Holding

The transaction is a sale within the meaning of the Central Excise Act, the job‑work is permissible under paragraph 9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy, and UFAC is entitled to exemption under Notification 21/97‑C.E.; therefore the Revenue’s appeal fails.

Summary

Universal Ferro & Allied Chemicals Ltd. (UFAC), a 100% Export Oriented Unit, entered into an agreement with Tata Iron & Steel Co. (TISCO) to convert raw manganese ore supplied free of cost into silicon manganese for a fee. The Revenue argued that such job‑work was not permitted under the EXIM Policy and that, under the proviso to Section 3 and Section 5A of the Central Excise Act, the goods should be taxed as if imported, denying UFAC any exemption. The Court held that the transfer of raw material for processing constituted a "sale" within the meaning of Section 2(h) of the Central Excise Act and fell under paragraph 9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy, which allows EOUs to sell to DTA units after obtaining permission. The later circulars (especially Circular 49/2000) extended the job‑work facility to all sectors, and the Development Commissioner had expressly approved UFAC’s operations. Consequently, UFAC was entitled to the exemption under Notification 21/97‑C.E., and the Revenue’s demand was set aside.

Issues considered

The meaning of "sale" and "purchase" under Section 2(h) of the Central Excise Act versus the Sale of Goods Act, 1930.
Whether job‑work undertaken by a 100% EOU for a DTA unit is permissible under paragraph 9.9(b) or 9.17(b) of the EXIM Policy.
The effect of Circular 49/2000 extending job‑work facilities to all sectors on the Revenue’s contention.
The applicability of the proviso to Section 3(1) and Section 5A(1) of the Central Excise Act in relation to the Exemption Notification 21/97‑C.E.
Whether UFAC is entitled to exemption from excise duty under Notification 21/97‑C.E. for the goods processed for TISCO.

Legislation cited

Central Excise Act, 1944s. 2(h), s. 3(1), s. 5A(1)
Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985
Customs Act, 1962
Customs Tariff Act, 1975

Subjects

Central ExciseExport Oriented UnitJob WorkEXIM PolicyExemption NotificationSale definitionDuty drawbackDomestic Tariff AreaStatutory interpretation

Judgment

116 [2020]REPORTS
SUPREME COURT 4 S.C.R. 116 [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR
v.
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD.
& ANR.
B (Civil Appeal Nos. 848-852 of 2009)
MARCH 06, 2020
[S.A. BOBDE, CJI, B. R. GAVAI AND SURYA KANT, JJ.]
Central Excise Act, 1944: s.3(1) and its proviso, s.5(1) and
its proviso – Job work – Export Oriented Unit (EOU) – Respondent
C
is 100% EOU and engaged in manufacture/processing and
clearance of Ferro Manganese and Silicon Manganese – Revenue’s
allegation against the respondent was that the respondent was
indulging in the job work activity of conversion of raw material
supplied by TISCO – As per agreement between Respondent and
D TISCO, TISCO was to supply Manganese Ore and Coke/Coal free
of cost at its site and rest of the raw materials and consumables
required for conversion of Manganese Ore/Coke into Silicon
Manganese for TISCO was to be used by respondent from their
own purchases – Further, TISCO was to pay job charges to
respondent – Show cause notice issued to the respondent on the
E
ground that Circular No.67/98-Cus dated 14.9.1998, issued by the
CBEC had permitted the EOUs to undertake job-work on behalf of
a DTA unit only in textile, readymade garments, agro-processing
and granite sectors and by another Circular No.74/99 dated
5.11.1999, the said facility was extended in aquaculture, animal
F husbandry, electronics hardware and software sectors and the sector
in which respondent-assessee had carried out the job-works was
not covered by either of the Circulars and, as such, the said job-
works were in violation of EXIM Policy – Show cause notice called
upon the respondent -assessee to show cause, as to why the said
Silicon Manganese should not be charged to full Central Excise
G
duty as per the proviso to s.3(1) of the Central Excise Act, 1944 by
denying the benefit of Notification No.8/97 dated 1.3.1997 – In
response to the show cause notices, it was submitted by respondent
that the removals in the DTA were in accordance with the permission
granted by the Development Commissioner and, as such, there was
H
116
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 117
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

no ground for denial of the concessional rate of duty laid down in A
the said Exemption notification – Held: Under paragraph 9.17(b)
of the EXIM Policy 1997-2002, the EOU/EPZ units are entitled to
undertake job-work for export, on behalf of DTA units, with the
permission of Assistant Commissioner of Customs, provided the goods
are exported direct from the EOU/EPZ units and for such exports,
B
the DTA units will be entitled for refund of duty paid on the inputs
by way of Brand Rate of duty drawback – It is not in dispute that all
transactions between the respondent and TISCO were entered into
after obtaining necessary permission from the Development
Commissioner – The combined reading of paragraph 9.9(b) of the
EXIM Policy and the Circulars issued by the Board, particularly, C
Circular dated 22.5.2000 showed that the respondent was entitled
to carry out the job-work on behalf of TISCO on payment of duty
as provided under Exemption Notification of 1997 – In view of
paragraph 10 of Circular no.49/2000- Cus dated 22.5.2000, the
facility of undertaking job-work by EOU/EPZ units which was
D
restricted to specific sectors was amended and the said facility was
extended to all sectors – It also provided that DTA units shall be
entitled to brand rate of duty draw back – Notification No.21/97-
C.E. dated 11.4.1997 specifically provides grant of exemption to
the EOUs from payment of duties, which are in excess of what is
leviable under sub-section (1) of s.3 on like goods, produced or E
manufactured in India – Exemption Notification specifically
mentions, that the goods produced or manufactured by an 100%
EOU, which are allowed to be sold in India in accordance with
para 9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy, the proviso would be inapplicable
thereby, requiring the duties to be paid, as are required to be paid
F
under sub-Section (1) of s.3 of the said Act – Undisputedly, in the
instant case, the goods were produced and manufactured by the
respondent, an 100% EOU; they were manufactured wholly from
the raw materials produced or manufactured in India and, allowed
to be sold in India in accordance with the provisions of paragraph
9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy – Thus the conditions of Notification G
No.21/97-C.E. were satisfied – Therefore, respondent was entitled
to carry out the job work for TISCO and entitled to exemption from
payment of duty – Revenue’s appeal was rightly dismissed by
CESTAT.
H
118 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A Interpretation of Statutes: Excise Act – It is a settled principle
in excise classification that the definition of one statute having a
different object, purpose and scheme cannot be applied
mechanically to another statute – It is also equally well settled that
the first principle of interpretation of plain and literal interpretation
has to be adhered to – Therefore, the narrower scope of the term
B
‘sale’ as found in the Sale of Goods Act, 1930 cannot be applied in
the instant case – The term ‘sale’ and ‘purchase’ under the Central
Excise Act, 1944, if construed literally, it would give a wider scope
and also include transfer of possession for valuable consideration
under the definition of the term ‘sale’.
C Dismissing the appeals, the Court
HELD: 1.1 There is no merit in the contention of the
Revenue that since in the transaction between the respondent
and TISCO, there was no transfer of property in goods, the same
cannot be termed as ‘sale’ and therefore would not be covered
D under paragraph 9.9 (b) of the EXIM Policy. The perusal of the
definition of “sale and purchase” clause (h) of Section 2 of the
Central Excise Act, 1944 makes it clear that when there is a
transfer of possession of goods in the ordinary course of trade or
business either for cash or for deferred payment or any other
E valuable consideration, the same would be covered by the terms
‘sale’ and ‘purchase’ within the meaning of the Central Excise
Act, 1944. Undisputedly, in this case, there is a transfer of
Manganese Ore by TISCO to the respondent for the purposes
of processing the same and converting it into Silicon Manganese.
Undisputedly, the same is also for a valuable consideration. [Paras
F 18, 19, 20][130-B-C, E-F]
1.2 It is a settled principle in excise classification that the
definition of one statute having a different object, purpose and
scheme cannot be applied mechanically to another statute. The
conditions or restrictions contemplated by one statute having a
G different object and purpose should not be lightly and mechanically
imported and applied to a fiscal statute. It is also equally well
settled that the first principle of interpretation of plain and literal
interpretation has to be adhered to. Therefore, the narrower
scope of the term ‘sale’ as found in the Sale of Goods Act, 1930
H cannot be applied in the present case. The term ‘sale’ and
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 119
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

