Searching Case Laws & Precedent on Legal Query.....!
Scanned Judgements…!
Searching Case Laws & Precedent on Legal Query.....!
Scanned Judgements…!
In cases involving perishable or sensitive goods, courts consider the urgency and nature of the property, but generally, zimma is granted if the legal conditions are satisfied ["Jaydeep Goala, Son Of Late Dinesh Prasad Goala VS State Of Assam - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 476"], ["SIRAJUL ISLAM vs THE STATE OF ASSAM - Gauhati"].
Analysis and Conclusion:
In criminal proceedings, when property is seized by authorities, owners often seek zimma—the interim custody or release of that property pending trial. But under what provision zimma has to be granted? This question arises frequently, especially in cases involving vehicles, cattle, or other articles under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), and special statutes like the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021. Understanding the right provision can make the difference between quick release and prolonged detention of assets. This post breaks down the legal framework, drawing from key judgments, to guide you generally on when and how zimma may be granted. Note: This is general information, not specific legal advice. Consult a lawyer for your case.
Zimma refers to the temporary custody of seized property granted to the owner or interested party during investigation, trial, or enquiry. It prevents undue hardship from prolonged seizure while ensuring the property remains available for court proceedings. Courts balance the owner's rights with the needs of justice, often imposing conditions like bonds or undertakings. Md. Johur Uddin, S/o. Late Mujibur Rahman VS State Of Assam, To Be Rep. By The PP, Assam - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 802
The landmark case of Sunderbhai Ambalal Desai v. State of Gujarat (2002) 10 SCC 283 emphasizes expeditious disposal of zimma applications to avoid property decay or misuse. MOHAMMAD SAMI ULLAH vs THE STATE OF ASSAM AND ANR
The main provision for granting zimma is Section 451 of the CrPC. This section empowers magistrates to release seized property to the person entitled to possession, subject to conditions. It typically applies after the charge sheet is filed and investigation is complete. Md. Johur Uddin, S/o. Late Mujibur Rahman VS State Of Assam, To Be Rep. By The PP, Assam - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 802
In one case, the court ruled: when the application for zimma is filed after the charge sheet was laid, the consideration of grant of zimma cannot be said to be an exercise of power under sub section 5 of Section 11 of the Act, 2021 and therefore, the insistence of bank guarantee as prescribed under Sub Section 5 of Section 11 of the Act, 2021 shall not be applicable. Md. Johur Uddin, S/o. Late Mujibur Rahman VS State Of Assam, To Be Rep. By The PP, Assam - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 802
Conditions often include:- Preparing a panchnama (inspection report) and photographs.- Executing a bond (e.g., Rs. 5,00,000).- Undertaking not to dispose, alter, or damage the property.- Producing it on court demand. Md. Johur Uddin, S/o. Late Mujibur Rahman VS State Of Assam, To Be Rep. By The PP, Assam - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 802Aphong Wangsa Son of Lempa Wangsa vs State of AP - 2025 Supreme(Online)(Gau) 6141
Even in trials, zimma under Section 451 CrPC may be considered, but courts ascertain ownership without delving into trial merits. If ownership isn't conclusively proven, zimma is typically denied. The court must ascertain ownership of seized property without delving into the merits of the case - The petitioner's claim of ownership was not conclusively established at this stage of the trial. Rokongulie, S/o. Late Yahovi VS State of Assam, Represented by the Public Prosecutor, Assam - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 1493
Ownership determination often awaits trial completion, with liberty to reapply later. Rokongulie, S/o. Late Yahovi VS State of Assam, Represented by the Public Prosecutor, Assam - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 1493
Special laws can supersede CrPC provisions. Under Section 11(5) of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, zimma of cattle is strictly prohibited during enquiry or trial, even to the owner. However, other articles or vehicles may be released subject to conditions like bank guarantees. Abdul Kadir S/o Abdul Matin VS State of Assam Represented by the PP - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 651
During enquiry or trial giving the cattle on zimma to anyone including the owner is strictly prohibited. Abdul Kadir S/o Abdul Matin VS State of Assam Represented by the PP - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 651 Section 11(5) of the Act which provides that the Magistrate may release other articles and conveyance except the cattle on zimma. Abdul Kadir S/o Abdul Matin VS State of Assam Represented by the PP - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 651
Pre-charge sheet, these special conditions (e.g., bank guarantees for vehicles) apply fully. Post-charge sheet, CrPC 451 may override if investigation ends. Md. Johur Uddin, S/o. Late Mujibur Rahman VS State Of Assam, To Be Rep. By The PP, Assam - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 802
In a Gauhati High Court case, Section 11(5) empowered magistrates to allow zimma of vehicles and goods (except cattle) on furnishing bank guarantees equal to value. MOHAMMAD SAMI ULLAH vs THE STATE OF ASSAM AND ANR
Zimma isn't routine in all scenarios:- Contraband: Excluded; only non-contraband articles qualify. The interim Zimma is granted only to the articles other than the contraband articles. Sunil Gogoi VS State of Assam - 2002 0 Supreme(Gau) 352- Pending Investigation: Avoided for intoxicants/contraband to prevent defeating special acts (e.g., Sections 74-75 of excise laws). State of Assam VS Anil Kumar Agarwalla - 2022 0 Supreme(Gau) 1357- Perishable Goods: Urgent consideration, but proper provision (not always 451 CrPC) needed. THE STATE OF ASSAM AND ANR vs NUR UDDIN LASKAR- Additional Conditions: Courts may impose extras, like under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. RAFIK KHAN vs THE STATE OF ASSAM
In money seizure cases, zimma follows verification post-bail. RAFIKUL ISLAM MONDAL @ ROFIQUL ISLAM vs THE STATE OF ASSAM AND ANR
Gauhati High Court frequently addresses zimma in regional contexts:- References Sunderbhai for granting vehicle zimma under special acts. MOHAMMAD SAMI ULLAH vs THE STATE OF ASSAM AND ANR- Denies premature zimma during investigation. DP LIYAQUAT ALI vs THE STATE OF ASSAM - 2024 Supreme(Online)(GAU) 11308- Upholds rejection for betting-related seizures if not fitting confiscation criteria. DHARMENDRA NR. DEV vs THE STATE OF ASSAM AND ANR
These cases reinforce CrPC 451 as default, modulated by special laws.
