Absolute confiscation without redemption option led to unconditional stay of the confiscation challenge pending hearing.

A challenge was raised to an absolute confiscation order on the ground that no option to redeem the confiscated goods had been granted under the Customs Act, 1962. The Tribunal treated the absence of a redemption option as sufficient, at the interim stage, to dispose of the stay applications. All stay petitions were allowed unconditionally, and the main appeals were directed to be heard.

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Issues: Whether the confiscation order could be stayed on the ground that no option to redeem the confiscated goods was given under the Customs Act, 1962.

Analysis: The Tribunal noted the contention that the goods had been confiscated absolutely without granting an option of redemption, and treated this as sufficient for disposal of the stay applications at the interim stage.

Outcome: All stay petitions were allowed unconditionally and the main appeals were fixed for hearing.

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