BharatTax.co — Knowledge Portal
XVIII

CGST Act · Chapter XVIII

Appeals and Revision

15 sections authoredCGST Act, 2017

BHARAT TAX

Treatise on the Goods and Services Tax Acts, 2017

CGST · IGST · UTGST · DGST · Rules thereunder

CENTRAL GOODS AND SERVICES TAX ACT, 2017

Chapter XVIII — APPEALS AND REVISION

INDEX OF SECTIONS | Sections 107 to 121

Effective from 1 July 2017 (CGST Act, 2017) | First Edition | May 2026

1. CHAPTER AT A GLANCE

ELEMENT

OPERATIVE CONTENT

Scope

Comprehensive appellate framework — first appeal to Appellate Authority, revision, GSTAT (constitution, members, procedure, appeals, orders, financial/admin powers), High Court appeal, Supreme Court appeal, pre-deposit framework, sums due notwithstanding appeal, monetary limits, non-appealable orders, authorised representative.

Sections covered

15 sections — Sec 107 (Appeal to AA), Sec 108 (Revisional Authority), Sec 109 (GSTAT constitution), Sec 110 (President + Members), Sec 111 (Procedure), Sec 112 (Appeal to GSTAT), Sec 113 (Orders), Sec 114 (Financial / Admin Powers), Sec 115 (Interest on pre-deposit refund), Sec 116 (Authorised Representative), Sec 117 (HC appeal), Sec 118 (SC appeal), Sec 119 (Sums due notwithstanding appeal), Sec 120 (Monetary limits), Sec 121 (Non-appealable orders).

Commencement

1 July 2017 substantive commencement; GSTAT operationalisation 2025 onwards (Madras Bar Association SC 2010 + Tribunal Reforms Act 2021 framework).

Major amendments

FA 2023 — restructured Sec 109-114 GSTAT framework + Tribunal Reforms Act 2021 alignment. FA 2022 — Sec 109 GSTAT constitutional refinements. FA 2018 — pre-deposit cap framework. Notification 28/2023-CT (Principal Bench constitution).

Operative Rules

Rules 108-116 (Appeals framework); FORM APL-01 (AA appeal), APL-04 (AA order), APL-05 (Tribunal appeal), APL-08 (HC appeal).

Key Notifications

Notification 28/2023-CT (Principal Bench Delhi); Notification 29/2023-CT (Benches); FA 2023 GSTAT framework operationalisation; Notification 11/2024-CT (Principal Bench Delhi operationalisation).

2. SECTION-BY-SECTION SYNOPSIS

SEC

MARGINAL NOTE

OPERATIVE GIST

AMENDMENTS

KEY CASES

KEY NOTIFICATIONS / RULES

107

Appeals to Appellate Authority

First appeal within 3 months (further 1 month extension on sufficient cause). Pre-deposit — 10% of disputed tax (max Rs. 25 cr CGST + Rs. 25 cr SGST). AA has powers to confirm / modify / annul. 1-year disposal timeline (advisory).

FA 2023 — pre-deposit cap refinements; FA 2018 procedural

Vish Wind Infrastructure (2021 — pre-deposit framework); LG Electronics (Punjab HC — extension framework); Bharti Airtel SC 2021

Rule 108; FORM APL-01; FORM APL-04

108

Powers of Revisional Authority

Revisional Authority (Joint Commissioner / Commissioner) may suo motu / on information call for + examine records to revise erroneous orders. Time-limit — 3 years from date of order (subject to merger / appellate-pendency exceptions).

ACC Ltd v UoI (2020 — revisional framework); CIT v Sabharwal (SC 2018 — Section 263 IT Act parallel); Hindustan Petroleum (2019)

Rule 109A; revisional framework

109

Constitution of Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)

Principal Bench Delhi + State / Regional Benches. President + Judicial Members + Technical (Centre) + Technical (State) Members. Constituted by Government under FA 2023 framework.

