1997 (4) TMI 255 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues:
Admissibility of Modvat credit on duplex board used as packing material for torches.

Analysis:
The case involved a dispute regarding the admissibility of Modvat credit on duplex board used in the manufacture of printed cartons for packing torches. The appellants, engaged in torch and miniature bulb manufacturing, claimed Modvat credit on duplex board used as packing material. The Department contended that duplex board was not a raw material directly related to torch or bulb manufacturing, thus disallowing the Modvat credit. Show cause notices were issued to the appellants, prompting them to cite Rule 57A's definition of input, supported by legal precedents such as Lt. Governor v. Ganesh Flour Mills and Tribunal cases like Rasoi Limited and Parle Products.

The appellants argued that the term "packing material" under Rule 57A had a broad interpretation, encompassing not only immediate packing material but also inputs used in its manufacture, as established by judgments like Ponds India Limited. They highlighted Tribunal decisions supporting Modvat credit on packing material used in manufacturing processes. The respondent Commissioner, however, contended that duplex board, converted into printed cartons, did not qualify as a direct material and could not be considered an input, reiterating the lower authorities' findings.

Upon review, the Tribunal noted the distinction between "packaging material" and "packing material," emphasizing the broader scope of the former under Rule 57A. Citing the Madras High Court's decision in Ponds India Limited, which recognized plastic granules as inputs for containers used in packing cosmetics, the Tribunal found a parallel with the present case involving duplex board converted into printed cartons for torches and bulbs. Relying on the Madras High Court's ruling and subsequent Tribunal decisions, the Tribunal concluded that Modvat credit was admissible on duplex board used for packing torches and miniature bulbs.

In the final verdict, the Tribunal set aside the impugned order and allowed the appeal, affirming the appellants' entitlement to Modvat credit on duplex board utilized in packing torches and miniature bulbs.