Orders reserved in sand import case

Petitioner Ramaiah, Managing Director, Ramaiah Enterprises at Avudayarkovil in Pudukottai district had stated that he imported 53,334 metric tonnes of sand and was kept at Thoothukudi port, based on a permit obtained from the union commerce ministry. 

The petitioner had further stated that he had paid GST to the tune of Rs 38.39 lakh. While transporting 96 tonnes of sand to sell it in six lorries, the Kanyakumari revenue officials seized them. Further, they refused permission to take the sand from Thoothukudi Port. 

On Thursday, Public Prosecutor, after consultation with the state govt, argued that there is suspicion whether silica sand was imported. When judge R Mahadevan questioned whether the govt has any act to regulate the sale of silica sand in the country, the PP had no answer. 

Following that Judge said that Court will not be silent on the issue as the petitioner had imported sand with proper documents and paid the required tax. Then, the judge reserved the verdict in the case to November 20.