375 Points
Joined March 2012
The general rule is that you are eligible to take credit of input tax charged on suppply of goods or services which are used in the course or furtherance of business. Purchase of diwali gifts for Employees and Business Associates is certainly not incurred in the course of the business of the company, therefore, in my opinion, you are not eligible to take ITC. However in case of business associates, if you are able to establish that this expense is used in the furtherance of your business, then you can claim ITC.