2023 (12) TMI 1238 - AT - Central Excise

Tribunal Overturns Rs. 62L Central Excise Duty on Scrap Sale; Rules Cenvat Credit Inapplicable for Unclaimed Machinery.

M/s Steel Authority of India Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Central Excise & S. Tax, Jamshedpur

M/s Steel Authority of India Ltd. Versus Commissioner of Central Excise & S. Tax, Jamshedpur - TMI Issues involved:The appeal against the Order-in-Original confirming Central Excise duty demand. Interpretation of Rule 3(5) and Rule 3(5A) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004 regarding payment of duty on cleared scrap goods.Issue 1: Central Excise duty demand confirmationThe Appellant, a Government of India Undertaking, sold old machineries through auction and was demanded Central Excise duty of Rs. 62,49,180. The Commissioner confirmed the duty demand but dropped other demands proposed in the show cause notice. The Appellant contended that no Cenvat credit was availed on the old machineries, therefore, Rule 3(5A) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, which deals with duty on cleared scrap goods, was not applicable. The Appellant challenged the Commissioner's interpretation of the rules.Issue 2: Interpretation of Rule 3(5) and Rule 3(5A) of the Cenvat Credit RulesThe Appellant argued that Rule 3(5) and Rule 3(5A) of the Cenvat Credit Rules pertain to capital goods on which Cenvat credit has been taken. They pointed out that Instructions issued by the Board clarified that Rule 3(5A) is applicable only to capital goods on which Cenvat credit has been taken and cleared as waste and scrap. Since no credit was availed on the old machineries cleared as scrap, the Appellant contended that the duty demand based on Rule 3(5A) was incorrect. The Tribunal agreed with the Appellant's interpretation, holding that the duty demand was not sustainable as Rule 3(5) and Rule 3(5A) were not applicable in this case. Consequently, the Tribunal set aside the impugned order and allowed the appeal.Separate Judgement by Judges:No separate judgment was delivered by the judges in this case.