28BA. Provisional attachment to protect revenue in certain cases. - (1) Where, during the pendency of any proceeding under 28 or 28B, the proper officer is of the opinion that for the purpose of protecting the interests of revenue, it is necessary so to do, he may, with the previous approval of the Commissioner of Customs, by order in writing, attach provisionally any property belonging to the person on whom notice is served under sub- (1) of 28 or sub- (2) of 28B, as the case may be, in accordance with the rules made in this behalf under 142. (2) Every such provisional attachment shall cease to have effect after the expiry of a period of six months from the date of the order made under sub- (1) : Provided that the Chief Commissioner of Customs may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, extend the aforesaid period by such further period or periods as he thinks fit, so, however, that the total period of extension shall not in any case exceed two years : Provided further that where an application for settlement of case under 127B is made to the Settlement Commission, the period commencing from the date on which such application is made and ending with the date on which an order under sub- (1) of 127C is made shall be excluded from the period specified in the preceding proviso. |
