IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
M.S. SONAK, ADVAIT M. SETHNA
Commissioner Of Sales Tax Maharashtra State, Mumbai – Appellant
Versus
M-s Nestle India Ltd. – Respondent
JUDGMENT :
M.S. Sonak, J.
1. Heard learned counsel for the parties.
2. This is a reference arising under Section 61 of the Bombay Sales Tax Act, 1959 (“said Act”) made to this Court by the Maharashtra Sales Tax Tribunal (“Tribunal”) to determine the following question:-
“Whether on a true and proper interpretation of entry 18(2) of the Schedule ‘C’ Part II of the Bombay Sales Tax Act, 1959 the Tribunal was correct in holding that the product “Coffee and Instant Drinks Nescafe Premix” sold vide Invoice No. M 81- 32778 dated February 7, 1998 is not covered by the Scope of entry 18(2) of Schedule ‘C’ Part II, but is covered by the Entry 3 of Schedule ‘C’ Part II?”
3. The Statement of Facts accompanying the reference order encapsulates the facts and circumstances in which the above question came to be referred for determination of this Court. The same is transcribed below for the convenience of reference: -
“M/s. Nestle India Ltd is dealing in diverse consumer produce. One of them is Nescafe prepared Mix for vender machines the dealer is registered under Bombay Sales Tax Act, 1959. The dealer had filed a petition before the Commissioner of Sales Tax for seeing determination on the rate of ta


Classification for sales tax purposes must adhere to the common parlance standard, prioritizing consumer understanding over strict technical definitions.
The classification of beverages under VAT must align with common understanding; 'Sharbat Rooh Afza' qualifies as a fruit drink under Entry 103 based on its essential character.
Classification of imported goods under customs law must adhere to statutory definitions and general rules, emphasizing product characteristics over intended use, especially when 'use' is not explicit....
The court established that the common parlance test is the appropriate standard for interpreting tax classifications in the absence of statutory definitions, reinforcing the principle that tax laws m....
The main legal point established in the judgment is the application of the 'common parlance test' and the commercial understanding of terms in tax provisions to determine the classification of goods ....
Processed goods such as pineapple slices and fruit cocktail do not qualify as 'fresh fruits' under the common parlance test for sales tax exemption.
The main legal point established in the judgment is that the specific entry overrides the general entry, and the burden of proof lies with the Revenue to establish the classification of goods under t....
Login now and unlock free premium legal research
Login to SupremeToday AI and access free legal analysis, AI highlights, and smart tools.
Login
now!
India’s Legal research and Law Firm App, Download now!
Copyright © 2023 Vikas Info Solution Pvt Ltd. All Rights Reserved.