Consideration received for the services rendered, service tax can be levied. In this view of the matter, the impugned order is clearly not sustainable in law and the matter has to go back to the adjudicating authority for denovo consideration. The appellant is also directed to co-operate with the department and submits all the requisite particulars, such as, the amount of ocean freight and other charges collected by them and the amount transmitted by them to the foreign shipping lines and the amount of consideration received/retained by them in respect of the services rendered and whether service tax liability has been discharged on the consideration received by them for rendering of the services. On submission of such information, the adjudicating authority shall examine the matter afresh and pass a speaking order after giving due opportunity of hearing to the appellant. Thus, the appeal is allowed by way of remand. Stay petition is also disposed of. (Dictated in Court)
|