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Home Case Index All Cases Central Excise Central Excise + AT Central Excise - 2013 (10) TMI AT This

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2013 (10) TMI 1095 - AT - Central Excise


Issues:
- Differential excise duty on clearances to a related person
- Legality of taking suo motu credit of wrongly paid duty
- Applicability of Section 11B of the Central Excise Act, 1944
- Compliance with Central Excise law regarding re-credit

Analysis:
1. Differential excise duty on clearances to a related person:
The case involved a dispute regarding the payment of differential excise duty by a manufacturer on clearances made to a related person. The appellant contended that the duty was wrongly demanded as per the directions of the Superintendent, and subsequently, a circular clarified that no duty was payable in such circumstances. The lower appellate authority held that there was no basis for the duty to be paid at 115% of the cost of production, and the re-credit of the amount could not be denied. The department failed to provide evidence to support the duty payment requirement, leading to the appeal being allowed in favor of the appellant.

2. Legality of taking suo motu credit of wrongly paid duty:
The appellant took suo motu credit of the duty paid after realizing that it was not required to be paid. However, the Revenue argued that there was no provision for taking such credit and that a refund claim should have been filed under Section 11B of the Central Excise Act, 1944. The Tribunal held that the appellant's action of taking suo motu credit was not in accordance with the law, citing precedents and emphasizing strict compliance with legal provisions. The Tribunal set aside the lower appellate authority's decision and upheld the imposition of a penalty on the respondent.

3. Applicability of Section 11B of the Central Excise Act, 1944:
The Revenue contended that the appellant should have followed the refund claim process under Section 11B to recover the duty wrongly paid. However, the Tribunal found that the time limit for filing a refund claim had lapsed, and the appellant's resort to taking suo motu credit was not permissible under Central Excise law. The Tribunal emphasized the need for strict compliance with legal procedures and rejected the argument in favor of granting the appellant the benefit of credit for the duty wrongly paid.

4. Compliance with Central Excise law regarding re-credit:
The Tribunal highlighted the absence of a provision for taking suo motu credit in Central Excise law and referenced previous judgments to support the decision to set aside the lower appellate authority's order. The Tribunal upheld the restoration of the adjudicating authority's order, including the imposition of a penalty on the respondent. The decision emphasized the importance of adhering to legal provisions and procedures laid down in the Central Excise Act, 1944.

In conclusion, the Tribunal allowed the appeal, set aside the lower appellate authority's decision, and upheld the restoration of the adjudicating authority's order regarding the disallowance of the Cenvat credit and the penalty imposed on the respondent. The case underscored the significance of strict compliance with legal provisions and procedures in matters concerning excise duty payments and credits.

 

 

 

 

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