Customs show cause adjudication must meet statutory timelines; procedural amendments cannot revive stale or delayed claims.

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Full Text of the Document

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....Customs show cause notice adjudication must ordinarily be completed within one year under the unamended framework, unless the officer demonstrates that completion was impracticable. The phrase "where it is possible to do so" does not allow proceedings to remain pending indefinitely or for an unreasonable period. Limitation affects jurisdiction, rendering an order passed beyond the applicable period invalid. Although a procedural amendment may generally operate retrospectively, it cannot revive a stale claim; adjudication must also satisfy any extended period available under the amended regime. Unsupported placement in the Call Book does not justify prolonged delay. Unreasonable and arbitrary delay in adjudication violates Article 14 and can invalidate the resulting customs order.....