Getting the vehicle back that was seized under the NDPS Act
Introduction Trafficking in drugs is a major revenue stream for organised crime groups. Drugs are transported in both public and private vehicles . Often, the vehicle owner does not know there is a problem. Meghalaya High Court ruled recently that "unbelievable though such an allegation may seem, the relevant inmate reports that drugs are sometimes transported in army trucks, which are generally immune to inspection.". There is no doubt that the officer has authority to seize the vehicle, and the owner of the vehicle must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he does not have conscious possession of the vehicle. He is not involved in those offenses to get the vehicle returned to him. A Magistrate Court or a Special Court can only sanction an application for releasing the vehicle on interim custody. The procedure will be as outlined in Section 451 of the Criminal Procedure Code, and a Magistrate will provide temporary custody. The Best Advocates for NDPS cases will prepare an...