‘purchase’ under the Central Excise Act, 1944, if construed A
literally, it would give a wider scope and also include transfer of
possession for valuable consideration under the definition of the
term ‘sale’. [Paras 22, 23][131-E-G]
2. Under para 9.9(a) of the EXIM Policy, EOU is entitled to
sell the rejects in the DTA on prior intimation to the Customs B
authorities. Such sales are to be counted against DTA sale
entitlement under paragraph 9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy. The sale
of rejects shall be subject to payment of duties as applicable to
sale under paragraph 9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy. Under paragraph
9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy, DTA sale upto 50% of the FOB value
of exports is also permitted subject to payment of applicable duties C
and fulfilment of minimum Net Foreign Exchange earning as a
Percentage of exports (NFEP) as prescribed in Appendix-1 of
the Policy. Under paragraph 9.17 (b), the EOU/EPZ units are also
entitled to undertake job-work for export, on behalf of DTA units,
with the permission of Assistant Commissioner of Customs, D
provided the goods are exported direct from the EOU/EPZ units
and for such exports, the DTA units will be entitled for refund of
duty paid on the inputs by way of Brand Rate of duty drawback. It
can thus clearly be seen, that paragraph 9.9(b) and paragraph
9.17(b) of the EXIM Policy operate in totally different fields.
[Paras 27-30][132-F-H; 133-A-B] E

3.1 The order-in-original states that since the respondent
has not exported the final product of Manganese raw material
received by it from TISCO, it had violated the provisions of
paragraph 9.17 (b) and 9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy. In view of
paragraph 10 of the Circular no.49/2000-Cus dated 22.5.2000, F
the facility of undertaking job-work by EOU/EPZ units which was
restricted to specific sectors has been amended and the said
facility has been extended to all sectors. It has also been provided,
that DTA units shall be entitled to brand rate of duty draw back.
Similarly, paragraph 11 of the Circular dated 22.5.2000 also G
provides, that the facility which was given to EOU/EPZ to
undertake job-work on behalf of DTA units in textiles, readymade
garments and granite sectors which was subsequently extended
to the EOU/EPZ units in aquaculture, animal husbandry, hardware
and software sectors vide Circular dated 5.11.1999, was extended
H
120 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A to EOU/EPZ units in all sectors. It has further been provided,
that DTA units shall be entitled to avail of the brand rate of duty
drawback for such job-work undertaken by EOUs/EPZ units
concerned. It also provides, that earlier circulars issued by the
Board stood modified to the said extent. Failure on the part of
the Commissioner, who passed the order-in-original, to notice
B
the Circular dated 22.5.2000 has resulted in passing an erroneous
order. [Paras 31, 33, 34][133-D; 134-C-F]
3.2 It is not in dispute that all transactions between the
respondent and TISCO have been entered into after the necessary
permission was obtained from the Development Commissioner.
C The combined reading of paragraph 9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy,
the Circulars issued by the Board, particularly, the Circular dated
22.5.2000 and reply to the query of the Customs Authorities by
the Development Commissioner would clearly show, that the
respondent was entitled to carry out the job-work on behalf of
D TISCO on payment of duty as provided under Exemption
Notification of 1997. [Paras 36, 38][135-F; 136-C-D]
4.1 The next submission for the Revenue was that under
proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Central Excise Act,
1944, an EOU is liable to pay duty on the goods brought to a
E DTA, as if the goods were produced and manufactured outside
India and were imported into India as per the provisions of the
Customs Act, 1962 and that under Section 5A of the Central
Excise Act, 1944, the Central Government has no power to grant
exemption from payment of duty to an EOU. A perusal of sub-
section (1) of Section 3 of the Act would show, that sub-section
F (1) of Section 3 provides for levy and collection of duty of excise
in such manner as may be prescribed to be called the Central
Value Added Tax (CENVAT) on all excisable goods, which are
produced or manufactured in India as, and at the rates, set forth
in the Fourth Schedule. However, the said sub-section (1) of
G Section 3 excludes the applicability thereof, to the goods produced
or manufactured in special economic zones. The proviso to sub-
section (1) of Section 3 of the Act is applicable to the excisable
goods, which are produced or manufactured by a 100% export-
oriented undertaking when such goods are brought to any other

H
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 121
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

place in India. It provides, that in such a case, an amount equal to A
the aggregate of the duties of customs which would be leviable
under the Customs Act, 1962 or any other law for the time being
in force, on like goods produced or manufactured outside India if
imported into India and where the said duties of customs are
chargeable by reference to their value, the value of such excisable
B
goods shall, notwithstanding anything contained in any other
provision of this Act, be determined in accordance with the
provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and the Customs Tariff Act,
1975. [Paras 40, 42][137-D-E; 138-G-H; 139-A-B]
4.2 Sub-Section (1) of Section 5A of the Act provides, that
if the Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary in the C
public interest so to do, it may, by notification in the Official
Gazette, exempt generally either absolutely or subject to such
conditions, to be fulfilled before or after removal, as may be
specified in the notification, excisable goods of any specified
description from the whole or any part of the duty of excise leviable D
thereon. The proviso thereto provides, that unless specifically
provided in such notification, no exemption therein shall apply to
excisable goods which are produced or manufactured in a free
trade zone or a special economic zone and brought to any other
place in India; or by a 100% EOU and brought to any other place
in India. [Para 44][139-D-F] E

4.3 The interpretation made by the Revenue that a
combined reading of proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 3 of
the Act and proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 5A of the Act,
would not entitle the Central Government to grant any exemption
to an EOU when it brings the goods to any other place in India F
(i.e. DTA) and the duty that would be leviable would be as if the
said goods were imported in India, if accepted, then the words
“unless specifically provided in such notification” in sub-section
(1) of Section 5A will have to be ignored and the said words would
be rendered otiose. It is a settled principle of law that while G
interpreting a provision due weightage will have to be given to
each and every word used in the statute. The harmonious
construction of sub-Section (1) of Section 5A of the Act and the
proviso thereto would be, that an EOU which brings the excisable
goods to any other place in India would not be entitled for a general
H
122 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A exemption notification unless it is so specifically provided in such
a notification. [Paras 45, 46, 48][139-G-H; 140-A; 141-D-E]
5.1 The bare reading of Notification No.21/97-C.E. dated
11.4.1997 would amply make it clear, that the Central Government
after being satisfied that it was necessary in the public interest
B so to do, thereby exempted the finished products, rejects and
waste or scrap which was produced or manufactured in a hundred
per cent export-oriented undertaking or a free trade zone wholly
from the raw materials produced or manufactured in India and
allowed to be sold in India under and in accordance with the
provisions of sub-paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (f) of paragraph
C 9.9 or of paragraph 9.20 of the EXIM Policy, from so much of the
duty of excise leviable thereon under Section 3 of the Central
Excise Act, 1944, as is in excess of an amount equal to the
aggregate of the duties of excise leviable under the said Section
3 of the Central Excise Act or under any other law for the time
D being in force on like goods, produced or manufactured in India
other than in a 100% EOU or a free trade zone, if sold in India.
Since the said Exemption Notification specifically mentions, that
the goods produced or manufactured by an 100% EOU, which
are allowed to be sold in India in accordance with para 9.9(b) of
the EXIM Policy, the proviso would be inapplicable thereby,
E requiring the duties to be paid, as are required to be paid under
sub-Section (1) of Section 3 of the said Act. Undisputedly, in the
instant case, the transaction between the respondent and TISCO
satisfies all the three conditions. The goods are produced and
manufactured by the respondent, an 100% export-oriented unit;
F they are manufactured wholly from the raw materials produced
or manufactured in India and, thirdly, they have been allowed to
be sold in India in accordance with the provisions of paragraph
9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy. [Paras 50-52][142-C-G; 143-C]
5.2 If there are inconsistencies in two statutes, the later
G would prevail is well placed. This Court in Deep Chand vs. State
of Uttar Pradesh has laid down the following principles to ascertain
whether there is repugnancy or not: “(1) Whether there is direct
conflict between the two provisions; (2) Whether the legislature

