Wildlife compliance for imported reptile skins supported confiscation and penalty, with the penalty reduced on the facts.

Imported python skins were treated as prohibited goods because compliance with the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 was required in addition to CITES documentation. Although a CITES certificate accompanied the consignment, the absence of the requisite wildlife protection compliance justified confiscation under the Customs Act and exposure to penalty. On the facts, confiscation and penalty were sustained, but the penalty was reduced to Rs. 50,000.

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Issues: Whether the imported python skins were liable to confiscation and penalty for want of the requisite wildlife protection certificate, and whether the penalty required reduction.

Analysis: The import of reptile skins was subject to the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 as well as CITES requirements. Although the consignment was accompanied by a CITES certificate, the absence of compliance with the wildlife protection regime rendered the goods prohibited for import, justifying confiscation and penalty under the Customs Act. Considering the totality of the facts and circumstances, the penalty was found liable to be reduced.

Conclusion: Confiscation and liability to penalty were upheld, but the penalty was reduced to Rs. 50,000.

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