2007 (8) TMI 580 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues:
Refund claim admissibility based on duty paid under protest for physician samples; Time-bar on refund claim for the period from September 2002 to February 2003.

Analysis:
The appellants, manufacturers of medicaments, also produced physician samples distributed free to doctors as part of their marketing strategy. They paid duty under protest for physician samples cleared post-September 2002, claiming duty was not payable on free distributed samples. They later sought a refund of excess duty paid amounting to Rs. 5,58,815/- for the period from April 2002 to March 2003. A show cause notice was issued, proposing rejection of the claim for the period from April 2002 to February 2003 due to time-bar. The adjudicating authority rejected the claim for the earlier period but sanctioned Rs. 49,193/- for the period post 9-2-2003. The Commissioner (Appeals) upheld the rejection, leading to this appeal.

The main contention revolved around whether duty was paid under protest during the period from September 2002 to February 2003. The Revenue argued against it, citing a letter from the appellants. However, the absence of the letter was not deemed conclusive as the relevant invoices and ER-1 returns were clearly marked with the endorsement "duty paid under protest." The Tribunal held that the refund claim was not time-barred, emphasizing that the appellants must demonstrate that they did not pass on the duty burden to customers to be eligible for the refund. The case was remitted back to the adjudicating authority for fresh orders after providing the appellants with a fair opportunity to present evidence against unjust enrichment.

In conclusion, the appeal was allowed by remand, with the Tribunal ruling in favor of the appellants' entitlement to a refund, subject to meeting the conditions related to unjust enrichment and non-passing of duty burden to customers.