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The Supreme Court said that as a constitutional body under Article 175 of the Constitution, it must have autonomy to conceive, design and approve infrastructure projects in accordance with its institutional requirements. Photo: Online
ISLAMABAD:
The Supreme Court has ruled that any lawfully registered vehicle found carrying contraband or non-taxable goods cannot be released on payment of a fine, as the Federal Board of Revenue’s SRO 499(I)/2009 and its subsequent amendments have abrogated this discretion.
The court overturned the decisions of the Peshawar High Court and the Customs Appellate Tribunal and restored the complete confiscation of the vehicle and the goods.
According to the detailed judgment, once the FBR invokes its authority, customs officials and appellate forums no longer have the power to grant release against a redemption fine.