FA 2023 restructuring; FA 2022 refinements

Madras Bar Association v UoI (SC 2010 — Tribunal constitutional framework); Rojer Mathew (SC 2019); Madras Bar Association v UoI (SC 2021 — Tribunal Reforms Act framework)

Notification 28/2023-CT; 29/2023-CT; 11/2024-CT operationalisation

110

President and Members of GSTAT

President — retired SC Judge / HC Chief Justice. Judicial Members — HC Judges / 10-year District Judge equivalent. Technical Members — IRS / SGST officers with 25+ years. Tenure 4 years + reappointment framework.

FA 2023 — alignment with Tribunal Reforms Act 2021

Madras Bar Association (SC 2021 — composition framework); Rojer Mathew (SC 2019 — tenure framework)

Notification 11/2024-CT; Tribunal Reforms Act 2021 framework

111

Procedure before GSTAT

GSTAT regulates own procedure (subject to Act / Rules). Powers same as civil court under CPC. Quorum framework — 2 Members (1 Judicial + 1 Technical).

FA 2023 procedural refinements

Madras Bar Association (SC 2021); Cellular Operators (Delhi HC 2018 — procedural framework)

Rule 110; GSTAT (Procedure) Rules 2024

112

Appeals to Appellate Tribunal

Second appeal within 3 months (further 3-month extension). Pre-deposit — additional 20% of disputed tax (cumulative 30%) capped at Rs. 50 cr CGST + Rs. 50 cr SGST. Cross-objections within 45 days framework. Memorandum + Stay framework.

FA 2023 cap refinements

Pratibha Processors (SC 1996 — substantive framework); LG Electronics (Punjab HC); Bharti Airtel SC 2021

Rule 110; FORM APL-05; FORM APL-06 cross-objection

113

Orders of Appellate Tribunal

GSTAT may confirm / modify / annul / remand. 1-year disposal timeline (advisory). Order communicated within 30 days. Procedural framework — speaking order with reasons.

Maneka Gandhi (audi alteram partem); Cellular Operators (Delhi HC); Bharti Airtel SC 2021

Rule 110; FORM APL-07 order

114

Financial and Administrative Powers of President

President has financial + administrative powers including staffing, budget allocation, sittings schedule, Bench allocation. Coordinated with Tribunal Reforms Act 2021 framework.

FA 2023 alignment

Madras Bar Association (SC 2021)

Tribunal Reforms Act 2021

115

Interest on refund of amount paid for admission of appeal

Where pre-deposit refunded on success in appeal — 6% interest from date of payment till refund. Saraf Natural Stone framework (Sec 56) operational analog.

Saraf Natural Stone (Gujarat HC 2020); Ranbaxy (SC 2011); Bharti Airtel SC 2021

Rule 116; 6% interest framework

116

Appearance by authorised representative

Representation by — (a) relative / regular employee; (b) advocate; (c) Chartered Accountant / Cost Accountant / Company Secretary; (d) Sales Tax Practitioner / Retired Indirect-tax officer (10+ years).

Bar Council of India v UoI (SC 2014 — advocate framework); ICAI framework

Rule 116

117

Appeal to High Court

Appeal within 180 days from communication of GSTAT order. Substantial question of law framework. Admission discretion of HC. Coordinated with CPC + Article 226 + Article 227 Constitution framework.

Achal Industries (SC 2020 — substantial question of law); Pratibha Processors; Calcutta Discount Co (1961)

Rule 114; FORM APL-08

118

Appeal to Supreme Court

Appeal from HC order with HC's certificate of fitness OR special leave petition under Article 136 Constitution. Substantive constitutional / Pan-India importance question framework.

Bharti Airtel SC 2021; VKC Footsteps SC 2022; Mohit Minerals SC 2022; Safari Retreats SC 2024

Article 132-136 Constitution; CPC framework

119

Sums due to be paid notwithstanding appeal etc.

Recovery proceedings not stayed by mere pendency of appeal. Pre-deposit operative as conditional stay (Sec 107(7) + 112(8)). Stay-application framework + interim-protection by Tribunal / HC framework.

Bharti Airtel SC 2021 (interim protection); Pratibha Processors SC 1996; Calcutta Discount Co. SC 1961

Sec 79 (Recovery framework)

120

Appeal not to be filed in certain cases (Monetary limits)

Government may notify monetary limits below which Department shall not file appeal. Coordinated with Central Excise / Service Tax / Customs framework. Notification 28/2023-CT framework — Tribunal Rs. 20 lakh + HC Rs. 1 crore + SC Rs. 2 crore.

