Kannada actress Ranya Rao has been arrested for smuggling 14.8 kg of gold, valued at over Rs 12.56 crore, hidden on her body and clothes at Bengaluru airport. She will be interrogated by I-T officials over three days to uncover financial details related to the smuggling operation. Legal actions are ongoing.
Ranya Rao’s mother has filed a habeas corpus petition in the Karnataka High Court, questioning her daughter’s continued detention despite being granted bail in a gold smuggling case. Ranya remains in custody due to a preventive detention under Cofeposa, related to smuggling activities. A hearing is set for June 18.
Today, On 27th February, The Supreme Court, in a landmark ruling, upheld equal rights in arrests under GST and Customs laws. Chief Justice Khanna emphasized the need for fairness and procedural safeguards in tax-related arrests. The judgment ensures that individuals accused under these laws receive equal legal protection. This ruling is expected to impact future enforcement and safeguard constitutional rights.
Today, On 27th February, The Supreme Court is set to deliver a crucial verdict on the scope of arrest powers under GST and Customs laws. This decision will clarify whether tax authorities can arrest individuals for alleged evasion without prior adjudication. The ruling is expected to impact businesses and individuals facing tax investigations. It will also shape the future enforcement of indirect tax laws in India.
The Supreme Court reserved its judgment on the customs department’s review plea regarding a 2021 ruling that denied DRI officers the authority to recover duties on cleared goods. The case involved arguments on whether DRI officials qualify as customs officers, with the opposing side asserting that the original judgment contained errors.
Yesterday, On 10th September, The Chief Justice of India has initiated hearings on the customs department’s review petition, challenging a prior ruling that affected customs operations. The petition aims to reverse the decision regarding the recovery of duties on imported goods. The Supreme Court began hearing the plea on May 19, 2022, and the case involves legal complexities and multiple legal entities.
The Delhi High Court has nullified a summons to Pawan Kant Munjal, Chairman of Hero Motocorp, in a foreign currency case brought by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. Munjal appealed the trial court’s order and was exonerated by the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal. The summons was deemed redundant, providing legal relief to Munjal.
The Supreme Court of India on 15th May, emphasized that arrests in Goods and Services Tax (GST) cases should be founded on credible evidence, not mere suspicion. The court highlighted the need for cautious exercise of arrest powers and stressed that arrests should be supported by substantial material. The bench aims to scrutinize arrest grounds outlined in relevant legislation.
The Supreme Court is set to address 400+ writ petitions on May 1st, challenging penal provisions under five laws. The laws under scrutiny include GST, Customs Act, Companies Act, Black Money Act, and FCRA. Additionally, a bench will address the validity of provisions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Various pleas question the constitutionality and procedures of these laws.