High Court of KeralaDivision BenchRevision petitions allowed. Tribunals’ orders s...

State of Kerala v. Sathyam Audios (O.T.Revisions Nos. 23/2019, 24/2019, 25/2019, 29/2019, 30/2019, 32/2019 and 33/2019)

Case / Petition Number:OT.Rev Nos. 23/2019; 24/2019; 25/2019; 29/2019; 30/2019; 32/2019; 33/2019

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • A.K. Jayasankararan Nambiar
  • Mohammed Nias C.P.
Judgment Date
2023-08-24
Court Decision / Holding
The High Court held that the State is entitled to succeed in these revisions. It held that the essential tests for deemed sale, as laid down in Quick Heal Technologies (and elaborated with references to TCS and Associated Cement), show that transfer of the right to use goods can be a taxable event even if exclusive transfer is not shown. The Tribunal’s reasoning contradicting the transfer-right-to-use concept was found erroneous. All OT.Revisions, except for OTR 23/2019 (2005-06) which is remitted back to the assessing officer for a speaking order, are allowed by setting aside the Tribunal’s orders. The 2005-06 issue is remitted for fresh determination, while other entries are restored to the State’s tax position.
Final Disposition
Revision petitions allowed. Tribunals’ orders set aside. 2005-06 (OTR 23/2019) remitted for fresh, speaking order; remaining revisions disposed in State’s favour with VAT applicability confirmed for post-2005-06 years.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • State of Kerala (Revision Petitioner)

Respondents

  • M/S Sathyam Audios (assessee/ respondent/ appellant)

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • Sri. Mohamed Rafiq, Government Pleader

Counsels for Respondents

  • • K.V. Vimal
  • • Jaikrishna R
  • • Narayani Harikrishnan
  • • Anish P.

Case Synopsis & Summary

This batch judgment of the Kerala High Court arises from seven connected O.T.Revisions (VAT) filed by the State of Kerala challenging the orders of the Kerala VAT Appellate Tribunal, Ernakulam, in TA(VAT) Nos. 162/2015, 159/2015, 160/2015, 161/2015, 158/2015, 1329/2015 and 60/2016. The central issue is whether the receipts by Sathyam Audios for the transfer of the right to use copyrighted music/ringtones constitute taxable turnover under the Kerala VAT Act, 2003 (KVAT). The Assessing Officer treated the royalties as taxable under Section 6(1)(c) and Entry 68 of the Third Schedule, arguing that the transfer of the right to use intangible property falls within taxable events even without exclusive transfer. The Appellate Tribunal had reversed, holding no tax on royalties as service-tax had been levied, and relying on Malabar Gold (Ker. HC) to emphasize exclusivity. The State challenged on grounds that (i) intangible rights fall under goods, (ii) transfer of right to use could be a deemed sale per Tata Consultancy Services and Associated Cement, and (iii) Quick Heal Technologies clarifies the essential elements for transfer of the right to use. The High Court ultimately allowed the revisions, set aside Tribunal orders, and remitted the 2005-06 matter for fresh, speaking order, while restoring other years to tax.

Provisions of Law Cited

Kerala Value Added Tax Act, 2003 – Section 6(1)(c)Kerala Value Added Tax Act, 2003 – Entry 68 of Third ScheduleKerala Value Added Tax Act, 2003 – Section 25(1)Constitution of India – Article 366(29-A)(d)Finance Act, 2010 (limitation issue)

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

  • Transfer of the right to use goods, not transfer of property in goods, can be a taxable event.
  • Delivery of goods is not a prerequisite to the transfer of the right to use; exclusive transfer is not a strict requirement.
  • Definition of 'goods' includes intangible property (as per Associated Cement Companies Ltd.).
  • In a contract for the transfer of the right to use the goods, the taxable event is the contract for delivery of the goods; transfer of exclusive possession is not essential.

