Inspection, Search And Seizure Under GST: When The Law Learns To Let Go - Part III - The Concluding Part



Quick Summary
This article concludes the series on GST inspection, search, and seizure by focusing on the crucial final stages. It explains how seized goods can be provisionally released through bonds or security, and how perishable or hazardous items are handled to prevent loss. The article also details the time limits for retaining seized items and documents, emphasising that enforcement actions are temporary and designed to be fair, ultimately aiming to restore normalcy once proceedings are concluded.

In Part I of this series, we explored how Section 67 of the CGST Act, 2017, begins its engagement with a taxable person in a considerate and respectful manner. Instead of starting with accusations, it begins with an inspection-a careful, deliberate process where the law gently observes, verifies, an
Daily Limit Reached

You have reached your daily limit of 2 Free Articles

Subscribe to CCI PRO for unlimited access

Why Upgrade to CCI PRO?
  • No Ads
  • WhatsApp Broadcasts
  • Daily E-Newsletter
  • Unlimited Articles Access
BEST VALUE
2 YEAR PLAN
3,499
(Inclusive of GST)
1 YEAR PLAN
1,999
(Inclusive of GST)
Buy CCI PRO Now

Already a PRO member? Login here for an ad-free experience.


Under Section 67(6) and Rule 140, seized goods can be provisionally released if the taxpayer provides a bond with security or pays the applicable tax, interest, and penalties. This allows businesses to continue operations while ensuring revenue protection.

If goods released provisionally are not produced at the specified time and place, the security furnished can be encashed and adjusted against any tax, interest, penalty, or fine payable.

Generally, seized goods and documents cannot be retained for more than six months. Extensions are possible for up to another six months with valid reasons, but if no action is taken within the total timeframe, they must be returned.

Perishable or hazardous goods can be disposed of promptly under Section 67(8) and Rule 141. This can be done by releasing them upon payment of their market price or potential dues, or by selling them to recover any outstanding tax, interest, or penalties.

A test purchase, authorised by Section 67(12), is a non-intrusive method to verify if taxable persons are issuing tax invoices or bills of supply correctly. It's a compliance check rather than a coercive enforcement action.

Yes, Section 67(10) of the CGST Act applies the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure (now Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023) relating to search and seizure to GST proceedings, ensuring procedural safeguards and oversight.


188 Views 3 Likes Comment   Share GST   Report


About the Author

Partner

CA. Raj Jaggi is a Chartered Accountant based in New Delhi, primarily practising in the field of Goods and Services Tax (GST) consultancy, litigation support, and advisory services. After being associated with the leading indirect tax firm A.K. Batra and Associates for nearly 19 years, from June 2007 to March 2026, he ... Read more


Related Articles


Loading


Popular Articles





CCI Pro

CCI Articles

submit article


Company
22 July 2026
Senior Chartered Accountant

SKSS

Patna

CA

View Details
Company
06 July 2026
Chartered Accountant (Indirect Taxation)

Gowra Ventures Pvt Ltd

Hyderabad

CA

View Details
Company
Featured 18 July 2026
Senior Manager- Finance & Accounts

apricus india

Ahmedabad

CA

View Details
Company
11 July 2026
CA semi qualified

Vakilsearch.com

Chennai

CA Inter

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 23 July 2026
Article

Gianender & Associates

New Delhi

CA Inter

View Details
Company
Featured 16 July 2026
CA Inter, CA Intermediate, CA IPCC, CA CPT, CA SemiQualified

Vakilsearch.com

Chennai

CA Inter

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 08 July 2026
Article internship

AJAY SINGH AND CO LLP

Thane

CA Final

View Details
Company
23 July 2026
CA Inter

Vikram Jadhav and Company

Pune

CA Inter

View Details