2006 (8) TMI 8 - SC - Central Excise

Central Excise - Fuel oil - Captive consumption - Refinery area - Exemption - Finality of orders due to non-filing of appeal - Department clarification

Summary

Issues involved:
1. Interpretation of exemption notifications under Central Excise law for the period between 1989-1991.
2. Application of exemption notifications under Central Excise law for the period between 1996-1999.

Analysis:

Issue 1:
The first set of appeals involved the interpretation of exemption notifications under Central Excise law for the period between 1989-1991. The assessee, engaged in refining crude petroleum, claimed exemption for Reduced Crude Oil (RCO) or Low Sulphur Heavy Stocks (LSHS) consumed in a thermal power plant within the refinery for electricity generation. The Tribunal denied the benefit under serial No. 34 of Notification No. 75/84, stating the thermal power station was not covered under the definition of "refinery." However, the Supreme Court held that the assessee was entitled to the exemption as the LSHS used for electricity generation within the refinery area for manufacturing petroleum products fell under the exemption conditions.

Issue 2:
The second set of appeals dealt with the application of exemption notifications under Central Excise law for the period between 1996-1999. The Tribunal had granted benefits under Notification Nos. 67/95, 8/96, and 4/97, extending similar benefits as under Notification No. 75/84. The Additional Solicitor General conceded that the subsequent notifications enhanced the scope of exemption, allowing the assessee to avail of the benefits under Notification No. 67/95. Consequently, these appeals were dismissed based on the concession made by the Additional Solicitor General.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court clarified the interpretation of exemption notifications under Central Excise law for the specified periods, ensuring that the assessee was entitled to the benefits based on the specific conditions outlined in the notifications. The court's decision upheld the assessee's entitlement to exemptions for the captive consumption of fuel for electricity generation within the refinery area for manufacturing petroleum products, in line with the relevant legal provisions and clarificatory circulars.