Penalty Waived for Co-Noticees When Main Demand Case Settled Under SVLDRS, 2019 Scheme Precedent Established

CESTAT Ahmedabad allowed an appeal against penalty, ruling that when the main demand case is settled under SVLDRS, 2019, penalty on co-noticees cannot be sustained. Following Division Bench precedent, the Tribunal set aside the penalty, distinguishing prior single-member judgments and upholding the appellant's contention of penalty waiver.

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The Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT Ahmedabad), through Hon'ble Member (Judicial) Mr. Ramesh Nair, heard an appeal seeking waiver of penalty imposed under Rule 26 related to a demand confirmed against Vraj Packaging Pvt Ltd. The appellant contended that since the main demand case was settled under SVLDRS, 2019, as per this Tribunal's prior order (Order No. A/11013/2021), co-noticees should not be liable for penalty, relying on the Division Bench judgment in Shri Paresh B Patel (Final Order No.12569/2024). The Revenue reiterated the impugned order's findings.The Tribunal, after considering submissions and relevant precedents, held that "in case the main party's case, where the demand has been confirmed, is settled under SVLDRS, 2019, penalty on the co-noticee will not sustain," following the Division Bench ruling in M/S. SIEMENS LTD. The Tribunal distinguished the Revenue's reliance on a Single Member judgment, as the Division Bench decision prevails.Accordingly, the penalty was set aside and the appeal allowed.

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