(1)

The Authority shall, within a period of [six] [Substituted 'three' by Notification No. G.S.R. 457(E), dated 28.6.2019.] months from the date of the receipt of the report from the [Director General of Anti-profiteering] [Substituted 'Director General of Safeguards' by Notification No. G.S.R. 611(E), dated 6.7.2018 (w.e.f. 19.6.2017).] determine whether a registered person has passed on the benefit of the 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.

(2)

An opportunity of hearing shall be granted to the interested parties by the Authority where any request is received in writing from such interested parties.

(2A)

[ The Authority may seek the clarification, if any, from the Director General of Anti Profiteering on the report submitted under sub-rule (6) of rule 129 during the process of determination under sub-rule (1).] [Inserted by Notification No. G.S.R. 457(E), dated 28.6.2019.]

(3)

[ Where the Authority determines that a registered person has not passed on the benefit of the 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, the Authority may order-

(4)

[ If the report of the [Directorate General of Anti-profiteering] [Inserted by Notification No. G.S.R. 266(E), dated 23.3.2018 (w.e.f. 19.6.2017).] referred to in sub-rule (6) of rule 129 recommends that there is contravention or even non-contravention of the provisions of section 171 or these rules, but the Authority is of the opinion that further investigation or inquiry is called for in the matter, it may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, refer the matter to the Director General of Safeguards to cause further investigation or inquiry in accordance with the provisions of the Act and these rules.]

(5)

[ (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (4), where upon receipt of the report of the Director General of Anti-profiteering referred to in sub-rule (6) of rule 129, the Authority has reasons to believe that there has been contravention of the provisions of section 171 in respect of goods or services or both other than those covered in the said report, it may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, within the time limit specified in sub-rule (1), direct the Director General of Anti-profiteering to cause investigation or inquiry with regard to such other goods or services or both, in accordance with the provisions of the Act and these rules.