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<h1>High Court overturns Tribunal's decision on appeal delay under Customs Act, stresses comprehensive assessment</h1> <h3>M/s Excel Shipping Services Versus The Commissioner of Customs, The Customs Excise And Service Tax Appellate Tribunal</h3> M/s Excel Shipping Services Versus The Commissioner of Customs, The Customs Excise And Service Tax Appellate Tribunal - 2016 (336) E.L.T. 472 (Mad.) Issues:1. Delay in filing the appeal under Section 130 of the Customs Act, 1962.2. Non-service of the copy of the Order in Original.3. Role of the Customs House Agent as an abettor in a Duty Drawback matter.4. Reliance on a letter from the Speed Post Centre for determining delay explanation.5. Lack of proper consideration of all relevant factors by the Tribunal.Analysis:1. The appeal was filed challenging the Tribunal's order refusing to condone a delay of 546 days in filing the appeal under Section 130 of the Customs Act, 1962.2. The appellant cited the reason for the delay as the non-service of the copy of the Order in Original dated 28.5.2009, which led to the appeal being filed on 21.2.2011.3. The appellant, a Customs House Agent engaged by the exporter, was deemed an abettor in a Duty Drawback matter involving several individuals, including the exporter.4. The Tribunal based its decision on a letter from the Speed Post Centre indicating the undelivered status of the Speed Post sent to the appellant's office, leading to the dismissal of the application due to the perceived lack of proper explanation for the delay.5. The High Court noted that the Tribunal's reliance on the Speed Post Centre's letter alone was insufficient, highlighting that the Department did not possess the returned cover and the absence of an endorsement confirming delivery. The Court emphasized the importance of considering all relevant factors, such as the lack of alternative notification methods like affixing the Order on the Customs House Notice Board.6. Consequently, the High Court allowed the appeal, setting aside the Tribunal's order and directing a reevaluation of the application for waiver of pre-deposit in accordance with the law, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive assessment of all pertinent aspects.