KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed counsels for the Customs Department and petitioner to conclude their arguments on a constitutional petition filed by Universal Auto Engineering for release of its consignment of confiscated by Customs authorities.
On Friday, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi heard the matter.
During the hearing, parties sought time for submitting rejoinder; therefore, the court granted time and adjourned the matter.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that it lawfully imports cars, buses and their parts. It imported a consignment and filed Goods Declaration (GDs) under the law; however, officials of the customs department issued valuation ruling no 1230/2017 and determination of value at $80,000 to 82,000 which renders this valuation ruling inapplicable which now amended to rule 107 (a) through SRO 564(1)-2017
He argued that its consignment lay down at port and officials of the department are not clearing it as per law.
Citing Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Secretary Revenue Division, Director General of Valuation, Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement South, Collector of Customs Collectorate Appraisement East 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 the officials of the Customs department to release its consignment immediately.
