Authority: High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh
Order Date: 04 August 2025
Case Overview
- Petition: M/s Dhillon Overseas (Petitioner) filed contempt petition COCP‑2388‑2025 against Sanjay Kumar and others (Respondents).
- Allegation: Respondents wilfully disobeyed the interlocutory order dated 16‑12‑2024 issued in CWP‑13014‑2024, which directed release of goods.
- Surety Bonds: Petitioner furnished a surety bond on 20‑03‑2025 (Annexure A‑2) and an additional indemnity bond on 09‑07‑2025 (Annexure A) to secure release of the goods.
- Goods Status: Despite the bonds, the goods remained in possession of respondent No.5 and were not released because a Delivery Order from respondent No.4 was pending.
- Regulatory Reference: Release requires compliance with Circular dated 14‑10‑2025, No. 24/2015 issued by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBIC).
- Awareness: Respondent No.4 claimed it became aware of the pendency only after receiving the contempt notice; it argued it was unaware of the interim order.
Final Outcome
- The Court disposed of the contempt petition, directing all respondents to ensure compliance with the interim order dated 16‑12‑2024, which remains effective.
- Respondents must submit a compliance report within 15 days of this order; failure to do so will invite fresh contempt proceedings.
- A compliance list is to be filed on 28‑08‑2025, after which further contempt action may be initiated against respondent No.4.
Topics: Contempt Proceedings, Customs Compliance, Judicial Order