Messrs AUTO CENTRE through Managing Partner vs CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL

1. SABIHUDDIN AHMED, J.--The petitioner imported certain auto parts from Japan under L/C No.216860 and 216861. The goods were released on 26-10-1983 and duties and taxes leviable were paid.

2. However, the petitioner purported to seek the L/C amended on 26-12-1983 to substitute the figure relating to the quantity of supplies to a larger sum. It is claimed that while determining the import value of similar goods, some importers were given the facility of 45% of discount in the notified purchase price. The extent of such discount to the petitioner, however, was only confined to 35% despite the fact that the petitioner had himself sought enhancement Of value in the L/C.

3. All the tribunals below found that such amendment was inconsequential because goods were cleared before the amendment was notified. Indeed suppliers do normally grant substantial discounts to parties who purchase goods in large quantities, therefore, it is quite understandable that while 45% discount was granted to Ghandhara Autos, the amount of discount granted to the petitioner was left at 35%. These discounts were taken into consideration while determining the value of imported goods under section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969. Obviously once the goods had been cleared upon receipt of-payment by A the supplier and documents were negotiated, the L/C cease to have effect. A formal amendment therein merely to enable the petitioner to claim discount at a higher rate did not bear any legal sanctity. .