1996 (4) TMI 122 - HC - Central Excise

Summary

Issues Involved:
1. Validity of the letter/order dated 23rd September 1987 issued by the Assistant Collector of Central Excise.
2. Applicability of Rule 57F(2) of the Central Excise [Valuation] Rules, 1975.
3. Compliance with Rule 57G(4) of the Central Excise Rules.
4. Eligibility of inputs and final products under Rule 57A read with Notification No. 177/86.

Issue-wise Detailed Analysis:

1. Validity of the letter/order dated 23rd September 1987 issued by the Assistant Collector of Central Excise:
The petitioners challenged the letter/order dated 23rd September 1987, which directed them to follow Rule 57F procedures for clearing inputs and final products. The court found that the petitioners had been following a systematic procedure from procuring aluminium ingots to manufacturing the final product, paying excise duty, and availing Modvat credit at each stage. The court concluded that there was no justification for the issuance of the letter dated 23rd September 1987, as the petitioners had complied with the necessary rules and procedures.

2. Applicability of Rule 57F(2) of the Central Excise [Valuation] Rules, 1975:
The petitioners contended that Rule 57F(2) applies only to inputs brought into the factory, which was not the case here as the inputs were directly delivered to job workers. The court agreed, stating that Rule 57F(2) is a facility that manufacturers can opt for and is not mandatory. The court emphasized that the procedure under Rule 57F(2) is not compulsory for availing Modvat credit under Rule 57A, and the petitioners cannot be compelled to follow it.

3. Compliance with Rule 57G(4) of the Central Excise Rules:
The respondents argued that compliance with Rule 57F(2) is necessary to ensure proper Modvat credit and safeguard revenue interests. However, the petitioners demonstrated that they had complied with Rule 57G(4), which requires monthly returns indicating inputs received and duty taken as credit. The court noted that the petitioners had followed the required procedures, including the submission of monthly returns and payment of duty at each stage of manufacture.

4. Eligibility of inputs and final products under Rule 57A read with Notification No. 177/86:
The petitioners argued that all inputs and final products fall under Chapter 76 or Chapter 83 of the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985, making them eligible under Rule 57A. The court reviewed the flow chart and confirmed that the inputs and final products at each stage of manufacture fell under the specified tariff headings. The court found that the petitioners were eligible for Modvat credit as per Rule 57A read with Notification No. 177/86.

Conclusion:
The court concluded that the procedure under Rule 57F(2) is optional and not mandatory for availing Modvat credit under Rule 57A. The petitioners had complied with the necessary rules and procedures, and the impugned letter dated 23rd September 1987 was quashed and set aside. The petitioners were entitled to succeed, and the rule was made absolute with no order as to costs.