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Issues involved: Appeal against fine and penalty imposed for misdeclaration of imported silk consignment.
Summary: 1. The appellant imported a consignment of Mulberry Raw Silk (MRS) declared as 4A grade, but on test, 13.3% was found to be 2A grade. Original authority confiscated the 2A grade silk u/s 111(m) of the Customs Act, 1962, and imposed a fine of Rs. One lakh and a penalty of Rs. 25,000 u/s 112(a) of the Act. Appellant contested, claiming no deliberate mis-declaration based on supplier's documents. Cited judgments to support claim. 2. Commissioner found consignments of various grades, inconsistent with CIQ certificates from the supplier. Test results supported the discrepancy. 3. After reviewing submissions, it was found that the importer did not deliberately misdeclare to avoid Anti Dumping Duty (ADD). Fine and penalty were deemed excessive but imposed in accordance with law. Distinction made from a similar case cited by the appellant's counsel. 3.1. No evidence of deliberate misdeclaration found. Importer's request for additional samples showed no willful misdeclaration. Mens rea not essential for imposing fine and penalty. 3.2. Penalty requires finding of dishonest conduct, which was absent in this case. Penalty of Rs. 25,000 under Section 112 not justified without mens rea. 3.3. Fine for redemption of confiscated goods is justified, but a nominal fine of Rs. 25,000 would suffice in this case without evidence of wilful misdeclaration. 4. Citing a Supreme Court case, it was emphasized that penalties should be imposed for deliberate defiance of law, not technical breaches. Appellants' claim of bonafide belief supported against the fine and penalty. Appellants entitled to consequential relief. (Order dictated and pronounced in the open Court)
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