CESTAT allowed the appellant's appeal, finding that denial of...

CESTAT allowed the appellant's appeal, finding that denial of CENVAT credit was improper. The tribunal determined that non-filing of ST-3 returns was not intentional but resulted from technical issues beyond the appellant's control, specifically delayed provision of login credentials by the department. The adjudicating authority and appellate commissioner erroneously disallowed CENVAT credit without properly considering the appellant's circumstances. The tribunal emphasized that statutory CENVAT credit benefits cannot be withdrawn merely due to procedural non-compliance when the failure was not willful. The show cause notice was deemed deficient as it failed to quantify the service tax amount, further supporting the appellant's position.