2003 (5) TMI 86 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues involved:
The jurisdiction of Commissioner (Appeals) to remand appeals post-amendment by Finance Act, 2001.

Summary:

Issue 1: Jurisdiction of Commissioner (Appeals) to remand appeals post-amendment:
The question before the Appellate Tribunal was whether the Commissioner (Appeals) retains the power to remand appeals after the amendment to Section 35A by the Finance Act, 2001. A difference of opinion arose between different benches of the Tribunal on this matter.

Details:
The East Regional Bench held that the Commissioner (Appeals) retains the inherent power to remand appeals even after the amendment, citing relevant legal precedents. However, the Bombay Bench took a different stance, stating that post-amendment, the Commissioner (Appeals) no longer has the power of remand.

Issue 2: Interpretation of legislative history and amendments:
The Tribunal delved into the legislative history of the appellate power of the Commissioner (Appeals) under Section 35A. The Finance Act, 1980 introduced Chapter IVA, granting the Commissioner (Appeals) the power of remand. Subsequent amendments in 2001, specifically Section 128A, removed this power of remand.

Details:
The respondent argued that the language of the amended Section 35A(3) is akin to the pre-1982 provision, suggesting a retention of remand power. However, the Tribunal agreed with the Revenue's contention that the legislature consciously removed the power of remand in the 2001 amendment, as evidenced by the Notes on Clauses.

Issue 3: Legislative intent and interpretation:
The Tribunal considered the legislative intent behind the 2001 amendment, emphasizing the removal of the power of remand from the Commissioner (Appeals). Legal precedents were cited to support the view that the legislative action indicated a clear intention to eliminate the remand power.

Details:
By analyzing relevant legal decisions and the Notes on Clauses, the Tribunal concluded that the intention of the 2001 amendment was to strip the Commissioner (Appeals) of the power of remand. Consequently, the Tribunal aligned with the West Regional Bench's view and disagreed with the East Regional Bench's interpretation, sending the appeals back for further action.