2025 (11) TMI 214 - SCH - Customs

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

Union Of India & Ors. Versus Make India Impex

SC issued notice in a matter concerning clearance and return of approximately 56 tons of dry dates of Pakistani origin allegedly misdeclared and ... Clearance of imported goods - cleared goods brought back to the CFS under force and compulsion - Seeking release of goods comprising approximately 56 tons of dry dates - pakistani origin goods - mis-declaration of country of origin of goods - prohibited goods - it was held by High Court that 'The actions of the sixth Respondent not approved, still, considering that jurisdiction exercised under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the Respondents is granted an opportunity to issue the Petitioner a show cause notice within four weeks from today and such show cause notice disposed off within six weeks of the receipt of the response from the Petitioner on the issue of the status of the imported goods.' HELD THAT:- Issue notice, returnable on 08.12.2025. 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.