CHIRANTAN MAHENDRA SHUKLA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD. Rule returnable forthwith. Petition is taken up for final hearing by consent of the parties.

(2.) THIS petition is directed against the order dated 18-6-2003 passed by the Customs Excise and Gold (Control) Appellate Tribunal, West Regional Bench at Mumbai ('cegat' for short), refusing to condone delay in 2 appeals bearing Appeal Nos. C/43 and 44 of 2003, holding that no sufficient cause has been shown for condoning delay in presenting appeals.

(3.) PETITIONER claims to be a person who is operating as regular Custom House Clearing Agents under the name and style of M/s. Neptune Clearing Agency. On 13-4-1998 petitioner's CHA Licence had been suspended by order dated 13-4-1998 in a case of tampering with the documents of Bills of Entry by changing duty rates and violation of Regulations 14 (1), 20 (7) and 21 (c) of the CHALR, 1984. However, on 16-10-1998 petitioner's licence was restored as per directions of the CEGAT contained order dated 16-10-1998 passed in the appeal. Final decision in the appeal is yet to take place.