ABHINAV KUMAR Vs. MINISTRY OF FINANCE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, filed as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), flags the issue of non availability of an "Appraisal Counter for issuance of Export Certificate" at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi, forcing the passengers to travel to the Custom House, Jhandewalan which is about 30 kms. away from the airport and thereby causing undue hardship to the commuters. The petition accordingly seeks a mandamus to the respondents Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue and the Central Board of Customs and Excise to have such an Appraisal Counter for evaluation of declared items of the passengers at the IGI Airport, New Delhi.

(2.) It is the case of the petitioner that:

(3.) The petition was entertained and notice thereof issued. A counter affidavit has been filed on behalf of Additional Commissioner of Customs, IGI Airport, pleading that:-