1998 (3) TMI 219 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues involved: Appeal against rejection of refund claim arising from finalization of provisional assessment under Rule 9B.

Summary:
1. The appeal was filed against the rejection of refund claims arising from the finalization of provisional assessment under Rule 9B for the period 1-1-1984 to 30-7-1987.

2. The Superintendent of Central Excise had finalized the provisional assessments and informed the appellants of the duty payable and the refundable amount. After a series of correspondence, the matter was remanded by the Tribunal for reconsideration.

3. The Asstt. Commissioner did not consider the Tribunal's directions to examine specific decisions, leading to non-compliance with the remand order.

4. The Commissioner held that all refund claims pending on the relevant date are covered by Section 11B, relying on Supreme Court decisions, without addressing the applicability of Section 11B to the instant case.

5. The appellant argued that the lower authorities did not diligently address the Tribunal's directions, leading to gross injustice, and requested the appeal not be dismissed under Section 35B proviso.

6. The appellant argued that the finalization of provisional assessment under Rule 9B should be governed by sub-rule (2) of 173-I, allowing credit for excess duty paid in the current account.

7. Citing relevant case law, the appellant contended that rejection of the claim on grounds of unjust enrichment was incorrect and the orders should be set aside.

8. The JDR argued for dismissal under Section 35B proviso and stated that the refund claim was processed as per law.

9. The Tribunal found that the excess duty payment was undisputed, and the dispute arose from crediting it to the Fund under Section 11B.

10. The Tribunal noted non-compliance with its directions to examine specific decisions and cited relevant case law supporting the appellant's position.

11. The Tribunal found that the issue was covered by previous decisions and the majority decision in Mafatlal Industries Ltd., emphasizing the application of Rule 9B(5) over Section 11B.

12. The Tribunal quoted para 95 of the Mafatlal Industries Ltd. decision, clarifying that adjustments under Rule 9B(5) are not governed by Section 11A or 11B.

13. The Tribunal concluded that the refund claimed was a consequence of the adjustment under Rule 9B(5) and not an independent claim, hence not governed by Section 11B.

14. Due to non-compliance with Rule 9B(5) and failure to examine relevant Tribunal decisions, the Tribunal found gross injustice and proceeded to consider the appeal.

15. The Tribunal set aside the impugned orders, allowed the appeal, and directed administrative measures to retrieve and restore the credited amount to the appellants' account.