2001 (5) TMI 567 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues:
Grant of Modvat credit on explosives used in mines outside the factory premises; Violation of principles of natural justice due to dismissal of appeals without a hearing; Dispute regarding the location of mines in relation to the factory premises.

Analysis:
1. Grant of Modvat Credit on Explosives:
The issue in question revolves around the denial of Modvat credit on explosives used in mines located outside the factory premises. The Commissioner (Appeals) relied on a Larger Bench judgment in the case of M/s. Jaypee Rewa Cement to support the denial of Modvat credit for explosives used in mining activities outside the factory. The Tribunal concurred with the Commissioner's decision, emphasizing that the explosives used in mines situated away from the factory cannot be considered "goods used in or in relation to the manufacture of cement," thus not qualifying for Modvat credit under Rule 57A of the Central Excise Rules, 1944.

2. Violation of Principles of Natural Justice:
The appellant's Consultant argued that the dismissal of appeals without a hearing violated the principles of natural justice, even though the issue was covered by a Larger Bench judgment. The Consultant contended that the mining activity was within the factory premises for one of the appellants, and thus, a lack of opportunity to explain led to a denial of natural justice. However, the Tribunal upheld the dismissal of appeals, stating that the issue had been conclusively settled by the Larger Bench judgment, and the right to a hearing was not warranted.

3. Dispute Regarding Location of Mines:
A key contention raised was the location of the mines in relation to the factory premises, particularly for India Cements. The Consultant argued that the factory was within the mining area, while the SDR maintained that the mining activity was outside the factory and not part of the manufacturing process. The Tribunal ultimately sided with the SDR, emphasizing that the explosives were used in mines located outside the factory, as per the findings of the Original Authority and the Tribunal's precedent. The Tribunal dismissed the appeals, reiterating that the explosives being used outside the factory precluded the appellants from claiming Modvat credit.

4. Finality of Tribunal's Decision:
The Tribunal underscored the finality of its decision based on the 5-Member Bench judgment in the Jaypee Rewa Cement case and other relevant judgments. Despite the Consultant's arguments and interruptions regarding the location of mines, the Tribunal upheld the dismissal of appeals, emphasizing that the explosives were used outside the factory premises, aligning with the precedent set by the Larger Bench judgment and other applicable rulings. The Tribunal rejected any further adjournments or references, asserting that the issue had been conclusively settled.

In conclusion, the Tribunal's judgment in this case reaffirmed the denial of Modvat credit for explosives used in mines outside the factory premises, upheld the dismissal of appeals without a hearing, and emphasized the binding nature of the Larger Bench judgment and other relevant precedents in determining the location of mining activities in relation to the factory.