The Madras High Court considered the issue of personal hearing ...

Adjudication proceedings under FEMA 1999 - Rule 4(3) Clarified- no need to provide reasons to person against whom proceedings initiated.

Case Laws     FEMA

June 3, 2024

The Madras High Court considered the issue of personal hearing notice u/s FEMA 1999. The Court held that Rule 4(3) does not require the reasoned opinion to be communicated to the person being proceeded against. Judicial expansion of the Rule for fairness may defeat its purpose. The Court emphasized that the Adjudicating Authority must form an opinion before issuing a show cause notice. The Court referred to previous judgments and stated that providing reasons is not mandated. Writ petitions against show cause or personal hearing notices are generally not entertained u/r Article 226 unless issued by an incompetent authority or tainted with malafide. The Court concluded that Rule 4(3) does not require further procedures beyond forming an opinion, and the petitioner should participate in proceedings as per the Act and Rules.

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