Adjudicatory discretion to fix penalty under Section 13(1) of FEMA permits assessment up to a statutory maximum but does not mandate a minimum; therefore the adjudicator may impose a reduced, reasoned penalty. The Tribunal upheld the Adjudicating Authority's objectively reasoned exercise of discretion, noting the imposed penalty was substantially below the statutory cap and that practical factors - including the respondents' inability to comply with pre-deposit directions and non realisation of penalty - made appellate enhancement unwarranted. Consequently the appeal for enhancement was dismissed and the existing quantum left undisturbed.
Adjudicatory discretion to fix penalty under Section 13(1) of FEMA permits assessment up to a statutory maximum but does not mandate a minimum; therefore the adjudicator may impose a reduced, reasoned penalty. The Tribunal upheld the Adjudicating Authority's objectively reasoned exercise of discretion, noting the imposed penalty was substantially below the statutory cap and that practical factors - including the respondents' inability to comply with pre-deposit directions and non realisation of penalty - made appellate enhancement unwarranted. Consequently the appeal for enhancement was dismissed and the existing quantum left undisturbed.
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