CCE, PUNE Vs. D.B. ELECTRONICS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS Appeal is filed against the order of Customs, Excise and Gold (Control) Appellate Tribunal (hereinafter called 'CEGAT') dated 9th March, 2000. Briefly stated, facts are as follows:

(2.) THE Collector, by an order dated 16th March, 1988, confirmed the demand and imposed penalty. The Appeal filed by the Respondents was allowed by the CEGAT on the ground that principles of natural justice had been violated. The matter was remitted back to the Collector, Central Excise. During the rehearing, a letter dated 3rd January, 1991 was issued to the Respondents purporting to rely upon a statement worked out on basis of wages paid on the Respondents. Thereafter, by Order dated 24th October, 1991, the defence of the Respondents qua E.S.I., and Provident Fund returns was fully accepted. However, relying on the statement prepared on basis of wages, a demand was made and penalty levied. The Tribunal has allowed the Appeal by the impugned Order. It is held amongst other things that this demand is based on inferences and surmises and is not sustainable.

(3.) HAVING examined the papers and having heard Counsel, we find that even in this appeal there is no challenge to the acceptance of Respondents defence to ESI and Provident Fund returns. Thus the only other material available is the statement prepared on basis of wages paid by the Respondents. We thus find that the Tribunal is right in holding that the order of the Collector is based solely on surmises and conjunctures.