Retracted customs statements require cross-examination before supporting gold confiscation or penalties under the statutory evidentiary framework.

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....Under Section 138B, a customs statement offered to prove its contents is relevant only in prescribed circumstances. A retracted statement, where specifically requested cross-examination is refused, cannot serve as legal evidence against a noticee. In confiscation proceedings, untested statements cannot independently establish that seized gold was smuggled or that the person knew it was liable to confiscation. Denial of cross-examination undermines confiscation and penalty findings under customs law.....