Refund of duty paid - Applicability of Section 18 of Customs Act...

Refund of duty paid - Applicability of Section 18 of Customs Act - It is the specific case of the importer that excess duty has been paid at the time of provisional assessment and the same was exhaustively examined by the authorities as well as the CESTAT in the first round of litigation and it is only on the doctrine of unjust enrichment, the refund claim was rejected by the authorities. Since the importer has taken a ground that the principles of unjust enrichment will not be applicable prior to 2006. - The substantial question of law is answered in favour of the assessee and against the revenue. - HC