Court confirms Customs decision on 'Hand Mixer' goods, directs statutory appeal process

The High Court upheld the Commissioner of Customs' decision to confiscate goods imported as 'Hand Mixer,' deemed as 'Hand Held Blenders,' under the Customs Act. The appellant's challenge through a writ petition was dismissed due to the availability of an appeal remedy under section 129A(1) of the Act. The Court directed the appellant to pursue the statutory appeal process without interference, addressing concerns over the Appellate Tribunal's functioning post-lockdown. The appellant was instructed to file an appeal within a week, with the Tribunal ordered to expedite proceedings upon lodging the appeal.

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Issues:
1. Confiscation of goods imported under the title 'Hand Mixer' objected by Customs.
2. Imposition of penalty under section 112(a) of the Customs Act, 1962.
3. Dismissal of writ petition due to alternate remedy of appeal under section 129A(1) of the Act.

Confiscation of Goods:
The appellant imported goods under the title 'Hand Mixer,' but Customs claimed they were 'Hand Held Blenders.' The Commissioner of Customs directed confiscation of the goods and allowed redemption on payment of a fine under section 125 of the Customs Act. A penalty was also imposed under section 112(a) of the Act.

Imposition of Penalty:
The appellant challenged the Commissioner's order through a writ petition. The single Judge dismissed the petition citing the availability of an alternate remedy of appeal under section 129A(1) of the Act. The High Court, after hearing arguments, found no grounds to interfere with the judgment, stating that the appellant had been directed to pursue the statutory remedy of appeal, causing no prejudice. The Court declined to exercise extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 226.

Dismissal of Writ Petition:
The appellant's concern regarding the Appellate Tribunal's functioning post-lockdown was addressed by the Standing Counsel, confirming the Tribunal had resumed hearings. The Court directed the appellant to file an appeal before the Tribunal within a week. If an appeal is lodged, the Tribunal was instructed to expedite the proceedings after hearing all concerned parties. The writ appeal was dismissed with these instructions.

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