KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed customs officials that goods declaration may be processed in accordance with law without creating harassment on a constitutional petition filed by M/s M.A Corporation seeking release of its consignment of glass bangles imported from India.
While the hearing of petition on Wednesday, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Abdul Rasool Memon, directed customs officials to file their respective para wise comments on next date of hearing.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner stated that it is lawful engaged in import, export and general trader of various products including glass bangles from worldwide.
He submitted that it imported a consignment of glass bangles from India and filed goods declaration according with law on May 31, 2018 and after payment of duty and taxes, requested for clearance of goods.
He argued that officials of the customs department informed the petitioner that officials have stopped its consignment due the disputed valuation. He submitted that till date his consignment is still laying at the port.
Citing Secretary Revenue Division, Collector of Customs Collectorate Appraisement East, Deputy Collector of Customs (R&D) Customs Collectorate Appraisement East and others as respondents, he pleaded the court to declare that act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
He also pleaded the court to direct them to release his consignment and restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner till final order in this case.
After the hearing, court issued notices to the customs department and deputy attorney general, directing them to file comments on next date of hearing.
