Circular dated 06.04.2016 held prospective; retrospective duty demands quashed; Rule 26(1) penalty set aside; interest and penalties quashed

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....CESTAT held that the Board's 06.04.2016 circular is prospective and cannot be applied retrospectively; consequent demands of central excise duty based on retrospective application are unsustainable and are set aside. Products manufactured by the appellants were reclassified: certain micronutrient/bio-fertiliser products under CETH 3105/3101 and Plant Growth Regulators under CETH 3808 as per essential-character analysis; specific findings upheld for the impugned products. Demands of interest and penalties arising from the unsustainable duty demands were quashed. Personal penalty under Rule 26(1), CEX Rules, 2002 against the managing director was set aside for lack of mens rea. Deposits paid under protest are refundable subject to adjudication on unjust enrichment. Appeal disposed of.....