Nov 16 CA Final IDT case law + RTP short summary

1 2 3 4 5 No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision 1 Whether the addition and mixing of polymers and additives to base bitumen results in the manufacture of a new marketable commodity and as such exigible to excise duty?CCE v. Osnar Chemical Pvt. Ltd. 2012 (276) ELT 162 (SC) The Supreme Court held that since (i) the said process merely resulted i n the improvement of quality of bitumen and no distinct commodity emerged, and (ii) the process carri ed out by the assessee had nowhere been specified in the Section notes or Chapter notes of t he First Schedule, the process of mixing polymers and additives with bitumen did not amount to manufacture. 2 Whether the process of generation of metal scrap or waste during the repair of worn out machineries/parts of cement manufacturing plant amounts to manufacture?Grasim Industries Ltd. v. UOI 2011 (273) E.L.T. 10 (S.C.)The Supreme Court held that the generation of metal scrap or waste during the repair of the worn out machineries/parts of cement manufacturing plant did not amount to manufacture. 3 Are the physician samples excisable goods in view of the fact that they are statutorily prohibited from being sold? Medley Pharmaceuticals Ltd. v. CCE & C., Daman 2011 (263) E.L.T. 641 (S.C.)The Court inferred that merely because a product was statutorily prohibited fr om being sold, would not mean that the product was not capable of being sold. Since phy sician sample was capable of being sold in open market, the physician samples were excis able goods and were liable to excise duty. 4 Whether assembling of the testing equipments for testing the final product in the factory amounts to manufacture?Usha Rectifier Corpn. (I) Ltd. v. CCEx., New Delhi 2011 (263) E.L.T. 655 (S.C.) The Supreme Court observed that once the appellant had themselves made admissio n regarding the development of testing equipments in their own Balance Sheet, which was fu
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￿id importing of such equipments with a view to save foreign exchange, confirmed tha t such equipments were saleable and marketable. Hence, the Apex Court held that du ty was payable on such testing equipments. 5Can a product with short shelf-life be marketable? Nicholas Piramal India Ltd. v. CCEx., Mumbai 2010 (260) E.L.T. 338 (S.C.) The Supreme Court ruled that short shelf-life could not be equated with no shelf-li fe and would not ipso facto mean that it could not be marketed. A shelf-life of 2 to 3 days was sufficiently long enough for a product to be commercially marketable. Shelf-life of a produc t would not be a relevant factor to test the marketability of a product unless it was shown that the product had absolutely no shelf-life or the shelf-life of the product was such that it was not capable of being brought or sold during that shelf- life. 6 Whether the machine which is not assimilated in permanent structure would be considered to be moveable so as to be dutiable under the Central Excise Act?CCE v. Solid & Correct Engineering Works and Ors 2010 (252) ELT 481 (SC) The Court observed that as per the assessee, the machine was fixed by nut s and bolts to a foundation not because the intention was to permanently attach it to the earth, but because a foundation was necessary to provide a wobble free operation to the machine. I t opined that an attachment without necessary intent of making the same permanent cannot constitute permanent fixing, embedding or attachment in the sense that would make the machin e a part and parcel of the earth permanently. Hence, the Supreme Court held that the plants in question were not immovable property so as to be immune from the levy of excise duty. Consequently, duty would be levied on them. 7 Does the process of preparation of tarpaulin made-ups after cutting and stitching the tarpaulin fabric and fixing the eye-lets amount to manufacture?CCE v. Tarpaulin International 2010 (256) E.L.T. 481 (S.C.) The Apex Court opined that stitching of tarpaulin sheets and making eyelet s did not change basic characteristic of the raw material and end product. The process did not bring into existence a new and distinct product with total transformation in the original c ommodity. The original material used i.e., the tarpaulin, was still called tarpaulin made-ups even after undergoing the said process. Hence, it could not be said that the process was a manufacturing process. Therefore, there could be no levy of central excise duty o n the tarpaulin made-ups. 8 Does the process of cutting and embossing aluminium foil for packing the cigarettes amount to manufacture?CCE v. GTC Industries Ltd. 2011 (266) E.L.T. 160 (Bom.) The High Court pronounced that cutting and embossing did not transform aluminium foil into distinct and identifiable commodity. It did not change the nature and substan ce of foil. The said process did not render any marketable value to the foil, but only made it usable for packing. There were no records to suggest that cut to shape/embossed aluminium foi ls used for packing cigarettes were distinct marketable commodity. Hence, the High Court held that the process did not amount to manufacture as per section 2(f) of the Central Excise Act, 1944. Only the process which produces distinct and identifiable commodity with marketable v alue can be called manufacture. Exvise - Basic Concept Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt Case Law which are from RTP Nov 16 are marked as * How to read this short note on Case Law? ICAI generally never ask the case law which are asked earlier, hence the case law which are cross marked may be focused less. All the case law are in sequence of case law supplementary book issued by ICAI for Nov 16 CA Final Exam. It is recommended to read case law supplementary book issued by ICAI along with this notes, and at time revision before exam date only this notes may be referred. Case law which are most important, as per my estimate, are highlighted in the notes and it is recommended to focus more on it. CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt 9 Does the activity of packing of imported compact discs in a jewel box along with inlay card amount to manufacture?CCE v. Sony Music Entertainment (I) Pvt. Ltd. 2010 (249) E.L.T. 341 (Bom.)The High Court observed that none of the activity that the assessee undertook involved any process on the compact discs that were imported. It held that the Tri bunal rightly concluded that the activities carried out by the respondent did not amount to manufacture s ince the compact disc had been complete and finished when imported by the assessee. They ha d been imported in finished and completed form. 10 Whether bagasse which is a marketable product but not a manufactured product can be subjected to excise duty? Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd. v. Union of India 2014 (300) ELT 372 (All.) (Non -15 Exam)The High Court concluded that though bagasse is an agricultural waste of sugarc ane, it is a marketable product. However, duty cannot be imposed thereon simply by vi rtue of the explanation added under section 2(d) of the Central Excise Act, 1944 as it does not involve any manufacturing activity. 11 Whether contaminated, under or over filled bottles or badly crowned bottles amount to manufactured finished goods which are required to be entered under R.G.-1 register, and which are exigible to payment of excise duty? Amrit Bottlers Private Limited v. CCE 2014 (306) E.L.T. 207 (All.) (May 16 Exam)The Court held that in the instant case, contaminated, under filled, over filled and badly crowned bottles found at the stage of production were not marketable goods. Thus, they were not required to be entered under R.G.-1 register and consequently, no excis e duty was payable on them. * Does printing on jumbo rolls of GI paper as per design and specification of customers with logo and name of product in colourful form, amount to manufacture?CCE v. Fitrite Packers 2015 (324) ELT 625 (SC) The Supreme Court held that the process of aforesaid particular kind of printing resulted into a product i.e., paper with distinct character and use of its own which it did not bear earlier. The Court emphasised that there has to be a transformation in the original article and this transformation should bring out a distinctive or different use in the article, in order to cover the process under the definition of manufacture. Since these tests were satisfied in the present case, the Apex Court held that the process amounted to manufacture. * Whethe
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e_. CLASSIFICATION OF EXCISABLE GOODS CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt * Whether the pre-delivery inspection charges (PDI) and after sales service (ASS) charges are to be included in the assessable value?CCEx. v. TVS Motors Co. Ltd. 2016 (331) ELT 3 (SC)the Apex Court held that PDI and free ASS would not be included in the assessable value under section 4 of the Central Excise Act, 1944, for the purpose of paying excise duty. * Can the value of gunny bags, returned by the buyers, be excluded from the assessable value in the absence of any agreement between the seller and the buyer?Tata Chemicals Ltd v. Collector of Central Excise 2016 (334) ELT 580 (SC)The Supreme Court held that in the absence of factual foundation in support of the fact that such an arrangement existed between the parties, the value of gunny bags returned by the buyers could not be excluded from the assessable value. 16 Is the amount of sales tax/VAT collected by the asssessee and retained with him in accordance with any State Sales Tax Incentive Scheme, includible in the assessable value for payment of excise duty?CCEx v. Super Synotex (India) Ltd. 2014 (301) E.L.T. 273 (S.C.) (Nov-14 Exam)The Apex Court held that such retained amount has to be treated as the price of the goods under the basic fundamental conception of "transaction value" as substituted with effect from 1.7.2000 and therefore, the assessee is bound to pay excise duty on the said sum. 17 Can the pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and free after sales services charges be included in the transaction value when they are not charged by the assessee to the buyer?Tata Motors Ltd. v. UOI 2012 (286) E.L.T. 161 (Bom.) The High Court held that Clause No. 7 of Circular dated 1st July, 2002 an d Circular dated 12th December, 2002 (where it confirms the earlier circular dated 1st July, 2002) were not in conformity with the provisions of section 4(1)(a) read with section 4(3)( d) of the Central Excise Act, 1944. Further, as per section 4(3)(d), the PDI and free after sales s ervices charges could be included in the transaction value only when they were charged by the assess ee to the buyer. 18 Whether CENVAT credit of the testing material can be allowed when the testing is critical to ensure the marketability of the product? Flex Engineering Ltd. v. Commissioner of Central Excise, U.P. 2012 (276) E.L.T. 153 (S.C.)The Court was of the opinion that the manufacturing process in the present case g ets completed on testing of the said machines. Hence, the afore-stated goods vi z. the flexible plastic films used for testing the F&S machines are inputs used in relation to the manufacture of the final product and would be eligible for CENVAT credit. 19 Will rule 6 of the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004 apply, if the assessee clears an exempted by- product and a dutiable final product?UOI v Hindustan Zinc Limited. 2014 (303) E.L.T. 321 (S.C.) The Supreme Court held that since in rule 57CC of the erstwhile Central Excise Rules, 1944 [
