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Determining the relevant date for the rate of duty under Section 15 of the Customs Act, 1962. Analysis: The appeal by M/s. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. concerns the date for the rate of duty determination under Section 15 of the Customs Act, 1962. The case involves the import of 54000 MTs of Crude Oil per vessel 'Lance Naik Karam Singh' on 19-3-1990. The Customs Department issued a show cause notice on 11-4-1990 demanding duty at an enhanced rate due to a revision in duty proposals. The Assistant Collector confirmed the duty demand on 23-7-1990, holding that the relevant rate of duty was correct based on the date of entry inward on 21-3-1990. The Collector of Customs (Appeals) upheld this decision, emphasizing the date of entry inwards as per Section 15 of the Customs Act. The appellant argued that entry inward was granted on 19-3-1990, citing procedural compliance and documentation. They contended that the rate of duty should be based on the date of entry inward, emphasizing completion of all formalities on 19-3-1990. The Department countered, stating that no entry inward was granted on 19-3-1990 and that the discharge was completed on 21-3-1990, making that the relevant date for duty determination. The Department highlighted the standing order's procedural nature and the legislative intent behind Section 15 of the Customs Act. The Tribunal analyzed Section 15 of the Customs Act, which specifies the rate of duty based on the date of Bill of Entry presentation or entry inwards of the vessel. It noted the standing order's facilitative nature for immediate discharge and emphasized the legal provisions of Section 15 over executive orders. Referring to legal precedents, the Tribunal highlighted the significance of the date of entry inward as recorded in the custom register, which in this case was 21-3-1990. Based on the legal framework and precedents, the Tribunal upheld the duty determination based on the rate applicable on 21-3-1990, rejecting the appeal by the appellants. In conclusion, the Tribunal's decision centered on interpreting Section 15 of the Customs Act to determine the relevant date for duty rate calculation, emphasizing legal provisions over procedural facilitation. The judgment reaffirmed the significance of the date of entry inward as per the custom register and aligned with legal precedents in duty rate assessments.
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