Officers to face strict disciplinary action for coercive GST collection

Amid companies such as Swiggy approaching courts to get relief from forceful GST payments, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has instructed GST commissioners to take stern action against errant officers when complaints about coercive tax payments during search operations or investigations are received. However, tax consultants are still sceptical that this instruction will stop coercive recovery for GST payments.

“Principal chief commissioners/chief commissioners… are advised that in case any complaint is received from a taxpayer regarding use of force or coercion by any of their officers for getting the amount deposited during search or inspection or investigation,