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vg by- product with final product thereby obliterating the difference, though rec ognised by the legislation itself. 20 Can CENVAT credit of duties, other than National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD), be used to pay NCCD?CCEx. v. Prag Bosimi Synthetics Ltd. 2013 (295) ELT 682 (Gau.)The High Court held that merely because CENVAT credit in respect of NC CD can be utilized only for payment of NCCD, it does not lead to the conclusion that credit of an y other duty cannot be utilized for payment of NCCD. 21 The assessee claimed the CENVAT credit on the duty paid on capital goods which were later destroyed by fire. The Insurance Company reimbursed the amount inclusive of excise duty. Is the CENVAT credit availed by the assessee required to be reversed? CCE v. Tata Advanced Materials Ltd. 2011 (271) E.L.T. 62 (Kar.) The High Court observed that merely because the Insurance Company paid the assessee the value of goods including the excise duty paid, that would not rend er the availment of the CENVAT credit wrong or irregular. At the same time, it did not provide a reason to the Excise Department to demand reversal of credit or default to pay the said amount. The assessee had paid the premium and covered the risk of this capital goods and when the goods were destroyed in terms of the Insurance policy, the Insurance Company had compensated the assessee. It was not a case of double payment as contended by the Department. The High Court, therefore, answered the substantial question of law in favour of the assessee. 22 Whether penalty can be imposed on the directors of the company for the wrong CENVAT credit availed by the company?Ashok Kumar H. Fulwadhya v. UOI 2010 (251) E.L.T. 336 (Bom.)The Court held that the petitioners-directors of the company could no t be said to be manufacturer availing CENVAT credit and penalty cannot be imposed on them for the wrong CENVAT credit availed by the company. 23Can CENVAT credit be taken on the basis of private challans?CCEx. v. Stelko Strips Ltd. 2010 (255) ELT 397 (P & H)The High Court held that MODVAT credit could be taken on the strength of private c hallans as the same were not found to be fake and there was a proper certification t hat duty had been paid. 24 Whether (i) technical testing and analysis services availed by the assessee for testing of clinical samples prior to commencement of commercial production and (ii) services of commission agent are eligible input services for claiming CENVAT? CCEx v. Cadila Healthcare Ltd. 2013 (30) S.T.R. 3 (Guj.) The High Court held that technical testing and analysis services avai led for testing of clinical samples prior to commencement of commercial production were directly relate d to the manufacture of the final product and hence, were input services eligible for CENVA T credit. With respect to the services provided by foreign commission agents, the Hig h Court held that since the agents were directly concerned with sales rather than sales promo tion, the services provided by them were not covered in main or inclusive part of definition of i nput service as provided in rule 2(l) of the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004. VALUATION OF EXCISABLE GOODS CENVAT CREDIT CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt 25 Will two units of a manufacturer surrounded by a common boundary wall be considered as one factory for the purpose of CENVAT credit, if they have separate central excise registrations? Sintex Industries Ltd. vs. CCEx 2013 (287) ELT 261 (Guj.) The High Court held that credit could be availed on eligible inputs utilized i n the generation of electricity only to the extent the same were used to produce electr icity within the factory registered for that purpose (textile division). However, credit o n inputs utilized to produce electricity which was supplied to a factory registered as a different unit (plastic division) would not be allowed. The High Court rejected the contention of the assessee that separate registration of two units situated within a common boundary wall would not make them two different factories. 26 Whether CENVAT credit can be availed of se
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e, CENVAT credit of the duty paid thereon by a cellular mobile service provider was not admissible. 29 Whether sales commission services are eligible input services for availment of CENVAT credit? If there is any conflict between the decision of the jurisdictional High Court and the CBEC circular, then which decision would be binding on the Department? Also, if there is a contradiction between the decision passed by jurisdiction High Court and another High Court, which decision will prevail? Astik Dyestuff Private Limited v. CCEx. & Cus. 2014 (34) S.T.R. 814 (Guj.) The High Cou
￿t held that – (i) if there is any conflict between the decision of the jurisdictio nal High Court and the CBEC Circular, then decision of the jurisdictional High Court will be binding to the Department rather than CBEC Circular. Therefore, the assessee would not be entitled t o CENVAT credit on sales commission services obtained by them. (ii) merely because there might be a contrary decision of another High Court is no ground to refer the matter to the Larger Bench. (iii) when there are two contrary decisions, one of jurisdictional High C ourt and another of the other High Court, then the decision of the jurisdictional High Court would be binding to the Department and not the decision of another High Court. * Is the assessee entitled to avail CENVAT credit of service tax paid on outward transportation of goods cleared from factory?CCE v. Haryana Sheet Glass Ltd. 2015 (39) STR 0392 (P&H) The High Court relied upon one of its earlier decision in the case of Ambuja Cements Ltd. v. Union of India 2009 (236) ELT 431 (P&H) and upheld the decision of the Tribunal. The High Court held that outward transportation up to the place of removal falls within the expression "input service". The place of removal, in terms of the Circular* of the Board is a question of fact. If a manufacturer is to deliver the goods to the purchaser, the place of removal would not be a factory gate of the manufacturer but that of the purchaser. In the given case, there is no evidence that the property in goods stood transferred to the purchaser at the factory door of the assessee. Therefore, the assessee is entitled to avail CENVAT credit of service tax paid on outward transportation of goods cleared from factory. * Can a commercial training and coaching institute claim CENVAT credit in respect of the input services of catering, photography and tent services used to encourage the coaching class students, maintenance and repair of its motor vehicle and travelling expenses? Bansal Classes v. CCE & ST 2015 (039) STR 0967 (Raj.) The High Court agreed with the view taken by the Tribunal that once the students pass their coaching classes, the activities of catering, photography and tent services cannot be said to have been used to provide the output service of commercial training or coaching. Similarly, the assessee maintains and repairs its motor vehicle during the course of the business and there is no material to show that maintenance and repairs have any nexus to commercial training or coaching. Likewise, the travelling expenses incurred by assessee for the business tours cannot be related to provision of commercial training or coaching. The High Cou
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￿ CENVAT credit of the service tax paid on catering, photography and tent services, maintenance and repair of its motor vehicle and travelling expenses. * Whether assessee is entitled to claim CENVAT credit of service tax paid on house-keeping and landscaping services availed to maintain their factory premises in an eco-friendly manner?Commr. of C. Ex., & S.T., LTU v. Rane TRW Steering Systems Ltd. 2015 (039) STR13 (Mad.)The High Court agreeing with and following the ratio laid down in the decision held that where an employer spends money to maintain their factory premises in an eco-friendly manner, the tax paid on such services would form part of the cost of the final products. Therefore, housekeeping and gardening services would fall within the ambit of input services and the assessee is entitled to claim the benefit of CENVAT credit on the same. CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt * In case the assessee pays the service tax that he was not liable to pay, can it claim the CENVAT credit of such service tax?CCEx. & S.T. v. Tamil Nadu Petro Products Ltd. 2015 (40) STR 878 (Mad.)The High Court held that if upon a misconception of the legal position, the assessee had paid the tax that it was not liable to pay and such assessee also happens to be an assessee entitled to CENVAT credit, the availing of the said benefit cannot be termed as illegal. 30 Is interest payable under rule 7(4) of the Central Excise Rules, 2002, if amount of differential duty is paid in full before final assessment order is passed?Ceat Limited v. CCE & C 2015 (317) ELT 192 (Bom.)The High Court held that if amount of differential duty is paid in full befor e the final assessment order is passed, provisions of rule 7(4) will not be applicable and henc e, the interest would not be payable. 