Seizure of 48g gold coins invalid without written SCN under Sections 124 and 110(2); unconditional release ordered

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....HC held that seizure and continued retention of petitioner's 48 grams gold coins by Customs was unsustainable due to non-issuance of a statutory SCN under Section 124 read with Section 110(2) of the Customs Act. Rejecting the Department's contention of an "oral" SCN, HC followed binding precedent that, absent a proper notice within the prescribed period, seized goods must be returned. As no SCN was issued, no oral hearing afforded, and the goods remained with Customs, HC directed unconditional release of the seized gold coins to the petitioner, subject only to fulfilment of conditions stipulated by the Department.....