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

State contended that intangible items like copyright/patent fall under Entry 68 of the Third Schedule and that Section 6(1)(c) of the KVAT Act contemplates taxability of the transfer of the right to use goods for any purpose for a specified period. It relied on the doctrine that even without exclusive transfer a deemed sale can arise; invoked Tata Consultancy Services (2005) 1 SCC 308 and Associated Cement to justify the transfer of the right to use as a taxable event; argued that Malabar Gold’s earlier reasoning is doubtful in light of Quick Heal Technologies (2023) and that VAT/sales tax can apply where the right to use is transferred. It also argued that the 2005-06 assessment is barred by the Finance Act 2010 and sought remand for the remaining years.

Contentions of Respondents

Sathyam Audios argued there was no exclusive transfer of goods and only a revocable, non-exclusive license was granted, which cannot amount to a sale under KVAT. It relied on Malabar Gold (Ker HC) and AGS Entertainment to argue that transfer of right to use must involve exclusive delivery of goods, and that service tax/VAT mutual exclusivity (Imagic) prevented VAT on these receipts. It contended that the transaction is governed by licensed use and not sale, and that the Supreme Court’s later decisions (BSNL/Imagic) preclude VAT on royalties where service tax applies.

Cited Precedents (12)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
Tata Consultancy Services v. State of Andhra Pradesh(2005) 1 SCC 308PositiveCited as authority that transfer of the right to use may give rise to a deemed sale under VAT.
Tata Sons v. State of Maharashtra(80 VST 173)PositiveCited to support broader principles regarding intangible rights and transfer of rights to use.
Associated Cement Companies Ltd. v. Commissioner of Customs(2001) 4 SCC 593PositiveUsed to support that ‘goods’ includes intangible property and that sale can involve IP rights.
Malabar Gold Pvt. Ltd. v. Commercial Tax Officer(2013) SCC Online Ker 1162DistinguishedNot treated as controlling; its exclusivity requirement is considered doubtful post-Quick Heal.
Quick Heal Technologies Ltd.[(2023) 5 SCC 269]PositiveGrounds the modern test for transfer of the right to use goods; decisive for deeming sale.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. v. Union of India(SC) [2006] 3 VST 95PositiveCited to support treatment of intangible items as Goods and transfer of rights.
Kream Foods Pvt. Ltd. v. State of Kerala(24 VST 333)PositiveSupportive authority on the scope of ‘goods’ including IP rights.
Mechanical Assembly System (India) Pvt. Ltd. v. State of Kerala(144 STC 536 Ker.)PositiveCited as authority in context of transfer of right to use.
Nutrine Confectionery Company Pvt. Ltd. v. State of Andhra Pradesh(40 VST 327 A.P.)PositiveCited among authorities supporting the inclusion of intangible rights as taxable 'goods'.
AGS Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. v. Union of India(2013) 65 VST 88 (Mad.)Mentioned OnlyCited by respondent in argument; not a controlling authority in the instant reasoning.
Imagic Creative Pvt. Ltd. v. Commissioner of Service Tax[(2008) 12 VST 371 (SC)]Mentioned OnlyCited in context of mutual exclusivity of VAT and service tax; not applied as controlling rule here.
Technologies Ltd. (Quick Heal)[(2023) 5 SCC 269]PositiveClarified the core test for transfer of the right to use goods, used in the current reasoning.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

