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2015 (5) TMI 22 - AT - Central Excise


Issues Involved:
1. CENVAT credit entitlement on common inputs used in the manufacture of sugar, bagasse, and press mud.
2. Denial of CENVAT credit due to the generation of power using bagasse.
3. Disentitlement to CENVAT credit for the common input due to bagasse generation in sugar manufacturing.

Analysis:

Issue 1: CENVAT Credit on Common Inputs
In the first appeal (E/391/2012), the controversy revolved around whether the appellant, using common inputs to manufacture sugar, bagasse, and press mud, is entitled to CENVAT credit. The appellant argued that the input-output relationship need not be one-to-one, citing a judgment by the Hon'ble High Court of Madras. The court found merit in the appellant's submission, emphasizing that once inputs are used in the initial stage to produce final products and wastes, there is no further application of those inputs in the manufacturing process. As the exempted final product, bio-compost fertilizer, did not involve the use of CENVAT credit inputs, the Revenue's demand for denial of credit was deemed unsustainable. The appeal was allowed based on the alignment with the High Court's findings.

Issue 2: Denial of CENVAT Credit for Power Generation
In the second appeal (E/511/2012), the question arose regarding the denial of CENVAT credit due to the generation of power using bagasse. The appellant contended that the electricity generated was not excisable goods and, therefore, CENVAT credit should not be denied. Citing a judgment by the Hon'ble High Court of Allahabad, which clarified that electrical energy generated from bagasse does not fall under Chapter 27 of the Central Excise Tariff Act, the court held that the appellant cannot be denied CENVAT credit on the common inputs used. The Revenue failed to provide evidence to counter the court's reasoning, leading to the allowance of the appeal.

Issue 3: Disentitlement to CENVAT Credit for Bagasse Generation
The third appeal (E/40316/2014) focused on whether the generation of bagasse during sugar manufacturing would disentitle the appellant to CENVAT credit for common inputs. Referring to a judgment by the Hon'ble High Court of Allahabad, the court clarified that since bagasse is a waste product that emerges during the sugar manufacturing process, it does not constitute the manufacture of exempted goods. The court emphasized that bagasse being an agricultural waste does not involve any manufacturing activity that would warrant the imposition of duty. As the Revenue failed to provide any material to distinguish the relevant paragraphs of the High Court's judgment, the appeal was allowed.

In conclusion, all three appeals were allowed based on the alignment with the respective High Court judgments and the lack of evidence presented by the Revenue to counter the legal interpretations provided therein.

 

 

 

 

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