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2021 (5) TMI 902 - AT - CustomsLevy of redemption fine and penalty - provisional release of goods - goods declared as as heavy melting scrap but was found to be secondary and defected MS Sheets - HELD THAT:- On detection of the goods on being mis-declared by the appellant, the appellant sought provisional release of the goods which was allowed and at that time, the appellant paid differential duty alongwith interest and 15% of duty as penalty in terms of Section 28(5) of the Customs Act, 1962. Later on, the show cause notice has been issued to the appellant to adjust the duty paid by the appellant under Section 18(2) of the Customs Act, 1962. The provision of Section 18(2) speaks that “when the duty leviable on such goods is assessed finally (or re-assessed by the proper officer) in accordance with the provisions of this Act, then the amount paid by the assessee at the time of clearance shall be adjusted.” On going through the records placed, there is no final assessment order has been placed which means the provisional release of the goods has been treated as final and the duty paid by the appellant has been adjusted under Section 18(2) of the Act. It is very strange that without finalization of the assessment, re-assessment of the bill of entry, how the duty paid by the appellant has been adjusted under section 18(2) of the Act and demanded the interest and imposed the penalty on the appellant. Without demanding duty under Section 28(1) of the Act, how can it be adjusted under section 18(2) of the Act. Technically speaking the demand of differential duty is also not sustainable in the circumstances till finalization of the assessment; as the appellant has not contested the payment of duty and sought conclusion of the matter under Section 28(5) of the Act. Moreover, when the demand of interest has been made under Section 28 AA of the Act, naturally or consequentially the provisions of Section 28(5) of the Customs Act, 1962 have been attracted in the facts and circumstances of the case. Therefore, the duty, interest and penalty paid by the appellant at the time of clearance of the goods shall amounts to be concluded under Section 28(5) of the Customs Act, 1962 Instead of doing so, the officers of the Revenue has gone beyond that, which is not permissible in law. The duty, interest and 15% penalty in terms of Section 28(5) of the Customs Act, 1962 paid by the appellant is sufficient - appeal allowed.
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