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Supreme Court Stays Bombay HC Order Blocking ₹256.45 Crore Refund

Clarifying that high courts lack jurisdiction in revenue disputes, the ruling allows the Revenue Department to seek appeal under Section 35L of the Central Excise Act.

Overview

  • The Supreme Court’s June 20 interim order suspends the Bombay High Court’s June 12 directive that had frozen the CESTAT refund process.
  • A bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan ruled that high courts cannot act as custodians of the revenue department or bypass statutory remedies.
  • The Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal had directed a ₹256.45 crore cash refund to Tenormac Enterprises in May following its January victory.
  • Despite noting its own lack of jurisdiction under Section 35G of the Central Excise Act, the Bombay High Court imposed an eight-week stay to protect potential recovery if the amount was disbursed.
  • The decision permits the Revenue Department to file a Section 35L appeal with the Supreme Court, which will resume hearings on July 2.