Customs release request requires hearing and merits-based reconsideration before a reasoned decision is taken.

The Court directed the customs authority to consider the petitioner's request for release of the goods, hear the petitioner, the second respondent and other concerned parties, and pass a reasoned order on merits within eight weeks. The authority was required to take into account the order of the appellate tribunal while deciding the matter in accordance with law. The petition was thus disposed of on the basis of a limited direction for reconsideration rather than an adjudication on the release claim itself.

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Issues: Whether a direction should be issued to the customs authority to consider the petitioner's request for release of the goods and pass orders in accordance with law.

Analysis: The writ petition was disposed of on the petitioner's submission that a limited direction would suffice. The Court directed the first respondent to consider the request for release of the goods, afford an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, the second respondent and other concerned parties, and pass orders on merits within eight weeks, taking into account the order of the appellate tribunal.

Outcome: A direction was issued to the first respondent to consider the petitioner's request for release of the goods and decide the matter in accordance with law.

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