Home Case Index All Cases Customs Customs + AT Customs - 2014 (10) TMI AT This
Forgot password New User/ Regiser ⇒ Register to get Live Demo
2014 (10) TMI 797 - AT - CustomsPenalty on CHA - involvment of CHA or its employee to the fraudulent transaction - Held that:- From the statement, no conclusion can be reached as to their involvement in the fraudulent transactions. All the appellants in their statements have deposed that they undertook/participated in transaction for export of goods in good faith. The CHA has also submitted the identification document such as bank opening account establishing the identity of the exporter. In these circumstances, invoking the provisions of Section 147 and deeming the CHA and his employee as agent of the exporter is clearly unsustainable in law. This Tribunal decision in case of Aspinwall & Co. (2001 (4) TMI 144 - CEGAT, CHENNAI) affirmed by Hon’ble Apex Court also makes the position very clear. Therefore, in the absence of any evidence, linking the CHA firm or its employee to the fraudulent transaction undertaken by the exporter, and consequent imposition of penalty would not arise at all. As retards the role of Shri Manohar S. Anchan, it is evident that his role was limited to introducing the exporter to the CHA. In the statement recorded under Section 108, he has clearly stated that he has not seen the goods and, therefore, he was not aware of the nature of the goods under export. In these circumstances, no mala fide can be attributed to Shri Manohar S. Anchan as to his knowledge of the fraudulent transaction. Therefore, imposition of penalty is not warranted - Decided in favour of CHA.
|