Provisional release of detained imports directed on conditions pending Customs adjudication for alleged BIS and DGFT non-compliance.

Customs detention of imported goods for alleged non-production of a BIS certificate and DGFT authorisation was met with a direction for provisional release pending adjudication. The High Court followed its earlier orders in similar writ petitions and required Customs to pass a release order within four weeks, impose suitable conditions, and release the goods within two weeks after compliance. The goods were therefore to be released provisionally on conditions, while the underlying dispute remained subject to final adjudication by Customs.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to provisional release of the imported goods detained by Customs pending adjudication.

Analysis: The goods were detained for alleged non-production of a BIS certificate and DGFT authorisation. The relief sought was identical to that granted in an earlier batch of writ petitions involving similar imports, where directions had already been issued for provisional release on conditions. Following the same approach, the Court directed the Customs Department to pass orders for provisional release within four weeks, impose suitable conditions, and release the goods within two weeks after compliance.

Conclusion: The petitioner was entitled to provisional release of the detained goods on conditions, subject to final adjudication by Customs.

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