CESTAT Orders Customs Duty Evader to Pay After Dept Made Bonafide Error in Not Applying Mandatory Penalty

CESTAT ruled that customs duty evaders must pay the duty after the department made a bonafide error in not applying mandatory penalty. The ruling stated that, despite the department's error, the goods involved in the transshipment are still liable for customs duty. However, the tribunal also acknowledged that the penalty may be reduced given the error was unintentional, reflecting a balanced approach between upholding the law and recognizing the department's mistake.