RULE 17. Confiscation and penalty. —
(1) If any person, takes or utilises CENVAT credit in respect of input, wrongly or in contravention of any of the provisions of these rules, then, all such goods shall be liable to confiscation and such person, shall be liable to a penalty in terms of clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 11AC of the Excise Act.
(2) In a case, where the CENVAT credit in respect of input has been taken or utilised wrongly by reason of fraud, collusion or any wilful mis-statement or suppression of facts, or contravention of any of the provisions of the Excise Act, or of the rules made thereunder with intent to evade payment of duty, then, the manufacturer shall also be liable to pay penalty in terms of the provisions of clause (c), clause (d) or clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 11AC of the Excise Act.
(3) Any order under sub-rule (1) or sub-rule (2) shall be issued by the Central Excise Officer following the principles of natural justice.