1995 (3) TMI 275 - AT - Customs

Summary

Issues:
1. Appellant challenging penalty and fine imposed under Customs Act, 1962.
2. Appellant's appeal remanded by Tribunal for re-decision on fine and penalty.
3. Enhancement of penalty by appellate authority post remand.
4. Dispute over profit margin calculation and expenses incurred by appellant.
5. Adjudicating authority directed to verify duty liability on consignment.

Analysis:
1. The appeal was against a penalty of Rs. 40 lakhs imposed by the Collector of Customs under Section 112 of the Customs Act, 1962. Initially, a fine of Rs. 25 lakhs and a penalty of Rs. 5 lakhs were levied. The Tribunal remanded the matter to ascertain a reasonable profit margin and determine the redemption fine. The current order is post remand.

2. The appellant cleared goods from a bonded warehouse on various dates. The penalty was enhanced to Rs. 40 lakhs as the goods were cleared and not available for confiscation. The appellant challenged the correctness of the initial fine and penalty, arguing that expenses like additional duty and warehousing bond interest should be considered in profit margin calculation.

3. The Department contended that since the appellant had cleared the goods without payment, they couldn't object to the penalty increase. However, they agreed to verify the profit margin considering expenses and duty liability.

4. The Tribunal noted that duty on warehousing bond interest and other expenses should be considered in profit margin calculation. The Special Bench's order rejecting the appellant's appeal was also mentioned. The matter was remanded for proper adjudication in accordance with the law.

5. The Member (T) observed that the adjudicating authority was unaware of the dismissal of the appellant's appeal regarding additional duty. Duty liability on goods and use of funds post-sale should be considered in determining the profit margin. The case was to be reconsidered for accurate profit margin calculation.

This detailed analysis outlines the issues raised in the appeal, the arguments presented by both parties, and the Tribunal's decision to remand the matter for proper consideration and calculation of the profit margin and penalty.