KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the customs authorities to file a rejoinder on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Essatex Industries against seizing of a consignment of polyester and viscose of various kinds on the charges of tax evasion.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Omer Sial, was hearing the petition. During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner filed a reply and counsel for the customs department sought time to file a rejoinder, therefore, the court adjourned the matter for October 25, 2017.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that petitioner is aggrieved and seriously prejudiced by the action of the respondents, whereby the officials of the customs department has seized/ detained the consignment of the petitioner destined for export, containing polyester and viscose of various kinds, he further informed the court that said consignment has been detained on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations of evasion of duties and taxes levied by respondents, who also issued show cause notice to the petitioner.
Citing Secretary Revenue Division, Collector of Customs Collectorate Exports, Collector of Customs Collectorate of Adjudication-II as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court may directed them to allow the consignment for export and restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner.
