Hearing notice returned with message from postal authorities that ‘there is nobody in factory’ cannot be taken as basis to decide the appeal on merits.

PJ/Case Law/2013-14/1661

Case:-PIONEER GLASS INDUSTRIES VERSUS COMMISSIONER OF CENRAL EXCISE

Citation:-2013(293) E.L.T. 351 (All.)

Brief Facts:-The appeal is admitted on the question as framed at page No. 14 of the memo of appeal. This appeal under Section 35G of the Central Excise Act, 1944 has been filed by the appellant challenging the order passed by the Tribunal on application for restoration of the appeal which had been disposed of vide Final Order No. 126/2011-SM(BR), dated 3-2-2011.

An appeal was filed by the Department against the order of the Commissioner (Appeals), dated 24-3-2009. In the appeal a cross-objection was also filed bythe appellant. Notice was issued to the appellant in the appeal which was returned with the endorsement of postal authorities "there is nobody in the factory". The Tribunal proceeded to decide the appeal on merits and allowed the appeal of the Revenue and disposed of the cross-objection of the appellant by the order dated 3-2-2011. The appellant filed an application to recall the order of the Tribunal which has been rejected by the impugned order.

Reasoning of Judgment: We have considered the submission from both parties and perused the record, we find that the Tribunal while rejecting the application of the appellant has observed as follows in paragraph 4:

"I have carefully considered the submissions from both the sides and perused the records. The records show that the notice had been sent to the respondent but the same had been returned back withthe remarks that "there is nobody in the factory" implying that the factory is closed. Moreover, I also find that the respondent had filed a cross-objection in respect of the Revenue's appeal and while deciding this appeal, the submissions made in this cross objection had been considered. In view of this, I do not find any merit in this application and the same is dismissed."

The endorsement by the postal authority that "there is nobody in the factory" cannot tantamount to the refusal of the appellant nor that can be read as factory is closed as has been read by the Tribunal. The Tribunal ought to have taken fresh steps for service to the appellant in the manner prescribed under law.

The Tribunal committed error in rejecting the application of the appellant. Admittedly, the order was passed without hearing the appellant, hence we are satisfied that there was sufficient cause for recall of the order dated 3-2- 2011 and hearing the Appeal Nos. E/1227/2009-SM and E/CO/192/2009- SM (BR) on merits afresh.

The order of the Tribunal dated 23-9-2011 is set aside and the restoration application of the appellant is allowed and the appeal as well as cross- objection is restored back before the Tribunal which may be heard afresh.

Decision:-Appeal is allowed.

Comment:- The essence of this case is that rejecting the application of appellant for restoration of the appeal when it is evident from the facts that the appellant was not given sufficient opportunity of being heard is totally against the principles of natural justice. The restoration application of the appellant is allowed by High Court to meet the ends of justice.

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PJ/Case Law/2013-14/1661

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