Freight forwarder fined Rs 10L for KYC lapse, forged documents; Section 114AA penalty not applied

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....The HC affirmed that the Respondent, a freight forwarder, acted as the final forwarder who issued an airway bill in the name of a non-existent firm, arranged airline space without conducting KYC, and caused use of forged documents in the illegal export of prohibited goods. The HC held that a monetary penalty of Rs.10 lakh-already imposed and sustained by the Tribunal-adequately addresses the Respondent's culpability. The Court declined to impose the additional penal consequence under Section 114AA of the Customs Act, 1962, which would have equated to five times the value of the goods. The appeal is dismissed and the Rs.10 lakh penalty is maintained.....