UNION OF INDIA vs M/S UNICORN INDUSTRIES

The Supreme Court addressed the applicability of the doctrine of promissory estoppel in the context of the Union of India's withdrawal of excise duty exemptions under the Central Excise Act, 1944, and related statutes. The Court held that the Union could not be estopped from withdrawing the exemption when it deemed such action necessary for public interest, thereby affirming the validity of Notification No. 21 of 2007-CE which amended previous exemptions. The decision emphasized that public interest considerations can override previously granted exemptions under the law.