OTR23/19 and conn.cases 1 ## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE DR. JUSTICE A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR ``` ## **`&`** ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED NIAS C.P. THURSDAY, THE 24[TH] DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 2ND BHADRA, 1945 OT.REV NO. 23 OF 2019 ``` ``` AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT TAVAT 157/2015 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM ``` ## **`REVISION PETITIONER/RESPONDENT/REVENUE:`** ``` STATE OF KERALA REP. BY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LAW), ERNAKULAM BY GOVERNMENT PLEADER SRI. MOHAMED RAFIQ ``` ## **`RESPONDENT/APPELLANT/ASSESSEE:`** ``` M/S.SATHYAM AUDIOS XL/1260,DROWPAHTY, T.D.ROAD, ERNAKULAM BY ADVS. K.V.VIMAL JAIKRISHNA R NARAYANI HARIKRISHNAN ANISH P. ``` ``` THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 01.08.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.25/2019, 30/2019 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON 24.08.2023 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` OTR23/19 and conn.cases 2 ## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE DR. JUSTICE A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED NIAS C.P. THURSDAY, THE 24[TH] DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 2ND BHADRA, 1945 OT.REV NO. 25 OF 2019 ``` ``` AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT TAVAT 158/2015 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM ``` ## **`REVISION PETITIONER/RESPONDENT/REVENUE:`** ``` STATE OF KERALA REP. BY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LAW), ERNAKULAM BY GOVERNMENT PLEADER SRI. MOHAMED RAFIQ ``` ## **`RESPONDENT/APPELLANT/ASSESSEE:`** ``` M/S.SATHYAM AUDIOS XL/1260, DROWPATHY, T.D. ROAD, ERNAKULAM-682 011. BY ADVS. K.V.VIMAL JAIKRISHNA R NARAYANI HARIKRISHNAN ANISH P. ``` ``` THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 01.08.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.23/2019 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON 24.08.2023 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` OTR23/19 and conn.cases 3 ## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE DR. JUSTICE A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED NIAS C.P. THURSDAY, THE 24[TH] DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 2ND BHADRA, 1945 OT.REV NO. 30 OF 2019 ``` ``` AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT TAVAT 160/2015 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM ``` ## **`REVISION PETITIONER/RESPONDENT/REVENUE:`** ``` STATE OF KERALA REP. BY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LAW), ERNAKULAM BY GOVERNMENT PLEADER SRI. MOHAMED RAFIQ ``` ## **`RESPONDENT/APPELLANT/ASSESSEE:`** ``` M/S.SATHYAM AUDIOS XL/1260, DROWPATHY, T.D. ROAD, ERNAKULAM-682 011. BY ADVS. K.V.VIMAL JAIKRISHNA R NARAYANI HARIKRISHNAN ANISH P. ``` ``` THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 01.08.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.23/2019 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON 24.08.2023 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` OTR23/19 and conn.cases 4 ## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE DR. JUSTICE A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED NIAS C.P. THURSDAY, THE 24[TH] DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 2ND BHADRA, 1945 OT.REV NO. 29 OF 2019 ``` ``` AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT TAVAT 161/2015 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM ``` ## **`REVISION PETITIONER/RESPONDENT/REVENUE:`** ``` STATE OF KERALA REP. BY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LAW), ERNAKULAM BY GOVERNMENT PLEADER SRI. MOHAMED RAFIQ ``` ## **`RESPONDENT/APPELLANT/ASSESSEE:`** ``` M/S.SATHYAM AUDIOS XL/1260, DROWPATHY, T.D. ROAD, ERNAKULAM-682 011. BY ADVS. K.V.VIMAL JAIKRISHNA R NARAYANI HARIKRISHNAN ANISH P. ``` ``` THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 01.08.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.23/2019 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON 24.08.2023 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` OTR23/19 and conn.cases 5 ## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE DR. JUSTICE A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED NIAS C.P. THURSDAY, THE 24[TH] DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 2ND BHADRA, 1945 OT.REV NO. 33 OF 2019 ``` ``` AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT TAVAT 60/2016 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM ``` ## **`REVISION PETITIONER/RESPONDENT/REVENUE:`** ``` STATE OF KERALA REP. BY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LAW), ERNAKULAM BY GOVERNMENT PLEADER SRI. MOHAMED RAFIQ ``` ## **`RESPONDENT/APPELLANT/ASSESSEE:`** ``` M/S.SATHYAM AUDIOS XL/1260, DROWPATHY, T.D. ROAD, ERNAKULAM-682 011. BY ADVS. K.V.VIMAL JAIKRISHNA R NARAYANI HARIKRISHNAN ANISH P. ``` ``` THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 01.08.