KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the customs authorities to file comments on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Pantagon International (Private) Limited, challenging SRO NO 1035/2017 over imposition of a regularity duty on imports of various items, including steel sheets and other similar goods. A two-member bench headed by Justice Munib Akhtar was hearing the petition.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that it is engaged in the lawful business of import of steel sheets and other similar goods. He submitted that the secretary revenue division issued a notification on August 16, 2017 being SRO 1035/2017. In exercise of his powers under section 18 (3) of the Customs Act, 1969, he illegally imposed a regular duty on import of various items, including steel sheets and others similar goods.
Citing Secretary Revenue Division and Statistics/ Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Collector of Customs Collectorate Appraisement East, Collector of Customs Collectorate Appraisement West as respondents, he pleaded the court to declare the act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
