M.L Hydar Ali v. K.A Chulananda Perera et al. – 239/2012-2017

In the case between M.L Hydar Ali (carrying on business as “Roomy Trading Company”) and K.A Chulananda Perera (Director General of Customs) with other Customs officials, the court addressed the judicial reviewability of Customs decisions imposing fines and forfeiture for breach of permit conditions related to vehicle imports. It was held that actions taken by the Customs Department, including the imposition of fines and forfeiture of vehicles under S.50A(1)(b) of the Customs Ordinance, following the admitted breach of post-importation conditions by the petitioner, were lawful and not subject to writ jurisdiction under Article 140 of the Constitution. The principle reaffirmed is that Customs authorities act within their statutory powers when enforcing permit conditions attached to imports;