Notice issued on clearance and return of 56 tonnes Pakistani dry dates allegedly misdeclared as prohibited goods; proceedings pending

SC issued notice in a matter concerning clearance and return of approximately 56 tons of dry dates of Pakistani origin allegedly misdeclared and classified as prohibited goods; goods were brought back to the CFS under compulsion and the HC had directed respondents to issue a show-cause notice and decide it within prescribed timelines. The SC directed issuance of notice returnable on 08.12.2025, while proceedings on status and release of the goods remain pending.

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Application for exemption from filing a certified copy of the impugned judgment is allowed. Notice is issued, returnable on 08.12.2025. Respondent's counsel has accepted notice on the respondent's behalf and waived further service; hence no further service is required. Respondent is granted time to file a counter affidavit/reply; it shall be filed within three weeks from today. Rejoinder, if any, may be filed within two weeks thereafter. Pending these pleadings, petitioners are directed to proceed to "initiate an enquiry in terms of the directions of the High Court," but the "timelines indicated therein shall stand suspended." Procedural interlocutory directions limit procedural timelines while permitting the substantive enquiry to commence; the schedule for pleadings is fixed.

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