Madras HC allows Provisional Release of Imported Used Digital Multifunction Printers, Mandates Payment of Raised Customs Duty

In a recent ruling, the Madras High Court granted provisional release of 115 units of used Digital Multifunction Printers imported by Salim Enterprises upon payment of enhanced customs duty. The petitioner filed a writ petition seeking a Writ of Mandamus under Article 226, mirroring similar cases recently disposed of by the court. \r

These petitions had been resolved with directions for the petitioners to respond to show cause notices and for the Customs Department to consider releasing goods provisionally upon payment of the enhanced duty amount. The court's directive mandated the Customs Department to quantify the duty promptly, with payment to be made by the petitioner within one week of receipt of this assessment. \r

Upon full payment, the goods were to be released within three weeks, while allowing for further legal proceedings by the Customs Department and considering waivers for demurrage charges. The bench, led by Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, concluded the writ petition in line with these terms.