MUNICIPAL CORPN. OF CITY OF THANE vs M/S. VIDYUT METALLICS LTD.

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the VIth Additional District & Sessions Judge, Thane, confirming that M/s Vidyut Metallics Ltd. was liable to pay octroi at the rate of 1% under Item No. 77 of the Maharashtra Municipalities (Octroi) Rules, 1974, rather than the 0.5% rate claimed by the company under Item No. 71. The Court emphasized that the specific mention of 'stainless steel' in Item No. 77 was applicable to the goods imported by the company. The appeal by the Municipal Corporation of City of Thane was thus allowed, reinforcing the interpretation of the relevant statutory provisions under the Maharashtra Municipalities Act, 1965 and the Rules.