J.S. VERMA, C.J.—A short point involved for decision in this petition is, whether the articles manufactured by the petitioner on which excise duty was levied for the first time with effect from 1.3.1975, which were lying fully manufactared in the petitioners stock prior to that date could be subjected to the excise duty levied from 1.3.1975 in view of para 5 of the Trade notice No. 17-CE/75 (I6-Visc) dated 1.3.1975 issued by the Central Excise Collectorate, Delhi? Para 5 of the aforesaid notice reads as under:

"Stocks of the articles mentioned in para 4 above at midnight of 28th February/1st March, 1975, in fully manufactured condition, even if lying within the precincts of the producing factory will be eligible for duty free clearance. Goods will not be considered as fully manufactured unless at mid night of 28th February/1st March, 1975, they are ready for delivery."

It has been held by the Assistant Collector, Central Excise & Customs, Ajmer vide his order (Annexure V) dated 12-2-1976 that the petitioner is liable for payment of excise duty on these articles and this view has been affirmed on appeal by the Appellate Collector vide order (Annexure VII) dated 31.7.1976, and the peti

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