2 Chartered Accountants detained by GST Department over an alleged Rs 15 crore GST refund scam
GST Department on Thursday detained 2 Chartered Accountants (CA) over an alleged Rs 15-crore GST refund scam. As per sources, their involvement is merely limited to issuing a CA Certificate for Unjust Enrichment.
Members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) stated that GST Department has detained 2 Chartered Accountants for more than 48 hours over an alleged GST Refund of Rs 15 Cr. As per them, the arrest is “absolutely wrong”. The refund was given with the officials’ knowledge, according to ICAI members. Rather than punishing the chartered accountants, the protestors contended that action should have been taken against the benefiting party, a trader and lapsed GST official.
“Also Not only Chartered Accountants, but the GST Officials should have also done the scrutiny, before issuing the refund. Then why only the 2 CA’s are being mistreated.” another protester said.
As per Sources, Following the protest, NIRC Chairman, NIRC VICE Chairman, and Gurgaon Branch Chairman were also detained by the Department.
This is Power of CGST Officer's who have detained
NIRC Chairman
NIRC VICE Chairman
Gurgaon Branch Chairman
And other fellow professionals
In locked premises of CGST officeWhat can we ever think of normal CA's when this is being done to our Chairman, Vice Chairman etc https://t.co/3Iub55oyUE
— Abhishek Revolutionary RajaRam Goal TaxationReform (@abhishekrajaram) May 19, 2022
Another CA added “There has been incidence when It has been observed that the Powers delegated to the officials of GST are being misused by way of harassing CAs without any reason. The recent incident that took place yesterday in Gurgaon wherein few Chartered Accountants have been detained by DGGI Gurgaon illegally.”
It has been observed that the Powers delegated to the officials of GST are being misused by way of harassing CAs without any reason. The recent incident that took place yesterday in Gurgaon wherein few Chartered Accountants have been detained by DGGI Gurgaon illegally.
— CA. Atul Agrawal (@aaam_co) May 20, 2022
This has led to protests by not only the Chartered Accountant members but also by the members of the Central and regional councils.
CA’s are also suggesting that it is time to have an Indemnity insurance policy for Practicing CA that compensates for unexpected damages or losses including unexpected events that malign his/her reputation based on allegations & affect his career and CA Protection Bill.
Time to have
1. Indemnity insurance policy for Practicing CA that compensates for unexpected damages or losses
including unexpected events that malign his/her reputation based on allegation & affect his career2. CA Protection Bill@theicai @AniketTalati @drdebashismitra
— CA Harshil sheth (@CA_HarshilSHETH) May 20, 2022
One of the Council members has Tweeted that the ICAI today discussed agenda related to harassment with CA’s and unfair treatment with the professionals. Soon some SOP will be issued in this regard. The representation will also be made to the Ministry in this regard.
The council of @theicai today discussed agenda related to harassment with CA’s and unfair treatment with the professionals following line of action decided:-
1/1- Panel of lawyers in every state to help the members who are in trouble & approach to branches to create the same.
— CA ROHIT RUWATIA (AGARWAL) (@ruwatiaofficial) May 20, 2022