1983 (9) TMI 269 - HC - VAT and Sales Tax

Summary

Issues:
- Whether the goods purchased and exported by the assessees are considered two different articles for tax exemption under section 5(3) of the Central Sales Tax Act.

Analysis:
The case involved the question of whether the goods purchased and exported by the assessees were distinct articles for tax exemption under section 5(3) of the Central Sales Tax Act. The assessees bought frog legs and claimed exemption, but the assessing authority denied it as the goods were not directly exported. The Appellate Assistant Commissioner upheld the decision, stating the goods were moved to another state before export. The assessees appealed to the Sales Tax Appellate Tribunal, arguing the goods were exported through their agents. The Tribunal ruled in favor of the assessees, considering them the last purchasers in Tamil Nadu.

The Revenue filed an enhancement petition, claiming the purchased and exported frog legs were different goods. The Tribunal rejected this, leading the Revenue to appeal. The Government Pleader argued that the process of cutting, cleaning, and freezing the frog legs constituted a change, citing relevant case law. However, the Court emphasized that for a change to be significant, the goods must become a commercially different commodity. Referring to previous judgments, the Court highlighted that processing must result in a new and distinct product to be considered a different commodity.

The Court concluded that the process of cutting, cleaning, and freezing did not transform the frog legs into a commercially different product. Citing precedent, the Court held that the goods retained their original character even after processing. Therefore, the Tribunal's decision was upheld, and no interference was warranted. Consequently, the tax case was dismissed.