H
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 123
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

intended to lay down an exhaustive code in respect of the subject A
matter replacing the earlier law; (3) Whether the two laws occupy
the same field.” There would not be any conflict in the amended
provisions of clause (ii) of the proviso to sub-section (1) of Section
5A of the Act and the said Exemption Notification. In any case,
by the 2001 Amendment, the legislature has not laid down any
B
exhaustive code in respect of the subject matter in replacing the
earlier law. It appears, that the said Amendment has been
incorporated to bring the said clause (ii) of sub-Section (1) of
Section 5A in sync with the words used in clause (i) of the proviso
to sub-section (1) of Section 5A of the Act and the words used in
the proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Act. In that view C
of the matter, the said contention is without substance. [Para 54,
55, 57][143-E-G; 144-A-B]
Hardeep Singh v. State of Punjab and Others (2014) 3
SCC 92 : [2014] 2 SCR 1 - followed.
Commissioner of Central Excise, New Delhi v. D
Connaught Plaza Restaurant Private Limited, New Delhi
(2012) 13 SCC 639 : [2012] 11 SCR 365; Deep Chand
v. State of Uttar Pradesh AIR 1959 SC 648 : [1959]
Suppl. SCR 8 – relied on.
Siv Industries Ltd. v. Commissioner of Central Excise & E
Customs (2000) 3 SCC 367 : [2000] 2 SCR 231; Sarla
Performance Fibers Limited and Ors. v. Commissioner
of Central Excise, Surat-II (2016) 11 SCC 635 : [2016]
7 SCR 201 – held inapplicable.
M. Karunanidhi v. Union of India & Anr. (1979) 3 SCC F
431 : [1979] 3 SCR 254; Dharangadhra Chemical
Works v. Dharangadhar Municipality and Anr. (1985)
4 SCC 92 : [1985] 2 Suppl. SCR 757; Ratan Lal Adukia
v. Union of India (1989) 3 SCC 537 : [1989] 3 SCR
440 – referred to. G
Case Law Reference
[1979] 3 SCR 254 referred to Para 15
[1985] 2 Suppl. SCR 757 referred to Para 15
[1989] 3 SCR 440 referred to Para 15 H
124 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A [2000] 2 SCR 231 held inapplicable Para 15
[2016] 7 SCR 201 held inapplicable Para 15
[2012] 11 SCR 365 relied on Para 21
[2014] 2 SCR 1 followed Para 47
B [1959] Suppl. SCR 8 relied on Para 54
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Civil Appeal Nos. 848-
852 of 2009.
From the Judgment and Order No. A/1838-1841/WZB/2005-C-
III dated 21.10.2005 passed in Appeal Nos. E/2691 to 2693/03 & E-
C 1976/04-Mum and Order No. A/1526/WZB/06-C-III/EB dated
07.07.2006 passed in Appeal No.E/1607/06-Mum of the Customs, Excise,
Service Tax Appellate Tribunal, West Zone Bench, Mumbai.
K. Radhakrishnan, Ashok K. Srivastava, Sr. Advs., Ms. Aruna
Gupta, B. Krishna Prasad, Lalit Sankhla, Advs. for the Appellant.
D M.H. Patil, Sandeep Narain, Ms. Padmavati Patil (for M/s S.
Narain & Co.), Advs. for the Respondents.
The following Judgment of the Court was delivered:
JUDGMENT
1. Being aggrieved by the judgments and orders dated 21.10.2005
E and 7.7.2006 passed by the Customs, Excise, Service Tax Appellate
Tribunal, West Zonal Bench at Mumbai (hereinafter referred to as
“CESTAT”) thereby, allowing the appeals filed by the respondent –
Assessee and its Chairman being Appeal Nos.E-2691-2693/03 arising
out of Order-in-Original No.14-20 of 2003 dated 23.6.2003, Order-in-
F Original No.21 of 2003 dated 23.6.2003 and Appeal No. E/1976/04 arising
out of Order-in-Original Nos.19-20/2004 dated 15.3.2004 and dismissing
the appeal filed by the Revenue being Appeal No. E/1607/06-Mum arising
out of order of the Commissioner (Appeals), Customs & Central Excise,
Nagpur dated 14.2.2006 in Appeal No. SVS/91/NGP-B/2006, the
Revenue is before this Court.
G
2. The facts in brief giving rise to the present appeals are as
under:
The respondent – Universal Ferro & Allied Chemicals Ltd.,
Maneck Nagar, Tumsar (hereinafter referred to as “UFAC”) is 100%
Export Oriented Unit (“EOU” for short) approved by the Secretariat for
H
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 125
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

Industrial Approvals, Department of Industrial Development in the A
Ministry of Industry, Government of India. UFAC was engaged in the
manufacture/processing and clearance of Ferro Manganese and Silicon
Manganese falling under Chapter 72 of the Schedule to the Central Excise
Tariff Act, 1985. UFAC cleared these items for export as well as in
Domestic Tariff Area (hereinafter referred to as “DTA”) on payment
B
of Central Excise duty.
3. The Central Intelligence Unitof the Central Excise Headquarters
visited the unit of UFAC on 19.9.2001 on getting information from the
Central Excise Audit party that UFAC being an EOU was indulging in
the job-work activity of conversion of raw material supplied by M/s Tata
Iron & Steel Company Ltd., Jamshedpur (hereinafter referred to as C
“TISCO”). In the view of the Revenue, the same was not allowed in
terms of EXIM Policy of 1997-2002 (hereinafter referred to as “EXIM
Policy”)
4. During the course of scrutiny of the records, the officers noticed,
that UFAC was having a Memorandum of Agreement dated 28.12.1999 D
with TISCO for conversion of Manganese Ore/Coke into prime Silicon
Manganese. As per the agreement, TISCO was to supply Manganese
Ore and Coke/Coal free of cost at its site at Maneck Nagar. Rest of the
raw materials and consumables i.e. Quartzite, Charcoal, Carbon paste,
Dolomite, Fluxes, Refractories and Transformer Oil required for the E
conversion of Manganese Ore/Coke into Silicon Manganese for TISCO
was to be used by UFAC from their own purchases obtained under
CT-3 as and where applicable.As per the agreement, UFAC was to
charge job charges to TISCO at the rate of Rs.14,090/- per metric tonne
(“PMT” for short) which was inclusive of cost of material added by
UFAC. The job work charges were to be recovered from TISCO on F
commercial invoices. In the invoices, Silicon Manganese was to be
charged at the rate of Rs. 20,623/- PMT which also included cost of
ingredients supplied by TISCO. The said invoices were prepared under
erstwhile Rule 100-E of the Central Excise Rules.
5. The activities of the UFAC had come to a standstill for some G
period and it re-started its production in August, 1999 and was declared
a sick company by the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction
(BIFR) under the provisions of the Sick Industrial Companies (Special
Provisions) Act, 1985 (SICA). It is not in dispute that the UFAC carried
out conversion of the raw materials supplied by TISCO, on TISCO
H
126 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A making the payment of conversion charges of Rs. 14,090/- PMT of
Silicon Manganese. However, while dispatching the Silicon Manganese
to TISCO, excise duty was paid on the value of Rs. 20,623/- PMT which
included cost of raw materials supplied by TISCO as well as the inputs
used by UFAC from their own purchases.
B 6. The Commissioner, Central Excise & Customs, Nagpur, issued
a show cause notice to the UFAC dated 9.10.2001 in respect of the
Silicon Manganese cleared during September 2000. It was stated in the
said show cause notice, that the Circular No.67/98-Cus dated 14.9.1998,
issued by the Central Board of Excise & Customs, New Delhi (hereinafter
referred to as “the Board”) had permitted the EOUs to undertake
C job-work on behalf of a DTA unit only in textile, readymade garments,
agro-processing and granite sectors and by another Circular No. 74/99
dated 5.11.1999 the said facility was extended to EOUs to undertake
job-work on behalf of a DTA unit in aquaculture, animal husbandry,
electronics hardware and software sectors. The show cause notice
D therefore stated, that the sector in which respondent – Assessee had
carried out the job-works was not covered by either of the Circulars
and, as such, the said job-works were inviolation of EXIM Policy. The
show cause notice called upon the respondent – Assessee to show
cause,as to why the said Silicon Manganese should not be charged to
full Central Excise duty as per the proviso to Section 3(1) of the Central
E Excise Act, 1944 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) by denying the
benefit of Notification No. 8/97 dated 1.3.1997 (hereinafter referred to
as “the said Exemption Notification”).
7. The show cause notice also called upon the UFAC to show
cause, as to why the central excise duty amounting to Rs. 23,08,443/-
F short paid on Silicon Manganese cleared in DTA during September
2000,should not be recovered under Section 11-A of the Act. It also
called upon to show cause, as to why the goods i.e. 296 MT Silicon
Manganese valued at Rs. 61,04,408/- cleared in DTA during the aforesaid
period (i.e. September 2000) should not be held liable for confiscation.
G The said show cause notice also required to show cause, as to why
penalty should not be imposed on the UFAC under Rule 209 of the
Central Excise Rules, 1944 read with Section 38-Aof the Act.
8. In all, ten (10) show cause notices of various dates, last being
2.12.2003 for the identical charges for different periods (i.e. from March
H 2000 to May 2003) were issued.
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 127
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

