Resolution on Import of Used Digital Machines: Show Cause, Enhanced Duty, and Demurrage Waiver Considerations.

The HC disposed of multiple writ petitions regarding the import of second-hand digital multifunction machines. Petitioners were instructed to respond to show cause notices, and the Customs Dept. was directed to consider these responses and issue necessary orders. Goods were to be released provisionally upon payment of enhanced duty. The Customs Dept. was to quantify the duty within a week, with goods released within three weeks upon payment. Petitioners could apply for waiver of demurrage charges, which the Customs Dept. was to consider objectively. Several related writ petitions were similarly disposed of, with no order as to costs.

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Issues involved:
The judgment pertains to the import of second hand digital multifunction printing and copying machines.

Details of the Judgment:

Issue 1: Disposal of Writ Petitions
The Court disposed of various writ petitions directing the petitioners to respond to show cause notices and the Customs Department to consider the responses and make necessary orders within a specified time. Goods were to be released provisionally upon payment of enhanced duty amount.

Issue 2: Release of Goods
For certain writ petitions, the Court directed the respondents to consider releasing goods provisionally upon payment of enhanced duty amount. The Customs Department was to quantify the duty within a week of the order, and upon payment, the goods were to be released within three weeks. The order did not prevent the Customs Department from proceeding with further adjudication.

Issue 3: Waiver of Demurrage Charges
The order clarified that any application for waiver of demurrage charges could be filed by the petitioners, and the Customs Department was to objectively consider and decide on such requests.

Separate Judgment:
Additionally, W.P. Nos. 11402, 11394, 11399, 11405, and 11406 of 2024 were disposed of in a similar manner, with corresponding W.M.P. Nos. 12505, 12493, 12502, 12512, and 12513 of 2024 being closed, with no order as to costs.

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