2024 (10) TMI 1266 - HC - Customs

Delay in processing this bill of entry - expiry of shelf-life of some goods - HELD THAT - At this stage it is not required to either discuss such difficulties or redress them. The Respondents have ample statutory powers to deal with this type of situation. However the only concern is that the Respondents by citing various difficulties cannot simply refuse to process the Bill of Entry in accordance with the law. It is not for this Court at least at this stage to direct the Respondents to exercise their statutory powers in a particular manner. However in a situation where nothing is being done to process the Bill of Entry surely this Court will have to step in. The Respondents are directed to process the Petitioner s Bill of Entry No. 8048557 dated 28 September 2023 (Exhibit-A) as expeditiously as possible and in any event within four weeks from today - petition disposed off.

Summary

The Petitioner filed a grievance regarding the non-processing of Bill of Entry No. 8048557 for re-imported goods, leading to expiry of shelf-life of some goods. The High Court directed the Respondents to process the Bill of Entry within four weeks in accordance with the law. The Court kept the prayer for compensation open for the Petitioner to pursue alternate remedies.