#CrPC Section 457

Supreme Court clarifies that interim custody of seized property under CrPC Sections 451 and 457 hinges on prima facie possession, not registration. Vehicles registered in a director’s name were granted to the company in actual possession, setting a precedent for disputes over seized assets.

Telangana High Court rules that an innocent vehicle owner, not accused under the NDPS Act, must be granted interim custody of their seized vehicle under Section 457 of the CrPC, subject to bond conditions. The ruling reinforces the right to property and limits arbitrary seizures in contraband cases.