2016 (7) TMI 1685 - SC - Customs

Maintainability of petition - permission to petitioner to file documents before the Additional Director Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai - HELD THAT - The writ petition can be disposed of at this stage by permitting the petitioner to file documents before the Additional Director Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai within eight weeks hence. Thereafter the said authority shall intimate the petitioner so that the petitioner can appear and explain and answer the queries of the authorities. Petition disposed off.

Summary

Issues:
Petitioner seeking permission to file documents before the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai.

Analysis:
The Supreme Court, comprising Mr. Justice Dipak Misra and Mr. Justice C. Nagappan, heard arguments from Mr. Atul Nanda, senior counsel, assisted by Ms. Diksha Rai, for the petitioner, and Mr. Ranjit Kumar, Solicitor General, representing the Union of India. After considering the submissions, the Court decided that the writ petition could be resolved by allowing the petitioner to submit documents to the Additional Director, DRI, Mumbai, within eight weeks. Subsequently, the Additional Director is directed to inform the petitioner for further clarification and responses. It was emphasized that the petitioner should cooperate, as the petition was filed for a national cause. If the Additional Director finds the information credible, appropriate legal action is to be taken as per advice. The Court disposed of the writ petition without any cost implications.

This judgment primarily revolves around the petitioner's request to submit documents to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai. The Court, after hearing arguments from both sides, allowed the petitioner to file the necessary documents within a specified timeframe. The Additional Director at DRI is instructed to review the submitted documents and communicate with the petitioner for further discussions and clarifications. The Court highlighted the importance of the petitioner's cooperation, emphasizing that the petition was filed in the national interest. If the Additional Director finds the information provided by the petitioner credible, appropriate legal actions are to be initiated based on the advice received. Ultimately, the Court disposed of the writ petition, absolving the petitioner from bearing any costs associated with the legal proceedings.