Delhi HC says cross-examination not always needed in customs cases
In short
The Delhi High Court said customs cases are not automatically bad just because cross-examination is denied.
It said the findings can still stand when they are backed by independent documents under Section 138B of the Customs Act. That matters for customs cases that depend on records and evidence.
What the reporting says
The Delhi High Court said denial of cross-examination does not automatically invalidate customs adjudication when findings also rely on independent documentary evidence. The view was tied to Section 138B of the Customs Act, according to the summary. The ruling supports customs proceedings where records, not only witness questioning, back the findings.
Why it matters
In a customs adjudication matter, the Delhi High Court held that denial of cross-examination does not by itself make the proceedings invalid if the conclusions are also supported by independent documentary evidence. The summary links the ruling to Section 138B of the Customs Act. The decision is relevant for customs disputes because it supports evidence-based findings beyond witness cross-examination.