2023 (12) TMI 1324 - AT - Central Excise

Refund allowed on export of scientific consultancy services under Rule 5 of Cenvat Credit Rules 2004

CESTAT Ahmedabad allowed the appeal regarding refund on export of scientific and consultancy services received from two companies for manufacture of final ... Refund on export of scientific and consultancy service received from M/s. SPIL and M/s. SPARC for manufacture of final product under Rule 5 of Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004 read with Notification No. 27/2017-CE (NT) dated 18.06.2012 - HELD THAT:- It is found that in respect of same input service in the same set of facts, in the appellant’s own case refund was allowed by this Tribunal in Pushpendra Kumar Jain and Unimed Technologies Ltd Versus C.C.E. & S.T. -Vadodara-II [2020 (1) TMI 996 - CESTAT AHMEDABAD], where it was held that 'it cannot be correct to say that the service provided by the SPIL was not used by the appellant. The revenue’s argument is that the entire service was provided on the date of invoice is totally fallacious and illogical. Thus, we hold that the appellants received and consumed the service while they were participating in the development of technology by supervising and monitoring the same.' From the above decision in the appellant’s own case it can be seen that the issue in the present case and the case cited above is identical. In view of above decision the issue in hand stands settled and the issue is no longer res-integra. Accordingly, following the above decision of this Tribunal in the present case impugned orders are not sustainable. Hence the same are set aside. Appeal allowed. Issues involved: The issue involved in the present case is whether the appellant is entitled to a refund on the export of scientific and consultancy services received from M/s. SPIL and M/s. SPARC for the manufacture of the final product under Rule 5 of Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004 read with Notification No. 27/2017-CE (NT) dated 18.06.2012 issued thereunder.Judgment Details:Issue 1: Entitlement for Refund on Export of ServicesThe appellant, represented by Shri A.B Nawal, argued that a similar issue in the appellant's own case had been settled by the Tribunal previously, where a refund was allowed for the same input service. The Revenue, represented by Shri Rajesh Nathan, reiterated the findings of the impugned order. The Tribunal noted that in the appellant's previous case, a refund was allowed for the same input service, as the service was exported after being received and used by the appellant. The Tribunal referred to the agreement between the parties, highlighting the appellant's right of supervision and monitoring during the development of technology by the service providers. It was concluded that the services were indeed used by the appellant, as evidenced by their active involvement in the supervision and monitoring of the service development. Therefore, the Tribunal held that the appellant was entitled to avail the credit of the service tax paid by SPIL & SPARC, and the appeal was allowed accordingly.Issue 2: Application of Cenvat Credit RulesThe Tribunal analyzed the agreement between the appellant and the service providers, noting the appellant's active role in supervising and monitoring the development of technology. It was observed that the service was not provided and consumed on the same day, as argued by the Revenue, but rather over a specific time duration during which the appellant actively participated in the service development. The Tribunal rejected the Revenue's argument that the service was not used by the appellant and was exported without any consumption. It was held that the services provided by SPIL and SPARC were indeed used by the appellant through their supervision and monitoring activities, making them eligible for the Cenvat Credit. The Tribunal referred to its previous decision in a similar case involving the appellant, where the issue was settled in favor of the appellant, reinforcing the decision in the present case.Conclusion:The Tribunal allowed the appeals, setting aside the impugned orders and granting consequential relief to the appellant in accordance with the law. The judgment was pronounced in the open court on 15.12.2023.