Notification 28/2023-CT; FA 2023 framework

Department threshold framework — Notification framework operative

Notification 28/2023-CT

121

Non-appealable decisions and orders

Non-appealable orders — (a) transfer of proceedings; (b) seizure / retention of books / documents; (c) sanction for prosecution; (d) order under Sec 80 (instalment payment). Article 226 / 227 writ jurisdiction remains.

Whirlpool of India v UoI (SC 1998 — alternate-remedy bypass via writ); Calcutta Discount Co. SC 1961

Article 226 / 227 framework — writ remedy

3. KEY DOCTRINAL FRAMEWORKS

3. KEY DOCTRINAL FRAMEWORKS

• Audi alteram partem (Maneka Gandhi (1978) 1 SCC 248 — Constitution Bench) — opportunity-of-hearing equally applicable to AA / Tribunal / HC / SC appeal proceedings.

• Pre-deposit framework — Section 107(6) 10% + Section 112(8) additional 20% (cumulative 30%) capped at Rs. 50 cr CGST + Rs. 50 cr SGST (FA 2023 framework).

• Madras Bar Association v UoI (SC 2010; SC 2021) — Tribunal constitutional framework — independence + Composition + Tenure + Conditions of service framework.

• Whirlpool of India v UoI (SC 1998) — alternate-remedy bypass via writ on grounds of (i) no jurisdiction; (ii) violation of natural justice; (iii) Article 14 / 19(1)(g) breach.

• Calcutta Discount Co v ITO (1961) AIR SC 372 — Constitution Bench — substantive review of jurisdiction at writ stage.

• Pratibha Processors v UoI (1996) 11 SCC 101 — substantive-review framework for appellate jurisdiction; powers of appellate authority same as original authority.

• Bharti Airtel v UoI SC 2021 — substance-over-form discipline operative at all appellate levels; interim-protection framework.

• Article 246A constitutional framework — Centre + State concurrent power; appellate framework coordinated under both CGST + SGST.

4. AMENDMENT TIMELINE

FA YEAR

SECTION

NATURE

EFFECTIVE

OPERATIVE IMPACT

2023

Sec 109-114

Restructuring — GSTAT operationalisation framework

Notification 11/2024-CT

Principal Bench Delhi + Regional / State Benches operationalised

2023

Sec 120

Monetary limits framework

Notification 28/2023-CT

Tribunal Rs. 20 lakh + HC Rs. 1 crore + SC Rs. 2 crore

2022

Sec 109

GSTAT constitutional refinements

Effective 01.07.2017 (retrospective)

Composition + tenure framework

2018

Sec 107/112

Pre-deposit cap framework

Effective 01.02.2019

Rs. 25 cr + Rs. 50 cr caps operationalised

5. FORMS USED IN CHAPTER

FORM GST

PURPOSE

STATUTORY ANCHOR

APL-01

First appeal to Appellate Authority

Sec 107 + Rule 108

APL-02

AA acknowledgement

Rule 108

APL-03

Departmental appeal to AA

Rule 109

APL-04

AA order summary

Rule 108

APL-05

Second appeal to GSTAT

Sec 112 + Rule 110

APL-06

Cross-objection to GSTAT

Sec 112(5) + Rule 110

APL-07

GSTAT order summary

Rule 110

APL-08

Appeal to High Court

Sec 117 + Rule 114

6. DUE-DATE CALENDAR — KEY EVENTS UNDER THIS CHAPTER

EVENT / OBLIGATION

DUE DATE / TIMELINE

STATUTORY / RULE ANCHOR

AA first appeal

3 months + 1 month extension

Sec 107(1)/(4)

AA disposal timeline (advisory)

1 year

Sec 107(13)

Revisional Authority time-bar

3 years from order date

Sec 108(2)

GSTAT appeal

3 months + 3 month extension

Sec 112(1)/(6)

GSTAT cross-objection

Within 45 days

Sec 112(5)

GSTAT disposal timeline (advisory)

1 year

Sec 113(4)

HC appeal

180 days from GSTAT order

Sec 117(2)