File zimma under Section 451 CrPC post-charge sheet, proving ownership via documents; furnish bonds/undertakings. Md. Johur Uddin, S/o. Late Mujibur Rahman VS State Of Assam, To Be Rep. By The PP, Assam - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 802
| Scenario | Provision | Likelihood of Grant ||----------|-----------|---------------------|| Post-charge sheet, non-cattle | Section 451 CrPC | High, with conditions Md. Johur Uddin, S/o. Late Mujibur Rahman VS State Of Assam, To Be Rep. By The PP, Assam - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 802 || Cattle during enquiry/trial | Assam Act 11(5) | Prohibited Abdul Kadir S/o Abdul Matin VS State of Assam Represented by the PP - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 651 || Ongoing trial, unproven ownership | Section 451 CrPC | Low Rokongulie, S/o. Late Yahovi VS State of Assam, Represented by the Public Prosecutor, Assam - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 1493 || Contraband/pending probe | N/A | Denied Sunil Gogoi VS State of Assam - 2002 0 Supreme(Gau) 352 |
Zimma under Section 451 CrPC is the go-to provision post-investigation, often overriding special act rigors, but absolute prohibitions like for cattle under Assam Cattle Preservation Act persist. Courts prioritize safeguards while mitigating owner hardship. Stay informed via cited references and consult professionals for tailored strategy. For more legal insights, subscribe!
References:1. Md. Johur Uddin, S/o. Late Mujibur Rahman VS State Of Assam, To Be Rep. By The PP, Assam - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 802: Core on CrPC 451 overriding Act 2021.2. Abdul Kadir S/o Abdul Matin VS State of Assam Represented by the PP - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 651: Cattle zimma ban.3. Rokongulie, S/o. Late Yahovi VS State of Assam, Represented by the Public Prosecutor, Assam - 2024 0 Supreme(Gau) 1493: Ownership proof in trials.4. Aphong Wangsa Son of Lempa Wangsa vs State of AP - 2025 Supreme(Online)(Gau) 6141: Standard conditions.5. Others as inline cited.
#ZimmaCrPC, #Section451, #SeizedProperty
of cattle on zimma to anyone including the owner is strictly prohibited under the said provision. ... the court must have to consider the provision under Section 11(5) of the Act which provides that the Magistrate may release other articles and conveyance except the cattle on zimma. ... The question which arises at this stage is, as to whether there is any provision in the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021 which imposes an absolute bar in giving interim zimma of the seized cattle to ....
Furthermore, there is another blatant violation of the provision of Section 102 (3) of the CrPC. ... If, therefore, the right of revision was to be barred, the provision containing the bar must be confined within the four corners of the spirit and the letter of the law. ... The State of Arunachal Pradesh] before this Court and vide order dated 06.12.2022, the petitioner was granted with interim protection directing him to appear before the IO in connection with Itanagar P. S. Case No.0281/2022 on 09.12.2022. ... This Court, after perusing....
Pet. 44/2022, dated 09.02.2022, wherein, this Court referring to the case of Sunderbhai Ambalal Desai-vs-State of Gujurat; reported in (2002) 10 SCC 283 granted the Zimma order. ... Thus, it is seen that there is a special provision of allowing Zimma of the vehicle as per the said Act and Section 11 (5) empowers a Magistrate to allow the Zimma of the vehicle and other goods except the cattle on furnishing a bank guarantee equal to the value of the material or vehicle/conveyance ... by this Court as well....
At paragraph 5 of the petition, it is stated that the zimma was sought under the provision of Section 451 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. 7. ... provision of Section 11 of the Act, 2021. ... As recorded hereinabove, the present application is filed assailing the order dated 04.04.2024 passed by the learned Magistrate 1st Class, Hamren, West Karbi Anglong, whereby the zimma of the Bolero vehicle was granted with a condition that the petitioner is to furnish a bank guarantee equivalent to ... AS....
