2018 (3) TMI 330 – CESTAT CHENNAI – TMI – Benefit of reduced penalty – Held that: – appellant had already paid up the duty liability and interest well before issue of SCN. Accordingly, they are very much entitled to avail benefit of reduced penalty. In the circumstances, Commissioner (Appeals) has exceeded his brief in ordering 100% penalty before April 2011 and 50% penalty thereafter – Appeal is allowed to the extent of restricting the penalty payable by the appellant only under Rule 15 (2) of CCR 2004 / 11AC of C.E. Act to 25% of the penalty imposed by the original authority. – E/Misc/41558/2017 (by Dept.), E/41845/2017 – A/43382/2017 – Dated:- 26-12-2017 – Shri Madhu Mohan Damodhar, Member (Technical) Shri M. Kannan, Advocate – For the
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ted out, appellant reversed the credit of SAD of ₹ 18,50,755/- and also paid interest amount thereon of ₹ 3,81,825/-. However, proceedings were initiated against the appellant which culminated in an adjudication order dt. 27.08.2015 wherein the adjudicating authority confirmed the demand of ₹ 18,50,755/- with interest thereon and appropriated the amounts already paid. Penalty of ₹ 18,50,755/- was also imposed under Rule 15 (2) of Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004 read with Section 11AC of the Central Excise Act. On appeal, Commissioner (Appeals) vide the impugned order dt. 29.05.2017 inter alia held that for the period prior to April 2011, 100% penalty would be payable by the appellant and that for the period subsequent to A
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d. – 2016 (335) ELT 203 (SC). 5. On the other hand, Ld. A.R supports the impugned order. 6. Heard both sides and have gone through the facts. 7. Although the original authority has not given the option of reduction of mandatory penalty of 25% imposed as factored into Section 11AC of the Act, in view of the ratio laid down by the Hon ble Supreme Court in the case law cited by Ld. Advocate, that benefit can be taken suo motu so as long as the other conditionalities are satisfied. In this case appellant had already paid up the duty liability and interest well before issue of SCN. Accordingly, they are very much entitled to avail benefit of reduced penalty. In the circumstances, Commissioner (Appeals) has exceeded his brief in ordering 100% pen
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