#Contract for Service

The ITAT Cochin ruled that teachers paid hourly by coaching institutes without statutory benefits like PF, ESI, or appointment letters are independent professionals, not employees. This means TDS must be deducted under Section 194J for professional fees, not Section 192 for salary - a critical clarification for edtech firms and coaching centers nationwide.

CESTAT Chennai ruled that a contractual arrangement with output-based payment and contractor control qualifies as job work, exempting it from service tax under manpower supply classifications. The decision underscores the importance of contractual terms in determining tax liability for businesses engaged in similar services.