RAVI STEEL Vs. CEGAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned Counsel for the parties.

(2.) The petitioner has filed this writ application challenging the order dated 27th February, 1998 passed by the Customs, Excise and Gold (Control) Appellate Tribunal, New Delhi, and also the order dated 4th February, 1997 passed by the said Tribunal under Section 35G(1) of Central Excise and Gold Act, 1944.

(3.) The case of the petitioner is that the question of limitation was not decided by the Tribunal which was very much involved in the appeal. It appears from the record that the question of limitation was specifically taken and adjudicated upon by the Assistant Collector, Faizabad Division, vide order dated 18th April, 1995. The matter was taken to the first appellate authority and subsequently before the Tribunal. From the record it does not appear that specific ground of limitation was taken. However, in the order passed by the Tribunal on stay application of the petitioner, where the Tribunal granted a total stay against the recovery proceedings and waived the pre-dcposit of duty, it observed as under: