Statutory Functionary Cannot Assume powers not Conferred Upon It: Supreme Court Directs Refund of Unduly Retained Stamp Duty

The Supreme Court ruled that a statutory functionary cannot assume powers not explicitly granted to it, directing the refund of unduly retained stamp duty. The case involved an overreach by a statutory body that had retained stamp duty beyond its legal authority. The court ordered that the excess duty collected be refunded, reinforcing the principle that government bodies must act within the scope of their conferred powers. This decision underscores the importance of adhering to the legal framework and ensures fairness in administrative actions.