Tax payable on services received from abroad – Tax can be paid from CENVAT Credit: HC

IN the instant case, though he is the recipient of service tax, the service provider is outside the country. In law, he is treated as a service provider and is levied tax. In other words, the liability to pay tax on the service, which he has received, is foisted on him under law. It is to discharge the liability he is entitled to use the Cenvat credit, which was available with him, and therefore the Tribunal was justified in interfering with the order passed by the Commissioner. As there is no liability to pay tax, the question of imposing penalty would not arise.