Commissioner of Central Excise. v. Motorola India Pvt. Ltd.
2006-07-19
JAWAD RAHIM, R.GURURAJAN
body2006
DigiLaw.ai
JUDGMENT 1. Revenue is before us aggrieved by the order dated 1-9-2005 passed in appeal No. E/83/2004 by the Customs Excise Service Tax Appellate Tribunal, Bangalore. 2. The respondent-assesses by mistake debited an amount of Rs. 1,58,099/- in excess of the duty payable in their PLA/CENVAT account for the month of March 2001. The same was brought to the notice of the Department by the respondent in terms of a letter dated 12-6-2001. The authorities directed the respondent to file a refund claim. Another letter was submitted by the assessee stating therein that there was an error committed in the matter. Subsequently, a refund application was also filed by the assessee. Claim was rejected on the ground of lapse of time by the Assistant Commissioner. The same was confirmed by the Appellate Commissioner. Aggrieved by the same, the assessee moved the Tribunal. The Tribunal accepted the case of the assessee. It is in these circumstances, the Revenue is before us. 3. Heard Shri Bhaskar, learned Counsel appearing for the Revenue and Smt. Padmini Sudaram, learned Counsel appearing for the assessee. Perused the order of the Tribunal. 4. The Tribunal, after noticing the material facts has chosen to allow the claim on the basis that the amount paid by mistake cannot be termed as duty in the case on hand. The Tribunal also stated that the time bar does not apply in such cases. Somewhat in similar circumstances, the Apex Court in India Cements Ltd. Vs. Collector of Central Excise, AIR 1989 SC 1496 has chosen to accept the case of the assessee. The Madras High Court subsequently noticing the Judgment of the Supreme Court has also chosen to hold that the claim is reasonable on the facts of this case. In the light of the case laws, we are of the view that the order of the Tribunal does not require any interference by us. No question of law arises. The order based on the law laid down by the Apex Court. No grounds. Appeal stands rejected without being admitted.