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2002 (5) TMI 64 - HC - Customs

Issues:
1. Seizure of money belonging to the petitioner.
2. Allegations of fraudulent availment of drawback.
3. Ownership claim over the seized amount.
4. Legal implications of the seizure and extension of time for investigation.

Analysis:
1. The petitioner sought to quash the action of seizing Rs. 16,25,000 and claimed ownership of the amount. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized goods from M/s. S.Y. International due to discrepancies in quality, quantity, and value declared in shipping documents. The petitioner alleged that the money belonged to her and not to the main suspect, Sanjeev Kumar Sharma.

2. Investigations revealed that M/s. S.Y. International, a proprietorship firm, was involved in fraudulent availment of drawback on shipping bills. The goods seized were found to be old garments, not matching the description in the documents. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma was identified as the actual owner, attempting to inflate prices to avail undue drawback benefits.

3. The petitioner's claim over the seized amount was challenged as the money was recovered from Sanjeev Kumar Sharma's premises, not hers. The DRI contended that Sanjeev Kumar Sharma had claimed partial ownership of the money, and the petitioner's ownership claim emerged only after a significant delay and legal advice.

4. Legal precedents were cited regarding the extension of investigation time and the necessity of issuing notices to the person from whom goods were seized. The court found that the petitioner's delayed claim and lack of evidence regarding the source of the money raised doubts. The judgment dismissed the petition, considering it an abuse of legal process, and imposed costs on the petitioner.

 

 

 

 

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