Case: Murthy Match Works, Etc. Etc Vs. The Asstt. Collector Of Central Excise, Etc

3. The facts which unfold the case of the appellants may now be set out. The match industry in India has grown over the decades and Shivakashi occupies an important place in the production geography of matches. From the point of view of manufacturing techniques, the safety match industry in our country comprises two distinct categoriesthe mechanised sector occupied by a few big whales and thesector comprising varying sizes of production units ranging from the small fry organised on a cottage industry basis to considerable producers who have developed manufacturing and marketing muscles sufficient to compete with thethe WIMCO, the AMCO, the ESAVI, and the Pioneer. The Tariff Commission Report on this Industry has statedunits in the mechanised sector which haveequipment for carrying out all the important operations including manufacture of splints and veneers, frame filling, dipping, box making, etc., those in categories "B" and "C" follow almost identical manufacturing process, obtaining their splints and veneers from outside suppliers and getting such important operations asand frame filling done by outside domestic labour onbasis. Only such of the processes as dipping, box filling, banderolling and packing which under Excise or Explosive Act regulations cannot be entrusted to outside labour are carried out in the factory sheds of the units and the workers employed for these also are mostly paid onbasis. All the operations, whether undertaken in the factory premises or passed on to outsidelabour to be carried out in the homes of the latter conjointly with other members of the family, are done by manual process. The same system is followed by "D" category units as well, except those sponsored by K. and V. I.C. some of which manufacture their own splints and veneers.Classified on the basis of quantity, turnout and other germane factors, a fourfold categorisation into "A" , "B", "C" and "D" was extant in the industry roughly corresponding to the techniques of production and the use of power adopted by each. The Tariff Commission explained this aspect and reported on the operation of the differential excise levy system on production and trade practices. Counsel for the appellants has rested his case of discrimination by subversive equality or ratherwhere a deserving differentiation is the desideratum, on the findings of the Tariff Commission Report. We might as well give copious but relevant excerpts from it to discern the foundation of the argument. The report runs on toindicated in Appendix II, according to the excise tariff classification, units in the match industry now stand grouped into four classes, namely, A, B, C and D not on any technological differentiation but on the basis of outputA class comprising factories whose annual output exceeds 4, 000 million match sticks, B class comprising factories whose annual output exceeds 500 million match sticks but does not exceed 4,000 million match sticks, C class comprising factories whose annual output exceeds 50 million match sticks but does not exceed 500 million match sticks and D class comprising factories whose annual output does not exceed 50 million match sticks. According to this classification the factories belonging to WIMCO, AMCO and ESAVI fall under category "A", the rest comprising the units in thesector fall under the other three categories, namely, B, C and D.g system:(iv) Small producersThe system of selling adopted by these manufacturers varied according to their status and financial resources. The system almost universally followed by such producers is to make outright sales, without any discount or commission to wholesalers, bothand local. The bigger, among such producers belonging to category B are reported in some cases to sell as well through dealers and sole selling agents. Many of them have also got their own depots and regular stockists in a limited number ofcenters. As regards C and D class producers, the system of sales covers the following variants according to facilities available to them; (i) outright sales to wholesale merchants, local or(ii) sales through joint schemes of depots which stock different brands from several producers; (iii) sales by sending goods in their own vans in bulk to distributors and dealers in nearby States; and (iv) sales through their own salesmen who deliver goods in local markets on the shopkeepers on bicycles (a special feature of D class units).From the replies received by us from units in the small scale sector it would appear that those in category B situated in the Sivakasi/Sattur/Kovilpatti area have over some years in the past established contacts and developed a fairly wide selling system enabling them to cater to the markets in distant States including West Bengal, U.P., Delhi, Gujarat and practically all the States in the South. The size of their operations has all along enabled them to undertake supply inat the concessional rates, which is an important consideration for developing distant markets to be served by rail transport.h they are not comparable to WIMCO in having a countrywide distributive organisation, these units evinced till recently all the symptoms of a steady and healthy development, some of them having reached the maximum limit (400 million sticks) of Category B with a reputation for their brands in far off markets. They had the resources to support this progressive development and a few of them have represented that with an improvement of the climate of the trade which has been completely vitiated by the slab system of excise duties (see paragraph II) and given necessary facilities they would be able tothe markets they had assiduously built up and even initiate a scheme of gradual mechanisation of important processes in their factories for the betterment of the quality of their products. In the present context, it is worth taking note of the fact that the credit for an expanding market for matches produced in thesector is attributable largely to the sales endeavours of factories which had grown to be B class units that had necessary resources for the purpose and were able to maintain quality.n contrast to the B class units, the selling system of those in category C betokens a position