2003 (6) TMI 304 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues:
Penalty under Rule 209A affirmed against the appellant for alleged involvement in clandestine removal of goods.

Analysis:
The appellant, an iron and steel scrap dealer, was penalized under Rule 209A for his alleged role in the clandestine removal of goods by a company. The department accused him of being involved in the affairs of the company and orchestrating the clandestine activities. However, it was established that the appellant was merely a supplier of raw materials to the company and not a partner or directly related to its operations. The department's claim that he was overseeing the company's affairs lacked concrete evidence. Statements from company employees implicating the appellant were deemed inadmissible as they were recorded without his presence. Additionally, statements from the company's director authorizing the appellant's involvement were unsupported by corroborative evidence, and the show cause notice implicated a different individual for managing the company's affairs.

The absence of any recorded statement from the appellant further weakened the department's case against him. It was revealed that a dispute between Central Excise officers and the company led to false reports being filed, and the appellant's presence during the incident was used as a basis for implicating him in the clandestine removal case. However, since the appellant had no official association with the company beyond being a supplier, the lack of evidence linking him to the clandestine activities was evident. Consequently, the Tribunal found no legal basis to support the penalty imposed under Rule 209A and set aside the Commissioner (Appeals) order against the appellant. The appellant's appeal was allowed, providing him with any consequential relief as permissible by law.