2008 (9) TMI 739 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues involved: Classification of goods under different headings, imposition of penalty, plea of limitation.

The case involved a dispute regarding the classification of plastic goods (stools @ patlas) under Heading 3924.90 by the appellants, while the authorities contended that the proper classification should be under Heading 9403.00 as other furniture. Demands were raised against the appellants for the period 1995-96 and 1996-97, leading to the imposition of penalties confirmed by the Commissioner (Appeals).

The Original Adjudicating Authority noted that the appellants had misdeclared the product under Chapter 39 and wrongly cleared it at a 'nil' rate of duty, knowing that the goods should be classified under Heading 9403.00. However, it was acknowledged that the appellants had filed declarations claiming classification under Heading 3924.90. The Revenue could have corrected the classification if they disagreed, as there was no suppression of material facts by the appellants. The case was based on records maintained by the assessee.

Although the plea of limitation was raised before the Commissioner (Appeals), it was not discussed. The Commissioner (Appeals) observed that the issue pertained to the classification of goods with a bona fide belief, and there was no evidence of deliberate misclassification. Citing precedents, the penalty imposed on the appellants was set aside. The appellate authority accepted the bona fide belief of the appellants and overturned the penalty, a decision not appealed against by the Revenue.

Given the finding of bona fide belief by the appellate authority and the absence of an appeal on this aspect, the appellants were allowed to contest the demand on the grounds of limitation. Since the entire demand was raised after the normal period of limitation, it was set aside as time-barred, leading to the appeal being allowed on this issue.