Cross-examination of relied-upon witnesses is integral to natural justice; failure to consider it vitiates adjudication and requires remand.

Denial of an opportunity to cross-examine material witnesses relied upon in seizure and adjudication proceedings breached the principles of natural justice. The appellants had specifically sought cross-examination of the panch witnesses and experts, but the record did not show that this request was considered in the impugned order. As the affected party was not given a fuller opportunity to meet the case against it, the adjudication was vitiated. The matter was therefore remanded for de novo adjudication and a fresh order by the jurisdictional adjudicating authority in accordance with law.

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Issues: Whether denial of an opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses relied upon in the seizure and adjudication proceedings vitiated the order and warranted remand.

Analysis: The appellants had specifically sought cross-examination of the witnesses to the panchnama and of the experts whose opinions were relied upon. The record did not show that this request had been considered in the impugned order. In these circumstances, the absence of a fuller opportunity to meet the case raised a serious issue of compliance with the principles of natural justice.

Conclusion: The matter was remanded for de novo adjudication in accordance with law, with a fresh order to be passed by the jurisdictional adjudicating authority.

Ratio Decidendi: Where a party seeks cross-examination of material witnesses relied upon against it and the request is not considered, the resulting adjudication is vitiated for breach of natural justice and must be set aside for fresh decision.

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