2023 (6) TMI 470 - CESTAT CHANDIGARH

Invocation of Extended period of Limitation - quantum of duty confirmed - penalty imposed - Business Auxiliary Service - non-payment of service tax - HELD THAT:- The appellants have deposited the applicable service tax and in case of Lakshay International, 25% of the penalty was also deposited - the authorities below have accepted the contention of the appellants regarding the non-applicability of service tax to the appellants before 18.04.2006. While the appellant’s claim that the extended period is not invokable as the issue involves interpretation of law, the claim of the Revenue is that the appellants having not registered themselves; having not paid applicable service tax have suppressed material facts before the Department.

The appellants are not contesting the applicability of service tax to them. However, they dispute the invocation of extended period; quantum of duty confirmed and penalty imposed. Under these circumstances and in view of the facts of the case, it is found that the extended period is rightly invoked relying on M/S VIDARBHA CRICKET ASSOCIATION VERSUS COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE [2014 (1) TMI 204 - CESTAT MUMBAI (LB)] and SHREE GURUKRUPA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY VERSUS COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE & ST, RAJKOT [2019 (8) TMI 323 - CESTAT AHMEDABAD] - Coming to the quantification of the duty, it is found that the appellants have produced Chartered Accountant certificates regarding the commissions paid to overseas agents for the period before and after 18.04.2006 - the lower authorities have simply relied on the figures proposed in the show cause notice and have not discussed at all the Chartered Accountant certificates. They have not also contradicted the said certificates. The certificates given by Experts in the respective fields cannot be ignored without cogent reasons. Therefore, the duty has been correctly paid by the appellants.

The appellants have taken the plea that in the case of G.D. Tools and Forgings, applicable service tax has been paid along with interest before the issuance of show cause notice; in case of Lakshay International, service tax along with interest and in addition25% of the penalty has been paid. Therefore, the appellants have made out a case under the provisions of Section 73and Section 80 of the Finance Act, 1994. Accordingly, there are no penalties can be sustained on the appellants.

Coming to the plea of the appellants that they would be eligible for CENVAT credit of the service tax paid by them, we find that as submitted by the learned Authorized Representative, the issue is not before us in the present proceedings. Therefore, we refrain from offering any findings on the same.

Duty demand is restricted to the amount already deposited by the appellants along with interest - All penalties are, however, set aside - appeal allowed in part.