GARDEN SILK MILLS LTD. & ANR. vs UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of whether customs authorities can include landing charges in the assessable value of imported goods under Section 12 and Section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962. The Court held that landing charges, being part of the costs incurred to bring the goods to the port of discharge, can be included in the valuation for customs duty assessment. Consequently, the High Court's decision to deny the refund of customs duty based on the inclusion of landing charges was upheld, affirming the customs authorities' actions as lawful.