KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to tax authorities and deputy attorney general of Pakistan on a constitutional petition filed by M/s AL-Hilal Packaging Pvt Ltd for restoration of its sales tax registration no suspended by tax authorities in alleged tax evasion case.
While the hearing of the petition, a two-member bench headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi also directed them to file their respective comments on next date of hearing, court also adjourned the hearing for December 06, 2016.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that it is carrying business of manufacturing of packing material and plastic bags and sales tax returns for the period of July 2016 to October 2016 have been e-filed with Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and there is no dispute of this respect.
According to the petitioner, however, staff of the respondents without issuing any show cause notice raided the factory premises of the petitioner dated 22/11/2016 and alleged that petitioner is involved in tax evasion case.
Counsel for the petitioner further argued that without any legal requirement, respondents suspended the sales tax registration of the petitioner illegally and without lawful authorities.
Citing Sectary Ministry of Law, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Commissioner Inland Revenue and Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue Zone-III Corporate Regional Tax Office as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court may set aside impugn demand notice and declare act of the respondents is illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
Importer also pleaded the court may also restore its sales tax registration and restrain the respondents from taking any coercive action against the petitioner.