BRIJ TRADING CO. Vs. ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These three appeals are directed against the common order dated 27th December 2007 passed by the Appellate Tribunal for Foreign Exchange ('AT') dismissing Appeal Nos. 691, 692 and 693 of 2004 hereby affirming the adjudication order ('AO') dated 18th May 2004 passed by the Special Director ('SD'), Enforcement Directorate ('ED').

(2.) Criminal Appeal No. 91 of 2008 is by Brij Trading Co. ('BTC'), Criminal Appeal No. 92 of 2008 is by Mr. Ramesh Kumar Chopra and Criminal Appeal No. 93 of 2008 is by Mr. Lekh Raj Chopra.

(3.) The background to these appeals is that prior to 1st December 1978, BTC was a partnership firm, of which Mr. Lekh Raj Chopra and Mr. Ganesh Das Chopra were partners. With effect from 1st December 1978, Mr. Ramesh Kumar Chopra was inducted as a partner. In April 1979, Mr. Lekh Raj Chopra ceased to be a partner and thereafter, Mr. Ganesh Das Chopra and Mr. Ramesh Kumar Chopra continued as partners of BTC.