Full Judgment
2. It is contended by the appellant that the Commissioner has erred in entering a finding against the appellant on the basis of opinion alleged to have been given by M/s. Shakti Retreads and Verma Tyres.
According to the appellant they are not experts whose opinion could be relied on. Learned Counsel for the appellant further pointed out that one of the experts who was made available for cross-examination had denied the signature on the document containing his alleged opinion.
The other expert was not made available for cross-examination. Under these circumstances no reliance could have been placed on their opinion. Learned Counsel appearing on behalf of the appellant brought to our notice two earlier orders passed by us - Final Order Nos. 425 to 429/2002-A, dated 3-9-2002 and Final Order Nos. 573-574/2002-A, dated 7-11-2002 [2002 (149) E.L.T. 1085 (Tri-Del.) - where we had occasion to consider the veracity of the opinion given by the very same witness on the issue of misdeclaration of the old used worn out discarded tyres for use in animal driven vehicles. We have taken the view that the evidence of the so-called experts lack credibility to merit acceptance.
3. The facts are identical in the present case also. We find no reason to take a different view. We therefore set aside the order impugned and allow the appeal.