Detention certificates for detained cargo must be processed in line with customs cargo regulations and handled expeditiously.

A request for detention certificates for remaining containers and bills of entry was addressed in the context of goods examined under DRI directions and kept under detention, with the petitioner alleging demurrage and rent exposure. The Court directed the respondent to act in accordance with the regulations governing handling of cargo in the customs area and to complete the required action expeditiously. The petition was disposed of in favour of the petitioner, with the respondent required to process the detention-certificate request for the remaining consignments.

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Issues: Whether the respondent was required to act on the petitioner's request for detention certificates in respect of the remaining containers and bills of entry.

Analysis: The petitioner complained that detention certificates had been issued only for part of the imported consignment, though the goods had been examined under directions of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and remained detained for a period that allegedly caused demurrage and rent. The Court directed the respondent to act in accordance with the applicable regulations governing handling of cargo in customs area and to complete the needful expeditiously.

Conclusion: The respondent was directed to take action on the petitioner's request for detention certificates, and the writ petition was disposed of in favour of the petitioner.

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