Page 121 - DRI ANNUAL REPORT EBOOK

11. However, on account of increase in number of cases booked by the DRI another amendment to the above circulars was carried out vide Circular No. 39/2019-Customs dated 28th November, 2019, which now empower the Principal Director General/ Director General of Revenue Intelligence, New Delhi to appoint officers of the rank of Principal Commissioner/ Commissioner of Customs as Adjudicating Authorities in respect of even the said specified cases in addition to appoint Additional Director General (Adjudication) as an Adjudicating Authority.
COVID-19 - Personal Hearing through Video Conference facility.
12. While ensuring compliance with various guidelines and instructions issued by the Govt. and public health authorities with a view to contain the spread of COVID -19, CBIC vide instruction dated 27.04.2020 issued vide F. No. 390/Misc/3/2019/ JC decided that personal hearing, in respect of any proceeding
13.
under Customs Act 1962, given by Commissioner (Appeals), original Adjudicating Authorities etc. would be conducted through video conferencing facility. Such a facility for virtual hearing was provided to facilitate importers, exporters, advocates, tax practitioners and authorized representatives to maintain social distancing while performing their work at ease, from a place of their choice, and to complete the ongoing Customs work of appeals and adjudications expeditiously.
Later, on the basis of the feedback received from trade and field formations that the initiative has helped in speeding up passing of adjudication and appellate proceedings, saving cost of travel and time, and critically ensuring social distancing in these challenging times etc., CBIC have issued revised Guidelines dated 21.08.2020 making it mandatory to conduct personal hearings through video conference facility. This new system is working satisfactorily.
SMUGGLING IN INDIA REPORT 2019-20 87