I.P.MUKERJI, J. - (1.) This is an appeal from a judgment and order dated 10th July, 2018 by which the show cause notice issued against the each of the respondents has been quashed. We are told by Mr. Kapur, learned Senior Advocate that this judgment and order has had a very severe repercussion on the appellant, department of the Central Government. The officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, who had all along been discharging the duties of custom officers, are now prevented from acting as such. Those officers who are in or above the rank of Assistant Commissioner of customs with the right to issue a show cause notices feel that they have lost their powers, by virtue of the said judgment.
(2.) Mr. Kapur, appearing for the appellants submits that the entire work of the department has been thrown into disarray.
(3.) The facts are broadly follows: The respondents are very senior officers of the Customs posted at the Kolkata Airport. They have been accused of collaborating and conspiring with smugglers and actively aiding them to make illegal importation into India items worth crores of rupees.;