KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the tax department and deputy attorney general on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Faraz Combine Marketing Company (Private) Limited for quashment of a first information report (FIR) against it. The FIR was lodged on the charges of importing kerosene oil in the garb of white spirit.
While hearing the petition, a two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Yousaf Ali Saeed, also directed them to file their respective para wise comments on the next date of hearing.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that it is an import and trading petrochemicals and allied products, such regards imported from Seychelles a consignment 1979.795 metric ton of white spirit and filed goods declaration according with law.
According to the petitioner, he was shocked when he was informed by the officials of the customs department that FIR was lodged against it by customs authorities, wherein, it was alleged that the petitioner in a garb of white spirit had imported kerosene oil which falls in import control policy and violation of customs’ policy.
He argued that allegations of the customs department are baseless and he imported white spirit after fulfilling all requirements.
Citing Secretary Revenue Division, Director Customs Enforcement Directorate General Intelligence and Investigation-FBR and Seizing/ Investigation Officer of the department as respondents, he pleaded the court may declare that act of the respondents is illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
He also pleaded the court may quash the FIR lodged by customs authorities restrain the customs department, it’s officer/ agents and any officer from taking any coercive action against it.
