Admissibility of inquiry statements and electronic printouts in customs adjudication requires witness examination and cross-examination before relianc...
Money laundering property attachment and third-party encumbrance rights clarified; prior bona fide interests enforceable before confiscation, appeals ...
In proceedings alleging diversion of goods from a customs bonded warehouse into the domestic market, the dominant issue was whether the noticee had an enforceable right to cross-examine persons whose statements were relied upon. The authority held that customs officials, having acted in discharge of official duties, cannot be compelled to submit to cross-examination as a matter of right; the right is not absolute and requires demonstration of prejudice affecting substantial justice, hence cross-examination of such officials was denied. However, independent customs brokers and private warehouse staff were treated as non-official witnesses, so cross-examination of those individuals was permitted, and the impugned order was modified accordingly. - HC
In proceedings alleging diversion of goods from a customs bonded warehouse into the domestic market, the dominant issue was whether the noticee had an enforceable right to cross-examine persons whose statements were relied upon. The authority held that customs officials, having acted in discharge of official duties, cannot be compelled to submit to cross-examination as a matter of right; the right is not absolute and requires demonstration of prejudice affecting substantial justice, hence cross-examination of such officials was denied. However, independent customs brokers and private warehouse staff were treated as non-official witnesses, so cross-examination of those individuals was permitted, and the impugned order was modified accordingly. - HC
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