Confiscation of export of prohibited goods - A plain reading of...

Confiscation of export of prohibited goods - A plain reading of section 113(d) shows that ‘any goods attempted to be exported or brought within the limits of any customs area for the purpose of being exported, contrary to any prohibition imposed by or under this Act or any other law for the time being in force’ are liable for confiscation. Thus export itself must be prohibited - Undisputedly, in this case, the goods have been exported. Once, they are exported, they move out of the customs control as well as the territory of India. In fact, the Customs Act, 1962 did not, during the relevant period, extend to outside the territory of India - In this case, the goods were already exported and hence they cannot be confiscated under section 113(d). - AT