The petitioner challenges Ext.P3 notice by which he is directed to pay security for an amount of Rs.80,000/-. The petitioner was a registered dealer under the Kerala Value Added Tax Act. The vehicle in which certain goods were being unloaded was inspected by the officer concerned and it was noticed that the petitioner had been transporting steel sheets without proper documents. Hence the officer proposed penalty of Rs.80,000/- and he was called upon to furnish security alleging suspected evasion.
2. Having regard to the contentions raised by the petitioner, I am of the view that since the petitioner is a registered dealer he can get the goods released on furnishing security in the form of bank guarantee from a nationalised bank. Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of as under:
The goods belonging to the petitioner pursuant to Ext.P3 shall be released on condition of the petitioner furnishing bank guarantee for an amount of Rs.80,000/- before the competent authority.
vpv Sd/-
A.M.SHAFFIQUE JUDGE