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Issues:
1. Imposition of fine under Section 125 of the Customs Act, 1962 in lieu of confiscation of goods imported under OGL. 2. Interpretation of whether the imported goods were permissible under OGL or required a valid license for import. Analysis: The appeal was against an order imposing a fine under Section 125 of the Customs Act, 1962 in place of confiscating goods imported under OGL. The goods in question were 'Hydraulic filter assembly and elements' sought to be cleared under OGL as per Import Policy AM 1988-91. The Additional Collector of Customs, Madras had imposed the fine as the goods were deemed not permissible for import under OGL and required a valid license. The appellant contended that the imported goods were only 'Filter assembly and element' for hydraulic power packs, not requiring a license, citing various certifications and communications from suppliers and government undertakings. The learned Consultant for the appellant argued that the goods had no automotive use and should not be classified as automotive components requiring a license. They presented evidence, including a supplier's certification that the goods were for hydraulic application and not for automobile usage. The appellant had received orders from a Government of India Undertaking for use in Indian Navy ships, further supporting the argument that the goods were not automotive components. The Directorate General of Technical Development also certified that 'Hydraulic Filters' fell under the OGL category of the Import Policy. The Respondent, however, referred to the Policy and contended that even non-automotive applications of automotive components would require a license. The appellant countered, stating that since the goods had no automotive application at all, the relevant Policy provision did not apply. The Judge considered all submissions and evidence, including supplier certifications, government undertakings' orders, and previous import clearances under OGL for identical goods. Upon analysis, the Judge concluded that the goods imported, namely 'filter assembly and elements,' were indeed hydraulic filters not requiring a license and falling under the OGL category of the Import Policy. The Judge noted the supplier certifications, government orders, and previous clearances as supporting evidence. Drawing parallels between the wording of the licensing policy for different periods, the Judge held that the goods were permissible for import under OGL. Consequently, the impugned order imposing a fine was set aside, and the appeal was allowed in favor of the appellant.
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