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.23/2019 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON 24.08.2023 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` OTR23/19 and conn.cases 6 ## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE DR. JUSTICE A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED NIAS C.P. THURSDAY, THE 24[TH] DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 2ND BHADRA, 1945 OT.REV NO. 24 OF 2019 ``` ``` AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT TAVAT 162/2015 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM ``` ## **`REVISION PETITIONER/RESPONDENT/REVENUE:`** ``` STATE OF KERALA REP. BY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LAW), ERNAKULAM BY GOVERNMENT PLEADER SRI. MOHAMED RAFIQ ``` ## **`RESPONDENT/APPELLANT/ASSESSEE:`** ``` M/S.SATHYAM AUDIOS XL/1260, DROWPATHY, T.D. ROAD, ERNAKULAM-682 011. BY ADVS. K.V.VIMAL JAIKRISHNA R NARAYANI HARIKRISHNAN ANISH P. ``` ``` THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 01.08.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.23/2019 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON 24.08.2023 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` OTR23/19 and conn.cases 7 ## **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM`** ## **`PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE DR. JUSTICE A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED NIAS C.P. THURSDAY, THE 24[TH] DAY OF AUGUST 2023 / 2ND BHADRA, 1945 OT.REV NO. 32 OF 2019 ``` ``` AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT TAVAT 159/2015 OF KERALA VAT APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM ``` ## **`REVISION PETITIONER/RESPONDENT/REVENUE:`** ``` STATE OF KERALA REP. BY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (LAW), ERNAKULAM BY GOVERNMENT PLEADER SRI. MOHAMED RAFIQ ``` ## **`RESPONDENT/APPELLANT/ASSESSEE:`** ``` M/S.SATHYAM AUDIOS XL/1260, DROWPATHY, T.D. ROAD, ERNAKULAM-682 011. BY ADVS. K.V.VIMAL JAIKRISHNA R NARAYANI HARIKRISHNAN ANISH P. ``` ``` THIS OTHER TAX REVISION (VAT) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 01.08.2023, ALONG WITH OT.Rev.23/2019 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE COURT ON 24.08.2023 DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` OTR23/19 and conn.cases 8 ## **‘CR’** ## **DR.A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR** ## **& MOHAMMED NIAS C.P., JJ** ............................................................. **O.T.R. Nos.23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 32 and 33 of 2019** ............................................................. Dated this the 24[th] day of August, 2023 ## **O R D E R** ## Mohammed Nias C.P., J These O.T.Revisions are preferred by the State aggrieved by the common judgment dated 03.10.2018 of the Kerala Value Added Tax Appellate Tribunal, Ernakulam, in T.A.(VAT) No.162/2015 and connected cases. 2. The short facts leading to the filing of the above revisions are as follows:- The respondent is an assessee on the rolls of the Commercial Tax Officer, Ernakulam. The assessing officer, on scrutiny of the audited statement of accounts and assessment records, noticed that the assessee had received an amount of Rs.3,68,97,749.05/- towards income from the copyright and royalty for the transfer of right to use ringtone for a specific period during OTR23/19 and conn.cases 9 the assessment years in question, namely, 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 20072008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 and, finding that the assessee had not declared the said turnover in their monthly/annual return, reopened and completed the assessments under Section 25 (1) of the Kerala Value Added Tax Act, 2003 (hereinafter referred to as ‘KVAT Act'). Aggrieved by the order of the assessing officer, appeals were preferred by the assessee, which were allowed in their favour. The State filed a second appeal before the Tribunal challenging the order of the Appellate Assistant Commissioner, and the same was dismissed by the Appellate Tribunal by Annexure-C order, which is challenged in these revisions. 