Court orders prompt review of rebate claims, emphasizing adherence to circulars. Respondent must act within four weeks.

The court found the respondent's delay in settling the petitioner's rebate claim unacceptable. The court directed the respondent to promptly decide on the petitioner's rebate/refund claims from 2011, 2013, and 2017, evaluating them based on merit and legal provisions. The respondent was required to provide a personal hearing opportunity to the petitioner's authorized representative within four weeks. The judgment emphasized adherence to circulars mandating timely processing of refund claims and the necessity for prompt action by the respondent in resolving the petitioner's claims.

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Issues:
1. Delay in settling rebate claim by the respondent.

Analysis:
The petitioner sought a direction for the respondent to settle the rebate claim filed in 2011, amounting to Rs. 6,91,148 along with interest. Despite corresponding with the department since 2011 and receiving minimal responses, the claim remained unresolved, prompting the petitioner to seek relief from the court. The petitioner's business involved importing and re-exporting batteries under Section 74 of the Customs Act, seeking a refund of duty drawback due to the exemption from excise duty and non-utilization of Cenvat Credit facility. The department's failure to act on the claim and the subsequent request for document copies to reconstruct the file in 2013 resulted in significant delays. The court noted the department's violation of circulars mandating timely disposal of refund claims within three months.

The court found the department's inaction unacceptable and directed the respondent to decide on the petitioner's rebate/refund claims from 2011, 2013, and 2017 promptly. The order required the respondent to evaluate the claims based on merit and legal provisions, providing a personal hearing opportunity to the petitioner's authorized representative within four weeks from the date of the court's order. The judgment emphasized the importance of adherence to circulars governing the timely processing of refund claims and highlighted the necessity for the respondent to act promptly in resolving the petitioner's claims.

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