LAWS(SC)-1996-12-104

MAFATLAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED Vs. UNION OF INDIA

Decided On December 19, 1996
MAFATLAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED Appellant
V/S
UNION OF INDIA Respondents

JUDGEMENT

(1.) I have had the benefit of studying the judgments of my learned brothers Reddy, Sen and Paripoornan, JJ. Pursuant to the discussions that I have had with them and with all my other learned brothers on this bench, I find myself to be broadly in agreement with the conclusions recorded by Reddy, J., subject to the two aspects on which I have recorded my views hereunder:

(2.) In view of these propositions, which have been reiterated by this court on several occasions and thus constitute sound law, it is clear that actions by way of suits of petitions under Article 226 of the Constitution cannot be completely eliminated. The claims for refund can arise under three broad classes and issue of ouster of jurisdiction of civil courts can be understood by focussing on the parameters of these classes which are as follows:

(3.) On the issue of the retrospective application of the amended provisions of the Excise Act, I wish to emphasise one practical difficulty that may arise. Reddy, J. has held that in respect of proceedings that have been finally culminated, there is no question of reopening proceedings, and retrospectively applying the amended section 11B. However, in respect of decrees and orders that have become final but have not been executed, the non obstante clause, Section 11B(3), provides as follows: