Alpine Industries vs Collector Of Central Excise on 5 September, 1995
In the Rainbow Industries's case, the Supreme Court held that if the department had accepted the price list, acted upon it and the goods were cleared with a knowledge of the Department, in the absence of any amendment of the law or judicial pronouncement, the classification should be effective from the date of issue of Show Cause Notice. The Principal Collector, in his order, has confirmed the demand for a period prior to the issue of Show Cause Notice. In view of the judgment of the Supreme Court, the demand would be effective from the date of Show Cause Notice, and would not cover the previous six months. No intention to evade duty was cited in the Show Cause Notice which the Principal Collector has adjudicated. However, this would not be applicable for the later period, since there was no change in the classification. In the result, therefore, except [the] modification in the preceding paragraphs, we confirm the orders appealed against.