The Supreme Court of India dismissed the appeal filed by Rajkot Municipal Corporation challenging the Gujarat High Court's order that directed the refund of a portion of property tax to Avenue Supermarts Ltd. The case revolved around the liability for property tax dues accrued before the acquisition of ownership by Avenue Supermarts Ltd. on 03.09.2015. The High Court had ruled that Avenue Supermarts Ltd. was not responsible for tax arrears prior to this date and directed the Corporation to retain only the tax relevant to the period after ownership transfer. The Supreme Court upheld this decision, emphasizing that the Corporation could not impose liability for previous tax dues on the new owner.

1. Introduction

The appeal concerned a dispute over property tax liability for Avenue Supermarts Ltd., which acquired ownership of a commercial property on 03.09.2015. The Rajkot Municipal Corporation demanded payment of tax dues, including arrears from before the transfer of ownership.

2. High Court’s Ruling

The Gujarat High Court, in its order dated 07.07.2016, ruled that Avenue Supermarts Ltd. could not be held liable for property tax dues that accrued before their acquisition of the property. The Court directed the Rajkot Municipal Corporation to refund the excess tax amount, retaining only the amount applicable from 03.09.2015 onward.

3. Appeal by Rajkot Municipal Corporation

Dissatisfied with the High Court's decision, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that they were entitled to recover outstanding dues from the current property owner under the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporation Act, 1949.

4. Supreme Court’s Judgment

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's order, affirming that Avenue Supermarts Ltd. could not be held responsible for dues prior to their ownership. The Court highlighted the provisions of the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporation Act, which did not support the Corporation's claim for arrears from the new owner.

5. Conclusion

The appeal was dismissed, and the Supreme Court's judgment provided clarity on the issue of property tax liability for new owners, establishing that such liabilities do not retroactively apply to periods before ownership transfer.