9. In response to the show cause notices, UFAC had submitted A
its written replies stating therein, that in the show cause notices no violation
of Central Excise Law has been alleged. It was submitted, that the
removals in the DTA were in accordance with the permission granted
by the Development Commissioner and, as such, there was no ground
for denial of the concessional rate of duty laid down in the said Exemption
B
notification. It was further submitted, that since the issue was based on
the interpretation of the provisions of EXIM Policy, it was necessary to
obtain ruling of the Development Commissioner on the issue. It was
submitted, that since the Development Commissioner had clarified that
the removals made by UFAC to TISCO were in accordance with the
permission under the EXIM Policy, there was no occasion to proceed C
further.
10. However, the Commissioner while passing the order-in-original
came to a finding that the conversion work performed by UFAC was
nothing but the job work and that the said job work done by an EOU was
governed by para 9.17(b) of the EXIM Policy. He found, that under D
para 9.17(b) of the EXIM Policy, an EOU was permitted to do job work
for a DTA unit only for the purposes of exporting the finished goods
directly from EOU. However, since after the job work the finished goods
were not exported by the EOU but cleared to a DTA unit for home
consumption, the UFAC had contravened the provisions of the EXIM
Policy. He also came to a finding, that the sector in which UFAC had E
undertaken the job work was not covered by the Circular dated 14.9.1998
and as extended by another Circular dated 5.11.1999, issued by the Board.
He also came to a conclusion that since there was no sale of the goods
but only return of the goods after job work, it was not a sale and, as
such, contrary to the provisions of the EXIM Policy. He, therefore, vide F
order dated 23.6.2003 confirmed the demand for Rs.11,56,08,497/- along
with interest. He also imposed penalty of Rs.50 lakhs on UFAC. He
further held, that the goods i.e. 15792.85 MTs of Silicon Manganese
valued at Rs. 32,31,30,000/-were liable for confiscation. However, since
the said goods were not available for confiscation, redemption fine of
Rs. 50 lakhs in lieu of confiscation was imposed. Two more similar orders G
confirming demand as raised under subsequent show cause notices were
also passed vide order dated 23.6.2003 and 15.3.2004. In the second
order dated 23.6.2003 being Order-in-Original No.21 of 2003, personal
penalty of Rs. 5 lakh was also imposed on the Chairman of UFAC,
Dhunjishaw M. Naterwala. H
128 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A 11. Being aggrieved thereby, the UFAC as well as the Chairman
of UFAC, Dhunjishaw M. Naterwala preferred appeals before the
learned CESTAT.
12. The Commissioner (Appeals) had set aside the demand raised
by the Revenue in respect of duty free carbon paste procured by UFAC
B under the CT-3 certificate in terms of Notification No.1/95-CE dated
4.1.1995 for use in the conversion process of Manganese ore. Being
Aggrieved thereby, the Revenue filed appeal before the CESTAT being
Appeal No.E/1607/2006. By the impugned judgment dated 21.10.2005,
the demand orders against UFAC were reversed by the CESTAT. Also,
the CESTAT dismissed the Revenue’s Appeal No. E/1607/2006 by order
C dated 7.7.2006, referring to its order and judgment dated 21.10.2005 in
UFAC’s appeal,
Hence, the present appeals.
13. We have heard Shri K. Radhakrishnan, learned Senior Counsel
D appearing for the appellant- Revenue and Shri M.H. Patil, learned counsel
appearing on behalf of the respondent – UFAC.
14. The main contention raised by Shri Radhakrishnan,learned
Senior Counsel on behalf of the Revenue is that, in view of proviso to
sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Act, the duty which is liable to be
E levied and collected on any excisable goods manufactured by a 100%
EOU and brought to any other place in India shall be leviable as per the
duties of Customs, which are leviable under the Customs Act, 1962 on
like goods produced and manufactured outside India, if imported into
India. It is contended, that the proviso to Section 5A of the said Act
specifically provides, that no exemption granted under Section 5A shall
F apply to the excisable goods which are produced or manufactured by a
100% EOU and brought to any other place in India. He further submits,
that in the transaction between the UFAC and TISCO, there is no transfer
of property in goods to the UFAC and, as such, it cannot be considered
to be a sale under Section 4 of the Sale of Goods Act, 1930. The learned
G Senior Counsel therefore submits, that the order passed by the CESTAT
deserves to be set aside and the orders-in-original passed by the
Commissioner (Appeals) need to be maintained.
15. It is further contended by Shri Radhakrishnan, learned Senior
Counsel, that the words “allowed to be sold in India” in clause (ii) of
proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 5A of the Act have been substituted
H
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 129
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

