Samsuddin Ansari v. State of U.P. and Another
Case brief
What is this about?
Article 227 petition (Allahabad HC, Saurabh Srivastava J., decided 7.3.2025) seeking release of a confiscated Bolero Pickup (Regn. No. UP 64 BT 1489) held at the police station under U.P. Gangster and Anti Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986 proceedings (Section 14(1) order of DM Sonbhadra dated 01.08.2024 in Case No. 297 of 2024; Section 16(1) order of Special Judge (Gangster Act), Sonbhadra dated 09.12.2024 in Criminal Misc. Case No. 352 of 2024). Petitioner already on bail, facing trial, vehicle his sole source of livelihood per counsel. Both impugned orders set aside; vehicle released to registered owner on adequate security, conditional on production during trial, no sale/transfer to third party, and no change of nature/color. Precedent invoked by counsel: Sunderbhai Ambalal Desai v. State of Gujarat, 2003 (1) JIC 615 (SC) on prompt release of seized vehicles.
What did the court decide?
Impugned orders dated 01.08.2024 and 09.12.2024 set aside; authority directed to release the Bolero Pickup vehicle Registration No. UP 64 BT 1489 forthwith to the petitioner (its registered owner) on furnishing adequate security to its satisfaction, subject to producing the vehicle during trial of Case No. 297 of 2024, not selling or transferring it to any third party, and not changing its nature and color.