Binding precedent on identical exemption issue governs later proceedings and defeats denial of excise exemption benefit.

A manufacturer's entitlement to exemption under Notifications No. 217/86-C.E. and 281/86 was held to follow the Supreme Court's prior ruling in the assessee's own case on the identical issue. The Tribunal treated that binding decision as governing subsequent proceedings and noted that the contrary Larger Bench view had already been considered and distinguished by the Supreme Court. On that basis, the denial of exemption could not be sustained, and the impugned order was set aside in favour of the assessee.

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Issues: Whether the assessee was entitled to exemption under Notification No. 217/86-C.E. dated 01.03.1986 and Notification No. 281/86 dated 24.04.1986 in respect of the goods manufactured in its factory workshop.

Analysis: The entitlement to the notifications had already been decided in the assessee's own case by the Supreme Court. The Tribunal treated that decision as governing the same issue and noted that the contrary Larger Bench view had already been considered and distinguished by the Supreme Court. On that basis, the impugned denial of exemption could not be sustained.

Conclusion: The assessee was entitled to the exemption notifications and the denial of benefit was unsustainable.

Final Conclusion: The impugned order was set aside and the appeal was allowed in favour of the assessee on the strength of the Supreme Court's ruling in the identical matter.

Ratio Decidendi: Where the same exemption issue has already been conclusively decided in the assessee's own case, that binding ruling governs subsequent proceedings on the identical question.

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