The Kerala High Court has directed the Customs Department to dispose of seized buffalo meat consignments within one month, citing their perishable nature.

Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. was hearing a plea concerning the seizure of buffalo meat that was intended for export. The consignments were confiscated after authorities discovered misdeclarations, including items prohibited for export. Subsequently, confiscation proceedings were initiated.

The petitioner, M/s Varsha Fresh Meat Products Private Limited, raised concerns over the delay in adjudication, arguing that the continued detention of the export containers was causing undue hardship. It was contended that the authorities should have disposed of the seized goods promptly and released the containers.

In response, the Customs Department informed the Court that the adjudication process was underway and could be completed within a reasonable timeframe. Acknowledging the perishable nature of the meat, the Department also assured that the goods could be disposed of swiftly.

Taking these submissions into account, the Court directed the competent Customs officer to complete the adjudication process, including affording a hearing to the affected parties, within two months. The disposal of the seized goods was ordered to be completed within one month.

Case Title: M/s Varsha Fresh Meat Products Private Limited v. The Commissioner of Customs (Preventive)
Case No.: WP(C) No. 19159 of 2025
Counsel for Petitioner: Alias M. Cherian, K.M. Raphy, Bristo S Pariyaram, Minnu Darwin, Reshma Rajesh
Counsel for Respondent: P.G. Jayashankar, P.R. Sreejith, Joy Thattil Ittoop