31 Can export rebate claim be denied merely for non-production of original and duplicate copies of ARE-1 when evidence for export of goods is available?UM Cables Limited v. Union of India 2013 (293) ELT 641 (Bom.) The High Court, therefore, held that a procedure cannot be raised to the level of a mandatory requirement. Rule 18 itself makes a distinction between conditions and limitations subj ect to which a rebate can be granted and the procedure governing the grant of a r ebate. It was held by the High Court that while the conditions and limitations for the grant of rebate are mandatory, matters of procedure are directory. The High Court ruled that non-production of ARE-1 forms ipso facto cannot invalidate rebate claim. In such a case, exporter can demonstrate by cogent evidence that g oods were exported and duty paid and satisfy the requirements of rule 18 of Central Excise Rules, 2002 read with Notification No. 19/2004 CE (NT). 32 In case of export of goods under rule 18 of the Central Excise Rules, 2002, is it possible to claim rebate of duty paid on excisable goods as well rebate of duty paid on materials used in the manufacture or processing of such goods?Rajasthan Textile Mills v. UOI 2013 (298)E.L.T. 183 (Raj.) (Nov-15 Exam)Under rule 18 of the Central Excise Rules, 2002, grant of rebate of duty paid is available either on excisable goods or on materials used in the manufacture or processing of such goods i.e. on raw material. Thus, it is open to claim the benefit of rebate either on manufactured/finished goods or on raw material, but not on both. * Whether rule 18 of Central Excise Rules, 2002 (CER) allows export rebate of excise duty paid on both inputs as well as the final product manufactured from such inputs?Spentex Industries Ltd v. CCE 2015 (324) ELT 686 (SC) The “up
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e versa to give effect to the intention of the Legislature which is otherwise quite clear. The Apex Court held that the exporters/appellants are entitled to both the rebates under rule 18 and not one kind of rebate. * Can rebate under rule 18 of the Central Excise Rules, 2002, be claimed of the excise duty paid on the goods exported when the duty drawback of excise duty paid on inputs and service tax paid on inputs used in manufacture of such export goods has already been availed? Raghav Industries Ltd v. UOI 2016 (334) ELT 584 (Mad.)The High Court held that the Department had rightly rejected the rebate claim filed by the petitioner because when the petitioners had availed duty drawback with respect to the exported goods, they were not entitled for the rebate under rule 18 of the Central Excise Rules, 2002 as it would result in double benefit. 33 Whether time-limit under section 11A of the Central Excise Act, 1944 is applicable to recovery of dues under compounded levy scheme?Hans Steel Rolling Mill v. CCEx., Chandigarh 2011 (265) E.L.T. 321 (S.C.) The Supreme Court held that the time-limit under section 11A of the Central Excise Act, 1944 is not applicable to recovery of dues under compounded levy scheme. 34 In case the revenue authorities themselves have doubts about the dutiability of a product, can extended period of limitation be invoked alleging that assessee has suppressed the facts? Sanjay Industrial Corporation v. CCE 2015 (318) ELT 15 (SC)The Supreme Court held that since Revenue authorities themselves had the doubts relating to excisability of process of profile cutting, the bona fides of the appellant could not be doubted. Hence, extended period of limitation could not be invoked and penalty was set aside. 35 In a case where the assessee has been issued a show cause notice regarding confiscation, is it necessary that only when such SCN is adjudicated, can the SCN regarding recovery of dues and penalty be issued? Jay Kumar Lohani v. CCEx 2012 (28) S.T.R. 350 (M.P.)The High Court held that there was no legal provision requiring authorit ies to first adjudicate the notice issued regarding confiscation and, only thereafter, issue show cause notice for recovery of dues and penalty. 36 In a case where the manufacturer clandestinely removes the goods and stores them with a firm for further sales, can penalty under rule 25 of the Central Excise Rules, 2002 be imposed on such firm? CCEx. v. Balaji Trading Co. 2013 (290) E.L.T. 200 (Del.)The Department aggrieved by the said order filed an appeal with High Court wher ein it contended that rule 25(1)(c) of the Central Excise Rules, 2002 would be appl icable in the instant case. However, High Court concurred with the view of the Tri bunal and concluded that rule 25(1)(c) would have no application in the present case. 37 Can a decision pronounced in the open court in the presence of the advocate of the assessee, be deemed to be the service of the order to the assessee?Nanumal Glass Works v. CCEx. Kanpur, 2012 (284) E.L.T. 15 (All.)The High Court held that when a decision is pronounced in the open court in the presenc e of the advocate of the assessee, who is the authorized agent of the asses see within the meaning of section 37C, the date of pronouncement of order would be deemed to be the date of service of order. GENERAL PROCEDURES UNDER CENTRAL EXCISE EXPORT PROCEDURES DEMAND, ADJUDICATION AND OFFENCES CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt 38 Whether the amendment made by Finance Act, 2013 in section 37C(1)(a) of Central Excise Act,1944 to include speed post as an additional mode of delivery of notice is merely clarificatory in nature having retrospective effect or does it operate prospectively? Jay Balaji Jyoti Steels Limited v. CESTAT Kolkata 2015 (37) STR 673 (Ori.)The High Cou
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￿al amendment and hence, would have retrospective effect. 39 Whether filing of refund claim under section 11B of Central Excise Act, 1944 is required in case of suo motu availment of CENVAT credit which was reversed earlier (i.e., the debit in the CENVAT Account is not made towards any duty payment)? ICMC Corporation Ltd.v CESTAT, CHENNAI 2014 (302) E.L.T. 45 (Mad.)The High Court held that this process involves only an account entry r eversal and factually there is no outflow of funds from the assessee by way of payment of duty . Thus, filing of refund claim under section 11B of the Central Excise Act, 1944 is not require d. Further, it held that on a technical adjustment made, the question of unjust enrichment as a concept does not arise. 40Does the principle of unjust enrichment apply to State Undertakings? CCEx v. Superintending Engineer TNEB 2014 (300) E.L.T. 45 (Mad.) The High Court held that the concept of unjust enrichment is not applicable as far as State Undertakings are concerned and to the State. 41 If Revenue accepts judgment of the Commissioner (Appeals) on an issue for one period, can it be precluded to make an appeal on the same issue for another period?Commissioner of C. Ex., Mumbai-III v. Tikitar Industries, 2012 (277) E.L.T. 149 (S.C.)The Supreme Court held that since the Revenue had not questioned the correc tness or otherwise of the findings on the conclusion reached by the first appellate author ity, it might not be open for the Revenue to contend this issue further by issuing the impugned show cause notices on the same issue for further periods. 42 Can re-appreciation of evidence by CESTAT be considered to be rectification of mistake apparent on record under section 35C(2) of the Central Excise Act, 1944?CCE v. RDC Concrete (India) Pvt. Ltd. 2011 (270) E.L.T. 625 (S.C.)The Apex Court held that CESTAT had reconsidered its legal view as it concluded differently by accepting the arguments which it had rejected earlier. Hence, the Court opin ed that CESTAT exceeded its powers under section 35C(2) of the Act. In pursuance of a re ctification application, it cannot re-appreciate the evidence and reconsider its legal view taken earlier. 43 Can an appeal be filed before the Supreme Court against an order of the CESTAT relating to clandestine removal of manufactured goods and clandestine manufacture of goods?CCE v. Fact Paper Mills Private Limited 2014 (308) E.L.T. 442 (SC)The Supreme Court held that the appeals relating to clandestine removal of manufactured goods and clandestine manufacture of goods are not maintainable before the Apex Court under section 35L of the Central Excise Act, 1944. 44 In a case where an appeal against order-in- original of the adjudicating authority has been dismissed by the appellate authorities as time- barred, can a writ petition be filed to High Court against the order-in- original?Khanapur Taluka Co- op. Shipping Mills Ltd. v. CCEx. 2013 (292) E.L.T. 16 (Bom.)The High Court referred to the case of Raj Chemicals v. UOI 2013 (Bom.) whe rein it held that where the appeal filed against the order-in-original was dismissed as time-barr ed, the High Court in exercise of writ jurisdiction could neither direct the appe llate authority to condone the delay nor interfere with the order passed by the adjudicating authority. Co nsequently, it refused to entertain the writ petition in the instant case 45 Can the High Court condone the delay - beyond the statutory period of three months prescribed under section 35 of the Central Excise Act, 1944 - in filing an appeal before the Commissioner (Appeals)? Texcellence Overseas v. Union of India 2013 (293) ELT 496 (Guj.) The High Court opined that since the total length of delay was very small and the case had extremely good ground on merits to sustain, its non interference at that stage w ould cause gross injustice to the petitioner. Thus, the High Court, by invo king its extraordinary jurisdiction, quashed the order which held that refund was erroneously granted. The Hig h Court held that such powers are required to be exercised very sparingly and in extraordinary cir cumstances in appropriate cases, where otherwise the Court would fail in its duty i f such powers are not invoked. 46 Can delay in filing appeal to CESTAT for the reason that the person dealing with the case went on a foreign trip and on his return his mother expired, be condoned?Habib Agro Industries v. CCEx. 2013 (291) E.L.T. 321 (Kar.)The High Court observed that there did not appear to be any deliberate latc hes or neglect on the part of the authorised representative to file the appeal. It held that the reason for delay in filing appeal to CESTAT, that the person dealing with the case went on a for eign trip and on his return his mother expired, could not be considered as unreasonable for condo nation of delay. 