2011 (1) TMI 122 - AT - Central Excise

After sale services includible in transaction value - in Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. Vs. CCE, Delhi-III reported in (2010 -TMI - 78118 - CESTAT, NEW DELHI - LB)) and the Larger Bench having decided the issue against the contention of the assessee herein, submitted that the Commissioner (Appeals) should have atleast directed quantification of the value of such services afresh for the entire period and not restricted to the period from July 2000 to April 2002 - Once the law has been settled by the decision of the Larger Bench of the Tribunal, it is binding upon all the authorities - The Appeals accordingly stands disposed of

Issues:
- Quantification of value of after sales service in relation to tractors.
- Inclusion of after sales service value in transaction value for duty calculation.
- Applicability of Tribunal decisions on similar cases.
- Need for proper analysis of materials for valuation.
- Binding nature of Tribunal's Larger Bench decisions on all authorities.

Analysis:

Quantification of value of after sales service:
The appeals involved a common question regarding the quantification of the value of after sales services related to tractors. The Adjudicating Authority had determined that the value of after sales service, specifically free services provided after the sale of tractors, should be included in the transaction value of the tractors for duty calculation. The appellants were held liable for paying differential duty amounts for various periods based on this determination.

Inclusion of after sales service value in transaction value:
The appellants disputed the inclusion of after sales service value in the transaction value of tractors. They argued that a previous Tribunal decision in their favor and the department's failure to challenge it should have granted them similar benefits for the relevant period. However, a Larger Bench decision was cited, which ruled against the contention of the appellants. The Tribunal found no fault with the impugned orders based on this legal precedent.

Applicability of Tribunal decisions:
The Tribunal noted that the issue of including charges for pre-delivery inspection and after sales service in the assessable value of cars had been settled in favor of the department by a Larger Bench decision. Consequently, the Tribunal found no merit in the appellants' arguments against the inclusion of after sales service value in the transaction value of tractors.

Need for proper analysis of materials for valuation:
While the Tribunal agreed with the legal position established by the Larger Bench decision, it acknowledged the appellants' contention regarding the lack of proper analysis of the valuation of after sales services. Therefore, the Tribunal directed the Adjudicating Authority to re-determine the value of after sales service for the entire period, emphasizing the necessity for a thorough valuation analysis.

Binding nature of Tribunal's Larger Bench decisions:
The Tribunal emphasized the binding nature of decisions made by the Larger Bench on all authorities. It clarified that the failure of the department to challenge a previous order could not grant the appellants benefits contrary to the law established by the Tribunal's Larger Bench. Consequently, the Tribunal dismissed one appeal and partly allowed another for the Adjudicating Authority to re-determine the value of after sales service for the entire period.

In conclusion, the Tribunal's judgment addressed the quantification of after sales service value, the inclusion of such value in the transaction value, the impact of Tribunal decisions, the need for proper valuation analysis, and the binding nature of Tribunal decisions on all authorities involved in the case.

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