R CHANNAPPA Vs. SALES TAX OFFICER III CIRCLE BANGALORE CITY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) :

(2.) THE orders by which Sales Tax is levied on the transactions of petitioners in hides and skins and as works contracts are questioned as illegal in petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. Contentions raised by others solely against the levy regarding hides and skins have been dealt with in Writ Petitions Nos. 83, 86, 90 of 1953, 35, 36, 37, 41, 48 of 1954 and 24 of 1956, and those regarding works contracts in Writ Petitions Nos. 65, 74, 75, 76, 89, 92, 93 115, 116, 134, and 152 of 1954, 8, 23, 32, 56, 62, 66, 72, 117, 122, 142, 150, 178, 186 of 1955, 1, 4, 28, 29, 63, 69, 72, 107 and 144 of 1956. THEse petitions are grouped separately though the grounds urged are similar to those in the two sets abovementioned as there is dispute as to what is the appropriate order to be passed. As a result of the decisions in the aforesaid cases, the petitions are to be allowed so far as the assessment on work contract is concerned and to be dismissed as regards the taxation with respect to hides and skins. But the learned counsel for petitioners contends that such an order cannot be made and the only course open is to alow or dismiss 'the petitions wholly. THE contention would have had force if the assessment was based on the total of the turnover of works contract and dealings in hides and skins. It is admitted that these are not clubbed together and that the tax payable in regard to each is determined independently of the other. THE decision about one cannot therefore affect the liability for the other.