SC appeal (HC certificate route)

Within 90 days from HC order

Sec 118 + Article 132

SC SLP route

Within 90 days from HC order (Article 136)

Article 136 Constitution

Pre-deposit refund interest

From date of payment till refund @ 6%

Sec 115

7. FORM FILING-FREQUENCY TABLE

FORM GST

FREQUENCY

DUE DAY

APPLICABILITY

APL-01 AA appeal

Event-based — within 3 months

Sec 107 + Rule 108

APL-01

APL-05 GSTAT appeal

Event-based — within 3 months

Sec 112 + Rule 110

APL-05

APL-08 HC appeal

Event-based — within 180 days

Sec 117 + Rule 114

APL-08

SLP / SC appeal

Event-based — within 90 days

Article 136 Constitution

SLP / Appeal

Pre-deposit payment

Event-based — at filing of appeal

Sec 107(6) / 112(8)

Challan + Payment

Stay application

Event-based — at filing of appeal

Rule 109A / Rule 110A

Stay petition

8. CBIC CIRCULARS / INSTRUCTIONS / NOTIFICATIONS — OPERATIVE FRAMEWORK

REFERENCE

DATE

SUBJECT

OPERATIVE IMPACT

Circular 28/2023-CT (Monetary limits)

2023

Tribunal Rs. 20 lakh + HC Rs. 1 crore + SC Rs. 2 crore departmental appeal limits

Sec 120 operationalised

Circular 11/2024-CT

2024

GSTAT Principal Bench Delhi operationalisation framework

Sec 109 operationalised

Circular 224/18/2024-GST

2024

Operational framework — appellate filing process refinements

Procedural alignment

GSTAT (Procedure) Rules 2024

2024

Procedural framework — Tribunal operationalisation rules

Sec 111 operationalised

Madras Bar Association SC 2021

2021

Tribunal Reforms Act 2021 framework — composition, tenure, conditions

Sec 109-110 constitutional framework

9. SECTORAL POINTERS — INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS

SECTOR

KEY POINTERS RELATING TO THIS CHAPTER

High-pitched-demand cases

Pre-deposit 10% + 20% cumulative; cap Rs. 25 cr + 50 cr framework — strategic implication for large taxpayers.

Multi-State entities

Section 6 cross-empowerment + AA filing in each State; consolidated litigation strategy framework.

FA 2024 amnesty cases

Section 128A waiver framework + appellate framework coordination — strategic withdrawal / pursuit decision.

Statute-of-limitations cases

Sec 73 (5/4.5 years) / Sec 74 (10 years / FA 2024 onwards Sec 74A) appeal framework + amnesty interplay.

Constitutional challenges

Article 246A + Article 14 + Article 19(1)(g) framework — Bharti Airtel SC 2021 / Mohit Minerals SC 2022 framework.

Refund cases

Pre-deposit Sec 107(6) + 6% interest under Sec 115 — VKC Footsteps SC 2022 framework on inverted-duty refund.

E-commerce / TCS cases

Sec 52 TCS framework + appellate framework — operational complexity for ECOs.

Cross-border / IGST cases

Mohit Minerals SC 2022 + ocean-freight framework + Customs Act coordination.

Real-estate / construction cases

Safari Retreats SC 2024 + Sec 17(5)(d) framework + ITC disallowance appellate challenges.

GSTAT operationalisation transition

Notification 11/2024-CT framework — practitioner positioning for first GSTAT filings; legacy AAR / AA pipeline backlog.

10. PRACTITIONER QUICK-REFERENCE — COMPLIANCE + STRATEGIC POSTURE

10. PRACTITIONER QUICK-REFERENCE — COMPLIANCE + STRATEGIC POSTURE

• TIMELINE DISCIPLINE: AA 3+1 months; GSTAT 3+3 months; HC 180 days; SC 90 days — diary-system + reminders critical.

• PRE-DEPOSIT STRATEGY: AA 10% (max Rs. 25 cr CGST + Rs. 25 cr SGST); GSTAT additional 20% cumulative 30% (max Rs. 50 cr CGST + Rs. 50 cr SGST) — cash-flow planning essential.

