Adjudicatory discretion to fix penalty under Section 13(1) of...

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.