Per C.N.B. Nair : These three appeals are directed against a common Order-in-Original dated 31.8.2001. Accordingly, they were heard together and are disposed of by this common order.

2. Relevant facts leading to the passing of the impugned order may be stated first M/s. J.P. Bearing Co. is a dealer in ball bearings, located at Kashmiri Gate, Delhi. On 13.10.99, its premises were searched by the officers of Customs. They seized about 52,000 pieces of ball bearings of assorted sizes of foreign origin. The goods were collectively valued round Rs. 55.5 lakh. M/s. J.P. Bearing Co. could not produce any document relating to import of these goods. Subsequently, statements were recorded from partners of J.P. Bearing Co. as to how they had acquired the goods in question. It was their explanation that they purchased the goods from various dealers through brokers and that part of the goods had been sold by the Customs Authorities. Some bills relating to purchase and particulars of payments for the goods were also produced. Accepting these explanations, the authorities released to M/s. J.P. Bearing Co. over 25,000 pieces, that is about half of the goods originally seized. The Customs Autho