Judgment

KULDIP SINGH, J.:- Steel Authority of India (the Authority), the appellant herein, issued a price circular dated March 17, 1989 (the circular) offering a discount scheme with a view to give a thrust to the off-take stainless steel of thinner gauges. The circular stated as under :-

"(a) For an off-take of over 400 mts. per month of thinner gauges namely O.3, O.4, O.5 and O. 63 taken together by any customer from any region will entitle them for an additional discount of Rs.2000/- PMT over and above the normal monthly discount on the incremental quantity.

(b) A bonus incentive of add1. Rs. 2000/-PMT would be admissible at the end of 6 monthly period provided the off-take is over 400 mts. in each of the 6 months. This additional incentive will be applicable on the incremental quantity in excess of 2400 mts. during the period of 6 months.

(c) Benefits under (a)and (b) above will be applicable to any customer including trade and their associate concerns both on direct despatch from plant as well as quantities lifted from stockyard of any region, irrespective of the region to which the customer is attached."

The circular was issued by the Calcutta office of the Authority.

2. Standard