KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to the customs department and deputy attorney general directing them to file their para wise comments on a petition filed by M/s Javad & Co for seeking release of its consignments comprising medicated creams and face washes.
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, heard the matter on October 22, 2018.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner argued that petitioner is lawful importer of face washes and always fulfills all the legal formalities according with law and never involved in any criminal or tax evasion case.
He submitted that petitioner imported consignment of medicated creams and face washes, however, officials of the customs department held the consignment of the petitioner comprising 1484 cartons of various face washes and medicated creams worth $6981.60 and officials of the customs department are claiming on the basis of the value of the goods taken for Indonesia, website known as ‘Ice gate’ despite a Valuation Ruling No 848/2016.
He argued that a show cause notice was issued to the petitioner without showing any lawful reason and authority.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Collector of Customs Collectorate Appraisement East, Deputy Collector of Customs Collectorate of Appraisement East and others as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court to declare that act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
Importer also pleaded the court to direct them to release its consignment on the basis of Valuation Ruling 848/2016 and restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner till final order of this petition.
