ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan imposed a fine on the Pakistan Customs for unnecessary litigation in a case related to a non-custom paid vehicle.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, imposed a fine of Rs50,000 on the customs and also disposed of its petition against the handing over a non-custom paid vehicle to the owner.
During the hearing, the apex court also reprimanded Pakistan Customs high official who appeared to attend the hearing in line with SC’s orders, for not handing over the vehicle to the owner despite orders from three courts.
The vehicle had been in the custody of the customs department for five years, Justice Isa remarked while asking: “Would you [DG Customs] compensate the owner for damages”.
Justice Mazhar remarked that the collector had confirmed that the owner had not evaded taxes and duties on the vehicle.
When Justice Isa asked the DG customs about current value of the 1997-model car, he said it would be between Rs2 million to 2.5 million. Justice Isa remarked the litigation cost the customs more than the value of the impounded vehicle. “Why do you not take measures to stop the smuggling of non-custom paid vehicles into Pakistan?” he asked.
At one point, the customs sought to withdraw its petition but it was rejected. The apex court later imposed a fine of Rs50,000 on the department for wasting the time of courts by filing unnecessary cases.
