S. G. CHATTOPADHYAY
Abdul Kalim – Appellant
Versus
State of Tripura – Respondent
JUDGMENT
1. By means of filing this application under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, owner of the offending vehicle has sought for quashing the order dated 29.07.2022 passed by the learned Special Judge (NDPS), Sepahijala District, Bishalgarh in case No. Special (NDPS) 16 of 2022 whereby the learned Special Judge has declined to release the offending vehicle in favour of the owner.
2. The owner has sought for release of the vehicle on the ground of his innocence claiming that he had no idea about the misuse of his vehicle by the driver.
3. On behalf of the prosecution, it was submitted before the learned trial court that an extra chamber was made in the cabin of the vehicle for concealing the contraband which was not possible without the knowledge and connivance of the owner. The learned PP, therefore, argued before the trial court that owner's plea of innocence was not at all believable. The learned trial court having considered the facts and given circumstances of the case rejected the claim of the owner with the following observations:
'Having regard to the facts and circumstances, submissions of both the sides and the fact that there was an extra secret chambe
General Insurance Council and others vs. State of Andhra Pradesh
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The court acknowledged that vehicles seized in NDPS cases should not be retained indefinitely, establishing guidelines for interim release to prevent deterioration and ensure lawful ownership.
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