1997 (2) TMI 195 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues:
1. Eligibility of the respondents for exemption under Notification No. 105/80-C.E.
2. Interpretation of the conditions under Notification No. 105/80-C.E.
3. Valuation of plant and machinery for small scale exemption eligibility.

Analysis:

1. The appeal concerned the eligibility of M/s. Tamil Nadu Mopeds Ltd. for exemption under Notification No. 105/80-C.E. The Asstt. Collector concluded that three units of M/s. Tamil Nadu Mopeds Ltd. were not distinct entities and demanded Central Excise Duty. However, the Collector of Central Excise (Appeals) set aside the order due to lack of evidence and procedural errors in the adjudication.

2. The issue revolved around the interpretation of conditions under Notification No. 105/80-C.E., which exempted goods under Item No. 68 of the Central Excise Tariff subject to certain conditions. The Revenue contended that the small scale exemption was not applicable due to the total value of plant and machinery exceeding the prescribed limit. However, the appellate authority vacated the adjudication order primarily on grounds of valuation without discussing the small scale exemption eligibility.

3. The Asstt. Collector had considered the aggregate value of plant and machinery of M/s. Tamil Nadu Mopeds Ltd. as a whole for determining eligibility, stating that the units were not producing exclusively goods under Item No. 68. The Tribunal disagreed, emphasizing that each unit was separate, registered under the Factories Act, and located in different places. The Tribunal held that the investment in plant and machinery should not be clubbed for different units under the notification, rejecting the Revenue's argument.

In conclusion, the Tribunal found no merit in the Revenue's appeal, rejecting it and upholding the decision in favor of M/s. Tamil Nadu Mopeds Ltd. The judgment clarified the interpretation of the conditions under Notification No. 105/80-C.E. regarding small scale exemption eligibility and emphasized the importance of considering each unit separately for valuation purposes.