Assessee can take credit in respect of inputs which are used in manufacture of exempted goods

Whether a manufacturer is required to reverse/pay the amount equivalent to the CENVET credit taken by him in respect of inputs which are proved to have been used in the manufacture of goods which have been cleared under exemption from excise duty, in view of the specific provisions of Rule 6(1) of CENVAT Credit Rules, 2002 (now 2004) read with Explanation II to Rule 6 (3) of the said rules which provide that no credit can be taken in respect of inputs which are used in the manufacture of exempted goods?

FULL TEXT OF THE HIGH COURT ORDER /JUDGEMENT

This appeal was admitted on the following question of law:-

Whether a manufacturer is required to reverse/pay the amount equivalent to the CENVET credit taken by him in respect of inputs which are proved to have been used in the manufacture of goods which have been cleared under exemption from excise duty, in view of the specific provisions of Rule 6(1) of CENVAT Credit Rules, 2002 (now 2004) read with Explanation II to Rule 6 (3) of the said rules which provide that no credit can be taken in respect of inputs which are used in the manufacture of exempted goods?

2. The short question which arises for decision is whether a manufacturer who has obtained credit of central value added tax paid by him in respect of the raw material and inputs lying in the stock or in the process or contained in the final product lying in stock is required to refund/repay the credit when the final product is exempted from excise duty.

3. We have heard Mr. Rajiv Jiwan, learned standing counsel for Central Excise Department and Mr. Rahul Mahajan, learned counsel for the assessee on behalf of Revenue. It has been contended by Shri Rajiv Jiwan that in view of the specific provisions of Rule 6(1) of CENVAT Credit Rules, 2002 read with Explanation II to Rule 6 (3) of the said rules, no credit can be taken in respect of the inputs, which are used in the manufacture of exempted goods.

4. This matter has been considered in detail by this Court in Commissioner of Central Excise Chandigarh versus Saboo Alloys Private Limited, 2010 (249) ELT 519, H.P and Commissioner of Central Excise Chandigarh versus United Vanaspati Limited, 2009 TIOL 723 HP . In both these cases, this Court after considering the entire law has answered the question in favour of assessee and against the Revenue. These judgments have attained finality.

5. Therefore, the present appeal is dismissed on account of law laid down in the aforesaid two cases. No costs.