CESTAT determined appellant's entitlement to 12% per annum...

CESTAT determined appellant's entitlement to 12% per annum interest on refund amounts deposited during investigation, overruling Commissioner (Appeals) order of 6%. The ruling aligned with established precedents from multiple High Courts, particularly the jurisdictional High Court decisions that consistently awarded 12% interest in similar refund cases. The Original Authority was directed to recalculate interest at 12% instead of 6%. This determination reflects the standardized approach to interest computation on investigative deposits when refunded, ensuring consistency with judicial precedent. The appeal succeeded, establishing appellant's right to the higher interest rate on their deposited funds.

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