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Issues:
The appeal involves a remission of duty claim u/s 23 of the Customs Act 1962, refund of duty paid in excess, entitlement to interest on delayed refund of Customs duty, and the requirement of submitting necessary documents for granting the refund claim. Remission of Duty Claim: - The appellants filed a remission of duty claim u/s 23 of the Customs Act 1962 for the year 1993. - The Tribunal allowed the claim in its order dated 9-4-1999. - The refund was granted on 10-1-2001 after adjusting a pending confirmed demand. - The appellants claimed interest on delayed refund of Customs duty. - The Assistant Commissioner of Customs declined the grant of interest. - The CESTAT held that the appeal was not maintainable before them. - The High Court granted liberty to file an appropriate appeal before the Commissioner (Appeals) against the order passed by the Assistant Commissioner. - The Commissioner (Appeals) upheld the order passed by the Assistant Commissioner and rejected the appeal. Entitlement to Interest on Delayed Refund: - The appellant contended that interest on the refund amount was due from the date of expiry of three months from the date on which the Finance Bill, 1995 received the assent of the President till 10-1-2001. - The appellant argued that interest on the duty amount refunded is automatic once the issue has been decided in their favor by the appellate authorities. - The appellant claimed that all relevant documents were already available with the department and were furnished along with the claim of refund filed in 1993. - The appellant asserted that no further documents were required to be produced for granting the refund after the CEGAT's order. Requirement of Submitting Necessary Documents: - The Commissioner (Appeals) observed that the appellants had not produced documents to prove that the required documents were submitted before 10-1-2001. - The Commissioner (Appeals) upheld the Assistant Commissioner's decision based on the submission dates of the Bill of Entry and Modvat details. - The appellant challenged the findings of the Commissioner (Appeals) regarding the submission of necessary documents for granting the refund claim. - The CESTAT held that the appellant is entitled to interest on delayed refunds as per the provisions of Section 27A of the Customs Act. In conclusion, the CESTAT allowed the appeal with consequential relief, stating that the appellant is legally entitled to interest from the date on which the Finance Bill 1995 received the Presidential assent till the date of actual refund payment.
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