Guidelines for conduct of personal hearings in virtual mode under Customs Act, 1962 - Customs - PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 11/2020

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE CENTRAL BOARD OF INDIRECT TAXES AND CUSTOMS OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS CUSTOM HOUSE, WILLINGDON ISLAND, COCHIN-682009 F.No.C1/01/2020-TU. cus. Dated: 29.04.2020 PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 11/2020 Subject: Guidelines for conduct of personal hearings in virtual mode under Customs Act, 1962- reg. Kind attention of all importers, exporters, customs brokers, members of the trade industry and all other stakeholders is invited to the CBIC instruction vide F.No. 390/Misc/3/2C19-JC dated 27.04.2020, issued LO various offices under CBIC on the above subject (copy enclosed). 2. While ensuring compliance with various guidelines and instructions Issued by the Government and public health authorities with a view to contain the spread of COVID -19, Board has decided that personal hearing, in respect of any proceedings under Customs Act, 1962, given by various authorities, such as Commissioner (Appeals), original adjudicating authorities and Compounding authority, may be conducted through video conference facility. 3. Broad guidelines to conduct such virtual hearing are provided by the Board so that ongoing Customs work of appeals and adjudication are completed expeditiously for quick delivery of justice -through quasi-judicial proceedings and in compliance of overall directions given by Hon'ble Supreme Court under Article 142 of the Constitution of India (refer Suo moto Writ (Civil) No.5/2020). This would also facilitate importers, exporters, passengers, advocates, tax practitioners and authorised representatives to maintain social distancing while performing their work at ease, from a place of their choice. 4. For detailed guidelines issued by Board in this regard, please refer to Para 4 of the said instruction enclosed. (MOHD. YOUSAF) Commissioner of Customs