The writ petitions challenge the validity of detention orders passed under Section 3(1) of the COFEPOSA Act. (!)

Detention by Customs officials for inquiry or interrogation does not constitute arrest, even if under the guise of such activities. [21000190610001][21000190610002]

Questions framed for consideration: (1) When is a person said to be under arrest? (2) Are 'custody' and 'arrest' synonymous? (3) Can Customs officials detain persons for inquiry under the Customs Act? (4) Does such detention amount to arrest? (5) Is detention beyond 24 hours without production before a Magistrate violative of Article 22? [21000190610004] (!) (!) (!) (!) (!)

The term 'arrest' derives from French 'arrester' meaning to stop or stay, signifying restraint of the person; legally, it involves deprivation of liberty by legal authority, often requiring seizure, touching, or detention understood by the person. [21000190610011][21000190610012] (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!)

'Custody' implies guardianship, safekeeping, confinement, or control, varying by context, and does not always equate to arrest. [21000190610013] (!) (!) (!) (!) (!)

Custody and arrest are not synonymous; every arrest involves custody, but custody does not always amount to arrest. [21000190610027]

Customs officers under Sections 107 and 108 of the Customs Act may require or summon persons for inquiry regarding smuggling, but this does not constitute arrest or custody equivalent to arrest; the person is not an accused at that stage. [21000190610005][21000190610007][21000190610009][21000190610017][21000190610021][21000190610025]

Arrest requires compliance with Section 46 CrPC: actual touching or confinement of the body, unless submission by word or action; mere words, gestures, or restraint without these modalities do not suffice. [21000190610028] (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) [21000190610029][21000190610030][21000190610031][21000190610032] (!) (!) (!) (!)

Statutory powers must be exercised in the prescribed manner; deviation renders the action invalid. (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!)

Detention under Sections 107 or 108 beyond reasonable time, or prolonged custody without formal arrest under Section 104, is unauthorized and may taint statements as involuntary; such actions risk violating personal liberty. [21000190610024][21000190610025] (!) [21000190610043]

Article 22(2) applies only after formal arrest and detention in custody; production before Magistrate must occur within 24 hours excluding journey time; Section 104(2) of Customs Act aligns with this. [21000190610014] (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!)

Customs inquiries under Sections 107/108 are statutorily sanctioned procedures not violative of Article 21; statements are admissible unless proven coerced. [21000190610007][21000190610022][21000190610023]

Writ petitions remitted to Division Bench for merits consideration in light of this judgment. (!)