Customs broker licence suspension cannot continue indefinitely without timely revocation action and reasoned procedural progress.

Under the customs broker licensing regime, continuation of suspension must be supported by timely and reasoned progress in the post-decisional process, and prescribed time-lines cannot be ignored. Delay is assessed on the facts, but an unduly long suspension without satisfactory justification, concrete steps toward revocation, or evidence of non-cooperation by the broker will not be sustained. On the facts stated, the prolonged suspension was held unjustified and the licence was directed to be reinstated, while liberty remained to proceed under the licensing regulations in accordance with law.

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Issues: Whether continuation of suspension of the customs broker licence was justified despite prolonged investigation and non-initiation of revocation proceedings within the prescribed timeline.

Analysis: The suspension arose under the customs broker licensing regime, which requires expeditious post-decisional processing and timely initiation of further proceedings. The prescribed time-lines are not to be ignored as they serve accountability and prevent prolonged detriment, but the delay must still be assessed in the facts of each case. Here, the suspension had continued for a substantial period, the post-decisional process had not been concluded within a reasonable time, and no satisfactory basis was shown for continuing the suspension indefinitely. The record also did not show any lack of cooperation by the broker or any concrete assurance that proceedings would commence soon.

Conclusion: Continued suspension was not justified and the licence was directed to be reinstated; the appeal succeeded.

Final Conclusion: The order of suspension was set aside for want of timely and justified continuation, while liberty was preserved to proceed under the licensing regulations in accordance with law.

Ratio Decidendi: A suspension under the customs broker licensing regime cannot be continued for an unduly long period without timely and reasoned progress of the statutory process, and delay must be justified on the facts of the case.

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