Perishable imported goods detention prompted a time-bound direction to decide disposal and pending show cause notice.

Customs detention of perishable imported goods for an extended period justified a time-bound direction for prompt administrative action. Where the application for release or disposal of the seized goods had remained pending and the related show cause notice was also undecided, the High Court directed the Customs Authorities to dispose of the application and decide the show cause notice within four weeks. The petition was accordingly disposed of on the basis of these operative directions, without any adjudication on the merits of seizure or liability.

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Issues: Whether directions should be issued for disposal of the petitioner's application for release or disposal of seized perishable imported goods and for disposal of the pending show cause notice.

Analysis: The goods had been detained for a substantial period and were stated to be perishable. The request for disposal of the goods had remained unattended, and the show cause notice also remained pending. In these circumstances, the petition was capable of being disposed of by issuing directions for prompt decision on both matters.

Conclusion: Directions were issued to the Customs Authorities to dispose of the petitioner's application for disposal of the seized goods and to decide the show cause notice within four weeks.

Final Conclusion: The writ petition was disposed of by granting a time-bound direction to the Customs Authorities to take a decision on the seized goods and the pending show cause notice.

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