KUNHI RAMAN Vs. COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In these two writ petitions, petitioners who claim to be employed in the Middle East have imported vehicles which are lying with the Customs pending adjudication. Prayer made is for expediting the release of the vehicles. In W.P. (C).35017, on instructions, the learned Standing Counsel for the respondent submits that on 23-8-2007, petitioner had appeared before the adjudicating authority and a statement was recorded and that subsequently there was a change in the adjudicating authority and therefore, the department has issued a fresh summons to the petitioner. It is also stated that the petitioner is required to appear before the adjudicating authority between 3-12-2007 and 5-12-2007.

(2.) At that stage, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that his first client has nothing more to state and therefore, the department can proceed with the adjudication with the statement that is already recorded. I record this submission.

(3.) In view of this, I direct that the adjudicating authority shall complete the adjudication and pass orders as expeditiously as possible at any rate within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment.