A case concerning the suspension of a warehousing operation, ...

Warehousing Operation Suspension Overruled; No Breach of License Conditions or Penalties Under Customs Act.

October 21, 2024

Case Laws     Customs     HC

A case concerning the suspension of a warehousing operation, alleged breach of conditions for operating a public bonded warehouse, and imposition of redemption fine and penalty. The High Court upheld the CESTAT's findings that there was no breach of license conditions, based on the record and permissions granted by Customs authorities for unloading/storing goods under their supervision. The allegations of misinterpreting permissions were found baseless. The CESTAT correctly overlooked procedural issues not raised earlier regarding advance discharge permission and mandatory filing of Bills of Entry before vessel arrival. With no breach of license terms or confiscation of goods, the CESTAT rightly set aside penalties u/ss 117 and 112(b)(ii) of the Customs Act for alleged violations like non-reporting of time-expired bonds, storage of non-bonded goods, and lack of audit trail facilities. No substantial question of law arose, and the Appeal was dismissed.

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