C.C. (PORT IMP.) Vs. SHUBHAM CONSTRUCTION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) REVENUE filed appeal against the Order -in -Appeal dated 15.09.2009.

(2.) THE brief facts of the case are that the respondents have imported Digital Multifunction Printing and Photocopying Machines vide Bill of Entry No. 279266 dated 05.08.2009. The adjudicating authority in his order dated 15.09.2009, ordered confiscation of the impugned goods under Section 111(d) of the Customs Act, 1962 and allowed the goods on imposition of redemption fine of Rs. 4,18,000/ - and also imposed a penalty of Rs. 3,49,000/ - under Section 112 of the Customs Act, 1962. On appeal by the respondent, the lower appellate authority has reduced the redemption fine to Rs. 2,10,000/ - and penalty to Rs. 1,30,000/ -. Hence, Revenue filed the present appeal against the reduction of redemption fine and penalty.

(3.) ON the other hand, the Ld. Advocate for the respondent submits that the import of Digital Multifunction printing and photocopying machines were not an restricted item during the relevant period and became a restricted item only w.e.f. 28.02.2013, upon specific amendment at para 2.17 of the Foreign Trade Policy. He submits that the Hon'ble High Court of Madras on a batch of appeals, on an identical issue, in the case of CC v. M/s. City Office Equipment & Others, dismissed the Revenue appeal and upheld the order of the Ld. Single judge and held that the amended policy at para 2.17 was only prospective w.e.f. 28.02.2013. He further submits that in view of the above judgment of the Hon'ble High Court, the goods are not restricted item and they are not liable for redemption fine and penalty and requests to remand the matter to the lower authority.