47Does the Commissioner (Appeals) have the power to review his own order of predeposit? M/s Venus Rubbers v. The Additional Commissioner of Central Excise, Coimbatore 2014 (310) ELT 685 (Mad.)The High Court held that there is no provision of law under the Central Excise Act, 1944 which gives power to the Commissioner (Appeals) to review his order. However, such a power is available to the Tribunal under section 35C(2) of the Central Excise Act, 1944 to rectify any mistake apparent on the record. The High Court elaborated that when there is no power under the statute, the Commissioner (Appeals) has no authority to entertain the application for review of the order. REMISSION OF DUTY AND DESTRUCTION OF GOODS Refund APPEALS CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt * Can excise duty be remitted for the loss of molasses where the molasses were stored in an open pit instead of being stored in a steel storage tank?U.P. State Sugar Corporation Ltd. v. CCE 2016 (334) ELT 434 (All.)The High Court held that the assessee was duty bound to keep the molasses in the three tanks to their fullest capacity. Since assessee had not utilized the three tanks to the fullest capacity, the Tribunal had been justified in granting remission of only part of the quantity of the molasses and refusing to grant remission on the balance quantity which could have been stored in the steel tank. 48 Whether the manufacture and sale of specified goods, not physically bearing a brand name, from branded sale outlets would disentitle an assessee to avail the benefit of small scale exemption?CCEx vs. Australian Foods India (P) Ltd 2013 (287) ELT 385 (SC) The Supreme Court held that it is not necessary for goods to be stamped wi th a trade or brand name to be considered as branded goods for the purpose of SSI exemption. A scruti ny of the surrounding circumstances is not only permissible, but necessary to decipher the same; the most important of these factors being the specific outlet from which the good is sold. However, such factors would carry different hues in different scenarios. There can be no single formula to determine if a good is branded or not; such determination would vary from case to case. 49 Where clearances of a dubious company are clubbed with clearances of the original company, whether penalty can be imposed on such dubious company if all the clearances have been made by the original company? CCEx v Xenon 2013 (296) ELT 26 (Jhar.) The High Court held that when it had been established that dubious company did not undertake any transactions, penalty could not be levied on the same for t he transactions undertaken by the original company. The High Court emphasized that penalty could not be imposed upon the company who did not undertake any transaction. 50 Can the brand name of another firm in which the assessee is a partner, be considered as the brand name belonging to the assessee for the purpose of claiming SSI exemption?Commissioner v. Elex Knitting Machinery Co. 2010 (258) E.LT. A48 (P & H) The Tribunal, when the matter was brought before it, decided the case in favour of assessee and against the Revenue. It held that the appellant was eligible to c laim benefit of the SSI exemption as the proprietor of Elex Knitting Machinery Co. was one of the par tners in Elex E
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es of the goods of the two divisions of the assessee and that the assessee could not avail the SSI exemption. EXEMPTION BASED ON VALUE OF CLEARANCES (SSI) CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt 52 Where a circular issued under section 37B of the Central Excise Act, 1944 clarifies a classification issue, can a demand alleging misclassification be raised under section 11A of the Act for a period prior to the date of the said circular? S & S Power Switch Gear Ltd. v. CCEx. Chennai-II 2013 (294) ELT 18 (Mad.)The High Court, thus, held that once reclassification Notification/Cir cular is issued, the Revenue cannot invoke section 11A of the Act to make demand for a period prior to the date of said classification notification/circular. 53 (i) Where a settlement application filed under section 32E(1) of the Central Excise Act, 1944 ~he
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ipalities. Hence, when service tax is levied on the Municipality there is no violation of Article 289. Moreover, Municipality has also not raised the contention that ther e was a violation of Article 289. The High Court held that Municipality can pass on the burden of servic e tax to the tenants. NOTIFICATIONS, DEPARTMENTAL CLARIFICATIONS AND TRADE NOTICES SETTLEMENT COMMISSION SERVICE TAX - BASIC CONCEPTS OF SERVICE TAX CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt 57Whether the activity of running guest houses for the pilgrims is liable to service tax? Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati v. Superintendent of Customs, Central Excise, Service Tax 2013 (30) S.T.R. 27 (A.P.) The High Court observed that as per erstwhile section 65(105)(zzzzw) of the Finance Act, 1994, service provided to any person by a hotel, inn, guest house, club or c amp- site, by whatever name called, for providing of accommodation for a continuous period of less than three months is a taxable service. Therefore, the High Court held that since the petitioner was running guest houses by whatever name called, whether it was a shelt er for pilgrims or any other name, it was providing the taxable services and was thus liable to pay service tax. 58 Whether supply of food, edibles and beverages provided to the customers, employees and guests using canteen or guesthouse of the other person, results in outdoor caterer service? Indian Coffee Workers' Co- operative Society Limited v. CCE & ST 2014 (34) STR 546 (All.) (May-16 Exam) Based on the observation made above, the High Court held that the assessee w as liable for payment of service tax as an outdoor caterer. 59 Whether the course completion certificate/training offered by approved Flying Training Institute and Aircraft Engineering Institutes is recognized by law (for being eligible for exemption from service tax) if the course completion certificate/ training/ is only for the purpose of eligibility for obtaining ultimate licence/approval for certifying repair/maintenance/airworthiness of aircrafts? CCE & ST v. Garg Aviations Limited 2014 (35) STR 441(All.)The High Court upheld the decision of the Tribunal and held that the Revenue had not been able to persuade the Court to take a contrary view as taken by the Delhi High Court in Indian Institute of Aircraft Engineering. The appeal filed by the Revenue would not give rise to any substantial question of law. Hence, the appeal filed was dismissed and the assessee was held not to be liable to pay service tax. 60 Whether deputation of some staff to subsidiaries/ group of companies for stipulated work or for limited period results in supply of manpower service liable to service tax, even though the rection/ control/ supervision remained continuously with the provider of the staff and the actual cost incurred was reimbursed by the subsidiaries/group companies? Commissioner of Service Tax v. Arvind Mills Limited 2014 (35) S.T.R. 496 (Guj.)The High Court rejected the contention of the Revenue and held that deputation of the employees by the respondent to its group companies was only for and in the interest of the assessee. There is no relation of agency and client. The assessee company was not engaged in providing any services directly or indirectly in any manner for recruitment or supply of manpower temporarily or otherwise to a client. Therefore, they were not liable to pay service tax. 61 Whether section 66E(i) of the Finance Act, 1994 which levies service tax on the service portion of activity wherein goods being food or any other article for human consumption or any drink (whether or not intoxicating) is supplied in any manner as a part of activity, is ultra vires the Article 366(29A)(f) of the Constitution? Hotel East Park v. UOI 2014 (35) STR 433 (Chhatisgarh) The High court held that section 66E (i) of the Finance Act, 1994 is intra vires the Article 366(29A)(f) of the Constitution of India. Further, the High Court held that no VAT can be charged over the amount meant for service and that the amount over which service tax has been charged should not be subject to VAT. The High Court directed the State Government to frame such rules and issue clarifications to this effect to ensure that the customers are not doubly taxed over the same amount. The rules may be in conformity with the bifurcation as provided under the Finance Act, 1994 or ensure that the Commercial Tax authorities do not charge VAT on that part of the value of the food and drink on which service tax is being assessed. 62 Can a software be treated as goods and if so, whether its supply to a customer as per an "End User Licence Agreement" (EULA) would be treated as sale or service?Infotech Software Dealers Association (ISODA) v. Union of India 2010 (20) STR 289 (Mad.) The High Court held that though software is goods, the transaction may not amo unt to sale in all cases and it may vary depending upon the terms of EULA. 63 Whether service tax is chargeable on the buffer subsidy provided by the Government for storage of free sale sugar by the assessee?CCE v. Nahar Industrial Enterprises Ltd. 2010 (19) STR 166 (P & H) The High Court noted that apparently, service tax could be levied only if service of storage and warehousing was provided. Nobody can provide service to himself. In the inst ant case, the assessee stored the goods owned by him. After the expiry of storage period, he was free to sell them to the buyers of its own choice. He had stored goods in complian ce with the directions of the Government of India issued under the Sugar Development Fund Act, 1982. He had rece ived subsidy not on account of services rendered to Government of India, but had received compensation on account of loss of interest, cost of insurance etc. incurr ed on account of maintenance of stock. Hence, the High Court held the act of assessee c ould not be called as rendering of services. 64 A society, running renowned schools, allows other schools to use a specific name, its logo and motto and receives a non- refundable amount and annual fee as a consideration. Whether this amounts to a taxable service?Mayo College General Council v. CCEx. (Appeals) 2012 (28) STR 225 (Raj)The High Court held that when the petitioner permitted other schools to us e their name, logo as also
