(1.) BY consent, the writ petition itself is taken up for final disposal.
(2.) THIS writ petition arises out of the interim order No.04/01/2004 dated 23.01.2004 passed by the first respondent in Appeal No.92 of 2003 under Section 35F of the Central Excise Act, directing the petitioner to pre-deposit a sum of Rs.17,00,000/- during the pendency of the appeal.
(3.) HEARD both sides.