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Preventive Security (Successor to CrPC 107)

Property Attachment/Forfeiture (New Provision)

  • Scope and Cure of Lacuna: BNSS s.107 enables Magistrate-ordered attachment of crime proceeds (direct/indirect); cures CrPC s.102 gap (now BNSS s.106 for seizure). Police must approach Magistrate. Going by Section 107 of BNSS, a police officer investigating a crime has to approach the jurisdictional Magistrate seeking attachment of any property believed to be derived directly or indirectly from criminal activity ["Kartik Yogeshwar Chatur vs Union of India - Bombay"]
  • Procedure and Compliance: Seizure under s.106 BNSS, then forfeiture under s.107; strict procedure mandatory, no arbitrary seizure (e.g., pledged gold). the second respondent... shall proceed to seize the pledged gold ornaments... only in accordance with the procedure contemplated under Section 107 of the BNSS. ["MUJEEB RAHMAN A.V. vs STATE OF KERALA - Kerala"] ["MUTHOOT FINANCE LIMITED vs STATE OF KARNATAKA - Karnataka"]

General BNSS Applicability (Relevance to s.107)

Analysis and Conclusion

BNSS s.107 has dual contexts: (1) preventive security (often cross-referenced as 126/127 BNSS vs CrPC 107, applicable only on repeated crimes/threat to peace by Executive Magistrate); (2) novel property attachment (post-seizure under s.106, Magistrate approval required, curing CrPC gaps). Applicability hinges on BNSS enforcement date (post-01.07.2024) per s.531, favoring procedural compliance to avoid quashing. ["Syed Ali Akbar Khan, S/o. Pookoya Thangal VS State Of Kerala - Kerala"] ["Kartik Yogeshwar Chatur vs Union of India - Bombay"] ["D.C. Aravind S/o Late D.A. Chandregowda vs State Of Karnataka Represented By Station House Officer of Hassan Extention Police Station - Karnataka"] ["Vicky Kumar @ Kashyap vs State of Odisha - Orissa"]

Understanding Section 107 BNSS: Applicability for Attachment of Proceeds of Crime

In the evolving landscape of India's criminal justice system, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) introduces significant updates to address gaps in the erstwhile Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC). One such provision is Section 107 BNSS, which empowers police to seek attachment of property believed to be derived from criminal activities. But what exactly is the 107 BNSS applicability? This blog post delves into its scope, procedure, and practical implications, drawing from legislative intent and judicial interpretations. Whether you're a law enforcement officer, legal practitioner, or individual facing investigation, understanding this provision can be crucial.

Note: This article provides general information based on available sources and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer for case-specific guidance.

Main Legal Finding: What Does Section 107 BNSS Entail?

Section 107 of the BNSS is a newly introduced provision that enables the attachment, forfeiture, or restoration of property believed to be derived or obtained, directly or indirectly, from criminal activity or the commission of an offence. It applies during police investigations where there is reason to believe the property qualifies as proceeds of crime. This addresses a key lacuna in the CrPC, which lacked a specific mechanism beyond general seizure powers under Section 102 CrPC (now Section 106 BNSS).Headstar Global Private Limited vs State of Kerala - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 1714Headstar Global Pvt. Limited, Represented By Its Director/ Authorized Signatory, Sreekumar C.S., S/o. Sreedharan Nai vs State Of Kerala, Represented By Public Prosecutor, High Court Of Kerala, Ernakulam, Kochi - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 2525

The provision fills a critical void, as prior CrPC decisions primarily focused on jurisdictional validity, property definition, or suspicion of crime linkage under Section 102, without a dedicated tool for crime-derived assets.Headstar Global Private Limited vs State of Kerala - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 1714

Key Points on Applicability

Here are the core elements defining Section 107 BNSS applicability:

Legislative Context and Introduction

The BNSS, effective from July 1, 2024, repeals the CrPC and modernizes procedures. Section 107 was incorporated to cure the absence of direct provisions for seizing proceeds of crime in domestic investigations. Retaining Section 102 CrPC as Section 106 BNSS, the new law adds Section 107 for judicially overseen attachments. This ensures a balanced approach with oversight, distinguishing it from ad-hoc seizures. The repeal of the Cr.P.C. led to the dismissal of petitions filed under it after the enactment of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, emphasizing that future filings must comply with the new law.Abhishek Jain VS State of U. T. Chandigarh - 2024 Supreme(P&H) 416

Section 531 BNSS acts as a saving clause, allowing applicability of old CrPC provisions in certain ongoing matters, facilitating smooth transition. The other provision is also clear that under Section 531 of BNSS, there is a saving clause while repealing Cr.P.C. regarding applicability of the old Act also.K. Ramakrishna VS Assistant Director, Directorate of EnforcementK. Ramakrishna, S/o. Late Sri Krishnaiah VS Assistant Director, Directorate Of Enforcement, Bengaluru Zonal Office, Bengaluru - 2024 Supreme(Kar) 573

