Electronic records and proforma invoices recovered from...

Electronic records and proforma invoices recovered from appellants' devices satisfy FEMA Section 39(i)-(b) requirements because they were seized under the Customs Act, used in FEMA adjudication, and corroborated by intercepted consignments and admissions - evidence admissible and relied upon (outcome: documents admitted). Payments routed overseas via Hawala and admissions of mis-declaration establish contravention of FEMA Section 3(b) for unlawful outward remittances (outcome: penalty sustained for Hawala payments). Three directors were held liable under Section 42 as de facto controllers of the proprietorship (outcome: directors penalised). Penalty quantum was reduced on grounds of prior payment of differential duty with interest and financial hardship (outcome: reduced penalties). - AT