2007 (6) TMI 469 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues: Excisability of goods, Grant of exemption during transition period

Excisability of Goods:
The case involved a dispute regarding the excisability of certain goods and the grant of exemption during a transition period. The Appellant argued that the goods in question were not marketable and thus should not be liable to excise duty, even if covered by a tariff entry. The Appellant's counsel referred to various legal precedents to support the argument that marketability is essential for the levy of duty. The Appellate Order was criticized for not demonstrating how marketability was proven by the Department to satisfy the twin test of excise jurisprudence. The judge concluded that in the absence of discharging this onus, the Appellant cannot be brought under the ambit of the law. The issue of excisability was answered affirmatively in favor of the Appellant.

Grant of Exemption During Transition Period:
Regarding the grant of exemption during the transition period, the Appellant contended that they should be entitled to the relief for the transitional gap between the rescission of Notification No. 152/87 and the restoration of similar benefits under Notification No. 74/94. The Appellant argued that the later notification should not deny them the exemption when it is not contrary to the intent of the earlier notification. The Appellant's counsel emphasized that the Appellant was never denied the benefit under the earlier notification. The judge agreed with the Appellant's arguments and held that the Appellant should not be prejudiced by the restitution of similar benefits under a subsequent notification. The Appellant was deemed entitled to consequential relief, including the refund of duty deposited under protest.

Conclusion:
The judgment primarily focused on the excisability of the goods and the grant of exemption during the transition period. The Appellant successfully argued that the goods were not marketable and, therefore, should not be subject to excise duty. Additionally, the Appellant's right to exemption during the transitional period was upheld, emphasizing that the later notification should not negate the benefits accrued under the earlier notification. The Appellant was granted consequential relief, including the refund of duty deposited under protest.