3. The issue before the authorities was regarding the taxability of receipts towards royalty and the transfer of the right to use intangible property. According to the assessing authority, under Entry 68 of the III Schedule, intangible items such as copyright, patent, etc., are specifically included, and under Section 6(1)(c) of the KVAT Act, 2003, transfer of the right to use any good for any purpose for a specified period is taxable at 4%. The assessing officer held that courts had held that trademark is intangible goods, which can be the subject matter of transfer and royalty received by dealers from franchisees for the use of a trademark is liable to tax, and in the same analogy, royalty received from intangible goods like copyright, patent, etc. is also liable to be taxed as the consideration received for the transfer of the right to use goods under the KVAT Act. In holding so, the assessing officer relied on the judgment of the Supreme OTR23/19 and conn.cases 10 Court in **Tata Consultancy Services** v. **State of Andhra Pradesh [(2005) 1 SCC 308]** and also the decision of the High Court in **Malabar Gold Pvt. Ltd. v. Commercial Tax Officer [2013 SCC Online Ker 1162]** to hold that so as to attract liability on transfer of right to use the goods, the transfer did not have to be to the exclusion of all others and even in the absence of an element of exclusive transfer, a deemed sale could take place. The assesse also had a contention that they are paying service tax and service is rendered as per the provisions of the Central Finance Act and relied on the decision of the Supreme Court in **Imagic Creative Pvt. Ltd.** **v. Commissioner of Commercial Taxes [(2008) 12 VST 371 (SC)]** to state that VAT and service tax are mutually exclusive. With respect to the assessment year 2005-2006, the assessee contended that the assessment sought is completely barred by limitation by Finance Act 2010; as all assessments pending, including that for 2005-06, were to be completed on or before 31/3/2011 and therefore, the proposed assessment is well beyond the time. The said contentions were not accepted by the assessing authority. 4. In the first appeal filed by the assessee, the Appellate Authority found that the assessee cannot be made liable under the KVAT Act in respect of the royalty received as the same has been subject to the levy of service tax under the Central Legislation. The appellate authority also found that the assessing authority had placed reliance on the decision of OTR23/19 and conn.cases 11 the learned single Judge in **Malabar Gold** (supra), which decision was reversed by the Division Bench and therefore, going by the dictum of the Division Bench for there to be a transfer of right to use, the property had to be deliverable, and the transfer had to be to the exclusion of everybody other than the transferee. The Appellate Authority also relied on the judgments in **Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. v. Union of India [2006) 3 VST 95 (SC)]** and **Tata Consultancy Services v. State of Andhra Pradesh [(2005) 1 SCC 308]** for allowing the appeal. 5. The State had challenged the orders of the Deputy Commissioner (Appeals), and all the appeals were heard and considered jointly by the Appellate Tribunal. The State essentially contended that under Entry 68 of the Third Schedule, intangible items like copyright, patent, etc., are specifically included, and under Section 6(1)(c) of the KVAT Act, transfer of right to use for any purpose, taxable at the rate of 5%. The State also contended that trademark is intangible goods that can be transferred, and the royalty received is liable to tax. It also argued that the decision of the Division Bench in **Malabar Gold** (supra) was not applicable and relied on the following judgments before the Tribunal. - (1). Kream Foods Pvt. Ltd. v. State of Kerala (24 VST 333) - (2). Mechanical Assembly System (India) Pvt. Ltd. v. State of Kerala - (144 STC 536 Ker.) OTR23/19 and conn.cases 12 - (3). Nutrine Confectionery Company Pvt. Ltd. v. State of Andhra Pradesh (40 VST 327 A.P.) - (4). Tata Sons v. State of Maharashtra (80 VST 173) 6. The assessee contended before the Tribunal that the arguments of the State could not stand in view of the decision of the Supreme Court in **BSNL** and **Malabar Gold** , cited supra, and also argued that the decision in **Tata Consultancy Services** (supra) relied on by the assessing authority was rendered before the Supreme Court decided the **BSNL** case. It was their contention that they had entered into an agreement for playing cinematographic and other music works, which, according to them, was done on a revocable licence that was not exclusive to the transferee. Thus, it was argued that there were no elements of a sale. It was also argued that they were paying service tax, and in view of the judgment in **Imagic Creative Pvt. Ltd.