Gold Jewelry Seizure Case Overturned as Owners Prove Legitimate Purchase Through RTGS Payments Under Section 123

CESTAT ruled in favor of appellants in a gold jewelry smuggling case, overturning earlier decisions by Adjudicating Authority and Commissioner (Appeals). The Tribunal found that appellants successfully demonstrated legitimate ownership of seized gold through consistent statements and documented RTGS payments to M/s Jain Jewellers. Revenue failed to establish reasonable belief of smuggling under Section 123 of Customs Act, 1962. Distinguished from Om Prakash Khatri case where burden of proof was not met by intercepted persons. Tribunal emphasized that revenue's assumptions were insufficient without concrete evidence of smuggling, while appellants provided satisfactory explanations regarding gold ownership. Appeals allowed with merit. .....

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