1997 (3) TMI 528 - AT - Central Excise

Issues Involved:
1. Classification of products.
2. Eligibility for exemption under Notification No. 276/67.
3. Applicability of the extended period of limitation under Section 11A(1).

Detailed Analysis:

1. Applicability of the Extended Period of Limitation under Section 11A(1):
The primary issue addressed was whether the extended period of limitation under the proviso to Section 11A(1) could be invoked. The Collector held that the appellants had suppressed facts and contravened rules with intent to evade duty, thereby justifying the extended period. The appellants argued that they acted in good faith, believing their classification was correct, supported by the Apex Court decision in Cement Marketing Company of India Limited v. Assistant Commissioner of Sales Tax, 1980 (6) E.L.T. 295 (S.C.), which states that penal provisions cannot be invoked without a guilty mind.

2. Classification of Products:
The dispute involved the classification of ethylene, propylene, and butadiene. Initially, the products were classified under Chapter 27, heading 2711.12, which was accepted by the Assistant Collector. However, amendments introduced by the Finance Act, 1986, effective from 13-5-86, required reclassification under Chapter 29 if the products were of certain purity. The Collector noted that the appellants did not file a fresh classification list post-amendment, leading to the conclusion that the extended period of limitation applied.

3. Eligibility for Exemption under Notification No. 276/67:
The eligibility for exemption under Notification No. 276/67 was contingent upon the correct classification of the products. The appellants contended that their initial classification under Chapter 27, heading 2711.12, was correct and approved by the Department, making them eligible for the exemption. The Department argued that the products should have been reclassified under Chapter 29 after the Finance Act, 1986, amendments, making them ineligible for the exemption.

Judgment Summary:

1. Extended Period of Limitation:
The Tribunal found that the appellants could not have comprehended the implications of the amendments made by the Finance Act, 1986, due to the lack of clear guidance from the Department. The appellants' bona fide belief and voluntary submission of a revised classification list from 1-5-88 showed no intent to evade duty. Hence, the demand for the period 1-3-86 to 30-4-88 by SCN dated 29-4-91 was not sustainable.

2. Classification of Products:
The Tribunal acknowledged that the products were initially classified under Chapter 27, heading 2711.12, and accepted by the Department. The amendments introduced by the Finance Act, 1986, required reclassification under Chapter 29 if the products met certain purity criteria. However, the Department did not provide clear guidance on the new classification criteria, leading to confusion.

3. Eligibility for Exemption:
Since the Tribunal held that the extended period of limitation could not be invoked, the question of eligibility for exemption under Notification No. 276/67 became moot. The appellants' initial classification and exemption claim were accepted by the Department, and no evidence suggested intentional misclassification.

Conclusion:
The Tribunal set aside the impugned order on the ground of time-bar, holding that the extended period of limitation under Section 11A(1) was incorrectly invoked. The appeals related to valuation (A. Nos. 2132 and 2133/93-C) were delinked and referred to the appropriate Bench. Appeal No. E/1051/91-C was disposed of accordingly.

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