The case pertains to the interpretation of amended provisions of...

The case pertains to the interpretation of amended provisions of Sections 35F and 35FF of the Central Excise Act, 1944, regarding eligibility for interest on pre-deposit amounts. The appellant had deposited the entire pre-deposit amount on specific dates in 2015, after the commencement of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2014, on 06.08.2014. The proviso to Section 35F categorizes pre-deposit amounts into two categories: (i) deposited prior to 06.08.2014 and (ii) deposited post 06.08.2014. For amounts deposited post 06.08.2014, the amended Section 35FF applies, while for amounts deposited prior to 06.08.2014, the erstwhile Section 35FF applies. The settled principle of statutory interpretation requires interpreting the statute in accordance with the words used. The CBEC circular clarified that where an appeal is decided in favor of the assessee, they shall be entitled to a refund of the deposited amount along with interest from the date of deposit to the date of refund u/s 35FF. The Tribunal held that since the circular was issued without qualification, subordinate authorities cannot introduce qualifications, and allowed the appeal.

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