United Spirits Limited vs The Commissioner Of Customs on 25 June, 2009
In Oswal Agro Mills Limited vs.
Assistant Collector of Central Excise, 1994 (70) ELT 48 (SC), in case of Somaiya
Organics Vs. State of UP, 2001 (130) ELT 3 (SC) and in case of Oswal Agro Mills
Limited Vs. Assistant Collector of Central Excise, 1994(73) ELT 521 (SC), the issue
was invocation of the Bank guarantee. The Supreme Court in all those judgments was
pleased to hold that the Bank guarantee which was furnished by the assessee cannot
be regarded as payment towards excise duty, therefore, there is no question of its
refund and Section 11B is not attracted. These judgments on the Bank guarantee are
clearly distinguishable as no amount has been appropriated and consequently, the
question of refund would not arise.