Kabilan vs SHO P.E.Wing Villupuram — 44/2025

Case Summary: Kabilan v. SHO P.E.Wing Villupuram (CRP 44/2025) Decision: The Principal Sessions Judge rejected Kabilan's petition for immediate return of his seized Yamaha two-wheeler but conditionally allowed return if confiscation proceedings are not completed within six weeks. The vehicle was seized for illegal liquor transportation by the accused rider, though Kabilan claimed he lent it unknowingly for a medical emergency. Key Reasoning: The court found that once confiscation proceedings are initiated by authorities, magistrates lose jurisdiction under Section 451 CrPC to grant interim custody, following Supreme Court precedent. However, since no final confiscation order was produced, the court imposed strict conditions including ₹80,000 bond, monthly court appearances, undertakings against illegal use, and cooperation with confiscation authorities—effectively placing the vehicle in conditional custody pending completion of legal proceedings. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.