Legal Case Summary

Case Details
Case ID 2bc0ecdc-8f1e-4ad4-82a8-d19e3bd9b41b
Body View case body.
Case Number Complaint No.266 of 2009
Decision Date Dec 01, 2009
Hearing Date
Decision The Federal Tax Ombudsman recommended that the confiscated/tampered vehicle be taken back by the Customs department for proper disposal to government or semi-government institutions. The Ombudsman also stated that the sale value and repair charges should be paid to the complainant after verifying receipts. Furthermore, the Ombudsman emphasized the need for standardized time limits for vehicle registration following customs auctions and called for accountability regarding the maladministration that occurred in this case. The decision highlighted the importance of adhering to established guidelines for the auction of confiscated vehicles, particularly concerning those with tampered chassis numbers, and recognized the shared responsibility of both parties in creating the complications surrounding the case.
Summary This case revolves around the auction of a confiscated Toyota Land Cruiser, which was found to have a tampered chassis number. The Federal Tax Ombudsman addressed the complaint filed by Bilal Hussain against the Customs department for maladministration regarding the sale and registration of the vehicle. The Ombudsman found that the Customs authorities failed to adhere to their own policies regarding the auction of tampered vehicles, which should only be sold to government entities. The case highlights issues of accountability, proper verification of vehicle details, and the need for timely responses from Customs officials to complaints. The decision emphasizes the need for compliance with the Customs Act, particularly Section 156 concerning auction processes, and the importance of maintaining integrity in vehicle registration procedures. This case is significant for stakeholders in the customs and vehicle registration sectors, illustrating the consequences of procedural violations and the necessity for transparency in government dealings.
Court Federal Tax Ombudsman
Entities Involved Not available
Judges Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Suddle
Lawyers Nijat Khan, Bilal Khurshid Anwar
Petitioners Bilal Hussain
Respondents Secretary, Revenue Division, Islamabad
Citations 2010 SLD 730, 2010 PTD 1001
Other Citations Complaint No.504 of 2009
Laws Involved Customs Act, 1969
Sections 156, 180, 181