Provisions Of Foreign Trade Policy Cannot By Itself Authorise Levy Of Interest U/S 28AA Of Foreign Trade Act: Kerala High Court

The Patna High Court ruled that the appellate authority must consider the grounds raised in an appeal and decide on merits, even if the appeal is heard ex parte. The case involved a situation where an appeal was decided without the presence of one party, and the Court emphasized that the authority should examine the case thoroughly based on the available facts and arguments. The judgment reinforces the principle of natural justice, ensuring that appeals are decided on their substantive merits rather than procedural grounds. This ruling upholds the fairness of the appellate process.