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￿ the input services were received by the appellant only after the calls w ere attended to. Further, the High Court also observed that one-to-one matching of input services with ex ported services was impossible since every phone call was export of taxable serv ice but the invoices in respect of the input-services were received only at regular intervals, viz . monthly or fortnightly etc. Thus, the High Court was of the view that in the very nature of things, and considering the peculiar features of the appellant's business, it was difficult to comply wi th the requirement ^p
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￿poses? CCus. & CEx. v. Sachin Malhotra 2015 (37) STR 684 (Uttarakhand)The High Court upheld the decision of the Tribunal wherein it was held that unless the control of the vehicle is made over to the hirer and he is given possession for howsoever short a period, which the contract contemplates, to deal with the vehicle, no doubt subject to the other terms of the contract; there would be norenting. 68 Whether tax is to be deducted at source under section 194J of the Income-tax Act, 1961 on the amount of service tax if it is paid separately and is not included in the fees for professional services/technical services?CIT v. Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure 2013 (31) STR 642 (Raj.)The High Court held that if as per the terms of the agreement between the payer and the payee, the amount of service tax is to be paid separately and is not included in the fees for professional services or technical services, the service tax component would not be subject to TDS under section 194J of the Income-tax Act, 1961. 69 Is it justified to recover service tax during search without passing appropriate assessment order?Chitra Builders Private Ltd. v. Addl. Commr. of CCEx. & ST 2013 (Mad.) The Court observed that it is a well settled position in law that no tax can be collected from the assessee, without an appropriate assessment order being passed by the authori ty concerned and by following the procedures established by law. However, in the present case, no such procedures had been followed. Further, although Department had stated that the said amoun t had been paid voluntarily by the petitioner in respect of its service t ax liability; it had failed to show that the petitioner was actually liable to pay service tax . Thus, the High Court elucidated that the amount collected by Department, from the petitioner, during the search conducted, could not be held to be valid in the eye of law, and directed the Department to return to the petitioner the sum of ` 2 crores, collected from it, during the s earch conducted. 70 Can extended period of limitation be invoked for mere contravention of statutory provisions without the intent to evade service tax being proved?Infinity Infotech Parks Ltd. v. UOI 2013 (31) STR 653 (Cal.)The High Court held that mere contravention of provision of Chapter V or rules framed thereunder does not enable the service tax authorities to invok e the extended period of limitation. The contravention necessarily has to be with the intent to evad e payment of service tax. 71 Would service tax collected but not deposited prior to 10.05.2013 be taken into consideration while calculating the amount of `50 lakh as contemplated by clause (ii) of section 89(1) of the Finance Act, 1994?Kandra Rameshbabu Naidu v. Superintendent (A.E.), S.T., Mumbai-II 2014 (34) S.T.R. 16 (Bom.)The High Court held that since the said offence is a continuing offence, entire amount of service tax outstanding [which is required to be deposited with the Central Government] as on 10.05.2013, would be taken into consideration while calculating the amount of ` 50 lakh as contemplated by section 89(1)(ii) of the Finance Act, 1994. DEMAND, ADJUDICATION AND OFFENCES EXEMPTIONS AND ABATEMENTS VALUATION OF EXCISABLE GOODS CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt 72 Whether best judgment assessment under section 72 of the Finance Act, 1994 is an ex- parte assessment procedure?N.B.C. Corporation Ltd. v. Commissioner of Service Tax 2014 (33) S.T.R. 113 (Del.) The High Court held that section 72 could per se not be considered as an ex parte assessment procedure as ordinarily understood under the Income-tax Act, 1961. Section 72 mand ates that the assessee must appear and must furnish books of account, documents and material t o the Central Excise Officer before he passes the best judgment assessment orde r. Thus, said order is not akin to an ex parte order. Such an order will be akin to an ex parte or der, when the assessee fails to produce records and the Central Excise Officer has t o proceed on other information or data which may be available. 73 Whether penalty is payable even if service tax and interest has been paid before issue of the show cause notice?CCE & ST v. Adecco Flexione Workforce Solutions Ltd. 2012 (26) S.T.R 3 (Kar) The Karnataka High Court held that the authorities had no authority to initiate procee dings for recovery of penalty under section 76 when the tax payer paid servic e tax along with interest for delayed payments promptly. As per section 73(3), no notice shall be served agai nst persons who had paid tax with interest; the authorities can initiate proceedings agai nst defaulters who had not paid tax and not to harass persons who had paid tax with interest on their own. If the notices were issued contrary to this section, the person who had issue d notice should be punishable and not the person to whom it was issued. 74 Can an amount paid under the mistaken belief that the service is liable to service tax when the same is actually exempt, be considered as service tax paid?CCE (A) v. KVR Construction 2012 (26) STR 195 (Kar.) (Nov 15 Exam) The High Court of Karnataka, distinguishing the landmark judgment by Supreme Court in the case of Mafatlal Industries v. UOI 1997 (89) E.L.T. 247 (S.C.) relating to refund of duty/tax, held that service tax paid mistakenly under construction service although ac tually exempt, is payment made without authority of law. Therefore, mere payment of amount would not make it Zse
￿
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￿the assessee. The High Cou
￿t opi
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k of authority to collect such service tax from the assessee, it w ould not give authority to the Department to retain such amount and validate it. Further, provisions of section 1 1B of the Central Excise Act, 1944 apply to a claim of refund of excise duty/servic e tax only, and could not be extended to any other amounts collected without authority of law. In vi ew of the above, the High Court held that refund of an amount mistakenly paid as service tax c ould not be rejected on ground of limitation under section 11B of the Central Excise Act, 1944. 75 In a case where the assessee has acted bona fide, can penalty be imposed for the delay in payment of service tax arising on account of confusion regarding tax liability and divergent views due to conflicting court decisions?Ankleshwar Taluka ONGC Land Loosers Travellers Co. OP. v. C.C.E., Surat-II 2013 (29) STR 352 (Guj.)The High Court held that even if the appellants were aware of the levy of ser vice tax and were not paying the amount on the ground of dispute with the ONGC, there could be no justification in levying the penalty in absence of any fraud, misrepresentation, collusi on or wilful mis- statement or suppression. Moreover, when the entire issue for levying o f the tax was debatable, that also would surely provide legitimate ground not to impose the penalty. 76 Whether the recipient of taxable service having borne the incidence of service tax is entitled to claim refund of excess service tax paid consequent upon the downward revision of charges already paid, and whether the question of unjust enrichment arises in such situation? CCus CEx & ST v. Indian Farmers Fertilizers Coop. Limited 2014 (35) STR 492 (All) The High Court upheld the decision of the CESTAT that since the burden of tax has been borne by the respondent as a service recipient, question of unjust enrichment will not arise as per section 11B of the Central Excise Act 1944 (as applicable to service tax under section 83 of Finance Act,1994).Further, the High Court held that once the finding of the adjudicating authority that the claim for refund was filed within the period of limitation was not challenged by the Revenue before the first appellate authority and CESTAT, Revenue could not assert to contrary and first time urge a point in an appeal before this Court which was not raised in grounds of appeal before authorities below. 77 Is rule 5(1) of the Service Tax (Determination of Value) Rules, 2006 ultra vires the Finance A
t, ￿￿ Ca
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it, mere failure to disclose certain facts unintentionally? Naresh Kumar & Co. Pvt. Ltd v. UOI 2014 (35) STR 506 (Cal.) The High Court held that in view of the clear exposition of law that the value of the diesel supplied free of cost by the service recipient cannot constitute taxable event, the authorities cannot place a contrary stand by placing reliance upon the provision which has been declared ultra vires (i.e. rule 5(1) of the Valuation Rules). The High Court held that non- disclosure of free supply of HSD did not constitute willful suppression as same was not a taxable event and thus, the invocation of extended period of limitation by the Revenue is unsustainable. * Can service tax be demanded by a speaking order without issuing a show cause notice but after issuing a letter and giving the assessee an opportunity to represent his case along with personal hearing?CCE v. Vijaya Consultants, Engineers and Consultants 2015 (040) STR 0232 (AP)he High Court held that by no stretch of imagination, the said letter could be treated as a show cause notice satisfying the requirement of section 73 of the Act. The High Court further held that the procedural requirement of issuance of notice and calling for explanation cannot be dispensed with as otherwise the demand of money in the name of tax would be in violation of the very procedure prescribed under the Act. The High Court thus, dismissed the appeal * Based on the contractual arrangement, can the assessee ask the Department to recover the tax dues from a third party or wait till the assessee recovers the same?Delhi Transport Corporation v. Commissioner Service Tax 2015 (038) STR 673 (Del.)The High Court held that undoubtedly, the service tax burden can be transferred by contractual arrangement to the other party. However, on account of such contractual arrangement, the assessee cannot ask the Revenue to recover the tax dues from a third party (the other party) or wait for discharge of the liability by the assessee till it has recovered the amount from its contractors (the other party). CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt * Whether the order served on a member of the family of the assessee, is a proper service of order?Jyoti Enterprises v. CCEx. & ST 2016 (41) STR 0019 (All.) The High Court observed that if the order is served on a member of the family of the assessee, it is duly served and there is sufficient service of the order. No assertion was made by the assessee that Virendra Yadav was not a family member or that he was not connected with the business. The assessee had nowhere stated that Virendra Yadav was not her nephew. Further, nothing has been stated that the address where the service of the original order was made was incorrect. The High Court held that the order in original was duly served upon the assessee. * Can the period of limitation be computed from the date of forwarding of the order where such order has not been received by the assessee?Enestee Engineering Pvt. Ltd. v. UOI 2016 (41) STR 0061 (Bom.)The High Court quashed and set aside both the orders - order of Commissioner (Appeals) and the order of Tribunal, and placed back the matter for fresh consideration before Commissioner (Appeals). 