2008 (6) TMI 196 - HC - Central Excise

Interpretation of SSI exemption notification date of effect benefit of exclusion of job work clearances - Tribunal holding that respondents are entitled to benefit of Notification dated 11-8-2003 retrospectively from 1-4-2003 - Scope of notification should be decided with reference to statutory provision under which same is issued notification issued u/s 5A (1) of CEA 1944 unless otherwise provided, will come into force on date of its issue It is for the Government to consider whether a notification should be given retrospectivity - Tribunal or even the High Courts have no power to grant retrospectivity for a notification in the interpretation process tribunal order quashed

Summary

Issues:
1. Interpretation of the retrospective application of a notification granting exemption from duty.
2. Determining the eligibility of respondents for concession/exemption under Notification No. 9/03.
3. Consideration of the statutory provisions and powers of the Government in granting retrospective benefits.

Analysis:
1. The primary issue in this case revolves around the interpretation of the retrospective application of a notification granting exemption from duty. The Tribunal held that the respondents were entitled to the benefit of Annexure-B notification retrospectively from the beginning of the financial year, while the Commissioner of Central Excise contended that the benefit should only apply from the date of the notification's issuance. The High Court analyzed the statutory provisions under Section 5A(5) of the Central Excise Act, emphasizing that unless otherwise provided, a notification comes into force on the date of its issue. The Court concluded that the respondents were not entitled to the benefit of the amendment to Annexure-A Notification before the date of the issuance of Annexure-B Notification, i.e., 11-8-2003.

2. The second issue pertains to determining the eligibility of the respondents for concession/exemption under Notification No. 9/03. The respondents' total clearances, including goods cleared on job work basis, exceeded the specified limit for claiming the benefit of the notification. However, with the introduction of Clause (e) to Clause 3A of Notification No. 9/03 through Annexure-B Notification, the turnover from job work basis was excluded for calculating eligibility. This exclusion allowed the respondents to qualify for concession/exemption under the notification. The Court highlighted that the benefit accrued to the respondents only after the issuance of Annexure-B Notification on 11-8-2003, and they were liable to pay duty at the normal rate for clearances made before that date.

3. Lastly, the Court delved into the consideration of statutory provisions and the powers of the Government in granting retrospective benefits. It emphasized that the Tribunal erred in disregarding the prospectivity of the notification and should have analyzed the scope of notifications in alignment with the statutory provisions. The Court underscored that the power to grant retrospective benefits lies with the Government, as outlined in Clause 5(a) of Section 5A of the Central Excise Act. Therefore, the Tribunal lacked the authority to grant retrospective application to a notification during the interpretation process. The High Court allowed the appeals, quashing the Tribunal's orders and reinstating the original orders confirmed in the first appeals.

In conclusion, the High Court's judgment clarified the retrospective application of the notification, determined the eligibility of the respondents for concession/exemption under the relevant notification, and underscored the Government's authority in granting retrospective benefits within the framework of statutory provisions.