And Perseverance pays - Huge Win for Bangalore Customs - Bharti Airtel directed to deposit 218 Crores by Supreme Court
THE Bangalore Customs officers were in a jubilant mood on Friday when the Supreme Court directed Bharti Airtel to deposit Rs. 218 Crores. The Bangalore Customs after their huge win in the Tribunal in a protracted legal battle did not rest on their laurels and closely pursued the matter in the Supreme Court when the party's appeal came up for hearing. The Solicitor General of India was present for the Revenue and officers from Bangalore Customs camped in New Delhi to assist the Counsels. They were successful in getting a deposit of over Rs. 200 Crores - that is the whole of the duty demanded. The excitement of the officers knew no bounds and they could be seen jumping with joy. It is very rarely that one sees such commitment in the officers.
The CESTAT had upheld the Commissioner's order confirming the duty demand of over Rs. 200 Crores on the value of software imported with telecom equipment. (2012-TIOL-746-CESTAT-BANG). The party was in appeal before the Supreme Court against this Tribunal order.