1. The matter is taken up by video conferencing mode.

2. Mr. Sunil Mishra, learned Additional Standing Counsel for Opposite Parties appearing on an advance notice states that as long as delay in filing the appeal is condoned, and provided the Petitioner complies with all the requirements of paying the taxes due, the 3B Return Form filed by the Petitioner will be accepted by the Opposite Parties.

3. In that view of the matter, the delay in Petitioner’s invoking the proviso to Rule 23 of the Odisha Goods and Services Tax Rules (OGST Rules) is condoned and it is directed that subject to the Petitioner depositing all the taxes due and complying with other formalities, the GST return filed by the Petitioner, provided it is filed on or before 5th July, 2021, will be accepted by the Opposite Parties.

4. A down-loaded copy of this order will be produced by the Petitioner before the proper officer, and subject to the Petitioner complying with the above conditions, the proper office will open the portal to enable the Petitioner to file the GST return.

5. The petition is disposed of in the above terms.

6. As the restrictions due to resurgence of COVID-19 situation are continuing, learned counsel for the parties may utilize a printout of the order available in the High Court’s website, at par with certified copy, subject to attestation by the concerned advocate, in the manner prescribed vide Court’s Notice No.4587, dated 25th March, 2020 as modified by Court’s Notice No. 4798, dated 15th April, 2021.