of serious weakness. Except the C class units which have been brought into existence by fragmentation of bigger units and still operate under the protecting wing of the sponsor (see paragraph II), thein this class, who have no tradition, functions mostly with meager financial resources and have no comparable advantage. Unable to sell their output in wagon loads they are compelled to dispose of it to localagencies at rock bottom prices dictated by the latter for what has now come to be called consignments of "Assorted labels". This, in effect, involves a complete surrender by the C class producers to the benefit of differential excise rebate allowed to them to the detriment of others as well. The low purchase prices of the goods enable such agencies to sent consignments of mixed brands to distant places inand find a market by offering to the wholesalers there extremely competitive ratesthe usual rates charged by B class units, the retail selling prices being the same for both. Our examination of the problem of the small scale units in category "C" indicates that basically their problem is not different from other small industries suffering similar exploitation by middlemen. As in other cases they can best be extricated from the grip of the middleman by the establishment of suitable salesWe draw the attention of the State Governments to this problem for initiating necessary measures for the purpose particularly of the Government of Madras, as the concentration of such units is in that State, where the problem presents itself in the most acute form, but offers favourable prospects for the establishment of severale is sufficient, evidence to indicate that the effects have been quite widespread and recourse has been taken to fragmentation on a fairly extensive scale.e Sivakasi Chamber has stated as follows:"In the face of such unhealthy competition from C factories and the disadvantages over A, the B is unable to market its production resulting in heavy accumulation of stocks. It is now felt by B class factories that there is no other salvation for them except to convert B into C class factories in benami names, as few have since done. It may be pointed out that 16 long established B factories have reduced themselves to C class with effect from 1st April, 1963 in this Division alone in addition to the numerous factories who have already converted from B to C as regards similar fragmentation of the larger units in category C almost identical views have been expressed by the Tirunelevely Match Association, representing 150 C class match factories, in the following words : "In view of the vast difference of excise duty between 1st and 3rd slab of excise duty in C class there is a tendency and practice among the manufacturers to work in the first slab only and to stop therewith.In this way starting of small new units with the motive to enjoy rebate in the first slab of excise duty has become common and this has clearly resulted in loss of revenue, as well as working of units in less than the permitted capacity." It has been brought to our notice that the situation has deteriorated to such an extent as a result of the slab system that some erstwhile B units have suspended their manufacturing activities altogether and instead found it more profitable to patronage a number of newly established C class units. Their taking over the products of the latter in their new role as aagency has been facilitated by their established market connection and resourcefulness. Instances of B category units owned by individual proprietors downgrading themselves into category C and having a number of C class units set up in the name of near relations have also been noticed by us in the course of our visits to factories in the Sivakasi/Sattur/Kovilpatti area. The allegations about extensive fragmentation were not denied by anybody at the public inquiry.e volume of evidence, both direct and indirect, that we have received in this connection fully testified to the fact that large scale fragmentation of B and C class units has taken place directly as a result of the slab systemall motivated by the attraction offered by the large duty differential of 65 np for the lowest slab rate under category C.m the evidence received by us B and C class units have to offer their match boxes generally at a discount of Rs. 2 to Rs. 3 per bundle of 5 gross boxes i.e. at about 40 to 60 np. per gross less than the price charged by WIMCO. While the quality of matches produced by B class manufacturers has the reputation of being generally good and comparable to WIMCOs matches, the C class units do not have such reputation in the market. The C class manufacturers are handicapped by a further disadvantage on account of the lower scale of their production, inasmuch as they cannot usually offer aof matches at a time for despatch to the upcountry markets for sale and have generally to bear the Central Sales Tax. After carefully considering all aspects of the case including estimate of costs of the manufacturers, we are of opinion that a differential of 20 np. in the rates of excise duty per gross of match boxes between A and B class units and a differential of 30 np. between B and C class manufacturers would be quite adequate to safeguard their respective interests. On similar consideration a differential of 35 np. between C and D class units would also be justified. For reasons stated in paragraph 11 and as stressed therein we are definitely against continuance of the slabs introduced in classes A, B and C carrying differential rates of excise duty which have entailed serious repercussions on the entire industry. We, therefore, recommend the following scales of excise duty to be levied for the four classes respectively:For A classRs. 4.60 per gross boxesFor B classRs. 4.40 per gross boxesFor C classRs. 4.10 per gross boxesFor D classRs. 