2008 (11) TMI 565 - AT - Central Excise

Demand - Time Limitation - Suppression of facts - Held that - it cannot be said that there was any suppression or mala fide on the part of the respondent so as to justifiable to invoke a longer period - appeal dismissed - decided against Revenue.

Summary

Issues:
1. Entitlement to Modvat credit for fuel used in manufacturing steam sold to sister unit.
2. Period of limitation for show cause notice issued beyond normal time frame.

Analysis:

Issue 1: Entitlement to Modvat Credit
The appeal revolved around the entitlement of the respondents to Modvat credit for fuel used in the manufacture of steam, a portion of which was sold to their sister unit. The advocate for the respondent acknowledged that the issue had been settled by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Solaris Chemtech Ltd. and followed by the Tribunal in other cases. However, he argued that prior to the Supreme Court's decision, there was uncertainty, with conflicting decisions by the Tribunal and the Gujarat High Court favoring the assessee. The advocate contended that this uncertainty justified the respondent's belief that Modvat credit was available for the entire fuel used. Ultimately, the Tribunal found that the Commissioner (Appeals) had erred in granting benefit to the respondents on merits, as it contradicted the Supreme Court judgment. Despite this, the Tribunal acknowledged the historical context of conflicting decisions and held that the demand could not be upheld against the respondents.

Issue 2: Period of Limitation
The second issue pertained to the period of limitation for the show cause notice issued beyond the normal time frame. The Tribunal considered that during the relevant period, the Tribunal's Larger Bench and the Gujarat High Court had favored the assessee, creating a reasonable basis for the respondent to believe in the availability of Modvat credit. As a result, the Tribunal concluded that there was no suppression or mala fide intent on the part of the respondent to warrant invoking an extended period of limitation. Citing precedents from other cases, the Tribunal held that while the Revenue's arguments succeeded on merits, they failed on the question of limitation. Consequently, the appeal filed by the Revenue was rejected.

In summary, the judgment delved into the complex issues of Modvat credit entitlement and the period of limitation for a show cause notice, considering legal precedents and the historical context of conflicting decisions. The Tribunal's decision balanced the legal principles involved, ultimately rejecting the Revenue's appeal based on the limitation issue despite acknowledging the merit of their pleas.