KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered release of a consignment of steel plates as the accused imported has agreed to pay differential amount to the Customs Department and to submit security in respect of fine and penalty.
The SHC appellate bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Arshad Hussain Khan, was hearing Sohail Muzaffar advocate who represented the accused importer. Sohail advocate requested before the bench to release the goods, lying at port, on payment of difference so that petitioner is saved of demurrage.
The bench observed that “prima facie the department has a strong case against the importer and the authority has also verified the actual price of goods in dispute and one claimed by the petitioner.
Kashif Nazir advocate, appearing for main respondent of Director Intelligence & Investigation, submitted that the consignment was cleared by the collectorate but the DIT detected the fiscal fraud and detained the consignment.
The counsel for petitioner said that he is ready to pay fine and penalty also. The bench after this statement directed the petitioner to pay the custom duty and taxes to the collectorate concerned while securing amount of fine and penalty with the Nazir of the court.
