A quasi-judicial tribunal must give a reasoned, speaking order...

A quasi-judicial tribunal must give a reasoned, speaking order that links the controversy to its conclusion. A summary rejection of a stay application in a smuggling matter was held unsustainable because it did not address the Revenue's case on disputed procurement documents or the statutory presumption and reversal of burden under Section 123 of the Customs Act for foreign-origin gold. The cryptic disposal was treated as non-application of mind. The impugned order was set aside and the matter remanded for fresh consideration of the stay application and appeal after hearing both sides, with interim protection continuing in favour of the Department until a fresh decision.

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