Ad-interim clearance of imported solar panels granted on partial safeguard duty payment and bond security pending merits review.

Imported solar panels and solar cells covered by the specified bills of entry were directed to be cleared at the ad-interim stage on payment of 50% of the safeguard duty, with the remaining 50% secured by bond. The Court followed an earlier interim order passed by a coordinate bench in the petitioner's own matter, while expressly reserving independent examination of the challenge to the safeguard duty notification and the final findings under the safeguard duty rules.

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Issues: Whether, at the ad-interim stage, the imported solar panels and solar cells covered by the specified bills of entry should be permitted clearance on payment of 50% of the safeguard duty and security for the balance by bond.

Analysis: The petition challenged the safeguard duty notification and the basis of the final findings under the safeguard duty rules. Pending hearing, the Court noted the absence of representation for the respondents and followed the interim order previously passed by a coordinate bench in the petitioner's own matter. The Court treated that prior interim protection as appropriate to follow at the ad-interim stage, while expressly reserving independent examination of the merits.

Conclusion: The specified consignments were directed to be cleared on payment of 50% safeguard duty with the remaining 50% secured by bond.

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