KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed tax authorities to produce Toyota Crown on the next date of hearing on a constitutional petition filed by Umer Hayat son of Ghulam Haider, seeking release of the vehicle registration no: BLF-661 model 2004 seized by the customs department.
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, heard the petition. During the hearing, counsel for the customs department sought time to submit parawise comments, therefore, the court adjourned the matter and returned the said vehicle (which has been produced before court) and directed them it must be produce on the next date of hearing.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is lawful owner of the above mentioned Toyota Crown and he purchased it from market after all fulfilled the legal requirement, however, officials of the customs department intercepted the said vehicle and seized it without any lawful authorities.
Citing Secretary Ministry of Finance, Director Directorate of Customs Intelligence & Investigation-FBR as respondents, he pleaded the court may declare that act of the customs authorities in illegal, mala fide and arbitrary, counsel also pleaded the court may direct them to release it immediately and restrain them from taking any coercive action.
