Tribunal allows Cenvat credit for valid input services but denies for non-compliant ones. Remand for further verification.

The Tribunal upheld Cenvat credit for valid input services such as event management related to business activities but denied credit for services like convention and agency commission not meeting Cenvat statute provisions. The matter was remanded for further verification on specific issues, and the appeals were disposed of accordingly.

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Issues involved:
Disputed availment of Cenvat credit on various taxable services during 2008-09 to 2014-15, objections raised by the department regarding nexus between disputed services and output services, non-compliance with Cenvat statute provisions, denial of Cenvat benefit on certain services like event management, convention, courier charges, agency commission, and sponsorship service, procedural lapses in availing Cenvat credit, and the appellant's appeal against the adjudication orders.

Analysis:
The appellant, engaged in asset and portfolio management services, availed Cenvat credit on various taxable services during 2008-09 to 2014-15. The department objected to the credit claiming lack of nexus with output services and non-compliance with Cenvat statute provisions. The appellant argued that disputed services align with the definition of input services under Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004, and submitted explanations for procedural lapses in credit utilization.

The Tribunal examined the disputed services individually. Event management services for distributor and investor training were considered valid input services, justifying the Cenvat credit. However, convention services for hotel accommodation, diwali celebrations, courier charges, and agency commission for IPL/movies tickets were deemed ineligible for Cenvat benefit due to non-alignment with Cenvat statute provisions.

The Tribunal also addressed specific issues raised by the department. Regarding invoices lacking service tax numbers, the appellant rectified the defects, and the Tribunal remanded the matter for further verification. The allegation of availing Cenvat credit twice was dismissed as the services were distinct, and credit utilization for subsequent months' tax liabilities was remanded for verification. The Tribunal also remanded the examination of car hire charges and payment of arrears for compliance with input service definition and proper credit availing.

In conclusion, the Tribunal upheld Cenvat credit for valid input services like event management related to business activities but denied credit for services like convention and agency commission not meeting Cenvat statute provisions. The matter was remanded for further verification on specific issues, and the appeals were disposed of accordingly.

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