ASHOK TRAVELS Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) RULE . Service of rule is waived by learned Sr. Central Government Standing Counsel Shri D.N. Patel for the respondents. At the request of the learned Advocates, the petition is finally heard today.

(2.) THE petitioner has challenged the validity of the order dated 16 -10 -2003, whereby the petitioner's application for stay has been rejected and the petitioner has been directed to deposit a sum of Rs. 50 lakhs as pre -deposit under the provisions of Section 35F of the Central Excise Act, 1944, within a period of 10 days from the date of receipt of the said order.

(3.) LEARNED Sr. Central Government Standing Counsel Shri D.N. Patel appearing for the respondent authorities has tried to justify the impugned order.