Aircraft owners can breathe easy

MUMBAI: The customs department, which had issued notices to more than 60 aircraft owners for allegedly evading duty by importing the planes under the non-scheduled operator permit, has been advised to go slow in the matter in view of the political crisis in Delhi.

The customs had initiated inquiries against companies and individuals who imported aircraft last year after initial investigations showed that many of the planes were being used for purposes other than those declared at the time of import.

It was found that aircraft imported for non-scheduled operations were being used for private purposes. Planes meant for private use attract import duty. The customs had issued notices to all such importers, seeking details of the use of the aircraft.

A source in the customs department told DNA that most importers did not bother to reply while others submitted false or misleading information. Sleuths then sought documentary evidence from airport customs, immigration, and air traffic controls across the country to nail the evaders. Under the rules, every aircraft carrying passengers has to submit a passenger manifest to airport customs while going out of the country and to the ATC if travelling within.

Scrutiny of the data collected startled the sleuths. They found that the most frequent users of the aircraft were politicians, including chief ministers and Union ministers, besides film personalities. Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh, Union minister Praful Patel, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and film stars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan were among those whose names figured in the manifests.

With this evidence, the customs were in the process of confronting aircraft owners to find out if the passengers had paid for their trips. If the owners can produce evidence that the trips were paid for by the passengers, no action can be taken against them. But if the services were provided complimentary, it would be a violation of the import clause, inviting action.

The customs can also record the statements of the fliers asking whether they paid for their numerous trips or enjoyed free rides.

But, meanwhile, the Union government got caught in a crisis of survival. Therefore, the source said, the Central Board of Excise and Customs has quietly asked the department to go slow and take action only in cases where there is solid evidence and the importer is not in favour with the powers that be.

Will Anil’s aircraft be seized?
A source at the air intelligence unit (AIU) at Mumbai airport revealed on Wednesday that some senior officers have been summoned to the airport at 8am on Thursday.
There is speculation that one of Anil Ambani’s aircraft may be seized and later released after the formalities are completed.

It was learnt that a hearing on the aircraft’s case was held in New Delhi on Wednesday, where top R-ADAG officials presented their case. But it was not known what decision the customs had taken on the R-ADAG planes.