2025 (4) TMI 257 - HC - Customs

Time limitation - challenge to SCN on the ground that the same has been issued belatedly - HELD THAT - In the present case the SCN itself shows the magnitude of the investigation which led to unearthing of a complete misuse of the duty drawback scheme in collusion with several parties. Such an investigation would reasonably require some time to be concluded. Moreover the SCN itself is dated 08th March 2024 i.e. almost a year old and the Petitioner has sought to approach this Court now. Under these circumstances considering that various factual aspects would have to be gone into the Petitioner may file its reply within a period of 30 days and a date for personal hearing shall be fixed in this matter. After hearing the Petitioner and other similar noticees the order shall be passed in accordance with law. Petition disposed off.

Summary

ISSUES PRESENTED and CONSIDERED

The core legal questions considered in this judgment are:

• Whether the impugned show cause notice (SCN) issued to the Petitioner is liable to be quashed on the grounds of delay and latches.
• Whether the legal precedent set by the Gujarat High Court and the Supreme Court in the case of M/s Raghav International & Others v. Union of India & Anr. is applicable to the present case.
• Whether Rule 16A of the Customs, Central Excise Duties and Service Tax Drawback Rules, 1995 applies to the Petitioner or is limited to the main accused, Mr. Neeraj Bhanupratap Singh.

ISSUE-WISE DETAILED ANALYSIS

1. Delay and Latches in Issuance of SCN

• Relevant Legal Framework and Precedents: The Petitioner relies on the decision of the Gujarat High Court in M/s Raghav International & Others v. Union of India & Anr., where SCNs issued after a delay of six to ten years were quashed due to unexplained delay. The Supreme Court upheld this decision, emphasizing the principles of delay and latches.
• Court's Interpretation and Reasoning: The Court acknowledged the precedent but distinguished the present case by considering the complexity and magnitude of the investigation conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The investigation involved multiple Importer-Exporter Codes (IECs) and alleged misuse of the duty drawback scheme, requiring substantial time to conclude.
• Key Evidence and Findings: The SCN was issued based on a detailed investigation report indicating the misuse of duty drawback benefits through overvalued exports. The investigation revealed a syndicate operating with forged KYC documents to obtain these benefits.
• Application of Law to Facts: The Court found that the delay in issuing the SCN was justifiable given the extensive investigation required to uncover the alleged syndicate activities. The SCN was issued within a reasonable timeframe considering the case's complexity.
• Treatment of Competing Arguments: The Petitioner argued for quashing the SCN based on precedent, while the Respondent emphasized the investigation's scale and the need for adequate time. The Court sided with the Respondent, noting the investigation's depth and complexity.
• Conclusions: The Court concluded that the delay in issuing the SCN was not unreasonable given the investigation's scope and complexity. The Petitioner was directed to file a reply within 30 days, and a personal hearing date would be set.

2. Applicability of Rule 16A of the Customs, Central Excise Duties and Service Tax Drawback Rules, 1995

• Relevant Legal Framework: Rule 16A pertains to the recovery of erroneously paid duty drawback benefits. The Respondent contended that this rule applies only to the main accused, Mr. Neeraj Bhanupratap Singh, and not to the Petitioner.
• Court's Interpretation and Reasoning: The Court did not make a definitive ruling on this issue. Instead, it directed that this matter be considered by the Adjudicating Authority during the proceedings.
• Key Evidence and Findings: The Respondent's position was that the rule's applicability was limited to the main accused, suggesting a distinction between the roles of various parties involved in the alleged scheme.
• Application of Law to Facts: The Court deferred the application of Rule 16A to the Adjudicating Authority, indicating that this issue requires further examination based on the specifics of the case.
• Treatment of Competing Arguments: The Court acknowledged the Respondent's contention but left the final determination to the Adjudicating Authority, allowing for a more thorough examination of the facts and roles of the parties involved.
• Conclusions: The Court did not resolve the applicability of Rule 16A but directed the Adjudicating Authority to consider this issue during the proceedings.

SIGNIFICANT HOLDINGS

• Preserve Verbatim Quotes of Crucial Legal Reasoning: The Court noted, "In the present case, the SCN itself shows the magnitude of the investigation which led to unearthing of a complete misuse of the duty drawback scheme in collusion with several parties."
• Core Principles Established: The judgment highlights the principle that the complexity and magnitude of an investigation can justify delays in issuing SCNs, distinguishing such cases from those where delays are unexplained and unreasonable.
• Final Determinations on Each Issue: The Court allowed the proceedings to continue, directing the Petitioner to file a reply and setting a personal hearing. The applicability of Rule 16A was left for the Adjudicating Authority to determine.