Interim release of imported goods allowed subject to bank guarantee, cash deposit, duty payment and expedited adjudication.

Imported goods affected by a port strike were directed to be released pending adjudication subject to security designed to protect revenue. The arrangement required continuation and substitution of bank guarantee, a cash deposit linked to the F.O.B. value, payment of customs duty if payable, and renewal of security until final adjudication. Customs authorities were also directed to complete adjudication expeditiously. The order balanced interim release of the consignment with preservation of the revenue claim.

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Issues: Whether the imported consignment should be released pending adjudication and on what security terms, and whether interim relief should be continued with suitable modification.

Analysis: The proceeding concerned a delayed import affected by a port strike, with the goods having remained under interim protection during the writ proceedings. The parties were unable to agree on the extent of security, but the Court fashioned a pragmatic arrangement to enable release of the goods while safeguarding the revenue's interests. The order required continuation and substitution of bank guarantee, a cash deposit linked to the F.O.B. value, payment of customs duty if payable, renewal of security until final adjudication, and prompt initiation and completion of adjudication proceedings.

Conclusion: The goods were directed to be released to the importer on furnishing the stipulated security and paying duty in accordance with law, while the customs authorities were directed to proceed expeditiously with adjudication.

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