SC to hear plea against RIL in August

The Supreme Court will hear in August the plea of the Commissioner of Customs (General), Mumbai, alleging Mukesh Ambani-run Reliance Industries (RIL) evaded import duty of Rs 174 crore.

A bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan posted the matter for hearing in August after the department sought an early date in the case.

Seeking an early hearing in the petition against RIL, the department said that around Rs 174 crore was involved in the case.

The apex court on March 11, 2005, had issued notice to RIL on a petition filed by the customs department challenging the Customs, Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal's ruling that RIL was not liable to pay any damage. The matter has been pending since then.

"No prejudice or hardship would be caused to the respondent (RIL) if the appeal is called for an early hearing," the petition stated.

Additional Solicitor-General Mohan Parasaran said RIL had suppressed the value and quantity of imports and was liable to pay the penalty for failing to pay appropriate duty.

"The act of RIL has resulted in the short payment to the extent of Rs 174 crore to the Revenue," he added.