E-way bill-Every transaction to be looked into independently for a ceiling limit of Rs. 50,000

In a very important decision the Hon’ble Allahabad High Court, in the case of Shri Surya Traders v. Union of India Writ Tax No. 1146 of 2021, Allahabad HC (SB) has passed a detailed ruling on detention, seizure, and release of goods and conveyances in transit.
It has been held that every transaction has to be looked into independently for the purpose of determining ceiling of Rs. 50,000 for the requirement of generation of e-way bill.

The Petitioner assessee is engaged in the business of selling Sweet Supari and Betel Nut products. The Petitioner, in its normal course of business sold 90 bags of betel nut product in the following manner, i.e. 87 bags to one registered dealer and 3 bags to another registered dealer using common transport, in such manner that the value of the second transaction/ consignment was less than Rs. 50,000 and accordingly in the opinion of the Petitioner, did not require an e-way bill. Regarding the supply of 87 bags of betel product, however, the documentation was complete and an e-way bill was also generated.

The vehicle was intercepted, and on examination, it was found that while 87 bags of goods were accompanied with a valid invoice, e-way bill, and all supporting documents, the 3 bags of betel nut product were not accompanied by a tax invoice. As a result, the Department formed a view that complete 90 bags are liable to be detained and subsequently were seized.

The Hon’ble Court quashed the impugned detention/ seizure orders and allowed the writ petition of the Petitioner and concluded that every transaction has to be looked into independently for determining ceiling of Rs. 50,000 when being transported under different Tax Invoices, though under the same conveyance.

Added to that, the Hon’ble Court imposed costs of Rs. 20,000 on the Respondents, granting them the liberty to recover the said cost from the erring officer.

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