Expedited customs adjudication and release of seized documents ordered where detained watches were deteriorating.

Pending customs adjudication over seized watches justified urgent administrative action because the goods had remained in detention since 1996 and deterioration was a real concern. The request for early disposal was accepted, and the need for access to retained documents was recognised for updating the Importer Exporter Code and PAN details. The adjudicating authority was directed to complete the pending adjudication within two months and to release the necessary documents immediately, retaining photocopies if considered essential.

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Issues: Whether directions should be issued for expeditious adjudication of the pending matter and release of documents retained under seizure, in view of the deterioration of the seized watches.

Analysis: The watches had remained in Customs detention since 1996 and their deterioration was a real concern. The request for early disposal was found justified, and the need for documents to be made available for updating the Importer Exporter Code and PAN number was accepted, with photocopies to be retained if necessary.

Outcome: The adjudicating authority was directed to complete the pending adjudication within two months and to release the required documents immediately after keeping photocopies, if considered essential.

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