(1)
The [Commissioner (Appeals)] [ Substituted by Act 22 of 1995, Section 50, for " Collector (Appeals)" (w.e.f. 26-5-1995). ] shall give an opportunity to the appellant to be heard if he so desires.
(2)
The [Commissioner (Appeals)] [ Substituted by Act 22 of 1995, Section 50, for " Collector (Appeals)" (w.e.f. 26-5-1995). ] may, at the hearing of an appeal, allow the appellant to go into any ground of appeal not specified in the grounds of appeal, if the [Commissioner (Appeals)] [ Substituted by Act 22 of 1995, Section 50, for " Collector (Appeals)" (w.e.f. 26-5-1995). ] is satisfied that the omission of that ground from the grounds of appeal was not wilful or unreasonable.
(3)
[The shall, after making such further inquiry as may be necessary, pass such order, as he thinks [just and proper -] [ Substituted by Act 14 of 2001, Section 110, for certain words (w.e.f. 11-5-2001).]
(a) confirming, modifying or annulling the decision or order appealed against; or
(b) referring the matter back to the adjudicating authority with directions for fresh adjudication or decision, as the case may be, in the following cases, namely: -
(4)
The order of the [Commissioner (Appeals)] [ Substituted by Act 22 of 1995, Section 50, for " Collector (Appeals)" (w.e.f. 26-5-1995). ] disposing of the appeal shall be in writing and shall state the points for determination, the decision thereon and the reasons for the decision.
[(4-A) The [Commissioner (Appeals)] [Inserted by Act 14 of 2001, Section 110 (w.e.f. 11-5-2001). ][shall, where it is possible to do so, hear and decide every appeal within a period of six months from the date on which it is filed.] [Inserted by Act 14 of 2001, Section 110 (w.e.f. 11-5-2001). ]
(5)
On the disposal of the appeal, the [Commissioner (Appeals)] [ Substituted by Act 22 of 1995, Section 50, for " Collector (Appeals)" (w.e.f. 26-5-1995). ] shall communicate the order passed by him to the appellant, the adjudicating authority [, the Chief Commissioner of Customs and the Commissioner of Customs.] [ Substituted by Act 18 of 2005, Section 69, for " and the Commissioner of Customs " (w.e.f. 13-5-2005).]