2000 (6) TMI 510 - AT - Customs

Tribunal decision: Appeals allowed, refunds set aside. Recalculation directed.

The Tribunal allowed Appeal No. 127/96 entirely and partially allowed Appeal No. 128/96. It set aside the demand related to erroneously granted refunds, ... Demand - Erroneous refund - Limitation Issues:Classification of block boards under Heading 4410.90 or 4408, validity of refund granted, recovery of erroneously granted refund, demand of duty for different periods, benefit of duty deduction and Modvat credit.Classification Dispute:The appellants claimed the classification of block boards under Heading 4410.90, while the Revenue argued for classification under Heading 4408. Previous Tribunal orders upheld appellants' contention. Refund applications were filed by the appellants, which were granted without any appeal by the Revenue. Subsequently, the Revenue filed appeals, leading to a Supreme Court judgment reversing the Tribunal's decision.Recovery of Erroneously Granted Refund:Show cause notices were issued by the Revenue post the Supreme Court judgment, alleging the refund granted earlier was erroneous. The Asstt. Commissioner confirmed the demand of duty short levied and the quantum of refund as erroneous. The appeals against this order failed before the Commissioner (Appeals), leading to appeals before the Tribunal.Legal Position and Precedents:The Tribunal analyzed the legal position based on previous judgments, notably the case of National Plywood Industries Ltd. The Tribunal held that once a refund is granted, provisional assessments stand finalized. Recovery of an alleged erroneous refund is governed by Section 11A of the Act, requiring a show cause notice within six months from the date of refund. The Tribunal referred to Board Circulars and upheld the appellants' position based on established legal principles and precedents.Confirmation of Demand and Benefit of Duty Deduction:While the Tribunal confirmed the demand of duty for a specific period, it directed a re-calculation considering the benefit of duty deduction and Modvat credit as allowed in previous cases. The Tribunal's decision was based on the principles established in various judgments and legal provisions.Conclusion:The Tribunal allowed Appeal No. 127/96 in toto and partially allowed Appeal No. 128/96, setting aside the demand based on erroneously granted refunds and directing a re-calculation considering the benefit of duty deduction and Modvat credit. The judgment was rendered after a thorough analysis of legal provisions, precedents, and factual circumstances.