Tea imported for AJK on discounted tax sold in city

SHC suspends trial court's decision to acquit accused

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has suspended the trial court decision on acquittal of the accused involved in selling tea leaves, meant for Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in Karachi, as well as the decision of the Customs Court to return the tea leaves.

Customs lawyer Khadim Rajpar argued that the accused had imported over 530 tons of tea leaves for Azad Kashmir, availing a 6% tax exemption. However, instead of sending the consignment to Azad Kashmir, the accused indulged in selling it in Karachi. Customs officials raided various warehouses in the city and recovered the tea leaves. Despite this, the Customs Court acquitted the accused and ordered the return of the tea leaves. This decision is against the law, as the trial court does not have the authority to order the return. In response, an application has been filed with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, challenging the Customs Court's decision.

Furthermore, the Customs Court initiated contempt of court proceedings against customs officials for not returning the tea leaves.

The court has issued notices to all parties involved, seeking their response to the customs appeal filed against the acquittal of the accused.