The CESTAT dismissed the appeal seeking refund of customs duties...

The CESTAT dismissed the appeal seeking refund of customs duties paid under the EPCG scheme due to non-fulfillment of export obligations. The appellant failed to produce the mandatory installation certificate and was found to have diverted capital goods imported duty-free elsewhere, violating bond conditions. The tribunal held that the appellant, being aware of their inability to meet export obligations, was obligated to deposit the customs duty. The appellant's misconduct barred any entitlement to refund, and the introduction of GST was held irrelevant. The principle that a party cannot benefit from its own wrongdoing was emphasized, reinforcing that the appellant's claim lacked both merit and equity. Consequently, the appeal was rejected, affirming the authorities' demand for duty deposit.

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