Full Judgment
cleared to DTA without permission from the Development Commissioners ( Development Commissioner's permission was only for sale of panel meters and spares for panel meters.).
2. We have heard both sides. The contention of the applicants that they were entitled to sell products covered by the letter of permission; and that entitlement is to be determined in totality and not with reference to specific items, as per paragraph 9.34 of the Hand Book of Procedures 1997-2000, is contentious having regard to the fact that the applicants obtained specific permission only for sale of panel meters and spares thereof. The second contention that the durability of clearances made to DTA with prior permission of the Development Commissioner has been correctly calculated and paid on the basis of 50% of each of the Customs duties, as per Notification No. 2/95 is, however, prima facie acceptable in the light of the Tribunal's order in the case of Vikram Ispat v. CCE [2000(120)ELT 800 and Futura Polymers v. CCE, Chennai [ 2003(152) ELT 156]. Since the issue as to whether the applicants could clear goods other than those specifically permitted to DTA is debatable, we hold that prima facie case for total waiver of the demand of Rs. 46,35,119/- has not been made. Looking to the totality of the facts and circumstances of the case, we direct the applicants to deposit a sum of Rs. 10 lakhs towards duty within a period of eight weeks from today and on such deposit, pre-deposit of balance duty and penalty shall stand waived and recovery thereof stayed pending the appeal. Failure to comply with this direction shall result in vacation of stay and dismissal of appeal without prior notice.