Under such backdrop, zimma of the vehicle may not be granted to the petitioner at this stage. 7. ... the zimma application of the petitioner in accordance with law. ... When the provision under Section 451 Cr.P.C is not inconsistent with any specific provision under the NDPS Act, the same will have to be applied as mandated under Section 51 of the said Act. 8. ... On a bare perusal of the various provisions of the NDPS Act, it appears that there is no specific provision debarring the ....
of the seized money on proper verification of the documents and as per provision of law. ... The learned counsel for the petitioner has submitted that, the petitioner approached this Court by filing Bail Application No. 214/2021 and this Court vide order dated 12.02.2021, allowed the bail application and granted bail to him. ... Thereafter, on 12.03.2022, the petitioner filed one zimma petition before the Court of learned SDJM(M) Bilasipara, under Section 451, seeking zimma of the amount of Rs. 4,14,000/- (Indian Curren....
The learned counsel for the petitioner has submitted that the zimma of the aforesaid vehicle was granted to the present petitioner as same was no longer required for the purpose of investigation. 6. ... Hence, he submits that there is no other provision to release the seized vehicle in a case involving an offence under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021. 9. ... It appears that though the order of grant of zimma of the vehicle was passed by the Trial Court on 15.10.2025, however, due to financial constraint and du....
No.184/2022, rejecting the zimma petitions filed by the petitioner under Section 451 CrPC for taking zimma of his motorcycle bearing registration no.AS-19-G-8276. ... The provision also indicates that Magistrate can direct for confiscation only if the articles seized were found instrument of betting. It is visible that the motorcycle in question is not meant for game and betting under the provision of the Act of 1970. ... So far as regard the provision of Section 10 of the Assam Game and Betting Act, 19....
zimma of the vehicle. ... before receiving the zimma of the vehicle. ... However, subsequently, vide order dated 28.12.2022, the learned Court below has put an additional condition as find it necessary because of the provision of Section 11 (5) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960. ... The petitioner, accordingly, filed a fresh zimma petition before the learned Court below. ... Further it is seen that the learned Court below put the additional condition only with a view that as per provision....
Advocate General, Assam for the petitioner submits that the orders which are the subject matter of challenge arise from an application for zimma made under Section 451 of the Cr.P.C. which itself is a wrong provision of law. ... It is also submitted that the goods in question are perishable in nature and in spite of the orders passed by both the Courts, the zimma has not been granted to them and therefore, the petitioner ... While the investigation was going on, the respondent had filed a zimma petitio....
Ownership determination of seized property must await trial completion, and zimma petitions cannot be granted without conclusive evidence of ownership. Susmita Phukan Khaund, J. 1. Heard N.K. Murry, learned counsel for the petitioner. Also heard Mr. K. Baishya, learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the respondent/State. 2. The petitioner, Mr. Rokongulie, has filed this application under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, (CrPC, for short), read with Article 227 of the Constitution of India.
The question for consideration is: what is the extent to which such relief has been granted to a workman under this provision? The objects and reasons do not indicate an answer to this question and its answer has to be found in the provisions of the enactment. Since the expression “full wages last drawn” in section 17-B has been construed by the various High courts in the decisions referred to above we would briefly refer to the same. The said relief has been given with a view to relieve the hardship that would be caused to a workman on account of delay in implementation of....
The question for consideration is: what is the extent to which such relief has been granted to a workman under this provision? Since the expression 'full wages last drawn' in Section 17B has been construed by the various High Courts in the decisions referred to above we would briefly refer to the same. The objects and Reasons do not indicate any answer to this question and its answer has to be found in the provisions of the enactment. The said relief has been given with a view to relieve the hardship that would be caused to the workman on account of delay in implementation ....
The Objects and Reasons do not indicate an answer to this question and its answer has to be found in the provisions of the enactment. The said relief has been given with a view to relieve the hardship that would be caused to a workman on account of delay in implementation of the award as a result of the pendency of the proceedings in the High Court or this Court. The question for consideration is: what is the extent to which such relief has been granted to a workman under this provision? Since the expression "full wages last drawn" in Section 17B has been construed by the v....
The said relief has been given with a view to relieve the hardship that would be caused to a workman on account of delay in implementation of the award as a result of the pendency of the proceedings in the High Court or this court. The question for consideration is: what is the extent to which such relief has been granted to a workman under this provision? The objects and Reasons do not indicate an answer to this question and its answer has to be found in the provisions of the enactment. Since the expression “full wages last drawn” in Section 17B has been construed by the v....
An indispensable Tool for Legal Professionals, Endorsed by Various High Court and Judicial Officers
Please visit our Training & Support
Center or Contact Us for assistance
Scan Me!
India’s Legal research and Law Firm App, Download now!
For Daily Legal Updates, Join us on :
Back to top
