Rule 129
Initiation and conduct of proceedings
Where the Standing Committee is satisfied that there is a prima-facie evidence to show that the supplier has not passed on the benefit of reduction in the rate of tax on the supply of goods or services or the benefit of input tax credit to the recipient by way of commensurate reduction in prices, it shall refer the matter to the Director General of [Anti-profiteering] 1 for a detailed investigation.
1 Substituted for the word “Safeguards” vide notification 29/2018-Central Tax, dated 06.07.2018[w.e.f 12.06.2018].
The Director General of [Anti-profiteering] 2 shall conduct investigation and collect evidence necessary to determine whether the benefit of reduction in the rate of tax on any supply of goods or services or the benefit of input tax credit has been passed on to the recipient by way of commensurate reduction in prices.
2 Substituted for the word “Safeguards” vide notification 29/2018-Central Tax, dated 06.07.2018[w.e.f 12.06.2018].
The Director General of [Anti-profiteering] 3 shall, before initiation of the investigation, issue a notice to the interested parties containing, inter alia, information on the following, namely:-
(a) the description of the goods or services in respect of which the proceedings have been initiated;
(b) summary of the statement of facts on which the allegations are based; and
(c) the time limit allowed to the interested parties and other persons who may have information related to the proceedings for furnishing their reply.
3 Substituted for the word “Safeguards” vide notification 29/2018-Central Tax, dated 06.07.2018[w.e.f 12.06.2018].
The Director General of [Anti-profiteering] 4 may also issue notices to such other persons as deemed fit for a fair enquiry into the matter.
4 Substituted for the word “Safeguards” vide notification 29/2018-Central Tax, dated 06.07.2018[w.e.f 12.06.2018].
The Director General of [Anti-profiteering] 5 shall make available the evidence presented to it by one interested party to the other interested parties, participating in the proceedings.
5 Substituted for the word “Safeguards” vide notification 29/2018-Central Tax, dated 06.07.2018[w.e.f 12.06.2018].
The Director General of [Anti-profiteering] 6 shall complete the investigation within a period of [six] 7 months of the receipt of the reference from the Standing Committee or within such extended period not exceeding a further period of three months for reasons to be recorded in writing [as may be allowed by the Authority] 8 and, upon completion of the investigation, furnish to the Authority, a report of its findings along with the relevant records.
6 Substituted for the word “Safeguards” vide notification 29/2018-Central Tax, dated 06.07.2018[w.e.f 12.06.2018].
7 Substituted vide notification No. 31/2019-CT, dated 28.06.2019 for “three”
8 Substituted vide notification No. 14/2018-CT, dated 23.03.2018 for “as allowed by the Standing Committee”.