KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) directed the tax authorities not to cause any harassment to the petitioner who should be dealt with in accordance with the law on a constitutional petition filed by Muhammad Measum against the alleged harassment by tax authorities.
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, was hearing the petition.
During the hearing, assistant directorate audit, directorate of I&I-FBR Karachi, submitted that since no FIR has been registered against the petitioner whereas petitioner has already filed an appeal before the Commissioner Appellate IR which is pending for disposal therefore apprehension of the petitioner is misconceived, however it has been stated that no harassment will be caused to the petitioner who will be dealt with in accordance with law. The petitioner does not press instant petition if respondents restrain from taking any coercive action against it.
After the hearing, court disposed of the petition with the direction that respondents may be directed not to cause any harassment to the petitioner.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that it is an import/manufacture of plastic molding plastic product which is exempted from payment of Sales Tax on raw materials at the import stage for local manufacturing, however officials of the tax department misused the SRO 670 (1)/2013 and are threatening the petitioner with registration of a tax evasion case.
Citing Secretary Revenue Division, Director General I&I-FBR and others as respondents, petitioner pleaded with the court to restrain them from taking any coercive action against the him.