Tax Management India. Com
Law and Practice  :  Digital eBook
Research is most exciting & rewarding
  TMI - Tax Management India. Com
Follow us:
  Facebook   Twitter   Linkedin   Telegram

Home Case Index All Cases Central Excise Central Excise + HC Central Excise - 2024 (6) TMI HC This

  • Login
  • Cases Cited
  • Summary

Forgot password       New User/ Regiser

⇒ Register to get Live Demo



 

2024 (6) TMI 184 - HC - Central Excise


Issues involved: Appeal against order of Customs, Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal confirming demand of duty u/s 11A of Central Excise Act and reduction of penalty amount.

Summary:
The civil appeal challenged an order confirming duty demand u/s 11A of the Central Excise Act, with a reduced penalty, passed by the Commissioner of Central Excise. The appellant contended that two firms, despite having common partners, were separate entities and not a single partnership firm. The appellant argued that the Panchkula firm was entitled to exemption and there was no evasion of duty. Reference was made to legal precedents to support the appellant's case. The appellant also claimed lack of mens rea to evade duty, citing relevant judgments. The respondent supported the order passed by the Apex Court in a related case.

The High Court considered the submissions and reviewed the record. It noted that one firm exceeded the exemption limit and paid duty at the normal rate, while the other firm did not exceed the limit and paid duty at a concessional rate. A show cause notice was issued for recovery of excise duty, which was contested by the appellant. The Additional Commissioner held the appellant was not entitled to exemption and demanded duty along with penalties. The appeal against this order was upheld by the Appellate Authority and partially accepted by CESTAT, reducing the penalty amount.

The High Court analyzed the notification providing for exemption and concluded that the firms were a single partnership firm with two factories, thus not eligible for exemption. It was found that the exemption applied only if the aggregate value of clearance did not exceed a certain limit. The Court upheld the demand for non-payment of duty and dismissed the appeal. The Court also noted that the issue of the applicability of Section 11A was not raised at the lower appeal stage and could not be considered. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, and pending applications were disposed of.

 

 

 

 

Quick Updates:Latest Updates