2012 (12) TMI 1082 - HC - Central Excise

Summary

Issues: Application for modification and/or variation of the order dated 2nd November, 2012 in Writ Petition No. 985 of 2012

On the issue of extending time for reply to show cause notice:
The writ petition sought orders to restrain the respondents from proceeding with personal hearing without giving reasonable time to file a reply and providing copies of relevant documents. The Court extended the time to reply by two months upon deposit of &8377; 1 crore. However, before the expiry of the two months, officers were summoned for cross-examination. The Court modified the order to restrain proceedings until the expiry of the time to file a reply.

On the issue of providing copies of relevant documents:
The petitioner pointed out that the documents were voluminous and they had only been offered inspection, not copies. The Court extended the time to file a reply till 15th February, 2013. The petitioners were granted daily inspection of the documents to enable them to complete the inspection and file their reply within the extended timeframe.

The application, GA No. 3171 of 2012, was disposed of, and urgent certified copies of the order were to be supplied to the parties upon compliance with formalities.