Section 28 of the Customs Act permits a demand notice only...

Section 28 of the Customs Act permits a demand notice only within five years from the relevant date. The High Court held that the notice issued in 2008 could sustain recovery only for 2003-04 to 2007-08; the demand for 1998-99 to 2002-03 was barred by limitation. Because the extended period was upheld on findings of collusion, wilful misstatement or suppression of facts, penalty under Section 114A was consequential and the Tribunal's deletion of penalty was set aside. The Court also directed that the available physical stock of re-imported silk fabric be adjusted against the surviving shortage, and that duty liability and penalty be recomputed accordingly.

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