2007 (3) TMI 137 - AT - Central Excise

Registration - Revenue contended that captive power plant located outside factory premises, requirement of separate registration - Held that revenue contention was not correct and set aside

Summary

Issues:
1. Whether separate registration is necessary for a captive power plant located outside the factory premises.
2. Validity of Modvat/Cenvat credit for inputs used in the captive power plant.
3. Treatment of captive power plant as part of an integrated unit with the smelter plant.

Analysis:
1. The Revenue appealed against the lower appellate authority's decision confirming that no separate registration is required for a captive power plant outside the factory premises. The lower appellate authority reversed the jurisdictional Superintendent's order and allowed inclusion of the power plant in the approved premises of the smelter plant. The appellate authority also granted Modvat/Cenvat credit for inputs used in the captive power plant. The respondents argued that the Department did not obtain COD clearance to appeal against the credit decision. Citing a Supreme Court judgment, the respondents claimed entitlement to the credit as the captive power plant supplied power to the smelter plant, treating both as an integrated unit.

2. The Tribunal, after hearing arguments from both sides, noted that the respondents had already been granted Modvat/Cenvat credit for inputs used in the captive power plant, a decision that had become final. In light of this, the Tribunal found no reason to interfere with the lower appellate authority's order allowing the inclusion of the captive power plant within the registered premises' ground plan. Therefore, the Tribunal rejected the Revenue's appeal, considering the circumstances of the case.

3. The Tribunal's decision was based on the finality of the Modvat/Cenvat credit granted to the respondents for the captive power plant's inputs. The treatment of the captive power plant as part of an integrated unit with the smelter plant was crucial in determining whether separate registration was necessary. By allowing the credit and considering the Supreme Court judgment, the Tribunal upheld the lower appellate authority's decision, emphasizing the integrated nature of the power plant and the smelter plant. This case highlights the importance of considering the operational and functional relationship between different components of a manufacturing setup when determining registration requirements and credit eligibility.