KARACHI: Notices were issued in a petition challenging insertion of a new proviso in section 81 of Custom Act 1969 under which powers of Collector & Deputy Collector for provisional release were rescinded.
M/s Icon International & Co questioned the amendment by filing a constitutional petition before High Court of Sindh (SHC) through Rana Sakhawat advocate. The counsel representing petitioner company said that as per amendment/addition if a Valuation Ruling is challenged even then VR will be applicable and custom officers would not exercise powers of provisional releases UFO.
This amounts to condemn a person un-heard besides it violates Article 10A denying fair trial. A petition was filed earlier on identical ground and SHC referred the matter to Custom Appellate Tribunal which refused to entertain the issue.