The HC held that under Section 110A of the Customs Act, 1962,...

The HC held that under Section 110A of the Customs Act, 1962, the respondents are entitled to provisional release of the imported areca nut consignment upon furnishing a bond and security as mandated by the Adjudicating Authority. The court clarified that the learned Single Judge erred in directing release without security. The issue of classification under Chapter-VIII or Chapter-XX remains pending. Consequently, the respondents may secure release by providing a bank guarantee or equivalent security amounting to 25% of the consignment's value. The interim order was accordingly modified, and the appeal disposed of.