KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has called explanation from the tax authorities that why the vehicle is not being released despite clear order of the learned tribunal on a constitutional petition filed by Ghulam Abbas, seeking release of his Toyota Hiace van impounded by Customs Collectorate, Port Qasim Karachi.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhter and Justice Anwar Hussain was hearing the petition.
During the hearing, the learned counsel for the department stated that the department has filed reference application in this court against the order of the learned tribunal which is being relied upon by the petitioner, however, court observed that “the department should either before date obtain interim relief in the reference application that was been filed it or satisfy the court as to why the vehicle is not being released notwithstanding that clear direction and order of the learned tribunal”.
The court adjourned the hearing for September 30, 2016 and directed the customs authorities to file comments on the next date of hearing.
Earlier, petitioner’s counsel stated he was coming from Karachi to Thatta, on the way staff of the Customs Collectorate, Port Qasim intercepted the petitioner and seized his own Toyota Hiace van bearing registration number R-0242-Larkana.
According to the petitioner, customs authorities alleged that the foreign origin said vehicle was smuggled without payment duty and taxes. Petitioner said that he purchased the said vehicle from the local market.
Citing secretary Ministry of Finance, Collector of Customs Adjudication, Collector of Customs, Port Qasim, Karachi as respondents, petitioner pleaded the SHC may act of the respondents malafide, unjustified, unlawfully, illegally and court may direct the respondents to release his vehicle immediately.
