JUDGMENT :

A.K. Sikri, J.

In these appeals, a short but interesting question of law arises for consideration. It pertains to the construction of Section 17 of the Karnataka Value Added Tax (Act), 2003 [hereinafter referred to ‘KVAT Act’] read with Rule 131 of the Karnataka Value Added Tax Rules, 2005 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘KVAT Rules, 2005’).

2. The respondent is the manufacturer of sunflower oil, which is extracted from sunflower cake by employing solvent extraction process. Sunflower oil cake, is, thus, used as input/raw material. On purchase of sunflower oil cake (input) VAT is payable under the KVAT Act. After the extraction of sunflower oil, on its sale again VAT is payable under the said Act. For this reason, provisions of KVAT Act provides for tax credit paid on the input. To this extent there is no issue. However, when the sunflower oil is extracted, by-product in the form of de-oiled sunflower oil cake (hereinafter referred to as the ‘de-oiled cake’) also becomes available. This by-product is sold by the respondent (hereinafter referred to as the ‘assessee) but on the sale of this by-product, no VAT is payable as it is exempted item under the KVAT Act. Section 17 of