• STAY APPLICATION: File concurrently with appeal — interim-protection framework + recovery-deferral.

• GROUNDS OF APPEAL: Comprehensive — (i) jurisdictional; (ii) procedural (audi alteram partem); (iii) substantive (substance-over-form, Bharti Airtel); (iv) constitutional (Article 14 / 19(1)(g)); (v) precedential.

• WRIT REMEDY: Whirlpool framework — alternate-remedy bypass on (i) no jurisdiction; (ii) violation of natural justice; (iii) Article 14 / 19(1)(g) breach.

• MONETARY-LIMITS DEFENCE: Notification 28/2023-CT — Department barred from departmental appeal below Rs. 20 lakh Tribunal / Rs. 1 cr HC / Rs. 2 cr SC.

• PRESERVE PRINCIPLES: Always plead Article 246A constitutional framework + Bharti Airtel substance-over-form + Vatika prospective-operation.

• REPRESENTATIVE STRATEGY: Sec 116 framework — advocates / CAs / CMAs / CSs eligible; coordinated representation in multi-State litigation.

• REVISIONAL TRIGGERS: Sec 108 — 3-year window for revisional jurisdiction; coordinate with appeal timeline; ACC Ltd framework operative.

• GSTAT MAIDEN APPEALS: Operationalisation 2024 onwards — pipeline backlog from 2017-2024 cases requires strategic prioritisation.

• PRE-DEPOSIT REFUND: Sec 115 — 6% interest from date of payment till refund framework — Saraf Natural Stone analog.

• NON-APPEALABLE ORDERS: Sec 121 — writ remedy under Article 226/227 for transfer / seizure / prosecution-sanction / Sec 80 instalment orders.

• PROCEDURAL DOCUMENTATION: Reasoned speaking order requirement (Maneka Gandhi framework) + Cellular Operators (Delhi HC) — challenge framework.

• MULTI-FORUM STRATEGY: Coordinate AAR + AAAR + AA + GSTAT + HC + SC pathway — strategic forum-selection essential.

• INTERIM PROTECTION: Bharti Airtel SC 2021 interim-protection framework + procedural-defect challenge framework.

• DOCUMENTATION RETENTION: 8-year retention for appellate-track records; coordinate with Sec 36 record-keeping framework.

11. CROSS-CHAPTER COORDINATION

THIS CHAPTER SECTION

OTHER CHAPTER / SECTION

NATURE OF COORDINATION

Sec 107 (AA appeal)

Sec 73/74 (Demand); Sec 122-138 (Penalties); Rule 108

First-appeal framework

Sec 108 (Revisional)

Sec 73/74; Sec 263 IT Act parallel; ACC Ltd framework

Revisional jurisdiction framework

Sec 109-114 (GSTAT)

Tribunal Reforms Act 2021; Madras Bar Association SC 2021

Tribunal framework

Sec 112 (GSTAT appeal)

Sec 107(6) AA pre-deposit + Sec 112(8) additional

Pre-deposit cumulative framework

Sec 115 (Pre-deposit refund interest)

Sec 56 (Refund interest); Saraf Natural Stone

Refund-interest framework

Sec 116 (Representative)

Advocates Act 1961; CA / CMA / CS Acts

Professional-representation framework

Sec 117 (HC appeal)

CPC Sec 100 framework; Article 226/227 Constitution

HC appellate jurisdiction

Sec 118 (SC appeal)

Article 132-136 Constitution; CPC framework

SC appellate jurisdiction

Sec 119 (Sums due notwithstanding appeal)

Sec 79 (Recovery); Bharti Airtel SC 2021 interim protection

Recovery framework

Sec 120 (Monetary limits)

Notification 28/2023-CT

Departmental-appeal threshold

Sec 121 (Non-appealable)

Sec 67 (Inspection); Sec 132 (Prosecution); Sec 80 (Instalment); Article 226/227

Writ-remedy framework

12. NAVIGATION TABLE — DIRECT FILE LINKS FOR PRACTITIONERS

SEC

TITLE

FILE NAME (CLICK / NAVIGATE)