** (supra), which held that VAT and service tax are mutually exclusive, they cannot be made liable to pay sales tax. The Tribunal considered the question as to whether the transaction in issue amounts to a transfer of right to use goods under Section 6(1)(c) of the KVAT Act and, therefore, liable to tax under the said Act. The Tribunal found fault with the assessing authority stating that the analogy drawn by the assessing authority with trademark was wrong and that going by the judgment of the Division Bench in **Malabar Gold,** it has been held that there is no transfer as the assessing authority could not hold that the ringtone was given exclusively to the transferor. Further, they found that OTR23/19 and conn.cases 13 the assessee had only given the licence to use the goods, which is not a transfer of the right to use the goods. Taking the said view, the order of the Appellate Authority was confirmed, and the appeals preferred by the State were dismissed. 7. We have heard Sri. Mohammed Rafiq, the learned Special Government Pleader, and Sri. Jaikrishna R., the learned counsel for the respondent-assessee. 8. Sri. Mohammed Rafiq argued that the Tribunal has clearly erred in law in not finding that the asssessees were liable to pay sales tax, despite the finding that what was transferred was the right to use goods. The Tribunal went wrong in finding fault with the assessing authority, which had correctly construed the matter in the light of the principles of law, and those findings were erroneously reversed by the Appellate Authority relying on the judgment of the Division Bench in **Malabar Gold** (supra). After having found that a ringtone satisfied the definition of goods, the Tribunal erred in considering whether there was a “transfer of goods” when, as a matter of fact, it should have considered whether there was a “transfer of the right to use goods”. He also argued that the Division Bench decision in **Malabar Gold** (supra) had not attained finality as it is under appeal before the Supreme Court. He finally argues that the issue is covered in his favour by the judgment in **Commissioner Service Tax, Delhi v. Quick Heal** OTR23/19 and conn.cases 14 **Technologies Ltd. [(2023) 5 SCC 269]** and that the revision petitions are liable to be allowed. 9. Per contra, Sri. Jaykrishna argued that there had been no exclusive transfer and that what has been granted is only a licence, and the same is evident from the agreements executed between them and those who used the same subject to the conditions therein. It is also argued that this position of law is clearly stated by the Madras High Court in the judgment reported in **AGS Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. v. Union of India [(2013) 65 VST 88].** He also argued that on the basis of the various sections in the Copyright Act, he could not have sold the same exclusively, and in the absence of an exclusive sale, no sales tax could have been levied. It is also his argument that the transaction is covered by the provisions of the Central Service Tax Act and going by the decision in **Imagic Creative Pvt. Ltd.** (supra) that held that VAT and service tax are mutually exclusive, the levy of sales tax by the State Government is clearly barred. 10. After hearing the learned counsel on either side, we are of the view that the State is entitled to succeed in these revisions for the reasons to follow:- The principles of law as regards the requirements of a transaction to qualify as a deemed sale in cases of transfer of the right to use goods were listed out in the judgment in **Quick Heal Technologies** (supra), after referring to previous judgments of the Supreme Court, and the same is extracted hereunder:- OTR23/19 and conn.cases 15 “54. From the judicial decisions, the settled essential requirement of a transaction for the transfer of the right to use the goods are: 54.1. It is not the transfer of the property in goods, but it is the right to use the property in goods. 54.2. Article 366(29-A)(d) read with the latter part of clause (29-A) which uses the words, "and such transfer, delivery or supply"... would indicate that the tax is not on the delivery of the goods used, but on the transfer of the right to use regardless of when or whether the goods are delivered for use subject to the condition that the goods should be in existence for use. 54.3. In the transaction for the transfer of the right to use goods, delivery of the goods is not a condition precedent, but the delivery of goods may be one of the elements of the transaction. 