAS SRI.RAJA KANNAN THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 13.01.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -6- # **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.V.BHATTI** **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI FRIDAY, THE 13[TH] DAY OF JANUARY 2023 / 23RD POUSHA, 1944 OT.REV NO. 122 OF 2016** **TAVAT 56/2012 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM REVISION PETITIONER/S:** STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LAW), COMMERCIAL TAXES, ERNAKULAM. BY GP M.M. JASMIN ## **RESPONDENT/S:** M/S. POPULAR VEHICLES & SERVICE LTD ERNAKULAM PIN 682 011. BY ADVS.SRI.P.BENNY THOMAS SRI.M.GOPIKRISHNAN NAMBIAR SRI.P.GOPINATH SRI.K.JOHN MATHAI SRI.JOSON MANAVALAN SRI.KURYAN THOMAS SRI.RAJA KANNAN THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 13.01.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -7- # **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.V.BHATTI** **&** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI FRIDAY, THE 13[TH] DAY OF JANUARY 2023 / 23RD POUSHA, 1944 OT.REV NO. 125 OF 2016** **TAVAT 1560/2011 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM REVISION PETITIONER/S:** STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LAW), COMMERCIAL TAXES, ERNAKULAM. BY GP M.M. JASMIN ## **RESPONDENT/S:** M/S. POPULAR VEHICLES & SERVICES LTD ERNAKULAM, PIN:682 011. BY ADVS.SRI.P.BENNY THOMAS SRI.M.GOPIKRISHNAN NAMBIAR SRI.P.GOPINATH SRI.K.JOHN MATHAI SRI.JOSON MANAVALAN SRI.KURYAN THOMAS SRI.RAJA KANNAN THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 13.01.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -8- ## **IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT** **THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.V.BHATTI & THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE BASANT BALAJI FRIDAY, THE 13[TH] DAY OF JANUARY 2023 / 23RD POUSHA, 1944 OT.REV NO. 131 OF 2016** **TAVAT 1558/2011 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM REVISION PETITIONER/S:** STATE OF KERALA REP.BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER(LAW), COMMERCIAL TAXES , ERNAKULAM BY GP M.M. JASMIN ## **RESPONDENT/S:** M/S.POPULAR VEHICLES & SERVICES LTD. ERNAKULAM, PIN-682 011 BY ADVS.SRI.P.BENNY THOMAS SRI.M.GOPIKRISHNAN NAMBIAR SRI.P.GOPINATH SRI.K.JOHN MATHAI SRI.JOSON MANAVALAN SRI.KURYAN THOMAS SRI.RAJA KANNAN THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 13.01.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -9- # **S.V.BHATTI & BASANT BALAJI, JJ.** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - **OT.Rev Nos.130/2016, 115/2016, 118/2016, 119/2016, 120/2016, 122/2016, 125/2016 and 131/2016** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ## ORDER (Dated this the 13[th] day of January 2023) ## Basant Balaji J., The state has filed these revisions against the common order in T.A.(VAT) No.1557 of 2011 and connected cases, which were filed against the order of the Deputy Commissioner (Appeals). For an easy understanding of the cases dealt with by the Tribunal, a tabular column is appended hereunder: **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -10- |Proceedings of Asst.<br>Commissioners Spl.<br>Circle III|Appeals before the<br>Deputy Commissioner|Appeals before<br>KVATA Tribunal| |---|---|---| |Order No.<br>32070401234/05-06<br>dt.28.2.2011,<br>32070401234/06-07,<br>dt.1.6.2011,<br>32070401234/07-08<br>dt.28.09.2010 and<br>32070401234/08-09<br>dt. 25.9.2010|KVATA Nos.1405/11,<br>2070/11, 4041/10 and<br>4042/10|TA VAT Nos.1557,<br>1558, 1559, 1560<br>2011 (Appeals by the<br>Assessee)| |Order No.<br>32070401234/05-06<br>dt.28.2.2011,<br>32070401234/06-07,<br>dt.24.6.2009,<br>32070401234/07-08<br>dt.28.09.2010 and<br>32070401234/08-09<br>dt. 29.6.2010||TA VAT Nos.56, 57,<br>58 and 59 of 2012<br>(Appeals by the State)| 2. The short facts necessary for the disposal of these revisions are as follows: The assessee is an authorised dealer of motor cars manufactured by Maruti Suzuki India **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -11- Ltd. They filed returns pertaining to the assessment years 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09. The returns filed by the dealer were accepted and the assessments relating to the aforesaid assessment years were completed. Thereafter the assessment was reopened under Section 25 of the KVAT Act alleging escaped assessment. Pre-assessment notices were issued to the dealer and dealer filed replies, but the assessing authority did not accept the objections raised and repelling the objections, the assessment was completed by making modifications. 3. Aggrieved by the order of the assessing authority, the dealer filed appeals before the Deputy Commissioner (Appeals). The first appellate authority, considering the contentions raised by the assessee, modified the assessment **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -12- orders to a certain extent after sustaining the order of the assessing authority. Aggrieved by the modifications effected by the first appellate authority, the State filed T.A. (VAT) Nos.56, 57, 58 and 59 of 2012. Aggrieved by the confirmation of the order of the assessing authority, the assessee filed T.A.