by words “brought to any other place in India” with effect from 11.5.2001. A
He therefore submits, that in view of change in law from 11.5.2001, the
statutory force of the said Exemption Notification is lost from 11.5.2001.
In his submission, the said Exemption Notification would stand impliedly
repealed with effect from 11.5.2001. He relies on the judgments of this
Court in the cases of (1) M. Karunanidhi vs. Union of India & Anr.1;
B
(2) Dharangadhra Chemical Works vs. Dharangadhar Municipality
and Anr.2; and (3) Ratan Lal Adukia vs. Union of India3. He further
submits, that the terms “allowed to be sold in India” and “brought to any
other place in India” have been considered by this Court in the cases of
Siv Industries Ltd. vs. Commissioner of Central Excise & Customs4
and Sarla Performance Fibers Limited and ors. vs. Commissioner C
of Central Excise, Surat-II5 and as such, the UFAC would be liable to
pay duty as if the goods were imported into India.
16. Shri M.H. Patil, on the contrary submits, that the case of the
present appellant is covered by paragraph 9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy
and not by paragraph 9.17(b) of the EXIM Policy. He further submits, D
that all the transactions made by UFAC were made only after the valid
permissions were granted by the Joint Development Commissioner,
SEEPZ. Learned counsel further submits, though initially vide Circular
dated 14.9.1998 (No.67/98-Cus) the permission to undertake job work
to EOU/EPZ from the DTA units was restricted only to units in textile,
readymade garments, agro-processing and granite sectors and E
subsequently vide Circular dated 5.11.1999 (No.74/99-Cus) it was
extended to certain other units; by a subsequent Circular dated 22.5.2000
(No.49/000-Cus), the said facility was extended to all the sectors. He
submits, that this fact has not been taken into consideration by the Authority
passing the Orders-in-Original. It is submitted that the Sponsoring F
Authority i.e. the Development Commissioner, SEEPZ had clarified the
position that the activity which was carried out by the UFAC was
permissible under paragraph 9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy.
17. To counter the submission that there is no transfer of property
in goods, Shri Patil submits, that the ‘sale’ and ‘purchase’ in the present G
case will have to be construed with reference to the definition of ‘sale’
1
(1979) 3 SCC 431
2
(1985) 4 SCC 92
3
(1989) 3 SCC 537
4
(2000) 3 SCC 367
5
(2016) 11 SCC 635 H
130 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A and ‘purchase’ under the Central Excise Act and not under the Sale of
Goods Act, 1930. Lastly, Shri Patil submits, that UFAC is entitled to the
benefits of said Exemption Notification and, as such, the findings as
recorded by the learned CESTAT warrant no interference.
18. We shall first deal with the submission of Shri K. Radhakrishnan,
B learned Senior Counsel appearing for the Revenue, to the effect that
since in the transaction between UFAC and TISCO there is no transfer
of property in goods, the same cannot be termed as ‘sale’ and therefore
would not be covered under paragraph 9.9 (b) of the EXIM Policy. Shri
Radhakrishnan, in that respect, would rely on the provisions of the Sale
of Goods Act, 1930.
C
19. We do not find any merit in the submission of Shri
Radhakrishnan in this regard. It will be relevant to note that clause (h) of
Section 2 of the Central Excise Act, 1944 specifically defines the terms
‘sale’ and ‘purchase’. Section 2(h) of the Act reads thus:
D “2(h) “sale” and “purchase”, with their grammatical variations
and cognate expressions, mean any transfer of the possession of
goods by one person to another in the ordinary course of trade or
business for cash or deferred payment or other valuable
consideration;”

E 20. The perusal of the definition makes it clear that when there is
a transfer of possession of goods in the ordinary course of trade or
business either for cash or for deferred payment or any other valuable
consideration, the same would be covered by the terms ‘sale’ and
‘purchase’ within the meaning of the Central Excise Act, 1944.
Undisputedly, in the present case, there is a transfer of Manganese Ore
F by TISCO to UFAC for the purposes of processing the same and
converting it into Silicon Manganese. Undisputedly, the same is also for
a valuable consideration.
21. In this respect, it will be apposite to refer to the judgment of
this Court in the case of Commissioner of Central Excise, New Delhi
G vs. Connaught Plaza Restaurant Private Limited, New Delhi 6 wherein
this Court observed thus:
“46. We are unable to persuade ourselves to agree with the
submission. It is a settled principle in excise classification that the
6
H (2012) 13 SCC 639
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 131
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

definition of one statute having a different object, purpose and A
scheme cannot be applied mechanically to another statute. As
aforesaid, the object of the Excise Act is to raise revenue for
which various goods are differently classified in the Act. The
conditions or restrictions contemplated by one statute having a
different object and purpose should not be lightly and mechanically
B
imported and applied to a fiscal statute for non-levy of excise
duty, thereby causing a loss of revenue. [See Medley
Pharmaceuticals Ltd. v. CCE and Customs [(2011) 2 SCC 601]
(SCC p. 614, para 31) and CCE v. Shree Baidyanath Ayurved
Bhavan Ltd. [(2009) 12 SCC 419] ] The provisions of PFA,
dedicated to food adulteration, would require a technical and C
scientific understanding of “ice-cream” and thus, may require
different standards for a good to be marketed as “ice-cream”.
These provisions are for ensuring quality control and have nothing
to do with the class of goods which are subject to excise duty
under a particular tariff entry under the Tariff Act. These provisions
D
are not a standard for interpreting goods mentioned in the Tariff
Act, the purpose and object of which is completely different.”
22. This Court has held, that it is a settled principle in excise
classification that the definition of one statute having a different object,
purpose and scheme cannot be applied mechanically to another statute.
It has further been held, that the conditions or restrictions contemplated E
by one statute having a different object and purpose should not be lightly
and mechanically imported and applied to a fiscal statute.
23. It is also equally well settled that the first principle of
interpretation of plain and literal interpretation has to be adhered to. We
are therefore of the considered view, that the narrower scope of the F
term ‘sale’ as found in the Sale of Goods Act, 1930 cannot be applied in
the present case. The term ‘sale’ and ‘purchase’ under the Central
Excise Act, 1944, if construed literally, it would give a wider scope and
also include transfer of possession for valuable consideration under the
definition of the term ‘sale’. G
24. The next issue that requires consideration is as to whether
under the EXIM Policy, UFAC was entitled to carry out the job-work
for TISCO and whether it was entitled to exemption from payment of
duty under the Exemption Notification.
H
132 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A 25. It will be relevant to refer to the relevant clauses of Chapter 9
of the EXIM Policy. As per para 9.1 of the said EXIM Policy, units
undertaking to export their entire production of goods may be set up
under the EOU Scheme. As per para 9.9, the entire production of EOU
units is required to be exported subject to the following:
B “(a) Unless specifically prohibited in the LOP/LOI, rejects may
be sold in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA), on prior intimation to
the Customs authority. Such sales shall be counted against DTA
sale entitlement under paragraph 9.9(b) of the Policy. Sale of
rejects shall be subject to payment of duties as applicable to sale
under para 9.9(b).
C
(b) DTA sale upto 50% of the FOB value of exports may be
made subject to payment of applicable duties and fulfilment of
minimum NFEP prescribed in Appendix 1 of the Policy…..”
26. It will also be relevant to refer to para 9.17 (b) of the EXIM
D Policy, which reads thus:
“(b) EOU/EPZ units may undertake job-work for export, on behalf
of DTA units, with the permission of Assistant Commissioner of
Customs, provided the goods are exported direct from the EOU/
EPZ units. For such exports, the DTA units will be entitled for
E refund of duty paid on the inputs by way of Brand Rate of duty
drawback.”
27. It can therefore be seen, that under para 9.9(a) of the EXIM
Policy, EOU is entitled to sell the rejects in the DTA on prior intimation
to the Customs authorities. Such sales are to be counted against DTA
F sale entitlement under paragraph 9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy. The sale of
rejects shall be subject to payment of duties as applicable to sale under
paragraph 9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy.
28. Under paragraph 9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy, DTA sale upto
50% of the FOB value of exports is also permitted subject to payment of
applicable duties and fulfilment of minimum Net Foreign Exchange
G
earning as a Percentage of exports (NFEP) as prescribed in Appendix-
1 of the Policy.
29. Under paragraph 9.17 (b), the EOU/EPZ units are also entitled
to undertake job-work for export, on behalf of DTA units, with the
permission of Assistant Commissioner of Customs, provided the goods
H
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 133
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

