The appeal was dismissed for default by CESTAT under Rule 20 of...

The appeal was dismissed for default by CESTAT under Rule 20 of the CESTAT (Procedure) Rules, 1982, after the appellant failed to appear or arrange representation despite service of notice. The Tribunal found no application on record seeking adjudication on merits ex parte and observed that proceeding on merits in the appellant's absence would risk rendering any subsequent order functus officio and depriving the appellant of audi alteram partem. The dismissal was therefore sustained as the appellant manifested no interest in prosecuting the appeal and no sufficient cause for non-appearance was established. The decision leaves open the procedural remedy to seek restoration by demonstrating sufficient cause for non-appearance.