Penalty Deemed Unjust Due to Lack of Intent; Goods Exempt from Duty, Making Punishment Disproportionate.

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....Levy of penalty - there is no mens rea or any premediated thought in non-complying with the statutory requirements, as no duty was actually payable upon import, being exempted goods. Thus, under the circumstances, imposition of penalty on any of the appellants would be unduly harsh and not in proportion to the nature of omission/offence particularly when no mens rea can be imputed on part of any of the parties concerned. - AT....