(VAT) Nos.1557, 1558, 1559 and 1560 of 2011. The Tribunal considered the appeals filed by the assessee as well as the State together and the appeals filed by the State were dismissed and the appeals filed by the assessee were allowed. 4. The State has filed these revisions against the orders of the Tribunal dismissing their appeals and allowing the appeals filed by the assessee. 5. The questions of law raised in these revisions, are **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -13- ## as follows: “1. Whether the impugned order is sustainable in law. 2. Whether the direction of the Tribunal to allow the claim of discount towards the amount passed through credit notes is in accordance with law in view of the decision in Madras Cement Case reported in 147 STC 626. 3. Whether the finding of the Tribunal in respect of the warranty reimbursement claim of the assessee is in accordance with law. 4. Whether the finding of the Tribunal in respect of the levy of tax on the fixed assets of the assessee is in accordance with law. 5. Is it proper for the Tribunal to uphold the direction of the 1[st] appellate authority to accept the RC book of the used cars for the purpose of levy of tax. 6. Whether the Tribunal is right in law for deleting the addition made by the assessing authority for probable omission and suppression. 7. Whether the finding of the Tribunal that "for repairing charges tax cannot be levied" is in accordance with law. 8. Whether the finding of the Tribunal regarding the miscellaneous income is in accordance with law. 9. Whether the Tribunal has failed to apply the principles held in Mohd. Ekram Khan case reported in (136 STC **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -14- 515) (SC) and in the case of Prerana Motors (P) Ltd. (Civil Appeal No.1821/07) and in M/S TVS & Sons Ltd. (Civil Appeal No. 14260/2007) and also the decision of this Hon'ble Court in ABT Industries Ltd. Vs. State of Kerala. 10. Whether the Tribunal is justified in directing the assessing authority to allow the claim of discount on the amount passed through credit notes. 11. Is it proper for the Tribunal to direct the assessing authority to reconsider the issue of sufferance of tax by used cars accepting theRC book is in accordance with law. 12. Whether the finding of the Tribunal is in accordance with law.” 6. **O.T.Revision Nos.122 of 2016, 118 of 2012, 130** **of 2012 and 120 of 2012, filed against the dismissal of TA(VAT) Nos.56, 57, 58 and 59 of 2012 respectively before the Tribunal, are dealt hereunder:** **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -15- The first challenge by the State before the Tribunal was in respect of deduction of amounts passed through credit notes. The assessing authority did not allow the claim of deduction. But the first appellate authority set aside the order and directed the assessing authority to verify the books including customers accounts of the dealer to ensure whether the assessee has received only net amount from the customers. The revenue contended that the claim of deduction passed through credit notes was not allowable as the discount allowed were not as per the invoices and not deductable from the billed price. It was contended that explanation III of section 2 (x/ix)(ii) of the Kerala Value Added Tax Act, 2003 (for short 'KVAT Act') was not adhered to by the first appellate authority. **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -16- 7. The assessee contended before the Tribunal that the price difference between the listed price and the price agreed by the dealer are different and the price of the vehicle is arrived through bargain and the final price at which the vehicle sold would be lesser than the listed price. In such circumstances, credit note is raised to adjust the listed price and the final price. Therefore, the amount granted through credit notes will not fall within the scope of explanation 2 of Section 2 of the KVAT Act. The first appellate authority set aside the finding of the assessing authority and gave a direction to the assessing authority to verify the aspect afresh. It was also directed to see whether the dealer has received only the net amount and if that be so, appropriate orders should be passed in accordance with **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -17- law. 8. The assessing authority re-examined the matter as per common order of the first appellate authority and thereafter, it was held that the discount received by the assessee was allowed and the price adjustment was done. The Tribunal, taking note of these aspects, held that there is no impropriety or illegality in the order of the first appellate authority in directing reconsideration of the net amount. It was also held that, since credit notes are not discounts and only price adjustment, it does not fall within the meaning of term specified in explanation (iii) of section 2 (x/ix)(ii) of KVAT Act. Therefore the finding of the first appellate authority was confirmed. 