KARACHI: A customs appellate bench of High Court of Sindh (SHC) adjourned a petition seeking release of a land cruiser to consider that whether benefit of section 181, Customs Act 1969 is available in case of a vehicle in private use if found involved in smuggling of good (s).
The bench comprising Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Justice Mahmood A Khan earlier heard Ms Dil Khurram Shaheen advocate who prayed to the court to remand back the case to Special Customs Appellate Tribunal. My client was not given the benefit of section 181, she contended.
The bench noted that the benefit of section relied upon by the petitioner is available if the carrier is a public transport vehicle and the person plying or owning such vehicle claims innocence against allegation of involvement in smuggling. If the vehicle is in exclusive use of an owner, benefit of the said section is not permissible, observed the bench.
The counsel stated that 2500 liter Iranian diesel was alleged to be smuggled in the said vehicle which worth rupees 1.5 and on this count also, no case is made out.
The bench after initial hearing asked the counsel for petitioner to provide a copy of SRO 499 she is relying upon and adjourned the further proceedings.