No tax exemption for roasted peanuts: SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to exempt roasted peanuts from excise duty, saying the process of roasting did not change the essential composition of the

product.

A Bench comprising Justice S H Kapadia and Justice B Sudershan Reddy passed the order on an appeal filed by salted snack manufacturer Amrit Agro Industries Ltd challenging excise duty levied on roasted peanuts and masala (spicy) peanuts.

However, the apex court held that spicy peanuts qualified for excise duty exemption under the benefits available for namkeen (salted snack) products under the Central Excise Tariff Act.

Namkeen products are exempted from payment of the tax, under the rule 21.08 of the Act.

(With Agency inputs)