KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to the customs department and deputy attorney general, directing them to file their respective para wise comments on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Al-Madni Trading seeking release order of a consignment of soy floor.
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Abdul Rasool Memon, was hearing the petition on Friday.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner stated that it is engaged in the lawful import of miscellaneous goods of various descriptions from abroad and always fulfills all the legal requirements and never involved in any tax or other case.
He argued that petitioner imported a consignment of 16.783 MT soy floor from James Farrell & Co Seattle and filed goods declaration. He further argued that the consignment was accompanied by certificate of health issued by the Department of Agriculture Minnesota. He informed the court that despite payment of duty and taxes the said consignment has not been released till date.
He said that the consignment is in line with the requirements laid down by the Ministry of Commerce.
Citing Secretary Revenue Division, chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Collector of Customs Collectortae Appraisement West and others as respondents, he pleaded the court to declare that act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
He also pleaded the court to release his consignment and restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner till final order in this case.
After the hearing, court directed customs officials to make sure filing their comments on next date of hearing.
