Section144
The Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017

Presumption as to documents in certain cases

In force Act 12 of 2017 As on 19 Oct 2026

Act 12 of 2017 Ministry Finance Enacted 12 Apr 2017

Commencement. 22nd June, 2017 for sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 139, 146 and 164 1st July, 2017 for sections 6 to 9, 11 to 21, 31 to 41, 42 (except proviso to sub-section (9) of S 42), 43 (except proviso to subsection (9) of S 43), 44 to 50, 53 to 138, 140 to 163, 165 to 174.

Section 144 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 deals with presumption as to documents in certain cases. Where any document--- (i) is produced by any person under this Act or any other law for the time being in force; The Act was enacted on 12 Apr 2017.

Where any document---

(i) is produced by any person under this Act or any other law for the time being in force; or

(ii) has been seized from the custody or control of any person under this Act or any other law for the time being in force; or

(iii) has been received from any place outside India in the course of any proceedings under this Act or any other law for the time being in force,

and such document is tendered by the prosecution in evidence against him or any other person who is tried jointly with him, the court shall---

(a) unless the contrary is proved by such person, presume---

(i) the truth of the contents of such document;

(ii) that the signature and every other part of such document which purports to be in the handwriting of any particular person or which the court may reasonably assume to have been signed by, or to be in the handwriting of, any particular person, is in that persons handwriting, and in the case of a document executed or attested, that it was executed or attested by the person by whom it purports to have been so executed or attested;

(b) admit the document in evidence notwithstanding that it is not duly stamped, if such document is otherwise admissible in evidence.

Section 144, The Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (Act 12 of 2017).

Questions about Section 144

What does Section 144 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act deal with?

Section 144 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act is headed "Presumption as to documents in certain cases". Where any document--- (i) is produced by any person under this Act or any other law for the time being in force;

How do I find court cases under Section 144 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act?

In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: CGST Act 144, section 144 CGST Act, section 144 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.

When was Section 144 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act enacted?

Section 144 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, cited as CGST Act 144, was enacted on 12 Apr 2017 as Act 12 of 2017. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

Other sections of this Act

Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 19 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.