KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the customs department and deputy attorney general on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Shaikh Pipe Mills (Private) Limited against increase in values of prime hot rolled coils from $415 to $448 MT.
During the hearing of petition, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, directed them to file their respective para wise comments on the next date of hearing.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that it is engaged in the lawful business of manufacturing of M.S pipe/ G.I pipes and gold rolled coils etc and always fulfills all the liabilities.
According to the petitioner, it is seriously prejudiced by the actions of the Collector of Customs Collectorate East, being a government functionary and working under the chairman Federal Board of Revenue who have illegally denying the acceptance of transaction value under section 25 (1) of the Customs Act 1969.
Counsel further informed the court that petitioner imported hot rolled coils from Ukraine at the actual transaction value of $415 per metric ton and filed goods declaration according with procedure, however, the Collector of Model Customs Collectorate East regretfully did not accept the transaction value of $415 MT and enhanced the same at the $448 MT without lawful authority.
Citing Chairman Federal Boards of Revenue and Collector of Customs Collectorate East as respondents, he pleaded the court to declare the act of the respondent is illegal, mala fide and arbitrary.
He also pleaded the court to direct them to release his consignment on the actual rate at US$ 415 MT and also restrain them from taking any coercive action against the petitioner.