54.4. The effective or general control does not mean always physical control and, even if the manner, method, modalities and the time of the use of goods is decided by the lessee or the customer, it would be under the effective or general control over the goods. 54.5. The approvals, concessions, licences and permits in relation to goods would also be available to the user of goods, even if such licences or permits are in the name of owner (transferor) of the goods. 54.6. During the period of contract exclusive right to use goods along with permits, licences, etc. vests in the lessee.” OTR23/19 and conn.cases 16 11. A reading of the above judgment clearly shows that the issue is not whether there is a transfer of property in goods but if there is a transfer of the right to use the property in goods. The first Appellate Authority and the Tribunal essentially held that there is no exclusive transfer of the goods and that the decision of the Division Bench in Malabar Gold regarding the trademark would come to the rescue of the assessee. As noted above, the judgment in **Malabar Gold** (supra) has not become final as it is challenged before the Supreme Court. That apart, it cannot be held that it is a requirement of law that there should be a transfer of the entire right to the exclusion of the transferor for there to be a transfer of the right to use. The transfer of the right to use goods is distinct and separate from the transfer of goods. The Tribunal has clearly erred in considering the question as to whether there is a transfer of the property in goods. It has clearly misdirected itself in not finding out whether there has been a transfer of the right to use goods, and if it is answered in the affirmative, surely the activity is exigible to sales tax. The Appellate Authority, as well as the Tribunal, was carried away by the judgment of the Division Bench in **Malabar Gold** (supra), the principle laid down in which has to be held to be doubtful after the judgment in **Quick Heal Technologies** (supra). The Tribunal rightly found that the goods were involved in the transaction in question but still found that they were not exigible to value added tax. It will be profitable to extract the relevant portion of the judgment in **Associated Cement Companies Ltd. v. Commissioner of Customs** OTR23/19 and conn.cases 17 **[(2001) 4 SCC 593],** which was relied on by the Supreme Court in **Tata Consultancy Services** (supra) as well. “42. _Associated Cement Companies Ltd. v. Commr. of Customs,_ was heavily relied on by this Court. It was held: (TCS case, SCC pp. 329-30, paras 27-29). "27. In our view, the term "goods" as used in Article 366(12) of the Constitution and as defined under the said Act is very wide and includes all types of movable properties, whether those properties be tangible or intangible. We are in complete agreement with the observations made by this Court in _Associated Cement Companies._ A software program may consist of various commands which enable the computer to perform a designated task. The copyright in that program may remain with the originator of the program. But the moment copies are made and marketed, it becomes goods, which are susceptible to sales tax. Even intellectual property, once it is put on to a media, whether it be in the form of books or canvas (in case of painting) or computer discs or cassettes, and marketed would become "goods". We see no difference between a sale of a software program on a CD/floppy disc from a sale of music on a cassette/CD or a sale of a film on a video cassette/CD. In all such cases, the intellectual property has been incorporated on a media for purposes OTR23/19 and conn.cases 18 of transfer. Sale is not just of the media which by itself has very little value. The software and the media cannot be split up. What the buyer purchases and pays for is not the disc or the CD. As in the case of paintings or books or music or films the buyer is purchasing the intellectual property and not the media i.e. the paper or cassette or disc or CD. Thus a transaction/sale of computer software is clearly a sale of "goods" within the meaning of the term as defined in the said Act. The term "all materials, articles and commodities" includes both tangible and intangible/incorporeal property which is capable of abstraction, consumption and use and which can be transmitted, transferred, delivered, stored, possessed, etc. The software programs have all these attributes.” 