Section 51. Power to reduce or waive interest and penalty in certain cases

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Commissioner may, on an application made in this behalf by a dealer and after having got conducted such enquiry as he deems necessary and after recording his reasons in writing for so doing, reduce or waive, the amount of interest or penalty or both payable by such dealer under this Act, if he is satisfied that – (a) the dealer is under financial hardship and is not in position to make full payment of the demand; or (b) to do otherwise would cause genuine hardship to the dealer. (2) Every order made under this section shall be final and shall not be called in question by any civil court or any other authority. 1[“51A. Power of State Government to waive penalty and interest in certain cases- Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the State Government in the public interest, by notification in Official Gazette, may reduce or waive any amount of 2[“interest or penalty or late fee payable for any period by any class of dealers, subject to such terms and conditions as may be specified in the notification.”] 3[51B. Rebate of tax.- Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, if the State Government is of the opinion that it is expedient in the public interest so to do, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, and subject to such conditions as may be specified therein, allow, whether prospectively or retrospectively, a rebate up to the full amount of tax to such dealers or class of dealers as may be specified in the notification.]