Tribunal Overturns Gold Confiscation Due to Insufficient Evidence; Orders Return or Compensation with Interest.

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....Smuggling - Absolute confiscation of three gold bars and one small piece of remelted gold - Penalty u/s 112(a) and (b)(i) of Customs Act - The Tribunal noted that the confiscated gold did not bear any foreign markings and was not of standard size, shape, or weight typical of foreign-origin gold. This observation raised doubts about the assumption of its smuggled nature solely based on its physical characteristics. The Tribunal found that the Revenue had not provided substantial evidence to prove the smuggled nature of the gold, relying primarily on assumptions and the initial, subsequently retracted statements of the appellants' employees. - The Tribunal set aside the penalties imposed on the appellants and ordered the return of the confisc.........