Tribunal rules moisture content not part of assessable value for lead scrap. No intent to evade duty.

EXIDE INDUSTRIES LTD. Versus COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, CHENNAI

EXIDE INDUSTRIES LTD. Versus COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, CHENNAI - 2004 (164) E.L.T. 46 (Tri. - Chennai) Issues:
1. Whether the moisture content should be added to the assessable value of waste and scrap of lead.
2. Whether the penalty amount under Section 11AC should be reduced.
3. Whether the Tribunal's judgment in a similar case is applicable to the present case.

Analysis:
1. The main issue in this case was whether the moisture content should be included in the assessable value of waste and scrap of lead. The Commissioner had ruled in favor of adding the moisture content to the assessable value, which was contested by the party. The party argued that moisture should not be considered goods and, therefore, should not be added to the value. The Tribunal agreed with the party, citing a previous judgment where it was held that certain contents need not be added to the assessable value. Consequently, the Tribunal allowed the party's appeal, stating that the moisture content cannot be considered goods in this context.

2. Another issue raised was regarding the penalty amount under Section 11AC. The party contended that they had no intention to evade duty and, therefore, the penalty should not be enhanced. The Tribunal agreed with the party's argument and ruled that the penalty was not imposable as the party had a strong case on merits. The Tribunal dismissed the Revenue's appeal and clarified that the duty paid on gunny bags was not disputed.

3. The Tribunal considered the applicability of a previous judgment in a similar case involving Indian Aluminium Company Ltd. The party's counsel referenced this judgment to support their argument that certain contents should not be added to the assessable value. The Tribunal agreed with the counsel's submission and applied the principles established in the previous case to the present matter. As a result, the Tribunal set aside the Commissioner's order, allowed the party's appeal, and dismissed the Revenue's appeal, emphasizing that the duty paid on gunny bags was not in dispute and would be retained as per the order.

In conclusion, the Tribunal ruled in favor of the party, holding that the moisture content should not be added to the assessable value of waste and scrap of lead. The Tribunal also decided that the penalty amount should not be enhanced, as the party had no intention to evade duty. The judgment in a similar case was considered and applied to support the Tribunal's decision.