By TIOL News Service

MUMBAI, JAN 17, 2014: THE CHA licence was suspended on the basis of the inquiry initiated by CBI with regard to the allegation of bribing of certain officials of the Customs & Excise by the appellant CHA.

Now, the appellant is before the CESTAT with an appeal and a miscellaneous application on the ground that after suspension of their licence there has been no progress with regard to the inquiry required to be conducted under CHALR.

It is also submitted that the CBI has closed the case and withdrawn the investigation and in these circumstances the suspension is no longer valid and should be set aside.

The Revenue representative submitted that subsequent to the CBI inquiry, investigation against the departmental officers has been completed and charge sheets have been issued recently and the proceedings under Regulation 20 of CHALR would be initiated against the Customs broker also.

The Bench observed -

"4. Considering the submissions made by both the sides, we direct the Commissioner of Customs (General), New Customs House, Mumbai to complete the inquiry proceedings under CHALR with a period of one month from the date of receipt of this order and take a decision on the continuance of suspension of the CHA licence. Miscellaneous application is disposed of in the above manner."

The appeal was also disposed and the order was given by Dasti.

(See 2014-TIOL-85-CESTAT-MUM)