Home Case Index All Cases Customs Customs + AT Customs - 2002 (4) TMI AT This
Issues:
1. Adjournment request due to absence of counsel 2. Confiscation of contraband goods and penalty imposition Adjournment Request Due to Absence of Counsel: The judgment involves an appeal where the appellant's counsel was absent, and another advocate appeared on behalf of the appellant requesting an adjournment due to the unwellness of the original counsel. The tribunal noted multiple adjournments in the past and decided to proceed with the case based on the evidence on record since no documents were filed despite previous adjournments. The tribunal heard the respondent's representative and proceeded with the case. Confiscation of Contraband Goods and Penalty Imposition: The case revolved around the interception of two trucks carrying small cardamom of third-country origin. The goods were loaded from Nepal and were being transported to Delhi. The Commissioner of Customs ordered the absolute confiscation of the goods and imposed penalties on various individuals involved. The appeals were against the penalty imposed on two appellants. The judgment relied on the confessional statements of drivers and witnesses, connecting the appellants to the smuggled goods. The tribunal upheld the penalty imposed on the appellants, citing the material evidence collected by Customs officials and the failure of the appellants to challenge the contraband nature of the goods or provide evidence to absolve themselves. The penalty was reduced for each appellant, but the appeals were otherwise dismissed. In conclusion, the judgment addressed the issue of adjournment requests and proceeded with the case based on the evidence on record. It also analyzed the confiscation of contraband goods and the imposition of penalties on the appellants, ultimately upholding the penalties with a reduction in the amount for each appellant.
|