No Retrospective Effect to S.114AA of Customs Act: CESTAT Sets Aside Penalty

No Retrospective Effect to S. 114AA of Customs Act, CESTAT Sets Aside Penalty The Customs, Excise, and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has ruled that Section 114AA of the Customs Act, which imposes penalties for false declarations, does not have retrospective effect. Consequently, CESTAT set aside a penalty that was imposed based on this section for an act that occurred before its enactment. This decision reinforces the legal principle against retrospective application of penal provisions, ensuring that individuals are only penalized under laws that were in force at the time of the alleged offense.