9. The second issue was in respect of the sale of fixed **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -18- assets. The first appellate authority confirmed levy with regard to the other assets and directed the assessing authority to follow circular No.19 of 2006. The contention raised by the revenue was that the dealer has failed to produce any evidence to satisfy the authority that the tax as suffered in the case of sale of fixed assets. It was contended that the first appellate authority should not have directed the assessing authority to accept the RC book as evidence to prove tax suffered in the case of sale of fixed assets. The circular No.19/2006/CT makes it clear that if the vehicle has been originally registered in the State paying tax under KGST/VAT and it has been used at least for 15 months, the certificate of registration evidences purchase from any registered dealer then, it is sufficient **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -19- proof for payment of tax under the KGST. The first appellate authority has only directed the assessing authority to reconsider the issue in view of circular No.19 of 2006. Therefore, the Tribunal did not interfere with the said finding. 10. Another contention raised by the revenue was in respect of levy of tax on repair charges received for the whole year in question. The first appellate authority held that the assessee dealer is entitled to get deduction for fitting charges, labour charges and proportionate establishment charges. The contention raised was that, in the absence of a separate account maintained by the dealer in respect of the value of consumables in the first contract, the dealer is only eligible for 25% towards labour and **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** services from the total works contract receipt. The first appellate authority held that fitting charges of spare parts on which VAT, has already been charged are included in the labour charges. Labour charges can be easily ascertained from the books of account and when labour charges are determined, the value of materials and labour charges can be segregated. The first appellate authority has directed the assessing authority to recompute the taxable turn over after granting deduction of fitting charges, labour charges and proportionate establishment charges etc. The Tribunal concurred with the finding of the first appellate authority and therefore, the appeals filed by the revenue were dismissed. The Tribunal, for dismissing the appeal, has given cogent reasons for remitting back the issues to **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** the assessing authority for fresh consideration. We do not find any illegality or impropriety in the findings entered by the Tribunal in respect of the orders passed in the revenues appeal. Therefore we do not intend to accept the findings of the Tribunal. 12. **TA(VAT) Nos.1557, 1558, 1559 and 1560 of 2011 filed by the assessee and allowed by the Tribunal are dealt hereunder** . The levy of tax on warranty period of reimbursement was an issue that was challenged in appeal by the assessee. The assessee contended that there cannot be a sale transaction between the principal and agent and the warranty jobs are done by the assessee acting as agent of the manufacturer. The warranty is provided to the customer **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -22- by the manufacturer of the vehicles sold by the appellant and therefore, reimbursement of levy of tax on warranty period is unsustainable. The Tribunal after perusing the judgments of **M/s.TVS & Sons Ltd (SLP in M Civil Appeal No.14260/07), Mohammaed Ekram Khan and Sons v. Commissioner of Trade Tax [2004 (136) STC 515 (SC)], ABT Industries Ltd.** and **STAT Additional Bench, Mattancherrry in GMMCO. Ltd. v. State of Kerala (TA NO.137 & 138 of 2008),** directed the assessing authority to grant relief to the assessee based on the decision of the honourable Supreme Court. Since the Tribunal has only directed the assessing authority to grant relief in accordance with the judgment of the Apex court, we do not find any ground to interfere with the said finding. **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -23- 13. The next challenge was regarding the disallowance of concessional rates of sale to CSD. The assessing authority disallowed the claim but the first appellate authority held that since certain declaration in Form No.45 are produced, they are entitled to concessional rate. Before the Tribunal at the time of hearing, the assessee produced certificate obtained from CSD for 2.51 crores, which the assessee could not produce before the assessing authority or the first appellate authority. Therefore, the Tribunal, for meeting the ends of justice directed the assessing authority to consider the declaration in Form No.45 and to recompute and pass appropriate orders. We have thoroughly gone through the judgments of the Tribunal and the first appellate authority and do not find **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -24- any illegality or impropriety in the orders passed by the Tribunal. The substantial questions of law raised are answered