12. In the light of the above, it has to be held that in a contract for the transfer of the right to use the goods, the taxable event is the execution of the contract for delivery of the goods, and if that has taken place, it was immaterial whether the transfer was exclusively or to the exclusion of all others. In the instant case, the transferee obtained a legal right to use the goods for the period during which he had such legal rights, which had to be to the exclusion of the transferor. We hold that the Tribunal has clearly gone wrong in law while dismissing the appeals preferred by the State. The order of the Tribunal impugned before us is set aside. OTR23/19 and conn.cases 19 13. Regarding 2005-2006, OTR 23/2019, we note that there is a plea of limitation raised by the assessee. Accordingly, we remit OTR 23/2019 back to the assessing officer to consider the question afresh and pass a speaking order dealing with the contentions of the assessee. The questions of law are answered in favour of the State and against the assessee. All the other O.T. Revisions are allowed by setting aside the order of the Tribunal impugned before us. The order of the assessing authority, except for the year 2005-2006, (challenged in OTR 23/2019), will stand restored. The O.T. Revisions are disposed of as above. Sd/- ## **DR.A.K.JAYASANKARAN NAMBIAR** **JUDGE** Sd/- ## **MOHAMMED NIAS C.P.** **JUDGE** okb/ OTR23/19 and conn.cases 20 ## **`APPENDIX OF OT.REV 25/2019`** ``` PETITIONER ANNEXURES ANNEXURE ATRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER NO. 32071784422/2006-07, DATED 18.02.2013. ANNEXURE BTRUE COPY OF THE APPELLATE ORDER KVATA NO. 980/13 DATED 19.01.2015. ANNEXURE CTRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE KERALA VALUE ADDED TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKUKLAM IN TA (VAT) NO. 158/2015 DATED 03.10.2018. ANNEXURE ATRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER NO.32071784422/2012-13 DATED 1.6.2015. ANNEXURE BTRUE COPY OF THE APPELLATE ORDER KVATA NO.1329/2015 DATED 21.11.2015. ANNEXURE CTRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE KERALA VALUE ADDED TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM IN TA(VAT) NO.60/2016 DATED 3.10.2018. ``` OTR23/19 and conn.cases 21 ## **`APPENDIX OF OT.REV 30/2019`** ``` PETITIONER ANNEXURES ANNEXURE ATRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER NO. 32071784422/2008-09 DATED 09.04.2013. ANNEXURE BTRUE COPY OF THE APPELLATE ORDER KVATA NO. 1458/13 DATED 19.01.2015 ANNEXURE CTRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE KERALA VALUE ADDED TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM IN TA (VAT) NO. 160/2015 DATED 03.10.2018 ``` OTR23/19 and conn.cases 22 ## **`APPENDIX OF OT.REV 29/2019`** ``` PETITIONER ANNEXURES ANNEXURE ATRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER NO.32071784422/2009-10 DATED 28.12.2012. ANNEXURE BTRUE COPY OF THE APPELLATE ORDER KVATA NO.245/13 DATED 19.1.2015. ANNEXURE CTRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE KERALA VALUE ADDED TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM IN TA(VAT)NO.161/2015 DATED 3.10.218. ``` OTR23/19 and conn.cases 23 ## **`APPENDIX OF OT.REV 33/2019`** ``` PETITIONER ANNEXURES ANNEXURE ATRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER NO. 32071784422/2012-2013 DATED 01.06.2015 ANNEXURE BTRUE COPY OF THE APPELLATE ORDER KVATA NO. 1329/2015 DATED 21.11.2015 ANNEXURE CTRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE KERALA VALUE ADDED TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM IN TA(VAT) NO. 60/2016 DATED 03.10.2018 ``` OTR23/19 and conn.cases 24 ## **`APPENDIX OF OT.REV 24/2019`** ``` PETITIONER ANNEXURES ANNEXURE ATRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER NO.32071784422/2010-11 DATED 31.07.2013. ANNEXURE BTRUE COPY OF THE APPELLATE ORDER KVATA NO.2607/13 DATED 19.01.2015. ANNEXURE CTRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE KERALA VALUE ADDED TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM IN TA(VAT)NO.162/2015 DATED 03.10.2018. ``` OTR23/19 and conn.cases 25 ## **`APPENDIX OF OT.REV 32/2019`** ``` PETITIONER ANNEXURES ANNEXURE ATRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER NO. 32071784422/2007-08 DATED 18.03.2013. ANNEXURE BTRUE COPY OF THE APPELLATE ORDER KVATA NO. 1374/13 DATED 19.01.2015. ANNEXURE CTRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE KERALA VALUE ADDED TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, ERNAKULAM IN TA (VAT) NO. 159/2015 DATED 03.10.2018. ``` OTR23/19 and conn.cases 26 ## **`APPENDIX OF OT.REV 23/2019`** ``` PETITIONER ANNEXURES ANNEXURE ATRUE COPY OF THE ASSESSMENT ORDER NO 32071784422/2005-06 DATED 18.2.2012 ANNEXURE BTRUE COPY OF THE APPELLATE ORDER KVATA NO 979/13 DATED 19.1.2015 ANNEXURE CCERTIFIED COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE KERALA VALUE ADDED TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL IN TA(VAT) NO 157/2015 DATED 3.10.2018 ```