(1.) Since common question of law and fact arise for consideration in these petitions, therefore, they were heard together and are being disposed of by way of this judgment.
(2.) As the petitioner does not dispute the entitlement of the respondent(s) (hereinafter referred to as the assessee) to the refund of excise duty, but has only contested the mode and manner of such refund, therefore, the seminal issue in all these petitions is whether the rebate claims of the assessee (s) were to be allowed in cash or sanctioned by way of re-credit.
(3.) However, before answering the question, brief facts as necessary for the disposal of these petitions may be noticed.