Interest on refund of amount deposited during investigation,...

Interest on refund of amount deposited during investigation, prior to show cause notice issuance, must be paid from date of deposit till refund. Section 11B and 11BB of Central Excise Act inapplicable. Appellant entitled to interest as per Article 300A of Constitution, not being deprived of property without authority of law. Rate of interest 12% per annum appropriate as per precedent. Appeal allowed, directing refund of amount with interest at 12% per annum from date of deposit till date of refund.