The reply was based on a notice issued by the Bombay High Court asking her to explain as to why appropriate action is not initiated against her for alleged illegalities committed in import of Toyota Landcruiser purportedly using fake documents and further manipulation for getting the vehicle registered.

The court had on October 11, 2007 upheld Sushmita’s petition for quashing order of the BMC’s Joint Commissioner asking her to cough up more than Rs 23 lakh towards Octroi and ten times penalty for importing the vehicle. The court, however, directed the BMC to issue show cause notice to Sen and Vasu Thamalla, in whose name the car was purchased, for misrepresentation of facts.

The court observed that Sen’s as well as purported owner of the vehicle Thamalla’s “conduct was blame worthy” and that she has altered her stand to her convenience.

In the reply, Sushmita has further said that she had not indulged in any irregularities or illegalities. On the contrary, as a law abiding citizen she had approached the Settlement Commission when the Custom’s officials raised issue of underpayment of duties and paid Rs 20,33,386. Thereafter she duly paid the Octroi amount of Rs 2,16,988 when the BMC issued demand notice. Meanwhile, a division bench of Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice JP Deodhar has issued a bailable warrant against Vasu Thamala and adjourned the matter for further hearing after two weeks.