
Aadrikaa Legal Services (ALS) – IDT Tax I Arbitration I Litigation
Date: 15.05.2026
Gujarat High Court Quashes Tax Rectification Rejection

This Short Article has been prepared & written by Advocate Ravi Shekhar Jha-Delhi High Court, New Delhi. The views expressed are based on his interpretation of the law. He can be reached at his email id intelconsul@gmail.com .
On April 16, 2026, the Gujarat High Court delivered a significant judgment in the case of M/S. Hari Om Hardware and Electrical versus Union of India & Others. The Court quashed the rectification rejection order issued by the tax authorities and remanded the matter for fresh consideration, emphasizing the importance of natural justice in tax proceedings.
Case Background
M/S. Hari Om Hardware and Electrical, a proprietorship firm engaged in trading electronic and hardware products, faced scrutiny regarding its availing of Input Tax Credit (ITC) under the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017. Following a series of show-cause notices, the tax authorities passed an order on March 13, 2024. The petitioner challenged this order, citing procedural lapses such as the absence of a summary in Form GST DRC-07 and non-compliance with Rule 142 of the CGST Rules.
The petitioner filed an appeal under Section 107 of the CGST Act, which was rejected on March 12, 2025. Subsequently, a rectification application was submitted on March 25, 2025, seeking correction of the appellate order. This application was also rejected by the Additional Commissioner, Surat (Appeals) on December 23, 2025.
Legal Arguments
The petitionerβs counsel relied on a notification dated October 8, 2024, issued by the Ministry of Finance, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIT). Clause 7 of this notification mandates adherence to the principles of natural justice, especially when a rectification order adversely affects a party. The main contention was that the petitioner was not granted an opportunity of hearing before the rejection of the rectification application.
Courtβs Findings
The Court verified the original file and sought clarification from the respondentβs counsel, who admitted that no hearing was provided to the petitioner prior to the impugned order. Recognizing this violation of natural justice, the Court held that the rectification rejection order was unsustainable.
Judgment and Directions
- Quashing of Order: The High Court quashed the rectification rejection order dated December 23, 2025.
- Remand for Fresh Consideration: The matter was remanded to the appellate authority to reconsider the rectification application, ensuring compliance with Clause 7 of the CBIT notification and Section 16(5) of the CGST Act.
- Timeline: The appellate authority was directed to pass a fresh order within 12 weeks.
- Relief Granted: The writ petition was allowed, granting relief to M/S. Hari Om Hardware and Electrical.
Implications
This judgment underscores the necessity for tax authorities to follow due process and uphold the principles of natural justice. It serves as a reminder that procedural lapses, such as denial of a hearing, can render orders invalid. Taxpayers facing similar issues may find this precedent useful in challenging adverse orders.
Conclusion
The Gujarat High Courtβs decision in favor of M/S. Hari Om Hardware and Electrical highlights the judiciaryβs commitment to fairness in tax administration. By remanding the matter for fresh consideration, the Court ensures that the petitionerβs rights are protected and that tax authorities adhere to statutory and procedural requirements.
Source: Gujarat High Court
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