The Delhi High Court has quashed a summons to Pawan Kant Munjal, Chairman of Hero Motocorp, related to a foreign currency case by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. This decision follows Munjal’s appeal against a July 1, 2023, trial court order requiring his appearance under the Customs Act.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has annulled a summons issued to Pawan Kant Munjal, Chairman of Hero Motocorp, in connection with a foreign currency case initiated by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). This judicial decision follows Munjal’s appeal against the trial court’s order dated July 1, 2023, which had called for his appearance to answer charges under the Customs Act.
Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri delivered the ruling, clearly stating-
“The petition is granted, and the summoning order is nullified.”
This decision signifies a significant legal relief for Munjal, who had been facing allegations of attempting to illegally export prohibited foreign currency.
The high court had previously put a hold on proceedings related to the case, taking into account that Munjal had been exonerated by the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) on identical facts. The CESTAT’s earlier ruling had found no merit in the allegations against Munjal, providing a basis for his legal defense.
The DRI’s complaint, lodged in 2022, accused Munjal and certain entities linked to Hero Motocorp of conspiring to export foreign currency illicitly. This complaint stemmed from investigations that purportedly uncovered attempts to bypass legal frameworks governing currency exports.
Despite these accusations, the CESTAT had previously cleared Munjal of wrongdoing, finding that the evidence presented did not substantiate the charges. The high court’s recent order reaffirms this position, effectively nullifying the trial court’s summons.
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“The petition is granted, and the summoning order is annulled.”
– Justice Ohri emphasized in his judgment, marking a conclusive end to the legal uncertainty that had surrounded Munjal since the DRI’s complaint.
Munjal’s legal team argued that the summons was unwarranted and based on allegations that had already been dismissed by the appellate tribunal. They contended that the trial court had overlooked the CESTAT’s findings, leading to an unnecessary prolongation of the legal battle.
“The petition is approved, and the summoning order is invalidated.”
-Justice Ohri reiterated, underscoring the redundancy of the trial court’s summons in light of the earlier exoneration by CESTAT.
This ruling is expected to have significant implications for Munjal and Hero Motocorp, alleviating legal pressures and allowing them to focus on their business operations without the shadow of the case. The dismissal of the summons not only vindicates Munjal but also reinforces the credibility of the CESTAT’s initial decision.
