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2017 (8) TMI 159 - AT - Central Excise


Issues:
- Eligibility of CENVAT credit on TMT Bars and Cements used for construction of storage tanks.
- Applicability of the definition of Input under Rule 2(k) of Cenvat Credit Rules, 2002.
- Barred by limitation issue due to previous objection raised during audit.

Eligibility of CENVAT Credit on TMT Bars and Cements:
The appellant, a manufacturer of excisable goods, availed CENVAT credit on inputs like TMT Bars and Cements for constructing storage tanks. The dispute arose when a demand notice was issued, challenging the eligibility of these items for credit. The appellant argued that these materials were essential for the fabrication of storage tanks and their foundations, thus making them eligible for credit under Rule 2(k) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2002. The appellant cited various court decisions supporting their claim, emphasizing that the structural items used in the fabrication of support structures for capital goods should be considered as parts of relevant machines, falling within the ambit of Capital Goods as per Rule 2(a) of the Cenvat Credit Rules. The Tribunal analyzed the user test principle and the precedents set by different High Courts and the Supreme Court, ultimately allowing the CENVAT credit on the disputed items.

Applicability of the Definition of Input:
The central issue revolved around whether TMT Bars and Cements qualified as inputs under Rule 2(k) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2002. The appellant contended that these materials were crucial for the construction of storage tanks, making them eligible for credit. The Tribunal considered various legal precedents and the user test principle to determine that the structural items used in the fabrication of support structures for capital goods should be considered as parts of relevant machines, falling within the definition of Capital Goods under Rule 2(a) of the Cenvat Credit Rules. This analysis led to the conclusion that the disputed items were indeed eligible for CENVAT credit.

Barred by Limitation Issue:
Another crucial aspect of the case was the limitation issue. The appellant argued that the demand for recovery of CENVAT credit was barred by limitation since a similar objection had been raised during an audit in 2007, to which the appellant had responded by asserting the eligibility of the items for credit. As no demand notice was issued at that time, the appellant contended that the current demand was unjustified. The Tribunal agreed with this argument, setting aside the impugned order and allowing the appeal with consequential relief, if any, as per the law.

In conclusion, the Appellate Tribunal CESTAT AHMEDABAD, in a detailed analysis, allowed the CENVAT credit on TMT Bars and Cements used for construction of storage tanks, based on the user test principle and legal precedents. The Tribunal also considered the limitation issue, ruling in favor of the appellant due to the lack of a demand notice following the previous objection raised during an audit.

 

 

 

 

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