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