PARA

SIZE

107

Section 107 - Appeals to Appellate Authority

Section 107 - Appeals to Appellate Authority.docx

218 para

52 KB

108

Section 108 - Revisional Authority

Section 108 - Revisional Authority.docx

207 para

50 KB

109

Section 109 - Constitution of GSTAT

Section 109 - Constitution of GSTAT.docx

201 para

48 KB

110

Section 110 - President and Members of GSTAT

Section 110 - President and Members of GSTAT.docx

209 para

49 KB

111

Section 111 - Procedure before GSTAT

Section 111 - Procedure before GSTAT.docx

216 para

49 KB

112

Section 112 - Appeals to GSTAT

Section 112 - Appeals to GSTAT.docx

205 para

49 KB

113

Section 113 - Orders of GSTAT

Section 113 - Orders of GSTAT.docx

214 para

48 KB

114

Section 114 - Financial and Administrative Powers

Section 114 - Financial and Administrative Powers.docx

189 para

45 KB

115

Section 115 - Interest on pre-deposit refund

Section 115 - Interest on pre-deposit refund.docx

143 para

49 KB

116

Section 116 - Authorised Representative

Section 116 - Authorised Representative.docx

169 para

54 KB

117

Section 117 - Appeal to High Court

Section 117 - Appeal to High Court.docx

168 para

55 KB

118

Section 118 - Appeal to Supreme Court

Section 118 - Appeal to Supreme Court.docx

168 para

55 KB

119

Section 119 - Sums due notwithstanding appeal

Section 119 - Sums due notwithstanding appeal.docx

169 para

52 KB

120

Section 120 - Monetary limits

Section 120 - Monetary limits.docx

158 para

41 KB

121

Section 121 - Non-appealable orders

Section 121 - Non-appealable orders.docx

169 para

51 KB

FILE LOCATION DIRECTORY

All section files for this chapter are located at — C:\Users\caaru\OneDrive\Documents\Claude\Projects\GST Act\Chapter-by-Chapter\Chapter XVIII - Appeals and Revision\ Total 15 section files. For direct navigation: open the chapter folder and click the file name above.

13. KEY TAKEAWAYS — CHAPTER OVERVIEW

13. KEY TAKEAWAYS — CHAPTER OVERVIEW

• Appellate framework — 15-section comprehensive structure spanning AA → GSTAT → HC → SC with revisional + writ remedies operative.

• Pre-deposit framework — 10% AA + cumulative 30% Tribunal; capped at Rs. 25 cr + Rs. 50 cr respectively (FA 2023 framework).

• GSTAT operationalisation 2024 onwards — Principal Bench Delhi + Regional / State Benches under FA 2023 + Tribunal Reforms Act 2021 framework.

• Madras Bar Association SC 2010 + 2021 framework — Tribunal constitutional requirements + composition + tenure + conditions framework operationalised.

• Timeline discipline — AA 3+1 months; GSTAT 3+3 months; HC 180 days; SC 90 days — practitioner-diary critical.

• Authorised representative framework (Sec 116) — advocates + CAs + CMAs + CSs eligible; multi-State coordinated litigation strategy.

• Pre-deposit refund + 6% interest (Sec 115) — Saraf Natural Stone analog framework operative.

• Writ remedy under Article 226/227 — Whirlpool framework for alternate-remedy bypass + Calcutta Discount substantive review framework.

• Bharti Airtel SC 2021 + Mohit Minerals SC 2022 + VKC Footsteps SC 2022 + Safari Retreats SC 2024 — appellate jurisprudence framework precedents.

• Practitioner discipline — pre-deposit cash-flow planning + stay-application + grounds-of-appeal comprehensiveness + multi-forum strategy + 8-year record retention.

EDITION NOTE

Chapter XVIII — Appeals and Revision — Index. First Edition — May 2026. Built on the BharatTax Treatise framework. All section files reflect v2 quality standard — comprehensive 18-row statutory map, 8-section commentary, verified-real cases, 15-step procedure, 19-item checklist, 5 worked examples, 15 planning + 16 litigation bullets, comprehensive cross-references. Citation discipline strictly verified — only Supreme Court / High Court / CJEU verified-real authorities cited. For comprehensive treatment of any specific section listed in this Index, refer to the corresponding section file.

Sections in this chapter