COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS & CENTRAL EXCISE & ANR. vs M/S. ORIENTAL TIMBER INDUSTRIES

The Supreme Court addressed the assessment of excise duty on plywood circles manufactured by the respondent firm under the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944, specifically Item 16B. The Court held that the excise duty is leviable on the plywood blocks or panels as they are considered finished products upon leaving the press, regardless of further processing into circles. The Court upheld the Division Bench's decision, affirming that the cutting of blocks does not constitute a separate manufacture for duty assessment purposes.