KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed customs officials to make sure to file their comments on next date of hearing on a petition filed by M/s Ali Zubaida Traders seeking its imported dry coconut on provisional release which was detained by customs officials due to disputed valuation.
On April 30, 2019, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi was hearing the matter.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner stated in his petition that petitioner is a proprietorship concern engaged in the import and supply of dry coconut and scrupulously discharges its liabilities under various laws administered by Federal Board of Revenue. Petitioner is serious aggrieved and highly prejudiced by the actions of the respondents, whereby, they are assessing the imported consignment of dry copra and demanding duties and taxes on the basis of the Valuation Ruling No 1134 of 2017 dated 18/04/2017.
He further argued that while the application is pending final adjudication, the petitioner has sought provisional release of its consignment until final decision by the director of customs valuation however the respondents have refused such request failing which the petitioner is unable to take delivery of its lawfully imported goods.
Citing secretary Board of Revenue, Collector of Customs Appraisement West, and Director Valuation as respondents, he pleaded the court to direct the respondents/ their officers to reassess the consignments of dry copra imported by the petitioner in terms of section 25 of the customs act, 1969.
He further pleaded the court may restrain them from carrying out assessment of the consignments of dry copra imported by the petitioner on the basis of the Valuation Ruling 1134 of 2017 and grant any other relief deemed just and appropriate in the circumstances of the case.
