Denial of cross-examination in customs broker licence...

Denial of cross-examination in customs broker licence proceedings breached procedural fairness because the regulation entitled the broker to cross-examine persons examined in support of the charges, and any refusal had to be recorded with written reasons. Where the show cause notice relied on a witness statement to frame the charges and no cross-examination was allowed despite a written request, the proceedings were vitiated. The Revenue's arguments on deemed revocation and non-appearance at personal hearings were not considered, and the issue of a fresh show cause notice after earlier revocation was left open for an appropriate case. The Revenue's appeal was dismissed.