2004 (10) TMI 160 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues Involved:

1. Eligibility of Modvat/Cenvat credit on Welding Electrodes as capital goods.
2. Eligibility of Modvat/Cenvat credit on Winding Wires as capital goods.
3. Eligibility of Modvat/Cenvat credit on Steel Flat Bars as capital goods.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Eligibility of Modvat/Cenvat credit on Welding Electrodes as capital goods:

In Appeal No. E/3680/2004-NB(SM), the appellants, manufacturers of sugar and molasses, claimed Cenvat credit on Welding Electrodes under Rule 57AA of the Central Excise Rules, considering them as capital goods. The Asstt. Commissioner disallowed the credit and imposed a penalty, which was partially upheld by the Commissioner (Appeals). The appellants argued that Welding Electrodes are components of plant and machinery, citing several precedents including Jawahar Mills Ltd. v. CCE and others. However, the Revenue countered that Welding Electrodes do not fall under the specified headings in the definition of capital goods during the relevant period and are not considered components or spares. The Tribunal concluded that Welding Electrodes, falling under Heading No. 83.11, were not specified as eligible capital goods in the relevant period, thus disallowing the credit, relying on decisions such as CCE, Noida v. D.S.M. Ltd.

2. Eligibility of Modvat/Cenvat credit on Winding Wires as capital goods:

In Appeal No. E/82/04-NB(SM), the appellants claimed credit on Winding Wires used for repairing motors in the sugar plant. The appellants referenced cases such as CCE, Chandigarh v. Arihant Spinning Mill, which allowed credit for Winding Wires as part of electric motors. The Revenue argued that Winding Wires are not components, spares, or accessories of capital goods. The Tribunal found that Winding Wires, used for repairing electric motors (which are specified capital goods), qualify as component parts and are thus eligible for Modvat credit during the relevant period.

3. Eligibility of Modvat/Cenvat credit on Steel Flat Bars as capital goods:

In Appeal No. E/83/2004-NB(SM), the appellants contested the denial of credit on Steel Flat Bars used to support the cane carrier chain in the sugar manufacturing process. The Commissioner (Appeals) disallowed the credit, categorizing the bars as construction/fabrication materials. The Tribunal upheld this view, stating that even though the bars support the cane carrier chain, they are not specified as capital goods and do not qualify as components, spares, or accessories under the relevant rules. Thus, the credit was rightly denied by the lower authorities.

Conclusion:

The Tribunal disallowed the credit on Welding Electrodes and Steel Flat Bars but allowed the credit on Winding Wires as capital goods under Rule 57Q/57AA of the Central Excise Rules, 1944. The orders of the Commissioner (Appeals) were modified accordingly, and the appeals were disposed of in these terms.