Scope and Procedure for Attachment

The provision activates during an investigation when a police officer has reason to believe that property stems from criminal activity. The full text states: 107. Attachment, forfeiture or restoration of property (1) Where a police officer making an investigation has reason to believe that any property is derived or obtained, directly or indirectly, as a result of a criminal activity or from the commission of any offence, he may, with the approval of the Superintendent of Police or Commissioner of Police, make an application to the Court or the Magistrate exercising jurisdiction to take cognizance of the offence or commit for trial or try the case, for the attachment of such property.Headstar Global Pvt. Limited, Represented By Its Director/ Authorized Signatory, Sreekumar C.S., S/o. Sreedharan Nai vs State Of Kerala, Represented By Public Prosecutor, High Court Of Kerala, Ernakulam, Kochi - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 2525

Key procedural safeguards include:1. Reasonable Belief: Must be documented robustly.2. Hierarchical Approval: From SP or Commissioner.3. Judicial Application: To the jurisdictional court/Magistrate for attachment order.

This setup ensures oversight from the outset, preventing misuse.

Relation to Predecessor Provisions and Challenges

Unlike CrPC Section 102/BNSS 106, whose validity doesn't depend on post-seizure reporting, Section 107 specifically targets proceeds of crime. Precedents under old law challenged seizures on grounds like jurisdiction or insufficient nexus, but BNSS provides clearer contours. It operates prospectively and doesn't retroactively impact pre-BNSS seizures. Challenges may still arise on lack of jurisdiction, improper property classification, or weak crime nexus.Headstar Global Private Limited vs State of Kerala - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 1714

Recent cases underscore BNSS's broader applicability shifts. For instance, petitions under repealed CrPC sections post-July 2024 are non-maintainable, directing parties to BNSS equivalents. Petitions filed under the repealed Cr.P.C. after 01.07.2024 are not maintainable.Abhishek Jain VS State of U. T. Chandigarh - 2024 Supreme(P&H) 416

Insights from Recent Judicial Interpretations

Courts have clarified BNSS applicability in varied contexts, reinforcing procedural rigor:

These rulings highlight BNSS's emphasis on structured processes, mirroring Section 107's approval and application mandates.

Exceptions, Limitations, and Recommendations

No explicit exceptions exist, but applicability hinges on:- Ongoing investigation.- Reasonable belief linked to specific offence.- Prior approval.

Limitations prevent arbitrary use, with courts verifying linkages akin to CrPC precedents. For police: Document beliefs thoroughly and secure approvals. For courts: Scrutinize nexus. In transitional cases, invoke Section 531 BNSS. Headstar Global Private Limited vs State of Kerala - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 1714Headstar Global Pvt. Limited, Represented By Its Director/ Authorized Signatory, Sreekumar C.S., S/o. Sreedharan Nai vs State Of Kerala, Represented By Public Prosecutor, High Court Of Kerala, Ernakulam, Kochi - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 2525

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Section 107 BNSS marks a proactive step in tackling crime proceeds, enhancing investigative tools with judicial checks. Its applicability during probes with reasoned belief and approvals bridges CrPC gaps, promoting accountability.

Key Takeaways:- Triggers on 'reason to believe' property is crime-derived.- Requires SP/Commissioner nod and court application.- Complements, doesn't replace, Section 106 seizures.- Backed by savings clause for transitions.

Stay informed on BNSS updates, as courts continue shaping its application. For personalized advice, reach out to legal experts.

References: Headstar Global Private Limited vs State of Kerala - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 1714, Headstar Global Pvt. Limited, Represented By Its Director/ Authorized Signatory, Sreekumar C.S., S/o. Sreedharan Nai vs State Of Kerala, Represented By Public Prosecutor, High Court Of Kerala, Ernakulam, Kochi - 2025 0 Supreme(Ker) 2525, K. Ramakrishna VS Assistant Director, Directorate of Enforcement, K. Ramakrishna, S/o. Late Sri Krishnaiah VS Assistant Director, Directorate Of Enforcement, Bengaluru Zonal Office, Bengaluru - 2024 Supreme(Kar) 573, Abhishek Jain VS State of U. T. Chandigarh - 2024 Supreme(P&H) 416, Manjula Daughter of Late Rati Kanta Sarma vs State of Assam Represented by The Commissioner and Secretary - 2025 Supreme(Gau) 609, Siyaram Giri Goswami VS State of M. P. - 2025 Supreme(MP) 65

#BNSS107, #ProceedsOfCrime, #LegalUpdate
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