Under-declared imported goods to cut IEC-holder commission: joint/several customs duty and 112(a)/114AA penalties set aside, remanded.

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....The dominant issue was whether customs duty and consequential penalties under sections 112(a) and 114AA of the Customs Act could be sustained when the Order-in-Original fastened liability on multiple separate legal entities on a "jointly and/or severally" basis, allegedly arising from under-declaration of goods to reduce commission payable to IEC holders or their employees. Relying on prior decisions that duty demands cannot be confirmed on a joint/several basis against different persons, the order was set aside and the matter remanded for a fresh factual determination of the actual importer/beneficial owner against whom duty, if any, could be demanded. - CESTAT....