HC takes note of GST notice to lawyers

LUCKNOW: The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court has expressed serious concern with the CGST and excise department for issuing notices to advocates for paying service tax as well as levy tax, despite the fact that services of advocates are exempted from these taxes. The bench has directed the commissioner, GST, to issue a clear direction to the GST commissionerate in Lucknow that no notices regarding payment of service tax/GST is issued to the lawyers.

A vacation bench of Justices Alok Mathur and Jyotsna Sharmapassed the order on the petition filed by advocate Pankaj Khare. The petitioner, a practising advocate, had challenged the order of May 25, 2023 passed by deputy commissioner, CGST & Central Excise Div. Lucknow - 1, Lucknow, assessing him with regard to service tax and levying tax and interest to the tune of Rs 3.32 lakh.