2000 (8) TMI 693 - AT - Central Excise

Issues Involved:
1. Clandestine removal of dutiable goods.
2. Inclusion of advertising expenditure in the assessable value of the products.
3. Short payment of duty based on production norms.
4. Verification of seized goods and their correlation with duty-paid documents.
5. Applicability of Rule 5 of the Valuation Rules.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Clandestine Removal of Dutiable Goods:
The Revenue alleged that M/s. Harbans Lal Malhotra & Sons (HLM) engaged in the clandestine removal of excisable goods based on the seizure of blades from their premises and discrepancies in production records. The Commissioner, however, found that the allegations were not substantiated by the evidence. The goods seized at the CIT Road office and RKK Street godown were duty-paid and the discrepancies in the search list memo were resolved during open delivery. The Commissioner concluded that the allegations of clandestine removal were baseless.

2. Inclusion of Advertising Expenditure in Assessable Value:
The Revenue contended that HLM evaded duty by not including advertising expenses in the assessable value. The Commissioner found that the 4% margin added by stockists for advertising was not a valid basis for increasing the assessable value. The expenses incurred by stockists were reimbursed by HLM, and there was no additional consideration flowing from the stockists to HLM. The Commissioner's findings were based on evidence, including stockists' profit and loss accounts and affidavits retracting earlier statements.

3. Short Payment of Duty Based on Production Norms:
The Revenue argued that HLM's production records showed higher actual production than recorded, resulting in duty short payment. The Commissioner accepted HLM's explanation that production norms varied for different types of steel, and the production figures were closely monitored due to an incentive scheme for workers. The Department's reliance on a single statement without considering other evidence was found to be insufficient to prove clandestine removal.

4. Verification of Seized Goods and Correlation with Duty-Paid Documents:
The Commissioner verified that the goods seized from HLM's premises were duty-paid and correlated with delivery challans. The discrepancies noted in the Panchnama were resolved during open delivery, confirming that the seized goods tallied with the duty-paid documents. The Department did not provide sufficient evidence to contradict the Commissioner's findings.

5. Applicability of Rule 5 of the Valuation Rules:
The Revenue's argument that the 4% advertising expenses should be added to the assessable value was rejected. The Commissioner found that the expenses were reimbursed by HLM, and there was no additional monetary consideration from stockists. The case law cited by the respondents supported the view that such expenses should not be included in the assessable value.

Conclusion:
The Tribunal upheld the Commissioner's order, finding no merit in the Revenue's appeal. The allegations of clandestine removal and incorrect valuation were not substantiated by evidence. The Commissioner's detailed examination of the records and evidence was found to be thorough and justified. The Revenue's application was rejected, and the cross-objection filed by the assessee was disposed of accordingly.

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