|Karnataka High Court
CrPC 451 & 457 | Seized Vehicle May Be Released on Bond If Not Integral to Proof, Even in Fraud Cases: Karnataka HC
The Karnataka High Court ruled that prolonged detention of a vehicle seized in a fraud case violates property rights under CrPC 451 and 457 if it is not essential to the prosecution’s evidence. Citing the Supreme Court’s precedent in Perichi Gounder, the court held that such assets can be released on bond to prevent irreparable loss, setting a critical precedent for economic offence defendants whose property is held without necessity.