KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the parties to maintain status quo on a petition filed by Muhammad Khan seeking release of his Toyota Mark-X car impounded by customs authorities on the charges of tax evasion. A two-member bench, comprising Justice Irfan Sadat Khan and Justice Muhammad Humayun Khan, was hearing the petition.
During the hearing, counsel for the respondents filed their para-wise comments, which were taken on record. The counsel for the petitioner sought time for filing a rejoinder, therefore, the court adjourned the hearing for December 14, 2014 and continued interim order in which court had directed both the parties to maintain the status quo.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner purchased a vehicle, Toyota Mark-X car bearing Registration No RFF-873 model 2006; however, the staff of the custom department impounded the said vehicle, which was parked near Zamzama Park, Phase V, DHA Karachi and petitioner showed all the relevant documents, but the vehicle was impounded unlawfully, illegal due to ulterior motive.
Citing Ministry of Finance sectary, Customs Intelligence and Investigation-Anti-smuggling Organisation, Assistant Excise and Taxation Officer-1 and the Customs Appraisement-West as as respondent, the petitioner pleaded the court may declare that act of the respondents is illegal, mala fide and court may direct them to release his vehicle immediately. The petitioner also pleaded the court may restrain them to auction his vehicle.
