2016 (12) TMI 1263 - AT - Central Excise

Valuation - Scope of show cause notice - NN 85/1985 dated 17.03.1985 and NN 175/1986 - Held that - Since the show cause notice is vague and does not make any sense on reading the same, we consider that the proceedings arisen out of said show cause notice are totally vitiated. It is requirement of the law that a person who has been called upon to show cause should clearly understand the contentions of Revenue for raising the demand - Appeal allowed - decided in favor of the assessee.

Summary

Issues:
Exemptions under Notification No. 85/1985 and Notification No. 175/1986.

Analysis:
The case involved exemptions allowed through Notification No. 85/1985 and Notification No. 175/1986. The show cause notice alleged contravention of various Central Excise Rules by the appellant in manufacturing electric motors and parts without submitting the annual declaration and without obtaining a Central Excise Licence. The appellant was accused of clearing the manufactured goods without paying Central Excise duty in excess of the exemptions granted. The show cause notice invoked an extended period of 5 years under Section 11A of the Central Excise Act, 1944, and demanded payment of Central Excise duty for the years 1985-86 and 1986-87. However, upon scrutiny, it was found that the show cause notice failed to provide clear reasons for the demand raised. The notice was deemed vague and lacking in essential details to enable the appellant to understand the contentions of the Revenue for raising the demand. The Tribunal held that the show cause notice was not sustainable as it did not disclose the basis for the demand and failed to meet the legal requirement of clarity. The Original Authority also did not address whether the appellants had obtained a license in the interim. Consequently, the Tribunal set aside the proceedings based on the defective show cause notice and allowed the appeal with consequential relief.

This judgment highlights the importance of a clear and specific show cause notice in tax matters to ensure that the appellant understands the allegations and contentions against them. Failure to provide detailed reasons for raising a demand can render the proceedings vitiated and unsustainable. The Tribunal emphasized the need for clarity and specificity in legal notices to uphold the principles of natural justice and fair procedure. In this case, the vague nature of the show cause notice led to the proceedings being set aside, underscoring the significance of precise and well-founded allegations in legal proceedings.