KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the tax authorities and deputy attorney general to file their respective para wise comments within two weeks on a constitutional petition filed by Muhammad Usman Shah, seeking release of his Toyota Surf jeep bearing registration no: PBF-8439 seized by the customs authorities.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Yousaf Ali Saeed was hearing the petition. During the hearing, counsel for the customs department sought time for file comments, therefore, the court granted two weeks’ time and adjourned the matter.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated, he purchased the vehicle from market after fulfilling all the legal requirements, however, officials of the customs department detained the same without showing any lawful reasons and respondents claimed that it was a smuggled vehicle.
He argued that he explained all situation and produced lawful documents, however, they denied to release his vehicle.
Citing Secretary Ministry of Finance, Director Directorate Ce Intelligence & Investigation-FBR Regional Tax Office Karachi as respondents, he pleaded the court to declare that act of the respondents as illegal, mala fide and arbitrary and also direct them to release his vehicle immediately.