2015 (4) TMI 958 - AT - Central Excise

Denial of CENVAT Credit - manufacture of exempted final product - Held that - Tribunal in the case of Ratnamani Metals & Tubes Limited (2012 (5) TMI 529 - CESTAT, AHMEDABAD) has held that cenvat credit was not permissible on inputs exclusively used in the manufacture of exempted goods. - Commissioner (Appeals) has set-aside the adjudication order on merits and therefore, the alternative submissions of Revenue neutrality and limitation were not considered. In my considered view, the impugned order is not sustainable on merits. But, the respondent should be given an opportunity to place their submissions on limitation and Revenue neutrality before the Commissioner (Appeals). - Matter remanded back - Decided in favour of Revenue.

Summary

Issues:
1. Denial of credit on inputs used exclusively for the manufacture of exempted final products.
2. Applicability of Explanation III to Rule 6(3) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004.
3. Consideration of limitation and Revenue neutrality.

Analysis:

Issue 1: Denial of Credit on Inputs for Exempted Final Products
The case involved a dispute regarding the denial of credit amounting to Rs. 29,26,632/- on inputs exclusively used in the manufacture of exempted final products. The Adjudicating authority confirmed the demand and imposed a penalty equal to the duty amount. However, the Commissioner (Appeals) set aside the order, leading to the Revenue filing an appeal.

Issue 2: Applicability of Explanation III to Rule 6(3) of Cenvat Credit Rules
The main contention revolved around the interpretation of Explanation III to Rule 6(3) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004. The Revenue argued that the Explanation should be applied retrospectively based on various Tribunal decisions, while the Respondent contended that it should be applied prospectively. The Tribunal referred to past cases like Mahindra & Mahindra and Aurobindo Pharma Limited to determine the retrospective or prospective application of the Explanation.

Issue 3: Consideration of Limitation and Revenue Neutrality
The Respondent raised points regarding the limitation of the demand and the concept of Revenue neutrality. They argued that the demand might be time-barred and that the raw materials in question would be exempted under certain notifications if used in the manufacture of exempted final products. However, these aspects were not adequately considered by the authorities below.

In the final decision, the Tribunal found that the Commissioner (Appeals) had set aside the adjudication order based on the prospective application of Explanation III, which was deemed incorrect. The matter was remanded to the Commissioner (Appeals) to reconsider the issues of limitation and Revenue neutrality, and to decide on penalty and interest. The appeal by the Revenue was allowed for further review and proper opportunity of hearing was directed to be provided before passing the order.