Full Judgment
The appellants are bringing certain inputs classifiable under Tariff Item 68 and were availing of the benefit under Notification No. 201/79.
As per this notification duty paid on the inputs so received is given as credit in RG 23 Register, which amount can be utilised for payment of duty on the final product. The Asstt. Commissioner took into account only the duty of excise duty paid through PLA and ignored the duty payment by way of debit in RG 23 Register, on the ground that the effective duty paid has to be calculated taking into account the exemption availed of under Notification No. 201/79. This objection was upheld by the Commissioner (Appeals). Hence, the present appeal.
2. After hearing both the sides, we find that as per Explanation (4) to the Notification No. 283/82-C.E., dated 27-11-1982, effective rate of duty leviable under Central Excise Act means the rate of duty specified in the first schedule of the Central Excise Act read with any notification issued under Sub-rule I of Rule VIII of Central Excise Rules, other than a notification providing for any exemption for giving credit with respect to or reduction of duty of excise on such goods equal to, any duty of excise already paid on the raw material or component parts used in the production of such goods.
3. Viewed in the context of the aforesaid exemption, the objection taken by the lower authorities to the effect that the credit can be given only in respect of duty paid through PLA is not sustainable. We also take note of the Boards's instruction clarifying the position to the same effect in the circular dated 6-12-1988. Hence the appeal is allowed with consequential relief, as per law.