KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed counsel for the petitioner to file a rejoinder on the next date of hearing on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Bismillah Industry, seeking release of his consignment seized by customs officials. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Munib Akhtar, heard the petition.
During the hearing, counsel for the customs department filed para wise comments which were served to the counsel for the petitioner, who sought time for the rejoinder. Therefore, the court adjourned the matter for October 12, 2017.
It needs to be mentioned here that on the last date of hearing, the court had directed the customs department to release the consignment of “zinc coated coils of alloy steel sheets” accordance to law.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner moved contempt application against officials of the customs department for disobeying judgment order dated Jan 30, 2017 passed by the Customs Appellate Tribunal Karachi which directed customs officials to release the subject goods accordance with law, however, high officials are not following said order.
Citing Secretary Revenue Division, Collector of Customs Collectorate Appraisement West, Muhammad Shahzad, Deputy Collector of Customs (Group-IV) Customs Collectorate Appraisement West as respondents, petitioner pleaded the court may direct customs department to release his consignment according order of the Customs Appellate Tribunal.