2013 (5) TMI 826 - HC - Central Excise

What is the effect of the clarification dated 21st January, 2004 issued by the Central Board of Excise and Customs? - installation of new plant and machinery - benefit of Notification dated 10th June, 2003, states that an industry, which carries out substantial expansion, is entitled to the benefit of the said Notification - In the clarification, what was substantial expansion, was denoted first. Held that - A Division Bench of this Court has already pronounced in the case of Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise, Meerut-I v. M/s. Charu Steels Ltd. 2011 (5) TMI 137 - UTTARAKHAND HIGH COURT that, in the event, in replacement of existing plant and machinery, new plant and machinery have been installed and, by reason thereof, the erstwhile installed capacity is increased by more than 25 per cent thereof, such expansion effort will come within the four corners of the Notification dated 10th June, 2003. Appeal dismissed - decided against appellant.

Summary

Issues:
1. Interpretation of a clarification issued by the Central Board of Excise and Customs regarding substantial expansion for benefit entitlement.
2. Application of the clarification in determining substantial expansion based on increased installed capacity.
3. Legal precedent set by a Division Bench regarding the replacement of plant and machinery for expansion eligibility.
4. Decision on the appeal based on the CESTAT's reasoning.

Analysis:
1. The primary issue in this case revolves around interpreting a clarification issued by the Central Board of Excise and Customs regarding substantial expansion for entitlement to benefits under a specific Notification. The clarification specified that an industry must increase its installed capacity by not less than 25% to qualify for the benefit. It emphasized that the focus should be on expanding the installed capacity rather than merely adding new plant and machinery. This clarification aimed to clarify what constitutes substantial expansion for the purpose of availing benefits.

2. The Court analyzed the clarification in light of a previous judgment by a Division Bench in the case of Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise, Meerut-I v. M/s. Charu Steels Ltd. The Division Bench had ruled that if new plant and machinery are installed, replacing the existing ones, and the installed capacity increases by more than 25%, it qualifies as substantial expansion as per the Notification dated 10th June, 2003. Therefore, the Court upheld the logic that the focus should be on the increase in installed capacity rather than the method of expansion, as long as the capacity is significantly enhanced.

3. Based on the legal precedent and the interpretation of the clarification, the Court found that the decision of the CESTAT (Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal) was logical and in line with the established principles. The CESTAT had applied the same reasoning regarding the increase in installed capacity through the replacement of plant and machinery to determine eligibility for benefits under the Notification. Consequently, the Court concluded that the CESTAT's decision was sound and not subject to interference.

4. In conclusion, the Court dismissed the appeal, affirming the decision of the CESTAT based on the interpretation of the clarification issued by the Central Board of Excise and Customs and the legal precedent set by the Division Bench. The judgment underscored the importance of focusing on the increase in installed capacity as the key criterion for determining substantial expansion and eligibility for benefits under the relevant Notification.