2013 (9) TMI 1039 - AT - Service Tax

Summary

Issues involved: Classification of service under "Consulting Engineer Service" for the period December 1997 to June 1999.

Summary:

Issue 1: Appellant's contention regarding the demand for "Consulting Engineer Service"
The appellant filed an appeal against the order passed by the Commissioner (Appeals) classifying the service under "Consulting Engineer Service" for the period in question. The appellant argued that the demand is not sustainable as the activity of "Installation and Commissioning Service" was not covered under this category prior to 1-7-2003. The appellant relied on the Agreement for 'Installation, Erection and Commissioning Services at Captive Power Plant' to support their claim. Additionally, the appellant referred to a Board's Circular dated 13-5-2004, clarifying that 'Installation, Erection and Commissioning' does not fall under "Consulting Engineer Service" before 1-7-2003.

Issue 2: Revenue's reliance on lower authority findings
The Revenue relied on the findings of the lower authority to support the classification of the service under "Consulting Engineer Service."

Judgment:
Upon reviewing the Contract for "Installation and Commissioning of Captive Power Plant," it was noted that the disputed period was before 1-7-2003. Considering that the activity of Installation, Erection, and Commissioning of Power Plant was undertaken by the appellant, and given that the Revenue sought to classify this under "Consulting Engineer Service" even before 1-7-2003, the Board's Circular and the fact that Installation and Commissioning Service was brought under the scope of Service Tax from 1-7-2003 were crucial. Consequently, the demand was deemed unsustainable, leading to the setting aside of the impugned order and allowing the appeal.