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Issues:
Challenge to non-extension of import license validity. Analysis: The petitioner challenged the decision of the respondents for not extending the validity of an import license held by the petitioner. The license was initially issued to M/s. Ciba Geigy of India Limited for importing Oxy Tetracyclene. The petitioner acquired the license and opened a letter of credit for importing the item. However, the consignment of Oxy Tetracyclene went missing, and the insurance claim was settled. The petitioner sought revalidation of the license, but the request was rejected on the grounds that the item was banned for import and there was a delay in applying for revalidation. The court examined the relevant provisions of the Hand Book of Rules and Procedure and the Import Policy regarding Oxy Tetracyclene. It was noted that although the item was listed as banned, it could still be imported up to a certain percentage based on the export made by the original licensee. The court highlighted the provisions of Paragraph 345, which allowed for replacement licenses in cases of lost or damaged goods. The court emphasized that the term "banned list" was misleading as items in the list could still be imported under certain conditions. The court rejected the argument that the delay in applying for revalidation was unreasonable, as the application was made within a reasonable time frame. Additionally, the settlement of the insurance claim did not justify the refusal to revalidate the license, as it did not compensate for the loss of profit from importing and selling the goods. The court distinguished previous cases cited by the respondents, emphasizing that the circumstances in those cases were different from the present case. Ultimately, the court allowed the writ petition, quashed the impugned orders, and directed the respondents to revalidate the petitioner's license within six weeks. The petitioner was also awarded costs.
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