#seized vehicle release

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.

Uttarakhand High Court rules that vehicles seized under the NDPS Act cannot be detained indefinitely merely for being used as conveyance. The court directed release upon bond and undertaking, emphasizing proportionality and citing the Supreme Court's precedent in Sunderbhai Ambalal Desai. This sets a critical safeguard for property rights of accused persons during trial.

The Chhattisgarh High Court ruled that prolonged police custody of a seized tractor-trolley, without any ongoing investigative necessity, violates property rights under Article 21 and invites avoidable damage from weather exposure. This sets a precedent for owners of seized vehicles in mining-related cases to seek release on Supurdnama when the asset's value is at risk and its retention serves no evidentiary purpose.

Uttarakhand High Court directs release of a motorcycle seized under the NDPS Act, holding that prolonged detention without proof of instrumental use violates fairness and causes unjust depreciation. The ruling mandates interim release on bond or security, reinforcing the Supreme Court's Sunderbhai Desai precedent to protect owners from financial loss during trial.