2000 (11) TMI 208 - AT - Central Excise

Summary

Issues involved: Appeal filed by Revenue regarding clubbing of clearances of five units.

Summary:
1. The Revenue appealed regarding the clubbing of clearances of five units. The appellants argued that the appeal is not maintainable as other affected parties were not heard, and show cause notices were not issued to the firms but to the partners. Appeals against the other units were dismissed as time-barred. The Department filed only one appeal against M/s. Sompura Ceramics, leading to dismissal of appeals against the other units.

2. The Revenue contended that the five units were not independent but were interconnected, created to benefit from exemptions not available individually. They were considered as one unit for clearance purposes, as the other units were deemed dummy units.

3. After considering the arguments, it was noted that show cause notices were issued to M/s. Sompura Ceramics and partners of other units. The notice served on partners was deemed invalid as the firm is a separate legal entity. Appeals against the other units were dismissed due to being time-barred. It was held that the issue of clubbing clearances of five units cannot be decided without involving all affected parties, as seen in similar cases.

4. The Tribunal concluded that the appeal filed by the Revenue lacked substance, as it did not involve all affected parties. Therefore, the appeal was rejected.