Redemption fine and penalty reduced where imported goods' classification could not be conclusively verified and leniency was justified.

The Tribunal considered whether the redemption fine and penalty on imported goods should be reduced in light of the importer's pleaded circumstances. It noted that the goods were in spiral form and that the claimed classification could not be conclusively verified by visual examination, but found the record sufficient to justify leniency in the quantum of confiscation-related penalties. The redemption fine was reduced from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 70,000, and the penalty was remitted.

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Issues: Whether the redemption fine and penalty imposed on the imported goods warranted reduction in view of the circumstances pleaded by the importer.

Analysis: The Tribunal noted that the goods were in spiral form and that the claimed classification could not be conclusively verified on visual examination. However, on the material placed on record, it accepted the plea that some leniency was justified in the quantum of fine and penalty.

Conclusion: The redemption fine was reduced from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 70,000 and the penalty was remitted, in favour of the assessee.

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