Customs House Agent licence suspension cannot continue where proceedings stall for long without effective progress.

Prolonged inaction after suspension of a Customs House Agent licence can render the continuing suspension unjustified, even where irregularities have been noticed. The Tribunal noted that the licensing authority was required to proceed with promptness and effective progress, and that the matter had remained pending for an extended period without meaningful advancement. On those facts, the continued suspension was treated as undue hardship affecting the appellant's business, and the suspension order was not sustained.

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Issues: Whether the order suspending the Customs House Agent licence could be sustained in view of the prolonged delay in taking further action and the absence of progress in the proceedings.

Analysis: The suspension had been made under the licensing regulations, but the subsequent record showed that the matter remained pending for an extended period and was moved between offices without effective progress. The Tribunal considered that, while a Customs House Agent occupies an important position and irregularities had been noticed, the licensing authority was still required to proceed with due promptitude and attention. The continued suspension, without meaningful advancement of the case, was treated as an unjustified hardship affecting the appellant's business.

Conclusion: The suspension order was not sustained and the appeal was allowed.

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