POULTRY FEEDS CONTAINING PIG MEAT: In re. vs NOT
Suo motu proceedings were initiated by the Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding the unauthorized importation of poultry feed and organic fertilizers containing traces of pork meat and bones by fourteen importers, in violation of the import policy and customs laws. The importers contended that they acted under a bona fide mistake based on manufacturer certifications and challenged laboratory reports, while the Customs Department highlighted imposed penalties, ongoing adjudications, and pending re-export permissions. The Supreme Court observed that complete adjudication of such disputes lies within the statutory hierarchy and High Court jurisdiction rather than direct resolution by the apex court. Disposing of the proceedings, the Supreme Court directed that importers pay the penalties imposed under the Customs Act, 1969, treating adjudication orders as final without further agitation across any forum. It granted three weeks for importers to manage re-export of detained consignments at their own responsibility, failing which the consignments are to be destroyed under departmental supervision at the importers' expense, accompanied by undertakings ensuring future compliance.
- Whether the Supreme Court under suo motu jurisdiction should adjudicate factual disputes and penalties arising under the Customs Act, 1969 where a statutory hierarchy and High Court jurisdiction exist?
- Can the Supreme Court direct the finality of customs adjudication orders and mandate payment of penalties to settle widespread regulatory violations without further litigation?
- What terms may be imposed regarding the re-export or destruction of imported consignments found to be in violation of import policy and statutory provisions?
- Section 32, Customs Act, 1969
- Section 156(14), Customs Act, 1969
- Section 156(15), Customs Act, 1969
ORDER
' IFTIKHAR MUHAMMAD CHAUDHRY, C.J.---In pursuance of our earlier order, Member Customs has placed documents on record, according to which 14 importers have imported poultry feed/organic fertilizers containing traces of pork meat/bones. Names of the importers are reproduced herein below:-
(1) Messrs Punjnad Feed, Lahore
(2) Messrs Olympia Feed, Lahore
(3) Messrs Lahore Feeds, Lahore
(4) Messrs National Feed, Ltd., Lahore
(5) Messrs Shazor Feeds (Pvt.) Ltd., Lahore
(6) Messrs Shamim Feeds Industries, Bahawalpur
(7) Messrs Shabbir Edible Foods (Pvt.) Ltd., Lahore
(8) Messrs Sadiq Brothers, Rawalpindi
(9) Messrs Chakwal Feeds (Pvt.) Ltd., Rawalpindi
(10) Messrs Ghazi Brothers, Karachi
(11) Messrs A One Feeds, Hyderabad
(12) Messrs A.R. Autos, Karachi
(13) Messrs Pak Feeds
(14) Messrs Syed Fish, Karachi
2. It may be observed that in the earlier order due to some clerical omission the number of importers have been mentioned as 41 whereas fact is that they are 14, against whom it is alleged that they have imported poultry feed containing traces of pork meat and bones, whereas the names of the three importers have been duplicated and consignments of three were detained. A summary of the same has been placed on record which may be read as part of this order. It is the case of the Customs been mentioned hereinabove from serial No,1-14, had imported poultry feed containing traces of pork meat/bones, they were proceeded against and on the basis of laboratory reports, penalties were imposed against some of them, whereas few out of them contested the matter and against that adjudication is pending in different forums. Inasmuch as in some cases permission has been granted to them for re-export of their consignment and in some cases it has already been done. The cases of the importers by and large are that they had no intention to import into Pakistan any such item like feed etc. Which contains pork meat or bones, as before importing the same they had obtained certificate from the manufacturers of the poultry feed from outside the country testifying that they are free from pork meat and bones, therefore at the best the imports of such items can be considered under bona fide mistake, for which they cannot be held responsible. They have also objected to the authenticity of the reports issued by PCSIR and HAG, however, they have stated that now the import of such poultry feed has been discontinued by them and there is not a single container of poultry feed containing pork meat/bones, imported into the country.
3. Learned Attorney General on instruction of Member Customs Department stated that now strict supervision is being carried out, furthermore the department is very much vigilant and there is no compromise of whatsoever nature in allowing the import of poultry feed containing traces of pork meat/bones.
4. Instant proceedings have been initiated under suo motu jurisdiction and sufficient material has been collected for and against and it has also been brought to our notice that the importers who had imported poultry feed having traces of pork meat/bones and they have been penalized according to the provision of section 156, subsections (14), (15) read with section 32 of the Customs Act, 1969 as well as the import policy. The importers, who have been penalized, have further agitated the matter within hierarchy of Customs Act or before Tax Ombudsman and in some of the cases re-export has also been allowed and few cases are lying in Reference before respective Hon'ble High Courts. As far as the question of their adjudication is concerned, it is not within the domain of this Court. Ultimately this exercise has to be carried out by the High Courts in their jurisdiction under Customs Act or under Constitution. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for us to finally decide the case. Learned Attorney General also informed that if the permission is granted for destroying the containers containing poultry feed having traces of the pork meat and bones because it is otherwise causing pollution and the importers are also under financial burden as they have to pay demurrage etc. And if anyone of them manage the re-export to the country from where it was imported that aspect may also be examined.
5. After having considered the arguments of parties counsel and going through the available record, it is considered appropriate to dispose of the matters in the following terms:---
(i) the importers against whom penalty has boon imposed under section 156, subsection (14) read with section 32 of the Customs Act as well as for violation of the import policy, shall make the payment of the same to the Customs Department.
(ii) The Customs Department or the importers shall not further agitate the matter either within the hierarchy of Customs Act or before the High Court or any forum and orders of the adjudication shall be treated final for all intent and purposes.
(iii) The importers who can manage re-export of the consignment shall do the same on their own responsibility, after taking permission from the concerned quarters, within the period of three weeks, failing which all the consignments which have now been dumped in different places i,e, Karachi and Lahore shall be destroyed under the supervision of responsible officers of the Customs department as well as the importers subject to the payment of damages etc. By the importers individually.
(iv) An undertaking has to be taken from the importers against whom penalty has been imposed that they shall be careful in future and if there is any violation, strict action shall be taken against them according to law, which entails punishment.
' The above exercise shall be completed within four weeks under the supervision of Mr. Munir Qureshi, Member Customs, FBR. The compliance report shall be sent to the Registrar for our perusal in Chambers.
' Proceedings stand disposed of.