KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday directed customs officials that bank guarantee shall not be enchased till next date of hearing. The SHC ordered this on a constitutional petition filed by Abdul Danish, proprietor of DAI-ICHI Lighting Pvt Ltd, seeking release of its bank guarantee during the import of electric goods.
While hearing of the petition, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, also directed parties to submit their comments on the next date of hearing.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is engaged in the lawful import of electric goods and always fulfills all the legal requirements according with law, he submitted that in a rotten, petitioner imported a consignment of electric goods and lamps including lights all sort from China and filed goods declaration according with law.
He submitted that officials of the customs department intercepted its consignment and enhanced the valuation of the goods, therefore, petitioner submitted bank guarantee for release of its consignment. He argued that after the 12 months, importer approached the customs officials and requested them to release its bank guarantee, however, officials of the customs department denied for release of its bank guarantee illegally.
Citing Chairmen Federal Board of Revenue, Collector of Customs Collectorate Appraisement, Deputy Collector of Customs Bank Guarantee Cell, Assistant Controller Valuation as respondents, he pleaded the court to declare the act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
He also pleaded the court to direct them to release its bank guarantee and restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner till final order in this petition.
