Customs Authorities Ordered to Refund Duty, Release Kiwi Shipment, and Pay Compensation for Illegal Detention

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....HC allowed the petition challenging wrongful detention of perishable Kiwi fruit consignment. The Court found Customs authorities illegally withheld goods, causing significant damage to 25% of the shipment. Despite multiple court orders, authorities failed to facilitate timely clearance. The Court mandated full refund of import duty with 6% interest, awarded Rs. 50 lakhs compensation for negligence, and directed immediate release of the consignment. The ruling emphasized the need for sensitive handling of time-sensitive imported goods and held that technical procedural errors cannot justify complete loss of perishable merchandise.....