2001 (5) TMI 67 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues:
1. Interpretation of the definition of "manufacture" under Section 2(f) of the Central Excise Act.
2. Determining whether the process of fixing deflection yoke with television picture tubes constitutes manufacture.
3. Eligibility of the appellants for the benefit of Notification 97/91-C.E.

Analysis:
1. The case involved a dispute regarding the classification of the process of fixing deflection yoke with television picture tubes as "manufacture" under Section 2(f) of the Central Excise Act. The revenue contended that this process did not amount to manufacture, while the appellants argued that it resulted in the creation of a new product, namely television sub-assemblies.

2. The appellants provided a certificate from the Department of Electronics, Government of India, explaining the process of fixing deflection yoke with color picture tubes, known as the yamming process. This process involved specific steps such as setting a magnet assembly, pre-heating the color picture tube, and degaussing, which collectively transformed the components into a television sub-assembly.

3. The Tribunal examined the nature of the deflection yoke, which is an assembly placed around the neck of an electronic beam tube to create a magnetic field for beam deflection. Through the yamming process, the deflection yoke was fixed with television picture tubes, and additional steps like degaussing were undertaken, resulting in the creation of a distinct product, the television sub-assembly.

4. Considering the detailed process involved in fixing the deflection yoke with the picture tube and the subsequent adjustments to ensure proper functioning, the Tribunal concluded that this constituted a manufacturing process. As a result, the appellants were deemed eligible for the benefit of Notification 97/91-C.E., which provided a concessional rate of duty for goods produced or manufactured in 100 percent EOU or free-trade zones.

5. Ultimately, the Tribunal set aside the impugned orders and allowed the appeal, recognizing the process of fixing the deflection yoke with television picture tubes through the yamming process as a manufacturing activity. This decision entitled the appellants to the benefits outlined in Notification 97/91-C.E.