KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the tax authorities to file their comments on the next date of hearing on two constitutional petitions filed by Mumtaz Hussain and Orient Electronics (Private) Limited, seeking release of truck along with 220 units of Mitsubishi air conditioners (indoor & outdoor units).
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhter and Justice Anwar Hussain, was hearing these petitions. During the hearing Kashif Nazeer filed power on behalf of the tax authorities and requested that copy of the petitions. The court directed the counsel for the Orient Electronics to supply the copies. The court adjourned the hearing for August 26, 2016.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioners stated in two separate constitution petitions they booked a container of 220 units of Mitsubishi air conditioners (indoor & outdoor units) from the factory of M/s Orient Electronics, Lahore to be delivered to M/s Abbas Traders at Karachi through public carrier vehicle Nissan Trailer bearing registration number TLF-369 against a proper delivery.
According to the petitioners, however, officials of the customs authorities intercepted the trailer vehicle dated April 05,2016 when it was about to unload the cargo at the Abdullah Haroon Road, Saddar Town, Karachi. He argued that driver of the vehicle produced all relevant documents, but respondents alleged that goods are smuggled goods and demanded unjustly, unfairly and with ulterior motives the import documents and proof of payment of duties, which was beyond the reproach.
Citing chairman Federal Board of Revenue ( FBR ), collector of Customs through collector of Customs Adjudication – I, Director General of Intelligence & Investigation – FBR as respondents, Petitioners pleaded the SHC may direct the respondents to release the truck along with 220 units of indoor and outdoor splits air conditioners.
