Demand proceedings for customs duty could not be sustained where...

Demand proceedings for customs duty could not be sustained where the Bills of Entry assessments had not been challenged. The Tribunal held that the Revenue was seeking to dispute the exemption benefit granted at assessment, but the foundational issue was whether any demand action could proceed without first assailing the self-assessment itself. As the assessments had admittedly attained finality and remained unchallenged, the subsequent proceedings against the importer were unsustainable. The impugned order was upheld and the Revenue's appeals were dismissed.