Islamabad High Court Warns Tax Authorities Against Misuse of Powers
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday granted bail to Shahid Hussain Khawaja, a co-accused in the Rs3.2 billion sales tax fraud case, against a nominal surety bond of Rs100. The court termed the tax department’s criminal investigation an overreach of authority.
Key Details of the Verdict
- Justice Babar Sattar directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman to circulate the court’s order.
- The court noted that no evidence was provided by the state to substantiate the petitioner’s involvement in the fraud.
- The petitioner’s arrest violated a prior Lahore High Court judgment.
Warning to FBR Officials
- The IHC instructed the FBR Chairman to distribute copies of the Lahore High Court and IHC judgments among tax officers.
- Any violations will result in action against tax officers and the tax authority for abuse of powers.
Emphasis on Legal Authority
The court underscored that public officials must exercise their delegated legal and police powers strictly in accordance with the law.
