Provisional release applications require a personal hearing and reasoned decision within the prescribed timeline after customs seizure.

A pending application for provisional release of a seized vessel, oil and cash under the Customs Act must be decided after granting a personal hearing consistent with principles of natural justice. The text records that no view was expressed on the applicant's substantive entitlement to provisional release. The concerned respondent was directed to hear the applicant and issue a reasoned order on the provisional-release application within six weeks.

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Issues: Whether the pending application for provisional release of the seized vessel, oil and cash required expeditious consideration after granting a personal hearing.

Analysis: The petitioner's application for provisional release remained pending following seizure under the Customs Act. The respondents accepted that the application could be decided within a fixed time after a hearing consistent with the principles of natural justice. No view was expressed on the merits of entitlement to provisional release.

Outcome: The concerned respondent was directed to hear the petitioner and issue a reasoned order on the provisional-release application within six weeks.

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