78 Can the Committee of Commissioners review its decision taken earlier under section 86(2A) of the Finance Act, 1994, at the instance of Chief Commissioner?C.C.E. & S.T. (LTU), Bangalore v. Dell Intl. Services India P. Ltd. 2014 (33) S.T.R. 362 (Kar.) The Karnataka High Court held that once the Committee of Commissioners, on a c areful examination of the order of the Commissioner (Appeals), did not differ in their opinion against the said order of the Commissioner (Appeals) and decide to accept the said order, the matter ends there. The said decision is final and binding on the Chief Commissio ner also. The Chief Commissioner is not vested with any power to call upon the Committee of Commissioners to review its order so that he could take decision to prefer an appeal . Such a procedure is not contemplated under law and is without jurisdiction. 79 Can the Commissioner (Appeals) remand back a case to the adjudicating authority under section 85 of the Finance Act, 1994? Commissioner of Service Tax v. Associated Hotels Ltd. 2015 (37) STR 723 (Guj.) The High Court observed that section 85(4) of the Finance Act, 1994 is worded widely and gives ample powers to the Commissioner while hearing and disposing of the appeals to pass such orders as he thinks fit including an order enhancing tax, interest or penalty. Such powers would, therefore, inherently contain the power to remand a proceeding for proper reasons to the adjudicating authority. Fu
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v ￿~￿ of the Finance Act, 1994, the limitation on power of Commissioner (Appeals) to remand a proceeding as contained in section 35A(3) of Central Excise Act, 1944 also applied to appeals under section 85 of Finance Act, 1994. This is so because, even though sub-section (5) of section 85 requires the Commissioner (Appeals) to follow the same procedure and exercise same powers in making orders under section 85, as he does while hearing the appeals under the Ce
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￿_. The High Court held that sub-section (4) of section 85 itself contains the width of the power of the Commissioner (Appeals) in hearing the proceedings of appeal under section 85. The scope of such powers flowing from sub-section (4), therefore, cannot be curtailed by any reference to sub-section (5) of section 85 of the Finance Act, 1994. The High Court, therefore, held that section 85(4) of the Finance Act, 1994 gives ample powers to the Commissioner (Appeals) while hearing and disposing of the appeals and such powers inherently contain the power to remand a proceeding for proper reasons to the adjudicating authority. 80 Whether the period of limitation or the period within which delay in filing an appeal can be condoned, specified in terms of months in a statute, means a calendar month or number of days? CCus & CEx. v. Ashok Kumar Tiwari 2015 (37) STR 727 (All.) The High Court opined that where the legislature intends to define the period of limitation with regard to the number of days, it does so specifically. Section 85 of the Finance Act, 1994 has defined the period of limitation as well as the power to condone the delay with regard to a stipulation in terms of months and such a stipulation
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￿, the day on which order was received by the assessee, i.e. 08.10.2011 had to be excluded while computing the period of limitation in view of section 9 of said Act**. Since the original period of limitation and the period within which delay could be condoned. In the given case, the Commissioner of Central Excise (Appeals) had the jurisdiction to condone the delay in filing of appeal by the assessee as the same had been filed within the stipulated time prescribed for the same. OTHER PROVISIONS CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt 81 Can an appeal filed in time but to the wrong authority be rejected by the appellate authority for being time barred?Chakiat Agencies v. UOI 2015 (37) STR 712 (Mad.) The High Court noted that the appeal had been preferred in time, but reached different wing of the same building. Since the appeal was received by the adjudicating officer who has passed the original order, he ought to have sent it to the other wing of the same building, but he had not done the same. Therefore, the order passed by the appellate authority cancelling the appeal on the ground that it was not received in time, could not be accepted. The High Court, further, referred to Andhra Pradesh High Court judgment in Radha Vinyl Pvt. Ltd. v. Commissioner of Income Tax and Another case where in similar circumstances it was held that although the appeal had been addressed to the wrong officer, Department could not deny the fact that the appeal was pending before it. Either the Department should have returned the appeal papers to the assessee to enable him to file appeal before the appropriate authority or should have handed over the appeal papers to the competent authority. Consequently, now the Department could not say that the appeal was not filed with the competent authority. In the light of the above discussion, the High Court directed the appellate authority to entertain the appeal of the assessee and to pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, after affording him an opportunity of being heard. 82 Are the clearance of goods from DTA to Special Economic Zone chargeable to export duty under the SEZ Act, 2005 or the Customs Act, 1962?Tirupati Udyog Ltd. v. UOI 2011 (272) E.L.T. 209 (A.P.) The High Court, on the basis of the following observations, inferred that the clearance of goods from DTA to Special Economic Zone is not liable to export duty ei ther under the SEZ Act, 2005 or under the Customs Act, 1962:- • A
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v the ambit of the charging section by clear words, he cannot be taxed at all. • “E) A
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￿ goods supplied by a DTA unit to a Unit in a Special Economic Zone for its authori sed operations. In the absence of a charging provision in the SEZ Act providing for the levy of cust oms duty on such goods, export duty cannot be levied on the DTA supplier by implication. • With
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vs ￿￿, 2(23) and 2(27) of the Customs Act, 1962 makes it clear that customs duty c an be levied only on goods imported into or exported beyond the territorial waters of India. Since both the SEZ unit and the DTA unit are located within the territorial waters of India, Se ction 12(1) of the Customs Act 1962 (which is the charging section for levy of customs duty) is not attracted for supplies made by a DTA unit to a unit located within the Special Economic Z one. 83 Would countervailing duty (CVD) on an imported product be exempted if the excise duty on a like article produced or manufactured in India is exempt?Aidek Tourism Services Pvt. Ltd. v. CCus. 2015 (318) ELT 3 (SC)Supreme Court held that rate of additional duty leviable under section 3(1) of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 would be only that which is payable under the Central Excise Act, 1944 on a like article. Therefore, the importer would be entitled to payment of concessional/ reduced or nil rate of countervailing duty if any notification is issued providing exemption/ remission of excise duty with respect to a like article if produced/ manufactured in India. 84 Whether remission of duty is permissible under section 23 of the Customs Act, 1962 when the remission application is filed after the expiry of the warehousing period (including extended warehousing period)?CCE v. Decorative Laminates (I) Pvt. Ltd. 2010 (257) E.L.T. 61 (Kar.)The High Court held that the circumstances made out under section 23 were not applicable to the present case since the destruction of the goods or loss of the goo ds had not occurred before the clearance for home consumption within the meaning of that section. When the goods are not cleared within the period or extended period as given by the author ities, their continuance in the warehouse will not permit the remission of duty under s ection 23 of the Act. * In case of import of crude oil, whether customs duty is payable on the basis of the quantity of oil shown in the bill of lading or on the actual quantity received into shore tanks in India?Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd v. CCus. 2015 (323) ELT 433 (SC)The “up
￿e
ue Cou
￿t set aside the T
