Court Reduces Penalty for Expired E-Way Bill, Highlights Need for Mens Rea Consideration and Fair Penalty Calculation.

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....Levy of penalty @200% - e-way bill which was generated by the appellant had expired and at the time when the vehicle was intercepted four days had lapsed - The High Court acknowledged that penalties should not be imposed without considering mens rea. While the statute allows for a penalty of 200%, it does not absolve authorities from considering circumstances and intentions. Despite the expiration of the e-way bill, the Court found that the appellant's failure to extend the validity was a crucial factor. However, it noted that the penalty was calculated on a higher value than the invoice, indicating arbitrariness on the part of the authorities. Ultimately, the Court partially allowed the appeal, imposing a reduced penalty but refrained from completely exonerating the appellant.....