are exported direct from the EOU/EPZ units and for such exports, the A
DTA units will be entitled for refund of duty paid on the inputs by way of
Brand Rate of duty drawback.
30. It can thus clearly be seen, that paragraph 9.9(b) and paragraph
9.17(b) of the EXIM Policy operate in totally different fields. Under
paragraph 9.9 (b), an EOU is entitled to sell upto 50% of the FOB value B
of exports to DTA subject to payment of applicable duties and fulfilment
of minimum NFEP as prescribed in Appendix-I of the Policy, whereas
under paragraph 9.17(b), an EOU is entitled to undertake job-work for
export, on behalf of DTA units, with the permission of Assistant
Commissioner of Customs, provided the goods are exported direct from
the EOU/EPZ units. In such type of exports, the DTA units would be C
entitled for refund of duty paid on the inputs by way of Brand Rate of
duty drawback.
31. The order-in-original states that since the UFAC has not
exported the final product of Manganese raw material received by it
from TISCO, it had violated the provisions of paragraph 9.17 (b) and D
9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy. We will have to examine the correctness of
the said finding. For that, it will also be relevant to examine as to whether
under paragraph 9.9 (b) of the EXIM Policy, an EOU is entitled to carry
a job-work on behalf of another unit in DTA.
32. The order-in-original refers to Circular No.67/98-cus dated E
14.9.1998 and Circular No.74/99-cus dated 5.11.1999. However, the
Commissioner, it appears, that while passing the order has not noticed
the subsequent Circular No.49/2000-Cus dated 22.5.2000. It will be
relevant to refer to paragraph 10 and 11 of the said Circular dated
22.5.2000. F
“10. Under para 9.17(d), the EOU/EPZ units in specific sectors
were allowed to undertake job work for export on behalf of DTA
units. This paragraph has been amended to extend this facility to
all sectors. It has also been provided that DTA units shall be entitled
to brand rate of duty draw back. G
11. The EOU /EPZ units in textiles, ready made garments and
granite sectors were allowed to undertake job work on behalf of
DTA units by Board’s Circular 69/98-Cus., dated 14th September
1998. This facility was subsequently extended to the EOU/EPZ
units in aquaculture, animal husbandry, hardware, software sector
H
134 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A vide Board’s Circular No. 74/99-Cus., dated 5th Nov., 1999. Now,
it has been decided to extend this facility to EOU/EPZ units in all
sectors. Further, it has been decided that the DTA units shall be
entitled to avail of the brand rate of duty drawback for such job-
work undertaken by EOUs/EPZ units concerned. Board’s
Circulars 67/98-Cus., dated 14-9-1998 and 74/99-Cus., dated
B
5-11-1999 stand modified to the above extent.”
(emphasis supplied)
33. In view of paragraph 10 of the Circular dated 22.5.2000, the
facility of undertaking job-work by EOU/EPZ units which was restricted
C to specific sectors has been amended and the said facility has been
extended to all sectors. It has also been provided, that DTA units shall
be entitled to brand rate of duty draw back. Similarly, paragraph 11 of
the Circular dated 22.5.2000 also provides, that the facility which was
given to EOU/EPZ to undertake job-work on behalf of DTA units in
textiles, readymade garments and granite sectors which was subsequently
D extended to the EOU/EPZ units in aquaculture, animal husbandry,
hardware and software sectors vide Circular dated 5.11.1999, was
extended to EOU/EPZ units in all sectors. It has further been provided,
that DTA units shall be entitled to avail of the brand rate of duty drawback
for such job-work undertaken by EOUs/EPZ units concerned. It also
E provides, that earlier circulars issued by the Board stood modified to the
said extent.
34. We find, that failure on the part of the Commissioner, who
passed the order-in-original, to notice the Circular dated 22.5.2000 has
resulted in passing an erroneous order. It also appears, that after the
F show cause notice was issued to UFAC, the Commissioner had sought
a clarification from the Sponsoring Authority i.e. the Development
Commissioner, SEEPZ vide communication dated 6.11.2001. It will be
relevant to refer to the communication dated 28.11.2001 addressed by
Joint Development Commissioner to the Additional Commissioner (CIU),
Office of the Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise, Nagpur,
G relevant part of which reads thus:.
“Sub: Manufacture of goods of DTA Unit by an EOU on conversion
basis – Provisions of Para 9.17(b) of the EXIM Policy 1997-2002
– Correspondence regarding. M/s Universal Ferro Ltd., Tumsar
*********
H
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 135
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

Kindly refer to letter C.No. II(39)/25/CIU/2001, dated 6th A
November, 2001, addressed to Development Commissioner,
SEEPZ SEZ. Ministry of Commerce has clarified that the EXIM
Policy permits the kind of operation being undertaken by the unit
and it should be permitted.”
35. UFAC had also sought a clarification to this effect from the B
Sponsoring Authority. It will be relevant to refer to the communication
dated 23.10.2001, addressed by the Joint Development Commissioner,
SEEPZ, relevant part of which reads as under:
“Kindly refer to your query regarding DTA sale. The position
clarified to Central Excise, Nagpur, is as follows: - C
‘The general question raised was whether while selling in DTA
under DTA sale permission issued in terms of Para 9.9 (b) of the
EXIM Policy, a unit can take supply of raw material from a
Company in the DTA and give back the finished product (its
approved as per LOP and also covered by the DTA sale D
permission).
The unit is free to procure raw material in terms of Para 9.2 of
Policy. The raw material is meant for production either export or
clearance under valid DTA permission. The unit may convert the
RM into its approved product and clear the same against valid E
DTA sale permission under para 9.9(b) after paying applicable
duty on assessable value of finished product, i.e. value of RM +
conversion charges. There is no bar on this activity under the
EXIM Policy.’”
(emphasis supplied) F
36. It is not in dispute that all transactions between UFAC and
TISCO have been entered into after the necessary permission was
obtained from the Development Commissioner. As a matter of fact, the
order-in-original itself mentions thus:
“The M/s. UFAC was a 100% EOU engaged in the manufacture G
of Ferro Manganese & Silico Manganese and clearances thereof
for export as well as in DTA on payment of Central Excise duty.
The unit was also doing job work for M/s TISCO in respect of
Silico Manganese on the basis of Memorandum of Agreement
dated 28.12.99 entered into with M/s. TISCO. These clearances
H
136 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A of the goods manufactured on the basis of job work had been
effected on payment of duty vide Notification no.8/97 - Central
Excise dated 1.3.97 against permission for DTA sales granted by
the Development Commissioner SEEPZ, Mumbai from time to
time.”
B 37. It could thus be clearly seen, that the Original Authority itself
has found that clearance of the goods manufactured on the basis of job-
work had been effected on payment of duty vide Exemption Notification
of 1997 against permission for DTA sales granted by the Development
Commissioner, SEEPZ, Mumbai from time to time.
C 38. The combined reading of paragraph 9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy,
the Circulars issued by the Board, particularly, the Circular dated
22.5.2000 and reply to the query of the Customs Authorities by the
Development Commissioner, SEEPZ would clearly show, that the UFAC
was entitled to carry out the job-work on behalf of TISCO on payment
of duty as provided under Exemption Notification of 1997.
D
39. In this respect, it will also be apposite to refer to the Circular
dated 6.5.2003 (No.38/2003-Cus) issued by the Board which would
further clarify the position, relevant part of which reads thus:
“I am directed to say that cases have been brought to the notice
E of the Board that in case of stock transfer of goods to a DTA unit,
EOUs were not being allowed the benefit of payment of
concessional duty under notification No. 2/95 – Central Excise,
dated 4-1-1995 even though the EOU had a valid DTA sale
permission and had earned the DTA sale entitlement as provided
under paragraph 6.8 of the Exim Policy 2002-2007 (Paragraph
F 9.9 of the Exim Policy 1997-2002) and fulfil other conditions
specified in aforesaid notification. The benefit of concessional
rate of duty was being denied on the ground that stock transfer of
goods is not a sale and thus, not eligible for concessional rate of
duty in terms of the above notification.
G 2. The matter has been examined by the Board. Notification
2/95 – C.E., dated 1-4-1995 provided for 50% exemption on…..
“goods allowed to be sold in India under and in accordance
with the provisions of sub-paragraphs (a), (b), (d) and (h) of
para 6.8 (earlier para 9.9) of the Exim Policy”…. The
notification, therefore, allowed concessional duty only when goods
H
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 137
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

