The Customs department has alleged that Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) company Ammolite Holdings has violated the Customs Act by “smuggling in” a luxurious yacht, which is believed to be a gift by Anil to his wife.
“The imported luxury yacht ‘Tian’ was imported in contravention of Section 111(m) of the Customs Act, hence is liable for confiscation. The petitioner has indulged in smuggling by violating the provisions of the Act and in league with others to evade duties,” Assistant Commissioner of Customs SR Vichare stated in reply to a petition filed by Ammolite Holdings challenging seizure of the yacht.
Ammolite Holdings has filed the petition in Bombay High Court challenging seizure of the yacht. The yacht was seized by the customs department in February for alleged duty evasion. It was bought by Ammolite Holdings last October and it has been chartered by Reliance Transport and Travels Ltd, another ADAG company.
The court has given time to ADAG until tomorrow to reply to the allegation that yacht was imported in violation of statutory provisions of the Customs Act.
ADAG has claimed that the yacht was not imported to India, but it is a ship with foreign flag which can sail in international as well as Indian waters, so there was no question of paying any import duty.