R. Jayaraman, Member (T)

1. All the aforesaid appeals arise out of the order of the Collector of Customs (Appeals) considering the identical issue and hence they were heard together and disposed of by this common order.

2. The brief facts for purpose of disposal of these appeals can be stated as below:

The appellants are the manufacturers of spring of iron or steel. For manufacture of this final product, they received inputs viz. steel flats exceeding 5 mm in thickness from outside. They had applied for availment of modvat credit in respect of the inputs and the permission for availment of modvat credit was granted. The Government of India, Ministry of Finance under order F. No. B. 22/5/86-TRU dated 7-4-1986, issued in pursuance of the 2nd proviso to Rule 57G(2) of the Central Excise Rules, allowed deemed credit in respect of inputs purchased from outside and lying in stock on or after 1-3-1986 with the manufacturers of the final product. In their case the deemed credit in respect of the steel flats exceeding 5 mm thickness was taken at the rate of Rs. 365 per M.T. However, the department issued 4 show cause notices dated 2-9-1986; 30-3-1987; 23-7-1987 and 4-12-1987. The objectio