were sold into DTA in accordance with para 6.8 (or 9.9) of the A
policy. What is covered in para 6.8 (or 9.9) of the policy has been
clarified by Ministry of Commerce in Appendix 14-IH of the
Handbook of procedures, 2002 – 2007 (Appendix 42 of the Hand
Book of Procedures Vol – I – 1997 - 2002) that it covers any
clearance to another DTA unit. Thus it is not open to the
B
Department to interpret the Exim Policy in any other manner than
what has been mentioned in Appendix 14 – IH (or 42). The word
DTA sale has been loosely used in the Exim Policy and there is no
definition of DTA sale in the Policy. Appendix 14-IH (or 42)
clarifies that it not only covers transfers through sales to DTA
units but also through other means. It would be illogical to contend C
that the concession is available if the goods are transferred on
sale to an independent unit but it would not be available when
removed on stock transfer to another division / unit of the same
company.”
40. We will now deal with the next submission made by Shri K. D
Radhakrishnan, learned Senior Counsel, to the effect that under proviso
to sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Central Excise Act, 1944, an EOU
is liable to pay duty on the goods brought to a DTA, as if the goods were
produced and manufactured outside India and were imported into India
as per the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and that under Section
5A of the Central Excise Act, 1944, the Central Government has no E
power to grant exemption from payment of duty to an EOU.
41. To consider the submission, it will be relevant to refer to the
relevant part of Sections 3 and 5A of the Central Excise Act, 1944,
which read thus:
F
“3. Duty specified in the Fourth Schedule to be levied.-(1)
There shall be levied and collected in such manner as may be
prescribed a duty of excise to be called the Central Value Added
Tax (CENVAT) on all excisable goods (excluding goods produced
or manufactured in special economic zones) which are produced
or manufactured in India as, and at the rates, set forth in the G
Fourth Schedule:
Provided that the duty of excise which shall be levied and
collected on any excisable goods which are produced or
manufactured by a hundred per cent export-oriented undertaking
and brought to any other place in India, shall be an amount equal H
138 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A to the aggregate of the duties of customs which would be leviable
under the Customs Act, 1962 (52 of 1962) or any other law for
the time being in force, on like goods produced or manufactured
outside India if imported into India, and where the said duties of
customs are chargeable by reference to their value, the value of
such excisable goods shall, notwithstanding anything contained in
B
any other provision of this Act, be determined in accordance with
the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and the Customs Tariff
Act, 1975 (51 of 1975).”
***
C 5A. Power to grant exemption from duty to excise.-(1) If
the Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary in the
public interest so to do, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette,
exempt generally either absolutely or subject to such conditions
(to be fulfilled before or after removal) as may be specified in the
notification, excisable goods of any specified description from the
D whole or any part of the duty of excise leviable thereon:
Provided that, unless specifically provided in such
notification, no exemption therein shall apply to excisable goods
which are produced or manufactured-

E (i) In a free trade zone or a special economic zone and
brought to any other place in India; or
(ii) by a hundred per cent export-oriented undertaking and
brought to any other place in India.
Explanation-In this proviso, “free trade zone”, “special
F economic Zone” and “hundred per cent export-oriented
undertaking” shall have the same meanings as in Explanation 2 to
sub-section (1) of Section 3.”
42. A perusal of sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Act would
show, that sub-section (1) of Section 3 provides for levy and collection
G of duty of excise in such manner as may be prescribed to be called the
Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT) on all excisable goods, which are
produced or manufactured in India as, and at the rates, set forth in the
Fourth Schedule. However, the said sub-section (1) of Section 3 excludes
the applicability thereof, to the goods produced or manufactured in special
economic zones. The proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Act
H
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 139
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

is applicable to the excisable goods, which are produced or manufactured A
by a 100% export-oriented undertaking when such goods are brought to
any other place in India. It provides, that in such a case, an amount equal
to the aggregate of the duties of customs which would be leviable under
the Customs Act, 1962 or any other law for the time being in force, on
like goods produced or manufactured outside India if imported into India
B
and where the said duties of customs are chargeable by reference to
their value, the value of such excisable goods shall, notwithstanding
anything contained in any other provision of this Act, be determined in
accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and the Customs
Tariff Act, 1975.
43. Relying on the proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the C
Act, it is the contention of Shri Radhakrishnan that since UFAC has
supplied the goods to TISCO, which is any other place in India, it will be
liable to pay the import duty as if the goods were imported in India.
44. However, for considering the said submission, it will also be
necessary to refer to Section 5A of the Act, which is already reproduced D
above. Sub-Section (1) of Section 5A of the Act provides, that if the
Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest
so to do, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, exempt generally
either absolutely or subject to such conditions, to be fulfilled before or
after removal, as may be specified in the notification, excisable goods of E
any specified description from the whole or any part of the duty of excise
leviable thereon. The proviso thereto provides, that unless specifically
provided in such notification, no exemption therein shall apply to excisable
goods which are produced or manufactured in a free trade zone or a
special economic zone and brought to any other place in India; or by a
hundred per cent export-oriented undertaking and brought to any other F
place in India.
45. It is the submission of Shri Radhakrishnan that a combined
reading of proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Act and proviso
to sub-section (1) of Section 5A of the Act, would not entitle the Central
Government to grant any exemption to an EOU when it brings the goods G
to any other place in India (i.e. DTA) and the duty that would be leviable
would be as if the said goods were imported in India.
46. We are of the considered view, that if such an interpretation is
accepted, the words “unless specifically provided in such notification” in
sub-section (1) of Section 5A will have to be ignored and the said words H
140 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A would be rendered otiose. It is a settled principle of law that while
interpreting a provision due weightage will have to be given to each and
every word used in the statute.
47. In this respect, we may gainfully refer to the following
observations of the Constitution Bench of this Court in the case of
B Hardeep Singh vs. State of Punjab and others7:
“42. To say that powers under Section 319 CrPC can be exercised
only during trial would be reducing the impact of the word “inquiry”
by the court. It is a settled principle of law that an interpretation
which leads to the conclusion that a word used by the legislature
C is redundant, should be avoided as the presumption is that the
legislature has deliberately and consciously used the words for
carrying out the purpose of the Act. The legal maxim a verbis
legis non est recedendum which means, “from the words of law,
there must be no departure” has to be kept in mind.
D 43. The court cannot proceed with an assumption that the
legislature enacting the statute has committed a mistake and where
the language of the statute is plain and unambiguous, the court
cannot go behind the language of the statute so as to add or subtract
a word playing the role of a political reformer or of a wise counsel
to the legislature. The court has to proceed on the footing that the
E legislature intended what it has said and even if there is some
defect in the phraseology, etc., it is for others than the court to
remedy that defect. The statute requires to be interpreted without
doing any violence to the language used therein. The court cannot
rewrite, recast or reframe the legislation for the reason that it has
F no power to legislate.
44. No word in a statute has to be construed as surplusage.
No word can be rendered ineffective or purposeless. Courts are
required to carry out the legislative intent fully and completely.
While construing a provision, full effect is to be given to the
G language used therein, giving reference to the context and other
provisions of the statute. By construction, a provision should not
be reduced to a “dead letter” or “useless lumber”. An interpretation
which renders a provision otiose should be avoided otherwise it
would mean that in enacting such a provision, the legislature was

