LAHORE: Customs Appellate Tribunal on Monday has dismissed the appeal in seized gold case. The appeal was filed by Rubina Mubasher, a resident of Hafizabad against Collector of Customs (Preventive) and others.
Saud Imran Ahmed, member technical bench-I, heard the arguments from both sides and decided the case with remarks that appellant has failed to produce relevant documents to prove legal ownership of seized gold so the appeal is dismissed.
According to the details of case, customs staff intercepted a lady passenger of Saudi Airline and detected a gold bullion. During further investigation it was found that net weight of gold is 400 grams. Lady passenger stated that she purchased gold from Saudi Arabia and she will produce legal documents regarding its purchase within three days.
The recovered gold bullion weighing 400 grams worth Rs1,748,686 was detained under section 186(I) of Customs Act 1969 for further inquiry and investigation.
After show cause notice, adjudication proceedings were culminated and order-in-original was passed with remarks that gold bullion weighing 400 grams is out-righty confiscated in favour of government.
Being aggrieved with the order, appellant filed the case before the Customs Appellate Tribunal. Her counsel argued that she bought the gold bars from Saudi Arabia and kept it in her luggage on her return to Pakistan. Counsel argued that Order in Original passed against the facts and same is liable to set aside.
On the other hand, the counsel of the department opposed the contention of learned counsel for the appellant. After hearing arguments from both sides, Customs Appellate Tribunal has decided the case.
