Court Overturns Absolute Confiscation of Diamonds; Orders Reassessment of Values to Prevent Market Entry of Conflict Diamonds.

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....This case deals with the valuation of 'rough diamonds' imported into India and the subsequent discrepancy between the declared value and the reassessed value by customs authorities. The key points are: Customs authorities confiscated the goods u/s 111(m) of the Customs Act, 1962, for misdeclaration of particulars in the bill of entry. The appellate authority enhanced the confiscation to 'absolute' confiscation without prior notice, which was challenged as violating natural justice. The court held that absence of prior notice is not required when the appellate authority is only enhancing the gravity of confiscation. The proposal for reversal of redemption of confiscated goods served as notice of potential outcome. Absolute confiscation was s.........