18. For the sake of brevity, we refraining from burdening this
order by reproducing from the wealth of jurisprudence available
in this regard. The decisions in Neyveli Lignite Corporation
Ltd v CCE & ST, Chennai, 2021 (53) GSTL 401 (Tri-
18. For the sake of brevity, we refraining from burdening this
order by reproducing from the wealth of jurisprudence available
in this regard. The decisions in Neyveli Lignite Corporation
Ltd v CCE & ST, Chennai, 2021 (53) GSTL 401 (Tri-
18. For the sake of brevity, we refraining from burdening this
order by reproducing from the wealth of jurisprudence available
in this regard. The decisions in Neyveli Lignite Corporation
Ltd v CCE & ST, Chennai, 2021 (53) GSTL 401 (Tri-
Appeal No.: ST/75470/2024-DB
o Devang Paper Mills Ltd. v. UOI
2016 (1) TMI 389 - GUJARAT
HIGH COURT
o Falah Steel v. UOI 2016 (6) TMI
924 - GUJARAT HIGH COURT
o Welspun Corp v. Commissioner
2023 (2) TMI 780 - CESTAT
AHMEDABAD
o Commissioner v. Tata Metaliks
2023 (6) TMI 10 - CESTAT
KOLKATA
o Sahara India TV Network
Versus C.C.E. & S.T., Noida
[2015 (10) TMI 2037 - CESTAT
NEW DELHI],
o Neyvili Lignite Corporation Ltd.
v. Commissioner 2018 (1) TMI
1055 - CESTAT CHENNAI
3.2. The appellant has also contested the demand
confirmed on the ground of limitation. The appellant
submits that there is no suppression of facts or
intention to evade payment of service tax in the
present case, as the service tax has already been
paid by RHQ, New Delhi. Therefore, extended period
of limitation under Section 73(1) of the Finance Act,
1994 is not invocable in this case.
7. Following the aforesaid decision in Neyveli Lignite
Corporation Ltd (supra), the Tribunal rejected the findings of the
Commissioner that since BHEL did not complete the task within the
time schedule, the respondent agreed to tolerate the same for a
consideration in the form of liquidated damages, which would be
subjected to service tax under section 66E (e) of the Act.
Service Tax Appeal No. 51614 of 2019
3.1 It is submitted that the amount recovered by the appellant is
not a consideration for rendering a taxable service, as for an
amount to qualify as consideration there has to be "quid pro quo" or
"activity for such consideration". The appellant does not undertake
any activity against recovery of such amount. Thus, there is no
service as defined under Section 65 B (44) of the Finance Act, 1994
which is provided by the appellant. Hence, no demand is
sustainable even under Section 66E(e) of the Act.
3.2 It is submitted that present proceedings are in continuation to
the proceedings initiated against the Chennai unit of the appellant,
wherein similar issue stands decided in favour of the assessee by
Hon'ble CESTAT vide order dated 26.07.2021 reported at Neyveli
Lignite Corporation Ltd. Vs. Commissioner of Customs, CE &
ST, Chennai with NLC India Ltd. Vs. Commissioner of GST
and CE, Trichy reprted as 2021 (7) TMI 1090- CESTAT
Chennai. Further, appeal against the said order was withdrawn by
the department as clarified in Circular No. 214/1/2023-ST dated
28.02.2023. Therefore, since, the issued stands settled in case of
the appellant itself albeit different unit, present demand is liable to
be set aside.
6. The above ratio was followed by Chennai Bench in the
case of Nayveli Lignite Corporation Ltd. Vs CCE & ST
Chennai - 2021 (53) G.S.T.L. 401 (Tri.-Chennai) and hence,
7
we are of the view that the denial of refund by treating the
receipt as 'liquidated damages' liable to Service Tax does not
have any legal sanctity. Therefore, we accept the case of the
Appellant and consequently, set aside the impugned order.