Big News: During Investigation GST Officers to wear Body Worn Camera

The Uttar Pradesh Goods and Service Tax department has made a significant step in terms of the controlled attitude and behaviour of enforcement officers / personnel during the investigation of the place of business. UP SGST department has issued circular in this regard.

The Circular Stated as follows:

Under the provisions of Section 67 of the Uttar Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, guidelines/circulars have been issued by the Headquarters from time to time regarding the prevention of harassment of traders during the inspection of the place of business by the enforcement units working in Uttar Pradesh.

Detailed guidelines have been issued in this regard vide circular no. 1718033 dated 31-08-2017, compliance of which is mandatory.

It has come to the notice through various mediums at the headquarters level that the officers/employees working in the enforcement units do not keep restraint in their work and behavior with the traders during the inspection/search of the place of business. In certain cases impatience is shown by the officers which is not compatible with departmental dignity. This situation is never right.

Therefore, in view of the adverse facts cognized as above, it is directed that the use of body-worn cameras should be ensured by the enforcement officers in every case during the investigation and compliance with the legal procedures should be ensured by restraining their work and behavior and conduct with the traders. It should also be ensured that no trader is harassed in the name of investigation at the place of business. If in the investigation, the complaint of harassment of any trader and intemperate conduct of the officer/employee is found to be correct, then adverse approach will be adopted against the officers of the concerned enforcement unit and their controlling officer.

Strict compliance of the above instructions should be ensured.

To Read Official Circular Download PDF Given Below: