Imported stock lot classification dispute led to release of goods, while legal questions on DGFT treatment remained open.

Imported coated paper seized as an alleged prohibited stock lot under the DGFT regime was directed to be released, with the Court treating the immediate relief as appropriate without finally deciding the classification dispute. The Court referred to a Division Bench decision in similar circumstances that had permitted release of goods while preserving the parties' rights to pursue adjudication on classification and legality in accordance with law. The operative effect was release of the consignment forthwith, leaving both sides free to work out their remedies on the underlying import classification issue.

---

---

Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to a direction for release of the imported goods despite seizure on the allegation that the consignment was a prohibited stock lot of coated paper.

Analysis: The dispute turned on whether the imported coated paper sheets of different GSM and dimensions constituted a prohibited stock lot under the DGFT regime. The Court noted that a Division Bench, in similar circumstances, had directed release of the goods while preserving liberty to adjudicate the classification and legality issues in accordance with law. In view of that decision and the facts placed before it, the Court found it to grant the relief sought without finally determining the classification dispute at this stage.

Conclusion: The petitioner succeeded and was held entitled to release of the goods forthwith, with liberty reserved to both sides to work out their remedies in accordance with law.

---