1997 (7) TMI 381 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues:
1. Entitlement to Modvat credit under Rule 57C for inputs used in manufacturing fully exempted final products.
2. Imposition of personal penalties on the appellants for availing credit on exempted final products.

Detailed Analysis:
1. The main issue in the appeals was whether the appellants were entitled to Modvat credit under Rule 57C for inputs used in the manufacture of final products fully exempted from excise duty. The Tribunal referred to the decision of a Larger Bench in the case of M/s. Kirloskar Engines Oil, which had already settled this issue. The appellants argued that different benches had taken conflicting views, leading to the reference to the Larger Bench. The advocate contended that there was no intention to evade duty and that the appellants had taken the credit in good faith. He cited precedents emphasizing mens rea as an essential element for penal action under fiscal law. The Revenue countered that mens rea was not necessary for imposing penalties under tax statutes. Ultimately, the Tribunal upheld the decision of the Larger Bench, denying the appellants Modvat credit for inputs used in exempted final products.

2. The second issue involved the imposition of personal penalties on the appellants. The advocate for the appellants argued that there was no clear finding on the issue until the Tribunal's decision in the Kirloskar Engines Oil case, indicating that the matter was debatable. He contended that the appellants had a bona fide belief in availing the credit and that there was no wilful breach or mala fide intention. Citing Supreme Court decisions, he emphasized that penalties should not be imposed without mens rea. The Tribunal agreed with the appellants, considering the issue highly arguable and accepting that there was no deliberate breach on the part of the appellants. Consequently, the penalties imposed on the appellants were set aside, and the appeals were disposed of in favor of the appellants on the penalty issue.