Punjab & Haryana High Court Orders ₹50 Lakh Compensation for Delay in Releasing Kiwi Consignment

The P&H High Court ordered the Customs Department to pay ₹50 lakh as compensation and refund the customs duty with 6% interest to an importer after a kiwi shipment spoiled due to delays.

This order was passed because the customs officials delayed releasing a shipment of kiwi fruits, weighing 89,420 kg, which eventually spoiled.

The Court noted that under Section 46 of the Customs Act, importers must file a Bill of Entry for goods, but despite doing so, unnecessary delays, especially in amending the Import General Manifest, caused harm. 

The Court held that such delay violated the importer’s rights and caused financial loss, for which the authorities were responsible.