CESTAT adjudicated a case involving clandestine manufacture and...

CESTAT adjudicated a case involving clandestine manufacture and removal of goods, finding critical evidentiary deficiencies. The tribunal invalidated electronic evidence from CDs and pen drives due to non-compliance with Section 36B of the Central Excise Act, 1944. Without mandatory certification and corroborative evidence, the department's case collapsed. The tribunal set aside the confirmed duty demands, interest, and penalties against the company. Additionally, the penalty imposed on the company's director was quashed due to lack of substantive evidence. The appeal was ultimately allowed, emphasizing strict procedural requirements for electronic evidence in tax proceedings.