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￿of crude oil actually received into a shore tank in a port in India should be the basis for payment of customs duty. 85 Where a classification (under a Customs Tariff head) is recognized by the Government in a notification at any point of time, can the same be made applicable in a previous classification in the absence of any conscious modification in the Tariff? Keihin Penalfa Ltd. v. Commissioner of Customs 2012 (278) E.L.T. 578 (S.C.) The Apex Court observed that the Central Government had issued an exemption notification dated 1-3-2002 and in the said notification it had classified the Electronic Automa tic Regulators under Chapter sub-heading 9032.89. Since the Revenue itself had classified the goods in dispute unde r Chapter sub- heading 9032.89 from 1-3- 2002, the said classification needs to be accepted for the period prior to it. The Supreme Court decided the case in favour of Revenue and against the assessee holding that the battery charger is not a part of the mobile/cell phone but an accessory to it, on the basis of the following observations: CUSTOM - BASIC CONCEPTS LEVY OF AND EXEMPTION FROM CUSTOMS DUTY CLASSIFICATION OF GOODS CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt (i) Had the charger been a part of cell phone, cell phone could not have been operated without using the battery charger. However, as a matter of fact, it is not required at the time of operation. Further, the battery in the cell phone can be charged directly from the other means also like laptop without employing the battery charger, implying thereby, that it is nothing but an accessory to the mobile phone. (ii) As per the information available on the website of the assessee, it had invariably put the mobile battery charger in the category of an accessory which means that in the common parlance also, the mobile battery charger is understood as an accessory. (iii) A particular model of Nokia make battery charger was compatible with many models of Nokia mobile phones and also many models of Nokia make battery chargers are compatible with a particular model of Nokia mobile phone, imparting various levels of effectiveness and convenience to the users. (iv) Rule 3(b) of the General Rules for Interpretation of the First Schedule of the Custo
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vg a composite package of cell phone and mobile battery charger will not make it composite goods for the purpose of interpretation of the provisions. Conclusion :- The Apex Court held that mobile battery charger is an accessory to mobile phone and not an integral part of it. Further, battery charger cannot be held to be a composite part of the cell phone, but is an independent product which can be sold separately without selling the cell phone. 87 (i) Will the description of the goods as per the documents submitted along with the Shipping Bill be a relevant criterion for the purpose of classification, if not otherwise disputed on the basis of any technical opinion or test? (ii) Whether a separate notice is required to be issued for payment of interest which is mandatory and automatically applies for recovery of excess drawback? M/s CPS Textiles P Ltd. v. Joint Secretary 2010 (255) ELT 228 (Mad.) The High Court held that the description of the goods as per the documents sub mitted along with the Shipping Bill would be a relevant criterion for the purpose of classification, if not otherwise disputed on the basis of any technical opinion or test. The petitioner could not plead that the exported goods should be classified under different headings contr ary to the description given in the invoice and the Shipping Bill which had been assessed and cleared for export. Further, the Court, while interpreting section 75A(2) of the Cust oms Act, 1962, noted that when the claimant is liable to pay the excess amount of drawback, he is liable to pay interest as well. The section provides for payment of interest automatic ally along with excess drawback. No notice for the payment of interest need be issued separately as t he payment of interest becomes automatic, once it is held that excess drawback has to be repaid. 88 Can the value of imported goods be increased if Department fails to provide to the importer, evidence of import of identical goods at higher prices?Gira Enterprises v. CCus. 2014 (307) E.L.T.209 (SC) (May-16 Exam) The Supreme Court held that mere existence of alleged computer printout was not proof of existence of comparable imports. Even if assumed that such printout did exist and c ontent thereof were true, such printout must have been supplied to the appellant and it should have been given reasonable opportunity to establish that the import transac tions were not comparable. Thus, in the given case, the value of imported goods could no t be enhanced on the basis of value of identical goods as Department was not able to provide e vidence of import of identical goods at higher prices. 89 Can the time-limit prescribed under section 48 of the Customs Act, 1962 for clearance of the goods within 30 days be read as time-limit for filing of bill of entry under section 46 of the Act?CCus v. Shreeji Overseas (India) Pvt. Ltd. 2013 (289) E.L.T. 401 (Guj.)The High Court however held that the time-limit prescribed under section 48 for clearance of the goods within 30 days cannot be read into section 46 and it cannot be inferred that section 46 prescribes any time- limit for filing of bill of entry. 90 Whether the issue of the imported goods warehoused in the premises of 100% EOU for manufacture/production/processi ng in 100% EOU would amount to clearance for home consumption?Paras Fab International v. CCE 2010 (256) E.L.T. ￿￿T
￿i. – LBThe Tribunal held that the entire premises of a 100% EOU has to be treated as a warehouse if the licence granted under to the unit is in respect of the entire premi ses. Imported goods warehoused in the premises of a 100% EOU (which is licensed as a Customs bonded warehouse) and used for the purpose of manufacturing in bond as authorized under sec tion 65 of the Customs Act, 1962, cannot be treated to have been removed for home cons umption. 91 Is the adjudicating authority required to supply to the assessee copies of the documents on which it proposes to place reliance for the purpose of requantification of short-levy of customs duty? Kemtech International Pvt. Ltd. v. CCus. 2013 (292) E.L.T. 321 (S.C.) The Apex Court elucidated that for the purpose of re- quantification of shor t-levy of customs duty, the adjudicating authority, following the principles of natural just ice, should supply to the assessee all the documents on which it proposed to place reliance. Thereafte r the assessee might furnish their explanation thereon and might provide additional evidence, in sup port of their claim. State of Punjab v. Nokia India Private Limited 2015 (315) ELT 162 (SC)Whether the mobile battery charger is classifiable as an accessory of the cell phone or as an integral part of the same? 86 VALUATION UNDER THE CUSTOMS ACT, 1962 IMPORTATION, EXPORTATION AND TRANSPORTATION OF GOODS WAREHOUSING DEMAND & APPEALS CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt 92 Can Tribunal condone the delay in filing of an application consequent to review by the Committee of Chief Commissioners if it is satisfied that there was sufficient cause for not presenting the application within the prescribed period?Thakker Shipping P. Ltd. v. Commissioner of Customs (General) 2012 (285) E.L.T. 321 (S.C.)The High Court ruled that the Tribunal was competent to invoke sectio n 129A(5) where an application under section 129D(4) had not been made within the prescribed time and cond one the delay in making such application if it was satisfied that there was suffi cient cause for not presenting it within that period. 93 Whether extended period of limitation for demand of customs duty can be invoked in a case where the assessee had sought a clarification about exemption from a wrong authority? Uniworth Textiles Ltd. vs. CCEx. 2013 (288) ELT 161 (SC)cThe Supreme Court held that mere non-payment of duties could not be equated wit h collusion or wilful misstatement or suppression of facts as then there would be no form o f non-payment which would amount to ordinary default. The Apex Court opined that something more mus t be shown to construe the acts of the assessee as fit for the applicabili ty of the proviso. 94 Can a writ petition be filed before a High Court which does not have territorial jurisdiction over the matter?Neeraj Jhanji v. CCE & Cus. 2014 (308) E.L.T. 3 (S.C.) The Supreme Court observed that the very filing of writ petition by the petitioner in Delhi High Court against the order in original passed by the Commissioner of Customs, Kanpur indicated that the petitioner had taken chance in approaching the High Court at Delhi which had no territorial jurisdiction in the matter. The filing of the writ petition before Delhi High Court was not at all bona fide. 95 Can delay in filing appeal to CESTAT due to the mistake of the counsel of the appellant, be condoned? Margara Industries Ltd. v. Commr. of C. Ex. & Cus. (Appeals) 2013 (293) E.L.T. 24 (All.)The High Court held that the Tribunal ought to have taken a lenient view in this matter as the appellant was not going to gain anything by not filing the appeal and the reason for delay in filing appeal as given by the appellant was the mistake of its counsel w ho had also filed his personal affidavit. CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt 96 Can a writ petition be filed against an order passed by the CESTAT under section 9C of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975?Rishiroop Polymers Pvt. Ltd. v. Designated Authority 2013 (294) E.L.T. 547 (Bom.)The High Court held that it would not be appropriate for it to exercise the jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution, since an alternate remedy by way of an appeal was available in accordance with law. The High Court thus, dismissed the petition leaving it open to the assessee to take recourse to the appellate remedy. 97 Can customs duty be demanded under section 28 and/or section 125(2) of the Customs Act, 1962 from a person dealing in smuggled goods when no such goods are seized from him?CCus. v Dinesh Chhajer 2014 (300) E.L.T. 498 (Kar.) (May-15 Exam) The High Court held that Tribunal was justified in holding that no duty i s leviable against the assessee as he is neither the importer nor the owner of the goods or was in possession of any goods. 98 Whether interest is liable to be paid on delayed refund of special CVD arising in pursuance of the exemption granted vide Notification No. 102/2007 Cus dated 14.09.2007?KSJ Metal Impex (P) Ltd. v. Under Secretary (Cus.) M.F. (D.R.) 2013 (294) ELT 211 (Mad.) The High Court held that : (i) It would be a misconception of the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 to state that notification issued under section 25 of the Customs Act, 1962 does not have any specific provision for interest on delayed payment of refund. (ii) When section 27 of the Customs Act, 1962 provides for refund of duty and se ction 27A of the Customs Act, 1962 provides for interest on delayed refunds, the Department can not override the said provisions by a Circular and deny the right which is gr anted by the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and CETA. (iii) Paragraph 4.3 of the Circular No. 6/2008 Cus. dated 28.04.2008 being contrary t o the statute has to be struck down as bad. 99 Is limitation period of one year applicable for claiming the refund of amount paid on account of wrong classification of the imported goods?Parimal Ray v. CCus. 2015 (318) ELT 379 (Cal.) The High Court observed that the provisions of section 27 apply only when there is over pa
