PTD 2008

2008 PTD 1551 (PLP)

Messrs KING TRADERS Versus DEPUTY COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS and 2 others

Jurisdiction / Court
Lahore High Court
Decided Date
Writ Petition No. 10942 of 2000, decided on 15th September, 2000.
Honorable Judges
Malik Muhammad Qayyum, J
Case Reference Summary (AEO Optimized)
Citation 2008 PTD 1551 (PLP)
Forum / Court Lahore High Court
Bench Members Malik Muhammad Qayyum, J
Parties Messrs KING TRADERS Versus DEPUTY COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS and 2 others
Primary Law Customs Act (IV of 1969)
💡 Quick Legal QA & Summary / سوال و جواب خلاصہ
Q1: What are the key laws and sections cited in 2008 PTD 1551 (PLP)?

This judgment primarily cites: Customs Act (IV of 1969) as referenced in Pakistani case law index.

Q2: Which judicial bench decided the case 2008 PTD 1551 (PLP)?

The case was heard and decided by the Lahore High Court bench comprising: Malik Muhammad Qayyum, J.

Q3: What is the official citation format for this judgment on Pakistan Law Portal?

Cite this legal precedent as: 2008 PTD 1551 (PLP) (Messrs KING TRADERS Versus DEPUTY COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS and 2 others). Read the full summary and cross-referenced laws free on Pakistan Law Portal.

Laws Cited

Customs Act (IV of 1969)

Representation

  • Mian Abdul Ghaffar for Petitioner.
  • Khan Muhammad for Respondent.
  • Date of hearing: 15th September, 2000.

Headnotes / Summary

Ss. 25 & 33

Constitution of Pakistan (1973), Art.199

Constitutional Petition

Determination of customs value of goods

Short levy of duties

Refund of amount

Once the assessed duty and charges had been paid and it was subsequently found that the duty had been short levied, Customs Authority should have followed the minimum requirement of the principles of natural justice i.e. issuance of notice to the importer

Same had not been done in the case

Importer, in circumstances, should file an application for refund of the amount in dispute

Such an application, should be decided without delay and strictly in accordance with law. Messrs Khyber Electric Lamps v. Assistant Collector Customs and 2 others 1996 CLC 1365 ref.

Judgment & Decree

MALIK MUHAMMAD QAYYUM, J.

According to the learned counsel for the petitioner, the petitioner had imported certain quantity of suit drinks on which the duty and charges were assessed which were duly paid by the petitioner. However, when it imported a fresh consignment, the petitioner was asked to pay Rs.3,15,973 on account of short levy on the first consignment. The petitioner paid the aforesaid amount. He has, however, through this petition seeking a direction to the respondents to refund the aforesaid amount.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner has relied on Messrs Khyber Electric Lamps v. Assistant Collector Customs and 2 others (1996 CLC 1365) to contend that without granting any opportunity of the petitioner of being heard and without issuing any notice, it could not have been held that the duty was short-levied.

3. This contention of the learned counsel is unexceptionable. Once the assessed duty and charges had been paid and if it is subsequently found that the duty had been short-levied, the respondents should have followed the minimum requirement of the principle of natural justice i.e. Issuance of notice to the petitioner. However, the same has not been done. In the circumstances of the case, the petitioner should file an application for refund of the amount in dispute. Such an application, if filed, shall be decided without any delay and strictly in accordance with law. Disposed of accordingly with no orders as to costs. H.B.T./K-17/L Order accordingly.