A new verdict from High Court comes as a big blow to those who intend to import big flashy cars in India to flaunt their social status. The new verdict from High court will prevent illegal imports of cars, MUVs, superbikes in India. The new ruling states that importer has to have lived abroad continuously for two years and owning the car in order to import the vehicle.
High court passed a judgement on case against Ganji Malliah, an illiterate carpenter from Andhra Pradesh. A Toyota Cynos, owned by a Japanese citizen Ochiai Hidenori was imported in India using Ganji’s passport. Customs had confiscated the vehicle in 2000 and Ganji had denied either being the owner of the vehicle or importing any such vehicle. He had stated two Telugu speaking men had given him Rs 5,000 to use his passport to import light bulbs. Later, Ganji had retracted his denial and appealed against the plea. Then the customs tribunal had released the car in 2004 stating that it was not necessary for him to know the funding of the car.
Director General of Foreign Trade issued ruling in April 2000 for import of restricted automobiles. The policy permits passenger car/jeeps, MUVs and other vehicles, which are in the restricted category, to be imported without a licence on payment of full customs duty by individuals coming to India for permanent settlement after two years continuous stay abroad. The condition placed on such import is the car is not to be sold for two years thereafter.
The new verdict will especially affect Bollywood Stars and high profile Indians where illegal imports of benami cars still take place, reports TOI.