3.75 per grossThe Tariff Commission recommended, the abolition offor the purpose of excise duty and suggested separate scales of excise duty to be levied for the four classes of units, namely, A, B, C and D. Based on these recommendations, the slab system of excise duty was abandoned by Government and the category wise rate was adopted. The impact on production of the differential duty scheme was a process of splintering of the B group to inhale the advantages offered to the C group resulting in a reduction in total production, thanks to the thinning tendency in the B group. Indeed, the fiscal misdirections, the showing concessional rates to the C category as against B category, generated pseudoC category producers from out of the erstwhile B category so that the bona fide small scale manufacturers falling in the C category were flooded out. Moreover, the genuine C category manufacturers were exploited by the middlemen who snapped up the margin of tax concession for themselves, defeating the object of the concessional duty for the small producer. This dilemma induced government to revise its fiscal thinking and led to the impugned notification which withdrew the tax concession to the C category and equated it with the B category.6. Section 3 of the Central Excises and Salt Act 1944 empowers the levy and collection of duties on goods produced or manufactured in the State, the rate being set forth in the first Schedule to the Act. Item 38 in the first schedule relates to matches, Section 37 contains thepower and Section 37(1) confers power on the Central Government by rules to exempt any goods from the whole or any part of the duty imposed by the Act. Under this power the Central Government issued a notification adopting a "classification" approach for extending concessional rates. Originally, a broad classification was made as between matches manufactured by use of machinery and those by other means. Among the second category awas made as B, C and D for the purposes of concessional rates. In 1966, a uniform levy of Rs. 4.15 per gross of match boxes was made doing away with B to D classes. In 1967 this position was revised by notification No. 162 of 1967 which is challenged before us. Itexercise of the powers conferred by(1) of R. 6 of the Central Excise Rules, 1955, and in supersession of the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue and Insurance) No. 115/67 Central Excise, dated the 8th June, 1967 the Central Government hereby exempts matches specified in column (2) of the Table below, falling "under Item No. 38 of the First Schedule tothe Central Excises and Salt Act, 1944 (1 of 1944) and cleared by an manufacturer for home consumption, from so much of the duty of excise leviable thereon as is in excess of the rate specified in the corresponding entry in column (3) of the said table:CategoryDescription of matchesRate(Rs. per gross of boxes 50s matches each)1.Matches in or in relation to the manufacture of which any process is ordinarily carried on with the aid of power4.602.Matches in or in relation to the manufacture of which no process is ordinarily carried on with the aid of power4.30ProvidedMatches referred to in category 2 and cleared for home consumption during the financial year from a factory from which the total clearance of matches during that year is not, as per declaration made by the manufacturer under this notification, estimated to exceed 75 million matches, shall be allowed to be cleared at the rate of Rs.per gross of boxes 50 matches each, up to 75 million matches and the quantity of matches, if any, cleared in excess, and up to 100 million matches shall be allowed to be cleared at the rate of Rs. 4.30 per gross of boxes of 50 matches each; and if the clearance in such factory exceeds 100 million matches during the financial year, the manufacturer shall be required to pay at the rate of Rs. 4.30 per gross of boxes of 50 matches each, on the entire quantity cleared during the financial year...."

Court's reasoning:
9. There is no doubt that in the past among themanufacturers of matches a further classification based on viability had been made. It is also true that the financial resources; the capacity to command a market on their own without depending on intermediaries, etc, marked off the B category from the C category. But then experience gathered subsequently disclosed certain evils which the state took note of and endeavored to set right. Ultimately, the present notifications was issued obliterating the distinction which gave a concessional edge to the C group over the Bbe, there is force in this grievance. Instead of protecting the tiny manufacturer from the injurious intermediary and inhibiting the larger producer from resorting to the device ofeve tactics, the State has resorted to a policy of equal levy from both which, according to the counsel hits the poor and helps theThis is criticism of legislative judgment, not a ground of judicial review.11. We agree that bare equality of treatment regardless of the inequality of realities is neither justice nor homage to the constitutional principle.The forensic focus turns on unconstitutionalof the "B" and "C" categories and the vice of lugging allproducers together into one mass. The Court is being invited to compel the legislative and executive wings to classify, but we feel that from the judicial inspection tower the Court may only search for arbitrary and irrational classification and its obverse, namely, capricious uniformity of treatment where a crying dismissilarity exists in reality.13. Right at the threshold we must warn ourselves of the limitations of judicial power in thisIn short, unconstitutionality and not unwisdom of a legislation is the narrow area of judicial review. In the present case unconstitutionality is alleged as springing from lugging together two dissimilar categories of match manufacturers into one compartment for likeCertain principles which bear upon classification may be mentioned here. It is true that a State may classify persons and objects for the purpose of legislation and pass laws for the purpose of obtaining revenue or other objects. Every differentiation is not a discrimination. But classification can be sustained only if it is founded on pertinent and real difference as distinguished from irrelevant and artificial ones. The constitutional standard by which the sufficiency of the differentia which form a valid basis for classification may be measured, has been repeatedly stated by the courts. If it rests of a difference which bears a fair and just relation to the object for which it is proposed, it is constitutional. To put it differently, the means must have nexus with the ends. Even so, a