KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed customs officials to file their para wise comments on several constitutional petitions filed by citizens seeking their vehicles seized by customs department due to involvement in their illegal activities.
On 22 November, 2019, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi heard the petitions.
During the hearing, counsel for petitioner Amanullah argued that petitioner acquired the container on rental basis and given the same to his driver for earning live hood, some party negotiating with some party to supply tyres in Karachi who loaded tyres but unfortunately concerned law enforcing agency apprehended the driver and took the vehicle and tyres in custody and detained the driver while mentioned much more cost in the papers in respect of the said vehicle which they mentioned with their own wish and actual cost of the said vehicle is Rs33,75,000.
He further argued that petitioner went pillar to post as he is not earning any amount however, it came to know that the challan will be submitted in 60 days which may extendable while the petitioner is bound to pay daily charges of Rs8,000. Petitioner was prevented harassed by the intimidated threatened in front of people by the sub-ordinates of the respondents.
Counsel said that it was extremely shambolic and disgraceful for such authority that the petitioner’s vehicle was taken into custody without any justification while the petitioner is possessing all relevant documents as mentioned above.
Citing deputy collector of Customs (R&D) Appraisement East as respondent, petitioner pleaded the court may direct the respondent to return the vehicle Hino truck trailer bearing registration no JT-8965, cost of suit and any other relief/ relieves which the court may deemed fit and proper in the circumstances of the case.
