950827

LHC issues notice

to govt, PSI

about licence fee

RIZWAN-UR-REHMAN

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has issued notices to the federal government and Pakistan Standards Institute in a writ petition challenging the charging of 0.25 percent by PSI.

Writ petition moved by Continental Technologies (Pvt) Limited, a Unit of Syed Bhais Group, which is engaged in manufacturing tubelights in Pakistan.

Counsel for the petitioner Syed Mansoor Ali Shah submitted that Pakistan Standards Institute (PSI) which had been established through an ordinance in 1961 used to provide standardization mark of PSI to different producers. The PSI also issues licence to firms to use PSI mark after payment of certain fee.

It was submitted that the Deputy Director, PSI on the basis of an amendment on May 18, 1994 through which licences are issued directed the licence holders to pay 0.25 percent of the total production as PSI mark fee.

Terming it without lawful authority, it was submitted that the PSI ordinance which had brought the above-mentioned amendment in the previous provision, stood lapsed due to the fact that the fedral government had re-promulgated the ordinance thrice.

It was submitted that the respondent denied to renew the licence of the petitioner which "is without any lawful authority".

It was prayed that the respondents may be directed to renew the licence of the petitioner and the charging of the 0.25 percent duty may be stayed.