The main legal point established in the judgment is that the limitation period prescribed in the tax laws applies to assessment proceedings, and assessment orders issued beyond the prescribed period are liable to be quashed.

JUDGMENT

(Common Prayer: Writ Petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Certiorari calling for the respondent's assessment orders dated 27.03.2019 in CST/52542/2006-2007 & CST/52542/2007- 2008 and quash the same.)

Common Order:

1. In these two writ petitions, the petitioner assails two separate assessment orders dated 27.03.2019 in respect of assessment years 2006-2007 and 2007-2008, respectively.

2. The challenge is on the basis that the assessment proceedings are barred by limitation. The petitioner submits that his father was previously carrying on the business and that the petitioner took over the business upon the demise of his father. As regards assessment year 2006-2007, the petitioner asserts that he became aware of the proceedings only upon receipt of impugned order dated 27.03.2019. Learned counsel for the petitioner referred to Section 27(2) of the Tamil Nadu Value Added Tax Act, 2016 (the TNVAT Act) to contend that it prescribes a limitation period of six years, which is to be computed from the date of assessment. By turning to sub-section (2) of Section 22 of the TNVAT Act, learned counsel submits that the assessment was deemed to have taken place on 30.06.2012 both in respect of assessment years 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. Therefore, learned counsel contends that any proceedings, whether initiated under sub-section (4) of Section 22 or sub-section (2) of Section 27, should be taken within six years from the date of deemed assessment. If computed from 30.06.2012, learned counsel contends that the impugned orders issued on 27.03.2019 are barred by limitation.

3. With specific reference to the assessment order for assessment year 2007-2008, learned counsel submits that the assessment order does not refer to any notices issued prior to such assessment. In the absence of prior notice to the assessee, learned counsel submits that the assessment order contravenes the prescription in sub-section (4) of Section 22. Hence, learned counsel submits that the impugned assessment orders are liable to be quashed.

4. In response to these submissions, learned counsel for the respondent submits that a pre-assessment notice dated 19.11.2012 was issued in respect of assessment year 2006-2007. By referring to the endorsement on such notice, it is contended that the notice was received by the petitioner on 06.12.2012. Learned counsel contends that this notice was issued before expiry of the six year limitation period computed from 30.06.2012.

5. As regards the assessment for assessment year 2007-2008, learned counsel relied on the assessment order dated 16.10.2012. Since such assessment order was issued within the period of limitation, it is submitted that the assessment proceedings are not barred by limitation. Learned counsel also referred to the revised assessment order issued for assessment year 2007-2008 on 27.03.2019. With reference thereto, it is contended that the assessment was revised pursuant to the submission of C Forms by the petitioner.

6. As regards both these assessment years, learned counsel for the respondent also submits that proceedings were initiated under sub-section (4) of Section 22 and not under sub-section (2) of Section 27 because the returns filed by the petitioner were incomplete.

7. The question that falls for consideration on the basis of the above contentions is whether the proceedings in respect of these two assessment years are barred by limitation. Section 9(2) of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 makes the provisions of the relevant state sales tax law applicable to proceedings for assessment, reassessment, recovery and enforcement. Therefore, the provisions of the TNVAT Act become applicable. Section 27 of the TNVAT Act enables the Tax Department to undertake reassessment in respect of escaped assessment of tax provided such reassessment is undertaken within six years from the date of assessment. Sub-section (2) of Section 22 of the TNVAT Act provides for deemed assessment