2001 (8) TMI 749 - AT - Central Excise

Issues Involved:
1. Classification of goods obtained by ship-breaking.
2. Determination of whether ship-breaking constitutes a manufacturing activity.
3. Applicability of Central Excise Duty on goods obtained from ship-breaking.
4. Legal precedent and binding nature of previous judgments.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Classification of Goods Obtained by Ship-Breaking:
The primary contention was whether the goods obtained from ship-breaking should be classified under Chapter Heading 72.15 of the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985. The appellants argued that the goods should be classified under Chapter Headings 72.06 to 72.13, which would exempt them from duty. However, the Commissioner (Appeals) concluded that the goods merited classification under Chapter Heading 72.15, which imposes a duty of Rs. 1800/- per metric ton.

2. Determination of Whether Ship-Breaking Constitutes a Manufacturing Activity:
The appellants argued that ship-breaking does not constitute a manufacturing activity as defined under Section 2(f) of the Central Excise Act, 1944. They contended that dismantling a ship merely segregates its components without producing new goods. The Tribunal, however, referred to the decision in Ashish Steel Pvt. Ltd. v. CCE, Goa, which held that ship-breaking is considered a manufacturing activity under the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985.

3. Applicability of Central Excise Duty on Goods Obtained from Ship-Breaking:
The appellants argued that the goods obtained from ship-breaking should not be subject to Central Excise Duty as they were not manufactured but merely dismantled. They cited the judgment in S.S. Jain & Co. v. U.O.I., which declared certain tariff items ultra vires. However, the Tribunal noted that the Supreme Court had affirmed the decision in Ashish Steel Pvt. Ltd., thereby establishing that ship-breaking is an excisable activity under the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985.

4. Legal Precedent and Binding Nature of Previous Judgments:
The appellants argued that the decision in Ashish Steel Pvt. Ltd. was per incuriam as it did not consider the judgment in S.S. Jain & Co. v. U.O.I. The Tribunal clarified that per incuriam applies to decisions given in ignorance of binding statutory provisions or authoritative decisions. Since the Supreme Court had affirmed the Tribunal's decision in Ashish Steel Pvt. Ltd., the doctrine of merger applied, making it a binding precedent. The Tribunal also referred to the Supreme Court's ruling in Kunhayammed v. State of Kerala, which stated that an appellate decision merges with the original decision, making it enforceable.

Conclusion:
The Tribunal concluded that ship-breaking constitutes a manufacturing activity under the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985. The goods obtained from ship-breaking are classifiable under Chapter Heading 72.15 and are subject to Central Excise Duty. The appeals were rejected, affirming the previous rulings and the binding nature of the Supreme Court's decision in Ashish Steel Pvt. Ltd. v. CCE, Goa.

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