ION EXCHANGE (INDIA) LTD. vs COLLECTOR OF CENTRAL EXCISE, BARODA

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of excise duty applicability on intermediate products under Section 3 of the Central Excise Act, 1944, specifically relating to tariff item No. 15A(1)(ii). The Court held that the intermediate product, D.V.B. beads, was marketable and fell within the classification of the relevant tariff item, thus excise duty was leviable. The appeals were dismissed, affirming the CEGAT's decision with a modification on the limitation period, which was agreed upon by all members.