Under FEMA, section 13(1) prescribes a maximum penalty but...

Under FEMA, section 13(1) prescribes a maximum penalty but neither fixes a penalty nor sets a minimum. Penalty quantum therefore lies within the adjudicating authority's judicial discretion, to be exercised on the facts and evidence. The Tribunal's discussion states that a reasoned penalty order based on the record should not be enhanced unless the Directorate demonstrates that the penalty was inadequate or that discretion was improperly exercised. In the stated context of a company director's penalty for foreign-exchange remittance contraventions, the Tribunal found no basis to interfere with the original quantum and dismissed the enhancement appeal.