KARACHI: A Special Custom Reference Application filed by Directorate General of Intelligence & Investigations, Pakistan Customs against order of Custom Appellate Tribunal in Appeal No K-2147 of 2022 was dismissed by custom appellate bench of High Court of Sindh. The case pertains to Black Tea.

As the case came up for hearing the bench confronted counsel for the applicant department regarding applicability of Section 162 & 163 of the Custom Act 1969. The bench expressed displeasure over the manner in which customs team acted. The bench note that as per customs own case, alleged smuggled goods were stored in an open space.

The bench observed that Merely because the Godown is open, it does not permit a search without following the procedure  as provided under Section 162 & 163. The bench after hearing the sides dismissed the SCRA.