2000 (7) TMI 118 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues involved: Appeal against order-in-original dropping proceedings initiated under show cause notice for alleged discrepancies in production records and raw material consumption.

Summary:
The Revenue filed an appeal against the order-in-original passed by the Commissioner of Central Excise dropping proceedings initiated under a show cause notice. The case involved discrepancies in the production records and raw material consumption of M.S. ingots by the respondents.

The officers of the Central Excise Department found rough note books at the factory of the respondents, indicating discrepancies in the production of M.S. ingots and raw material consumption. The Commissioner dropped the proceedings citing lack of proof of the authenticity of the rough note books and failure to consider burning losses in production calculations.

The Revenue argued that the rough note books were prepared by an individual closely associated with the respondents, providing sufficient evidence for the allegations made in the show cause notice.

The respondents contended that the individual associated with the rough note books was not their employee, implying a lack of credibility in the records. They also raised concerns about discrepancies in production dates and the use of raw materials not typically used in their manufacturing process.

The Commissioner noted that the production figures in the rough note books exceeded the factory's capacity and highlighted the impossibility of running the factory in three shifts due to power cuts, which the Revenue did not refute.

Regarding the return of raw material, the respondents claimed it was due to poor quality, but no investigation was conducted with the traders involved in the returns.

Ultimately, the Tribunal found no issues with the Commissioner's order and rejected the Revenue's appeal, emphasizing the lack of evidence to substantiate the allegations made.

This summary encapsulates the key issues, arguments, and findings of the judgment regarding discrepancies in production records and raw material consumption of M.S. ingots, leading to the rejection of the Revenue's appeal.