CENTRUM TRAVELS PVT. LTD. Vs. C.C.E.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal is directed against confirmation of penalty of Rs. 6,3 8,000/ - against the appellant under Section 76 of Finance Act, 1994.

(2.) THE facts of the case are that the appellant was liable to pay service tax in regard to air travel agency service rendered by it. However, full tax was not paid at the appropriate time during the period Sept.'02 to March, 2004. Returns were also not filed.

(3.) DELAYED payment of the outstanding tax alongwith interest was made. A SCN was issued proposing to impose penalty under Section 76 of the Finance Act, 1974. The appellant contended that delay in payment of tax was on account of financial difficulties and since tax has been paid along with interest, no penalty may be imposed. In adjudication, the aforesaid penalty was imposed.