2024 (5) TMI 5 - AT - Central Excise

CENVAT Credit - Allegation of receipt of only invoices without receipt of duty paid goods - non-existent certain manufacturers and 1st stage dealers - non-compliance with the provisions of Rule 9(5) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004 - recovery alongwith interest and penalty - HELD THAT - In the instant case, that the appellant had verified that the invoices issued by the 2nd stage dealers were as per the prescribed format under Rule 11 of the Central Excise Rules, 2002, and the said dealer was duly registered with the central excise authorities. The goods were transported in vehicles which had GRs/bilties. The record of the receipts and usage was maintained in the statutory records by the appellant. The payment was remitted through banking channels. Shri Sushil Malani, Director has in his statement stated that all necessary precautions were taken by them as per the provisions of Rule 9(5) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004. It is evident that the appellant had taken all reasonable precautions as per legal provisions. Consequently, the penalties imposed on the appellants can also not be sustained. The impugned order is set aside - appeal allowed.

Issues Involved:
1. Denial of Cenvat credit.
2. Allegations of fictitious transactions.
3. Cross-examination of witnesses.
4. Precedent cases and similar investigations.
5. Compliance with Cenvat Credit Rules.
6. Examination of evidence and burden of proof.
7. Penalty on the appellant and its director.

Summary:

1. Denial of Cenvat Credit:
The appellant, M/s. Rotocast Industries Ltd., challenged the Order in Original dated 29.09.2018, which denied Cenvat credit of Rs. 1,97,53,930/- and imposed an equal amount of penalty, along with a separate penalty of Rs. 10,00,000/- on its Director, Shri Sunil Kumar Melani.

2. Allegations of Fictitious Transactions:
The Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI) alleged that the appellant received only duty-paying documents without the actual supply of goods from two 2nd stage dealers, M/s. Jai Balaji Steel & Co. and M/s. Sandeep Commercial Company. The investigation concluded that both the 1st stage and 2nd stage dealers involved were fictitious, and the transactions were mere paper transactions.

3. Cross-Examination of Witnesses:
During adjudication, the appellant sought cross-examination of 28 persons, including 24 whose statements were relied upon and 4 DGCEI officers. Only the cross-examination of the DGCEI officers was conducted, as the other witnesses did not appear despite multiple opportunities.

4. Precedent Cases and Similar Investigations:
The appellant cited a similar case involving M/s. Prakash Industries Ltd., where the CESTAT, New Delhi, set aside the Order-in-Original and allowed the appeal, holding that the party had correctly availed the Cenvat Credit. The appellant argued that their case should be decided similarly.

5. Compliance with Cenvat Credit Rules:
The appellant contended that they complied with Rule 9(5) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004, by verifying that the invoices issued by the 2nd stage dealers were in the prescribed format, the dealers were duly registered, and payments were made through proper banking channels. The appellant argued that they took all reasonable precautions before taking credit and were not responsible for verifying the existence of the 1st stage dealers or manufacturers.

6. Examination of Evidence and Burden of Proof:
The learned Authorized Representative argued that the appellant failed to prove the actual physical movement of goods and the genuineness of transactions. The burden of proof lies with the claimant of the credit. The investigation revealed that the 1st stage dealers did not exist, and the transportation details were inconsistent with the nature of the goods.

7. Penalty on the Appellant and its Director:
The appellant argued that there was no evidence to show that the Director knowingly abetted the availment and utilization of irregular Cenvat credit. The imposition of penalty under Rule 26 of the Central Excise Rules, 2002, was contested as there was no proposal holding any goods liable for confiscation.

Judgment:
The Tribunal noted that the appellant had taken all reasonable precautions as per legal provisions and had complied with the Cenvat Credit Rules. The Tribunal referenced previous decisions in similar cases where the appeals were allowed, and the orders were set aside. Consequently, the Tribunal set aside the impugned order and allowed the appeals, including the penalties imposed on the appellants.

(Pronounced in the open Court on 29.04.2024)

← Previous Next →