2003 (10) TMI 569 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues:
Includibility of cost escalation due to exchange rate variation, special packing charges, and bonus claim.

Analysis:
The appellant, a PSU, obtained a clearance certificate to appeal against an order confirming Rs. 69,76,361/- and a penalty amount covering the period from March 1996-2000. The issues in this appeal are the includibility of cost escalation due to exchange rate variation, special packing charges, and a bonus claim. The appellant argues that the bonus claim is not includible based on a Tribunal judgment. They also contend that special packing charges are not includible according to Apex Court judgments and that cost escalation is not liable as per a Tribunal judgment. The appellant asserts that refractory bricks made in special packing and supplied only to PSUs show no intention to evade duty, and the demands are time-barred. The appellant seeks waiver of the pre-deposit amounts confirmed in the order.

The Tribunal, after considering submissions, finds that the judgment in a similar case applies to the present situation. The Commissioner erred in distinguishing another relevant judgment. Regarding the includibility of the cost of secondary packing, a contest is raised, but this issue will be examined later. Given that the appellant is a PSU with permission to appeal from the Committee of Secretaries, the Tribunal decides to waive the pre-deposit amount and stay recovery during the appeal's pendency. Due to the substantial amounts involved, the appeal is scheduled for an out-of-turn hearing on a specified date.