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ase is that tunnel boring machines imported by it were not exigible to any duty, any sum paid into the exchequer by them was not duty or excess duty but simply money paid into the Government account. The Government could not have claimed or appropriated any part of this as duty or interest. Therefore, there was no question of refund of any duty by the Government. The money received by Government could more appropriately be called money paid by mistake by one person to another, which the other person is under obligation to repay under section 72 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872. A person to whom money has been paid by mistake by another person becomes at common law a trustee for that other person with an obligation to repay the sum received. This is the equitable principle on which section 72 of the Contract Act, 1872 has been enacted. Therefore, the person who is entitled to the money is the beneficiary or cesti qui trust*. When the said amount was paid by mistake by the petitioner to the Government of India, the latter instantly became a trustee to repay that amount to the petitioner. The obligation was a continuing obligation. When a wrong is continuing there is no limitation for instituting a suit complaining about it. The High Court, therefore, allowed the writ application and directed the respondents (Department) to refund the said sum to the petitioner. 100 Whether the benefit of exemption meant for imported goods can also be given to the smuggled goods?CCus. (Prev.), Mumbai v. M. Ambalal & Co. 2010 (260) E.L.T. 487 (SC) The Apex Court held that it would be contrary to the purpose of exemption notif ications to give the benefit meant for imported goods to smuggled goods. 101 Is it mandatory for the Revenue officers to make available the copies of the seized documents to the person from whose custody such documents were seized?Manish Lalit Kumar Bavishi v. Addl. DIR. General, DRI 2011 (272) E.L.T. 42 (Bom.) The High Court held that from the language of section 110(4), it was appa rent that the Customs officers were mandatorily required to make available the copies asked fo r. It was the party concerned who had the choice of either asking for the document or seeking extract, and not the officer. If any document was seized during the course of any action by an officer and relatable to the provisions of the Customs Act, that officer was boun d to make available copies of those documents. The denial by the Revenue to make the documents availab le was clearly an act without jurisdiction. The High Court directed the Revenue to make available the copies of the documents asked for by the assessee which were seized during the c ourse of the seizure action. 102 Whether the smuggled goods can be re- exported from the customs area without formally getting them released from confiscation?In Re: Hemal K. Shah 2012 (275) ELT 266 (GOI) The Government noted that the passenger had grossly mis-declared the goods with intention to evade duty and to smuggle the goods into India. As per the provisio ns of section 80 of the Customs Act, 1962 when the baggage of the passenger contains article which i s dutiable or prohibited and in respect of which the declaration is made under section 77, the proper officer on request of passenger can detain such article for the purpose of being returned to him on his leaving India. Since passenger neither made true declaration nor request ed for detention of goods for re-export, before customs authorities at the time of his arri val at airport, the re- export of said goods could not be allowed under section 80 of the Cust oms Act. PROVISION RELATING TO ILLEGAL IMPORT, EXPORT CONFISCATION, PENALTY AND ALLI ED PROVISION REFUND CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com No. Matter Parties & CourtDecision Summary of ALL Case Laws including RTP Case Law on IDT for Nov 2016 CA Final Attempt 103 Can penalty for short-landing of goods be imposed on the steamer agent of a vessel if he files the Import General Manifest, deals with the goods at different stages of shipment and conducts all affairs in compliance with the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962?Caravel Logistics Pvt. Ltd. v. Joint Secretary (RA) 2013 (293) ELT 342 (Mad.) (Nov-15 Exam) The High Court held that conjoint reading of sections 2(31), 116 and 148 of Cus toms Act, 1962 makes it clear that in case of short-landing of goods, if penalty is to be imposed on person-in- charge of conveyance/vessel, it can also be imposed on the agent appointed by him. Hence, duly appointed steamer agent of a vessel, would be liable to penalty. Ho wever, steamer agent, if innocent, could work out his remedy against the shipper for short-land ing. The High Court also clarified that in view of section 42 under which no conveyance can leave without written order, there is an automatic penalty for not accounting of goods whic h have been shown as loaded on vessel in terms of Import General Manifest. There is no re quirement of proving mens rea on part of person-in- charge of conveyance to fall within the misc hief of section 116 of the Customs Act. 104 Where goods have been ordered to be released provisionally under section 110A of the Customs Act, 1962, can release of goods be claimed under section 110(2) of the Customs Act, 1962?Akanksha Syntex (P) Ltd. v Union of India 2014 (300) E.L.T. 49 (P & H)The remedy of provisional release is independent of remedy of claiming un conditional release in the absence of issuance of any valid show cause notice during the period of limitation or extended limitation prescribed under section 110(2) of the Customs Act, 1962. 105 Whether mere dispatch of a notice under section 124(a) would imply that the notice
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val date. Consequently, the Department was directed to release the goods seized. * In case of seizure of goods under section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962, can the show cause notice [required to be issued under section 124(a) within six months of seizure] be issued to the Customs House Agent [now Custom Broker] of the importer instead of importer himself? Santosh Handlooms v. CCus. 2016 (331) ELT 44 (Del.)The High Court held that the show cause notice served on CHA [now Custom Broker] is not tenable in law. 106 In case of a Settlement Commission's order, can the assessee be permitted to accept what is favourable to them and reject what is not?Sanghvi Reconditioners Pvt. Ltd. V. UOI 2010 (251) ELT 3 (SC) The Apex Court held that the application under section 127B of the Customs A ct, 1962 is maintainable only if the duty liability is disclosed. The disclosure co ntemplated is in the nature of voluntary disclosure of concealed additional customs duty. The Court furthe r opined that having opted to get their customs duty liability settled by the Sett lement Commission, the appellant could not be permitted to dissect the Settlement Commission's order with a view to accept what is favourable to them and reject what is not. 107 Is judicial review of the order of the Settlement Commission by the High Court or Supreme Court under writ petition/special leave petition, permissible?Saurashtra Cement Ltd. v. CCus. 2013 (292) E.L.T. 486 (Guj.)The Cou
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vt Commission is very narrow, i.e. judicial review is concerned w ith the decision- making process and not with the decision of the Settlement Commission. 108 Does the Settlement Commission have jurisdiction to settle cases relating to the recovery of drawback erroneously paid by the Revenue?Union of India v. Cus. & C. Ex. Settlement Commission 2010 (258) ELT 476 (Bom.)The High Court concluded that the duty drawback or claim for duty drawback i s nothing but a claim for refund of duty as per the statutory scheme framed by the Government of Ind ia or in exercise of statutory powers under the provisions of the Act. Thus, t he High Court held that the Settlement Commission has jurisdiction to deal with the question relating to the recovery of drawback erroneously paid by the Revenue. 109 Whether any interest is payable on delayed refund of sale proceeds of auction of seized goods after adjustment of expenses and charges in terms of section 150 of the Customs Act, 1962?Vishnu M Harlalka v. Union of India 2013 (294) ELT 5 (Bom) (Nov-15 Exam) The High Court held that Department cannot plead that the Customs Act, 1962 provides for the payment of interest only in respect of refund of duty and interest and hence, the assessee would not be entitled to interest on the balance of the sale proceeds whi ch were directed to be paid by the Settlement Commission. The High Court clarified that acceptance of such a submission would mean that despite an order of the competent authority di recting the Department to grant a refund, the Department can wait for an inordinately long period to grant the refund. The High Court directed the Department to pay interest from the date of approval of proposal for sanctioning the refund. 110 Can a former director of a company be held liable for the recovery of the customs dues of such company?Anita Grover v. CCEx. 2013 (288) E.L.T. 63 (Del.) The Court held that since the company was not being wound up, the juristic personality the company and its former director would certainly be separate and the dues recoverable from the former could not, in the absence of a statutory provision, be recovere d from the latter. There was no provision in the Customs Act, 1962 corresponding to sectio n 179 of the Income- tax Act, 1961 or section 18 of the Central Sales Tax, 1956 (refer note below ) which might enable the Revenue authorities to proceed against directors of compan ies who were not the defaulters. SETTLEMENT COMMISSION MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS CA Sagar Doshi Email: sagar.d0508@gmail.com