KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to the customs department and deputy attorney general on a constitutional petition filed by Shahid Mehmood seeking release of fresh apples auctioned by customs department
While the hearing of petition, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi also directing them to file their respective para wise comments on next date of hearing.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is the auction purchaser of fresh apples auctioned by the customs authority and the aggrieved and seriously prejudiced by the illegal and mala fide actions of the Deputy Director Quarantine (Operation) for Plant Protection Advisor who notwithstanding the letter dated March 28, 2018 by the customs arbitrary with-held the NOC required for release of perishable goods fresh apples auctioned by the customs authority after obtaining lab report conforming that the goods are fit for human consumption.
Citing Secretary Ministry of National Food Security & Research, DG Department of Plant Protection, Deputy Director Quarantine (Operation) for Plant Protection Advisor & DG Department of Plant Protection, Collector of Customs Appraisement East as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court to declare that act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
He also pleaded the court to direct them to release of its goods seized by customs department immediately and restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner till final order in this petition.
