LAHORE: Customs Appellate Tribunal has reduced the redemption fine from 35 to 20 percent in seized trailer case. The appeal was filed by Muhammad Rizwan, a resident of Buner against additional collector of customs (Adjudication) and Superintendent of Customs ASO Lahore.
Muhammad Shabbir Gujjar, member judicial heard the arguments from both sides and decided the case with order that appellant is willing to pay duties and taxes and same matter is resolved already and now the redemption fine is reduced.
As per brief history of case, the staff of Customs Anti Smuggling Organization was intercepted a trailer loaded with the electronics items. On demand, driver failed to produce documents showing the lawful import of goods and after the complete examination of goods same were seized under the section 168 (1) of Customs Act 1969.
After show cause notice, adjudication proceeding were culminated and Order in Original (ONO) was passed with remarks that confiscated trailer is released to its lawful owner on the payment of Rs 50, 000 fine and penalty of Rs1,00,000 also imposed on the respondent.
Being aggrieved the same appeals was filed before the Customs Appellate Tribunal on the grounds that order in original passed in mechanical fashion without consideration authentication and verification of provided relevant documents. Adding more that adjudication officer has not given an opportunity of personal hearings and same order in original is liable to set aside.
From respondent all allegations are denied an appeal for rejection of appeal. After hearing arguments from both sides Customs Appellate Tribunal reduced fine and dispose of appeal.