large latitude is allowed to the State for classification upon a reasonable basis and what is reasonable is a question of practical details and a variety of factors which the Court will be reluctant and perhapsto investigate. In this imperfect world perfection even in grouping is an ambition hardly ever accomplished. In this context, we have to remember the relationship between the legislative and judicial departments of Government in the determination of the validity of classification. Of course, in the last analysis courts possess the power to pronounce on the constitutionality of the acts of the other branches whether a classification is based upon substantial differences or is arbitrary, fanciful and consequently illegal. At the same time, the question of classification is primarily for legislative judgment and ordinarily does not become a judicial question. A power to classify being extremely broad and based on deverse considerations of executive pragmatism, the judicature cannot rush in where even the legislature warily treads. All these operational restrints on judicial power must weigh more emphatically where the subject is taxation.16. One facet of the equal protection clause, upheld by the Indian Courts and relevant to the present case, is that while similar things must be treated similarly, dismilar things should not be treated similarly. There can be hostile discrimination while maintaining a facade of equality.Another proposition which is equally settled is that merely because there is room for classification it does not follow that legislation without classification is always unconstitutional. The Court cannot strike down a law because it has not made the classification which commends to the Court as proper. Nor can the legislative power be said to have been unconstitutionally exercised because within the class awas reasonable but has not been made.19. It is well established that the modern State, in exercising its sovereign power of taxation, has to deal with complex factors relating to the objects to the taxed, the quantum to be levied, the conditions subject to which the levy has to be made, the social and economic policies which the tax is designed to subserve, and what not. In the famous words of Holmes, J. in BainPeanut Co. v. Pinson, (1930) 282 USe must remember that the machinery of Government would not work if it were not allowed a little play in its joints.In the present case, a pertinent principle of differentiation, which is visibly linked to productive process, has been adopted in the broad classification of power users and manual manufacturers. It is irrational to castigate this basis as unreal. Indeed, the soundness of this distinction is not denied. The challenge is founded on the failure tobetween large and small sections of manual match manufacturers. But ours is not to reason why, that being a policy decision of Government dependent on pragmatic wisdom playing on imponderable forces at work. Our jurisdiction halts where the constitution touchstone of a rational differntia having a just relation to the legislative end to revenue raising is satisfied. Gratuitous judicial advice on the socialistic direction of fiscal policy is de trop. We desist from that enterprise and leave the petitioners and men of his ilk to seek other democratic remedies in that behalf, it being beyond our area normally to demolish the tax structure becauseamong a large group has not been done by the State. Absolute justice to every producer is aadventure for any administration and general direction, not minute classification, is all that can be attempted. For these reasons we find ourselves in agreement with the High Court in its refusal to strike down the notification under S. 3 ofthe Central Excises and Salt Act, 1944.21. Before concluding we may make a passing reference to the few decision cited by appellants counsel. In K. T. Moopi Nair v. State of Kerala, (1961) 3 SCR 77   = (AIR 1961 SC 552  ) Sinha, C.J., emphasized that Art. 14 may be violated even though the law may, on the face, be equal if in substance unequal things are treated equally. In State of Kerala v. Haji K. Haji Kutty Naha, Civil Appeals Nos. 1052 etc. of 1968 judgment D/= (reported in AIR 1969 SC 378  ), Shah J.,objects, persons or transactions essentially dissimilar are treated by the imposition of a uniform tax, discrimination may result, for, in our view, refusal to make a rational classification may itself in some cases operate as denial ofsimilar view has been taken in Khandige Sham Bhat v. The AgriculturalOfficer, (1963) 3 SCR 809  , 817 = (AIR 1963 SC 591  ).22. It is sound law that refusal to make rational classification where grossly dissimilar subjects are treated by the law violates the mandate of Art. 14. Even so, where the limited classification adopted in the present case is based upon a relevant differentia which has a nexus to the legislative end of taxation, the Court cannot strike down the law on the score that there is room for further classification. Refusal to classify is one thing and it bears on constitutionality, not launching onto work out perfect justice is left to executive expediency and legislative judgment and not for forensicrelationship between the legislative and judicial departments of Government in the determination of the validity of classification is.... the authorities state with unanimity that the question of classification is primarily for the legislature and that it can never become a judicial question except for the purpose of determining, in any given situation whether the legislative action is clearly unreasonable. The legislative classification is subject to judicial revision only to the extent of seeing that it is founded on real distinctions in the subjects classified, and not on artificial or irrelevant ones used for the purposes of evading the constitutional prohibition.We have said enough to delineate the finer frontiers of the jurisdiction of the Court and the legislature. Having sensitive regard to the obligation of the State to bring the law, including the tax law, into pulsing relationship with life, including the life of the countrys economy, we see nothing so grossly unfair as to attract the lethal power of the Court to strike down the notification under challenge.