2016 (2) TMI 972 - HC - Customs

Quashing of investigation / inquiry arising out of DRI F.No.50D/ENQ-39/INT-13/2014 and summoning order of 16th March, 2015 passed by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence sought - Held that - Subject to the orders of Hon ble the Chief Justice, list this petition along with Crl. M.C.1504/2015 before the Bench of Justice P.S. Teji on 19th February, 2016 - In the meantime, the petitioners are directed to join the investigation - Till next date of hearing, petitioners will not be arrested. Copy of the order be given dasti.

Summary

Issues:
1. Quashing of investigation/inquiry by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
2. Summoning order passed by DRI
3. Protection for petitioners during investigation

Analysis:
1. The petitioners sought the quashing of investigation/inquiry arising from a specific file by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The counsel for the petitioners highlighted that a similar matter was already before another Bench, and they were willing to join the investigation. The court directed the petitioners to join the investigation and granted them protection from arrest until the next hearing date. The case was listed for further hearing before a specific Bench.

2. The petitioners also challenged the summoning order issued by the DRI on a specific date. The senior counsel for the petitioners emphasized their readiness to cooperate with the investigation and requested protection until the next hearing. The court, subject to the Chief Justice's orders, scheduled the petition to be heard along with another related case before a designated Bench. The petitioners were directed to participate in the investigation, and no arrests were to be made until the next hearing.

3. In addition to seeking relief from the investigation and summoning order, the petitioners requested protection during the investigation process. The court granted the petitioners protection from arrest until the next hearing date and ordered them to join the investigation. The case was to be heard along with another related matter before a specific Bench, ensuring consistency in the orders issued. The petitioners were directed to cooperate with the investigation, with their counsel allowed to be present at a visible distance during the process.