Delay in Process of Bills of Entry - High Court calls for report from CBEC
IN four writ petitions before the High Court, the common grievance was that bills of entries are pending from the year 2011-2014. The petitioners' grievance is that the Customs have taken no steps for provisional assessment of bills of entries resulting in exposing them to an imminent possibility of levy of detention and demurrage charges.
The High Court observed, officers charged with an obligation to perform statutory duties are not only required to discharge such obligations cast on them but are also required to act with utmost expedition. Delay in performance of statutory duties, often renders the remedy provided by the statute illusory.
The High Court requested the CBEC to inquire into the matter as to why there was a delay at the level of the Commissioners in processing such cases.
The High Court asked for a report. If any action is required to be taken, qua the concerned officers, the same should also be indicated in the report.
When will these officers realise that huge money is involved and mindless delay can cause huge monetary loss and mental agony?