2012 (3) TMI 520 - HC - Customs

Summary

Issues involved: Challenge to intimation by Assistant Commissioner of Customs regarding qualification under Regulations 8 and 9 of Customs House Agents Licensing Regulation, 2004.

Summary:

Issue 1: Challenge to intimation regarding qualification under Regulations 8 and 9 of Customs House Agents Licensing Regulation, 2004.
The petitioner challenged the intimation issued by the Assistant Commissioner of Customs, Kolkata, stating that the petitioner was not qualified under Regulation 8 of the Customs House Agents Licensing Regulation, 2004. The petitioner argued that the Commissioner of Customs should consider the application in accordance with the law.

Decision:
After hearing the arguments, the Court noted that Regulations 8(vii) and 9 designate the Commissioner of Customs as the appropriate authority for granting a license. The Court found the intimation vague and set it aside. The Commissioner of Customs was directed to consider the petitioner's application within eight weeks, providing an opportunity for a hearing and verifying records. The petitioner could present judgments and documents in support of their contentions, which the Commissioner must address in the reasoned order.

Additional Points:
The Court clarified that it did not delve into the merits of the case, leaving all points to be addressed by the Commissioner. The writ petition was disposed of without requiring the respondents to file affidavits, with allegations not deemed admitted. No costs were awarded, and urgent certified copies of the order were to be provided to the parties upon application.