2006 (12) TMI 387 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues involved:
The liability of the appellant for payment of interest towards the duty confirmed by CEGAT and the entitlement of the appellant for interest on the pre-deposit of Rs. 50 lakhs made by them consequent to CEGAT's order.

Issue 1: Liability for Payment of Interest on Confirmed Duty:
The appellant pre-deposited Rs. 50 lakhs on 5-10-99 after a demand of Rs. 1,57,94,315/- was confirmed as Rs. 15,02,430/ by CEGAT. The Tribunal held that interest under Section 11AA should only be payable till the date of pre-deposit, as the amount exceeded the confirmed duty, making it unjust to demand interest beyond that date.

Issue 2: Entitlement for Interest on Pre-Deposit:
The appellant sought interest on the pre-deposit from three months after CEGAT's order till the actual payment, citing Supreme Court decisions and a Circular dated 8-12-04. The Tribunal agreed, stating that the appellant was entitled to interest without needing to file a refund claim, contrary to the Commissioner (Appeals)'s decision. The appellant was granted interest on the deposit from the expiry of three months from CEGAT's order till the payment date.

Conclusion:
The Tribunal ordered the Original Authority to calculate the total amount due to the appellant, including the pre-deposit amount of Rs. 50 lakhs and interest from three months after CEGAT's order till the payment date. Any excess amount refunded earlier was to be adjusted. The appeal was allowed on 1-12-2006.