Pre-deposit waiver in disputed interest matter was refused, with appeal restored only on partial deposit and compliance conditions.

Complete waiver of pre-deposit for disputed interest was declined where the appellant alleged an arithmetical error in the quantified demand but did not plead financial hardship. The Tribunal restored the appeal on COD clearance, but granted only partial interim relief by directing a substantial pre-deposit of Rs. 80 lakhs and waiving the balance during the pendency of the appeal, subject to compliance.

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Issues: Whether the appellant was entitled to complete waiver of pre-deposit of the disputed interest amount and restoration of the appeal.

Analysis: The appeal was restored on the basis of COD clearance. On the request for total waiver of pre-deposit, the Tribunal noted the appellant's submission regarding arithmetical error in the quantified interest, but also noted that no financial hardship was pleaded. In these circumstances, complete waiver was declined and only partial relief was considered appropriate.

Conclusion: Complete waiver of pre-deposit was rejected. The appellant was directed to predeposit Rs. 80 lakhs, and the balance amount stood waived during the pendency of the appeal subject to compliance.

Final Conclusion: The appeal was restored, but interim relief was granted only in part by requiring a substantial predeposit before the appeal could proceed.

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