H 7
(2014) 3 SCC 92
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 141
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

involved in “an exercise in futility” and the product came as a A
“purposeless piece” of legislation and that the provision had been
enacted without any purpose and the entire exercise to enact such
a provision was “most unwarranted besides being uncharitable”.
(Vide Patel Chunibhai Dajibha v. Narayanrao Khanderao
Jambekar [AIR 1965 SC 1457], Martin Burn Ltd. v. Corpn. of
B
Calcutta [AIR 1966 SC 529], M.V. Elisabeth v. Harwan
Investment and Trading (P) Ltd. [1993 Supp (2) SCC 433 : AIR
1993 SC 1014], Sultana Begum v. Prem Chand Jain [(1997) 1
SCC 373], State of Bihar v. Bihar Distillery Ltd. [(1997) 2 SCC
453 : AIR 1997 SC 1511], Institute of Chartered Accountants
of India v. Price Waterhouse [(1997) 6 SCC 312] and South C
Central Railway Employees Coop. Credit Society Employees’
Union v. Registrar of Coop. Societies [(1998) 2 SCC 580 : 1998
SCC (L&S) 703 : AIR 1998 SC 703] .)”
48. We therefore find, that the interpretation as sought to be placed
by Shri Radhakrishnan would render the term “unless specifically provided D
in such notification” in sub-section (1) of Section 5A otiose or useless.
Such an interpretation would not be permissible. We find, that the
harmonious construction of sub-Section (1) of Section 5A of the Act and
the proviso thereto would be, that an EOU which brings the excisable
goods to any other place in India would not be entitled for a general
exemption notification unless it is so specifically provided in such a E
notification.
49. In this respect, it will be relevant to refer to Exemption
Notification of 1997 as amended by Notification No.21/97-C.E. dated
11.4.1997, relevant part of which reads thus:
F
“Effective rate of duty on certain goods produced in FTZ
or EOU. – In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section
(1) of section 5A of the Central Excise Act, 1944 (1 of 1944), the
Central Government, being satisfied that it is necessary in the
public interest so to do, hereby exempts the finished products,
rejects and waste or scrap specified in the Schedule to the G
Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985 (5 of 1986) and produced or
manufactured, in a hundred per cent export-oriented undertaking
or a free trade zone wholly from the raw materials produced or
manufactured in India, and allowed to be sold in India under and
in accordance with the provisions of sub-paragraphs (a), (b), (c), H
142 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A (d) and (f) of paragraph 9.9 or of paragraph 9.20 of the Export
and Import Policy, 1st April, 1997 – 31st March, 2002, from so
much of the duty of excise leviable thereon under section 3 of the
Central Excise Act, 1944 (1 of 1944), as is in excess of an
amount equal to the aggregate of the duties of excise
leviable under the said Section 3 of the Central Excise Act
B
or under any other law for the time being in force on like
goods, produced or manufactured in India other than in a hundred
percent export-oriented undertaking or a free trade zone, if sold
in India.”
50. The bare reading of the aforesaid Notification would amply
C make it clear, that the Central Government after being satisfied that it
was necessary in the public interest so to do, thereby exempted the
finished products, rejects and waste or scrap which was produced or
manufactured in a hundred per cent export-oriented undertaking or a
free trade zone wholly from the raw materials produced or manufactured
D in India and allowed to be sold in India under and in accordance with the
provisions of sub-paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (f) of paragraph 9.9 or
of paragraph 9.20 of the EXIM Policy, from so much of the duty of
excise leviable thereon under Section 3 of the Central Excise Act, 1944,
as is in excess of an amount equal to the aggregate of the duties of
excise leviable under the said Section 3 of the Central Excise Act or
E under any other law for the time being in force on like goods, produced
or manufactured in India other than in a hundred per cent export-oriented
undertaking or a free trade zone, if sold in India.
51. It could thus be seen, that the said notification specifically
provides grant of exemption to the EOUs from the payment of duties,
F which are in excess of what is leviable under sub-section (1) of Section
3 of the Central Excise Act, 1944 on like goods, produced or manufactured
in India. In our considered view, since the said Exemption Notification
specifically mentions, that the goods produced or manufactured by an
100% EOU, which are allowed to be sold in India in accordance with
G para 9.9(b) of the EXIM Policy, the proviso would be inapplicable thereby,
requiring the duties to be paid, as are required to be paid under sub-
Section (1) of Section 3 of the said Act. The conditions which can be
culled out for enabling to get the benefit of the said Exemption Notification
are as under:

H
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 143
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

(i) The finished products, rejects and waste or scrap specified A
in the Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985 should
be produced or manufactured in the 100% export-oriented
undertaking or a free trade zone;
(ii) The said finished products should be manufactured wholly
from the raw materials produced or manufactured in India; B
(iii) They are allowed to be sold in India under and in accordance
with the provisions of sub-paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (f)
of paragraph 9.9 or of paragraph 9.20 of the EXIM Policy.
52. Undisputedly, in the present case, the transaction between
UFAC and TISCO satisfies all the three conditions. The goods are C
produced and manufactured by UFAC, an 100% export-oriented unit;
they are manufactured wholly from the raw materials produced or
manufactured in India and, thirdly, they have been allowed to be sold in
India in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9.9(b) of the EXIM
Policy. D
53. We will now consider the submission of Shri Radhakrishnan,
learned Senior Counsel, that in view of substitution of the words “allowed
to be sold in India” by “brought to any other place in India”, the said
Exemption Notification shall stand impliedly overruled/repealed.
54. No doubt, that the reliance placed by the learned Senior Counsel E
on the judgments of this Court to the effect that if there are inconsistencies
in two statutes, the later would prevail is well placed. This Court in
Deep Chand vs. State of Uttar Pradesh8 has laid down the following
principles to ascertain whether there is repugnancy or not:
“(1) Whether there is direct conflict between the two provisions; F
(2) Whether the legislature intended to lay down an exhaustive
code in respect of the subject matter replacing the earlier law;
(3) Whether the two laws occupy the same field.”
The said view has been consistently followed by this Court in G
catena of judgments.
55. We do not find, that there would be any conflict in the amended
provisions of clause (ii) of the proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 5A of

8
AIR 1959 SC 648
H
144 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 4 S.C.R.

A the Act and the said Exemption Notification. In any case, by the 2001
Amendment, the legislature has not laid down any exhaustive code in
respect of the subject matter in replacing the earlier law. It appears, that
the said Amendment has been incorporated to bring the said clause (ii)
of sub-Section (1) of Section 5A in sync with the words used in clause
(i) of the proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 5A of the Act and the
B
words used in the proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Act. In
that view of the matter, we find, that the said contention is without
substance.
56. Insofar as the reliance placed by the learned Senior Counsel
on the judgment of this Court in the case of Siv Industries Ltd. (supra)
C so as to distinguish the terms “allowed to be sold in India” and “brought
to any other place in India” is concerned, we find, that the said judgment
would rather support the case of the respondent – Assessee. It would
be relevant to refer to the following observation in paragraph 18 of the
said judgment, which reads thus:
D “Thus it is apparent that debonding and permission to sell in India
are two different things having no connection with each other. It
also becomes apparent that in view of the EOU Scheme as
modified from time to time and corresponding amendments to
Section 3 of the Act the expression “allowed to be sold in India”
E in the proviso to Section 3(1) of the Act is applicable only to sales
made up to 25% of production by 100% EOU in DTA and with
the permission of the Development Commissioner. No permission
is required to sell goods manufactured by 100% EOU lying with it
at the time approval is granted to debond.”

F 57. It is to be noted that the case that fell for consideration before
this Court was with regard to debonding. What this Court has held is,
that no permission is required to sell goods manufactured by 100% EOU
lying with it, at the time approval is granted to debond. It has been held,
that the expression “allowed to be sold in India” in the proviso to Section
3(1) of the Act was applicable only to sales made upto 25% of production
G by 100% EOU in DTA and with the permission of the Development
Commissioner. Admittedly, in the present case, the sales made by UFAC
to TISCO are within the permissible limits and with the permission of
the Development Commissioner.
58. The view taken by this Court in the case of Sarla
H Performance Fibers Limited (supra) is a similar view, taken following
COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE, NAGPUR v. 145
M/S UNIVERSAL FERRO & ALLIED CHEMICALS LTD. & ANR.

the decision of this Court in Siv Industries Ltd. (supra). As such, the A
said judgment also is of no assistance to the case of the appellant.
59. In that view of the matter, we do not find, that the CESTAT
has committed any error in reversing the orders-in-original passed by
the Commissioner. The appeals are, therefore, dismissed.
B

Devika Gujral Appeals dismissed.

C

D

E

F

G

H