2004 (12) TMI 497 - AT - Customs

Appellant wins stay against penalty for alleged forged signatures in Central Excise case

The appellant, a Superintendent of Central Excise, faced allegations of signing shipping bills to assist importers, resulting in a penalty of Rs. 2 lakhs. ... Stay/Dispensation of pre-deposit - Penalty Issues:1. Appellant's suspension and restoration of services.2. Allegations of signing shipping bills to assist importers.3. Defense of forged signatures and denial of involvement.4. Commissioner's findings and penalty imposition.5. Examination of handwriting evidence and expert opinion.6. Consideration of appellant's work location and financial hardship.7. Granting of stay application and waiver of pre-deposit.Analysis:1. The appellant, a Superintendent of Central Excise, was under suspension but had his services restored. The case against him involved allegations of signing shipping bills to aid importers, resulting in a penalty of Rs. 2 lakhs. The appellant denied the signatures, claiming they were forged, and emphasized not working in the Range where the offense occurred. The Commissioner did not accept this explanation, concluding the signatures belonged to the appellant.2. The appellant's defense was based on factual grounds, asserting innocence and seeking a total waiver of the penalty. The learned Counsel argued that the findings against the appellant were unsustainable due to his non-involvement in the Range where the shipping bills were filed. On the other hand, the JCDR defended the order, stating that the visual examination of the handwriting supported the Commissioner's decision, advocating for a pre-deposit requirement.3. Upon scrutiny, the Tribunal found the Commissioner's findings to be presumptive, lacking categorical evidence to confirm the appellant's signatures. Despite an expert opinion, the matter of how the appellant could have signed as a Superintendent in a location where he was not posted required detailed consideration. Additionally, the appellant demonstrated financial hardship, leading to the Tribunal unconditionally allowing the stay application, waiving the pre-deposit, and halting the recovery until the appeal's disposal.4. The Tribunal emphasized the need to link this matter with similar cases arising from the same order for a final hearing in due course, ensuring a comprehensive review of all relevant aspects. The decision highlighted the importance of factual accuracy, expert corroboration, and consideration of the appellant's circumstances in reaching a just and equitable resolution.