against the revenue and in favour of the assessee and hence, the Revisions fail. Accordingly, the Tax Revisions are dismissed. **SD/-** **S.V.BHATTI, JUDGE** **SD/BASANT BALAJI, JUDGE** _dl/_ **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -25- ## **APPENDIX OF OT.REV 115/2016** PETITIONER ANNEXURES Annexure A A TRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER DATED 28/02/2011 PASSED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, SPECIAL CIRCLE - III, COMMERCIAL TAXES, ERNAKULAM Annexure B A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE 1ST APPELLATE AUTHORITY DATED 04/10/2011 IN KVATA 1405/11, 4041/10, 4042/10 & 2070/11 Annexure C A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER IN TA(VAT) 1557/11 TO 1560/11 AND TA(VAT) 56/12 TO 59/12 DATED 29/10/2015 Annexure C(a) A TRUE COPY OF ANNEXURE C **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -26- ## **APPENDIX OF OT.REV 118/2016** |PETITIONER ANNEXURES|| |---|---| |ANNEXURE A|A TRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER| ||DATED 1.6.2011 PASSED BY THE| ||ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, SPECIAL| ||CIRCLE-III, COMMERCIAL TAXES,| ||ERNAKULAM.| |ANNEXURE B|A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE IST| ||APPELLATE AUTHORITY DATED 4.10.2011| ||IN KVATA 1405/11, 4041/10, 4042/10| ||& 2070/11.| |ANNEXURE C|A TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER IN| ||TA(VAT) 1557/11 TO 1560/11 AND| ||TA(VAT) 56/12 TO 59/12 DATED| ||29.10.2015.| |ANNEXURE C(a)|| ||A TRUE COPY OF ANNEXURE C| **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -27- ## **APPENDIX OF OT.REV 119/2016** PETITIONER ANNEXURES Annexure A A TRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER DATED 28/09/2010 PASSED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, SPECIAL CIRCLE -III, COMMERCIAL TAXES, ERNAKULAM. Annexure B A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE 1ST APPELLATE AUTHORITY DATED 04/10/2011 IN KVATA 1405/11. 4041/10, 4042/10 AND 2070/11. Annexure C A TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER IN TA(VAT) 1557/11 TO 1560/11 AND TA(VAT) 56/12 TO 59/12 DATED 29/10/2015 **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -28- ## **APPENDIX OF OT.REV 120/2016** PETITIONER ANNEXURES ANNEXURE A A TRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER DATED 25.09.2010 PASSED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, SPECIAL CIRCLE-III, COMMERCIAL TAXES, ERNAKULAM. ANNEXURE B A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE 1ST APPELLATE AUTHORITY DATED 04.10.2011 IN KVATA 1405/11, 4041/10, 4042/10 AND 2070/11. ANNEXURE C A TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER IN TA(VAT) 1557/11 TO 1560/11 AND TA(VAT) 56/12 TO 59/12 DATED 29.10.2015. **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -29- ## **APPENDIX OF OT.REV 122/2016** PETITIONER ANNEXURES ANNEXURE A A TRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER DATED 28.02.2011 PASSED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, SPECIAL CIRCLE-III, COMMERCIAL TAXES, ERNAKULAM. ANNEXURE B A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE 1ST APPELLATE AUTHORITY DATED 04.10.2011 IN KVATA 1405/11, 4041/10, 4042/10 & 2070/11. ANNEXURE C A TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER IN TA(VAT) 1557/11 TO 1560/11 AND TA(VAT) 56/12 TO 59/12 DATED 29.10.2015. **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -30- ## **APPENDIX OF OT.REV 125/2016** PETITIONER ANNEXURES ANNEXURE A A TRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER DATED 25.9.2010 PASSED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER SPECIAL CIRCLE -III COMMERCIAL TAXES, ERANAKULAM ANNEXURE B A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE 1ST APPELLATE AUTHORITY DATED 4.10.2011 IN KVATA 1405/11 4041/10 4042/10 AND 2070/11 ANNEXURE C A TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER IN TA VAT 1557/11 TO 1560/11 AND TA VAT 56/12/ TO 59/12 DATED 29.10.2015 **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -31- ## **APPENDIX OF OT.REV 131/2016** PETITIONER ANNEXURES Annexure A A TRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER DATED 01/06/2011 PASSED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, SPECIAL CIRCLE- III, COMMERCIAL TAXES, ERNAKULAM. Annexure B A TRUE COPY OF TE ORDER OF THE 1ST APPELLATE AUTHORITY DATED 04/10/2011 IN KVATA 1405/11, 4041/10, 4042/10 & 2070/11 Annexure C A TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER IN TA(VAT) 1557/11 TO 1560/11 AND TA(VAT) 56/12 TO 59/12 DATED 29/10/2015 **OT.Rev.130/2016 AND CONNECTED CASES** -32- ## **APPENDIX OF OT.REV 130/2016** PETITIONER ANNEXURES ANNEXURE A A TRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER DATED 28.9.2010 PASSED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, SPECIAL CIRCLE-III, COMMERCIAL TAXES, ERNAKULAM. ANNEXURE B A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE IST APPELLATE AUTHORITY DATED 4.10.2011 IN KVATA 1405/11, 4041/10, 4042/10 & 2070/11. ANNEXURE C A TRUE COPY OF THE COMMON ORDER IN TA(VAT)1557/11 TO 1560/11 AND TA(VAT)56/12 TO 59/12 DATED 29.10.2015.